test ride reaction

[KLR650Pilot@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/13/01 12:51:48 PM Central Daylight Time, DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes: > Some KLR's must be different from other KLR's. I see a lot of riders talking about rattling and squeaking, amongst other noises. I don't know why, but my 1997 KLR 650 doesn't do any of that. Then again, I don't have 30k on the odo either. To tell you the truth, my KLR doesn't receive very much religious attention via maintenance. I change the oil somewhere around 2500 to 3500 miles. I give it a new oil filter every time, I check its lights, its important bolts, look at the chain, check the tire pressure, bleed my forks, and I'm done. The KLR hasn't needed anything else. I've modified it somewhat, and all the mods work like a charm. I think it is a bit big and unwieldy in the dirt, but then again, so am I at 270 lb. before riding gear. If I can own only one bike, this is the bike for me. I have owned over 35 bikes in my short life and I have come back to the KLR three times. Once as a 600, twice as the 650. There is absolutely no bike in the world that can satisfy the needs of so many types of different owners than the KLR650. I don't have many miles on my KLR. Not because I don't want them, but because something else took up almost all of my waking time. But, in all the time I have owned this bike, the only real problem I experienced was the weakness of the rear brakes master cylinder bracket. The thing is cast and moto boots are deadly to it in a fall to that side. This is what I have done to my bike so far, there is more to come as well. 1) Acerbis Baja Front Fender in White 2) Acerbis Front Fender Brace 3) IMS Military Tank in White 4) Acerbis Front Disc and Fork Protector in White 5) Acerbis Dual Sport Rally Handguards 6) Lever Skins 7) Corbin Standard Style Seat 8) IMS Shifter 9) Galfer Stainless Brake Lines w/translucent blue covers front and rear. 10) Galfer Brake Pads 11) 65/100 Watt Headlight 12) K&N/ Dyno Jet Carb Kit, set at Level 2 w/K7N in Box filter 13) D.i.D. Gold "X" style drive chain 14) License Plate mod. 15) removal of side stand and clutch safety switches 16) removal of smog crap 17) Full GIVI Cases side/rear w/GIVI racks, rear w/additional brake light. 18) Progressive Suspension Front Fork Springs w/pvc spacer. 19) 10 weight Fork Fluid, may try 15 next time. 20) Supertrapp IDII Muffler 21) Pipe foam cut to size and placed on tubes between the frame and seat. Took down a few vibes. 22) Chase Harper Saddlebags, Tank Bag, and Tail Pack 23) Wired for battery tender. 24) Changed handgrips, changing again to gels. 25) Aluminum bash plate, to be replaced by TB's mod. plate. I think that is about it for now. Needless to say, I LOVE THIS BIKE. After family and dog, nothing else is more important to me than this bike. It WILL grow on you and if you leave it, I can almost guarantee you'll be back for more. You may have just experienced a dog. A one time beautiful machine that someone beat and put away wet. If I were shopping for another KLR, which I might be in the next year for my wife, I would look for one either bone stock or with only the right mods. No major rust. Rust is a bad sign of neglected ownership. You'll get a little around the pipe clamps, around the sidestand, and maybe some surface stuff on the side down tubes of the frame. Easy to deal with. I won't care if it rattles some, because I'm going to take it apart and put it back together my way. Now if this sounds like too much work for you, then I would guide you to a new bike. They don't cost much and as you can see, they develop a loyal following. KLR650Pilot

[KLR650Pilot@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/13/01 2:50:47 PM Central Daylight Time, DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes: > I am not positive, but I do not think any flip face helmets are Snell rated. Snell has just a couple more standard requirements than DOT. Plus, it can be expensive to get permission to put that little Snell sticker on your helmets. DOT is much easier to get and the Nolan's are DOT. I have not used, or ever worn a Nolan. Like you, I prefer the rigid front face. I beleive Gino wears a Nolan. I also think Fred may have some info on them, I think he sells them. KLR650Pilot