nklr: parking until spring

[cleising@telcordia.com]

I've been a dirt biker for a lot of years but only just got my KLR (and license) within the last two months. So I've been having a ball on the blacktop, as well as a little bit of dirt (despite the insinuations about my mental health, given current teperatures). But I've got a few dumb nagging questions. How do you get on it gracefully? I'm 5'10", so not that short, but it sure is tall! (Maybe my 45 year old legs don't flex that well.) I've been setting it on its sidestand to climb on the footpeg and hoist a leg over, but I have to believe that's not the approved method. Also, just out of curiosity, how does a heavier bike fare in crosswinds on the superhighway? I know the KLR is a mighty tourer, and I'd like to try that next summer, but it gets a little scary when the wind blows and you're going 75 or so. Is that a thing common to bikes, or does a couple of hundred pounds more make a world of difference? Maybe I should just slow down? Also, I just did the first service at 500 miles (new bike), but chickened out when it came to the valve check. What's the likelihood that an adjustment's needed at 500 miles? Obviously, I have to pull the covers at the next service, but is that too late? How often do you typically have to reshim? Thanks, Chris Leising

[monahanwb]

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., cleising@t... wrote:

> How do you get on it gracefully? I'm 5'10", so not that > short, but it sure is tall! (Maybe my 45 year old legs don't flex

that

> well.)

Nuh-uh, I'm 6'4" and 50, it's still tall. Mine has the height- encumbering PS 420 shock, which no one else has reported owning, but my shock really raises the bike. It's the LR model. Maybe they got it wrong, but it still fit. The height of the KLR is one reason why I've been riding my new (to me) 500 Triumph around for work and errands lately. Sweet bike.

[John Irvine]

--- cleising@... wrote: I've been setting it on its sidestand to

> climb on the footpeg and > hoist a leg over, but I have to believe that's not > the approved method.

Approved or not it sure seems the most effortless to me even though I can reach over from the ground. Add a top box and then standing on the peg seems almost mandatory. but is that too late? How often do

> you typically have to > reshim? >

Lister have reported varied finding about out of spec valves early on. Not worth the risk. If it's new to you get the video, lots cheaper than having the shop do it or not doing it at all. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send your FREE holiday greetings online! http://greetings.yahoo.com

[dale_johnson13]

--Snip

> Nuh-uh, I'm 6'4" and 50, it's still tall. Mine has the height- > encumbering PS 420 shock, which no one else has reported owning,

--Snip I am 5'5" with a 29 1/2 in inseam, I put my leg over and just have my thigh on the seat. when I take off i just hop up and go, kinda funny but I got used to it.. I am pretty sure I had to replace 2 shims my first service, was at about 700 miles (I think) I was realy intimidated by the valve adjustment the first time but after a few calls to fellow listers who walked me through it, it was cake. It also gets easier each time after that, just don't forget the rags in the holes. You don't want to loose anything in the abyss. Y2K KLR w/4x,xxx miles Dale

[Miata Myk]

Greetings!

> But I've got a few dumb > nagging questions. How do you get on it gracefully? I'm 5'10", so not that > short, but it sure is tall! (Maybe my 45 year old legs don't flex that > well.) I've been setting it on its sidestand to climb on the footpeg and > hoist a leg over, but I have to believe that's not the approved method.

There are several Lowering Links that you can find for sale in here. I'm sure Fred and others will chime in with their respective offerings and so far I haven't heard a bad word on any of them. They replace the two dog-bones (figure-8 things) on the bottom of the shock and evidently some people do this trailside to get the height back. Must be an easy job and I do plan to order a set shortly. Prices are from about $58 delivered to somewhere over $200 delivered (not that I can see any reason to spend another $140 on the same basic item..?)

> Also, just out of curiosity, how does a heavier bike fare in crosswinds on > the superhighway? I know the KLR is a mighty tourer, and I'd like to try > that next summer, but it gets a little scary when the wind blows and

you're

> going 75 or so. Is that a thing common to bikes, or does a couple of > hundred pounds more make a world of difference? Maybe I should just slow > down?

First, the front forks are antiques and way undersized. It will probably help a lot to get a good fork brace (which I also plan to do before getting that aforementioned lowering link). As for the extra weight it does seem to help a bit but as the bike is quite high it has something of a sail effect. The CBR weighs pretty similar amounts but has hardly any wind-effect. I haven't noticed speeds between 60-85 being dramatically different in terms of effect on the KLR.

[hens_p]

Who is Larry Roeseler and what did he do to make him KLR spring worthy? Heck, they should market the springs as the "Hred Fink" or some other KLR household name.... Thanks Pat / Austin

[PhantomRider3@aol.com]

I had 2 valves out of spec. on my first check (about 800 miles). The list will correct me if I'm wrong but I think you need to peek about every 7k or so. I've got one video left but I'm making more HOPEFULLY today (sorry for the delay Fred). I'm no mechanic but I was able to adjust mine without seeing blood or breaking bones (unlike some of my other projects). Tire change "how to" and swing arm lube soon to be added to the tape. Keep in mind "soon" sometimes means a month. See signature file for placing an order. Jay Phantom Rider Beverly, MA (about 25 miles north of Boston, on the coast) 1985 K100 RS (80,000 miles) 1972 Yamaha CT1 175 (3,000+ miles, currently with some "issues") 2000 Kawasaki KLR 650 (more fun than I probably should be having) Toss me an email to to purchase the soon to famous KLR valve adjustment VIDEO. Only 24.00, Ah bahgin (MA speak for a great deal). You can see stills from the actual video and all my nutty crazy mods at http://2wheelerjay.tripod.com/jaysworldofinvention/

[jake_sagebrush]

Whenever you have the valve clearance checked or ajusted, take the service manager by both shoulders, look him/her square in the face and INSIST that he/she tell the wrench guy "DON'T OVERTORQUE THE RIGHT FRONT VALVE COVER BOLT". Saves a lot of grief downstream e- me a fax number, and I'll fax some info. Jake

[dooden]

Great points Jim, I am heading home now to actually load it into my truck and haul it up north for winter storage in my garage up that way. Planned on spraying with Silicon Spray, but I suspose WD-40 will work also, nothing the pressure washer wont take off I suspose, or running wont burn off. Will remove battery and leave inside away from freezing temps, hope to at least get a filter / oil change done, but my remodeling project eats alot of time on my short clock. Treated with Sta-Bil already, never drained fuel in the past, dont see it happening this year, but will consider still. Plan on having the rubber either sitting on lumber or drywall to get it off the un-fogiving contrete. Next year hope to have already built a lifting stand or something. Will toss that at my Dad this weekend, he might be willing to design/build me one, since he has retired, he seems bored alot. This would be a perfect thing to get him something to work on. Anyhow, gotta run. Duden A15 Pilot (Frozen in)

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., TexasThumpin@a... wrote: > In a message dated 1/3/02 3:42:37 PM Central Standard Time, > DSN_klr650@y... writes: > > > > Put the KLR back where I had it parked, and suspose leave it there > > till spring thaw. > > > > Don't forget to change the oil and filter. Drain the carburetor. Add a > > stability agent to your gas, or get it out of the tank and use it > > elsewhere. It is also a good idea to get the tires up off the ground. > > Winter moisture and the cold can do nasty things to rubber. Also, pull your > > battery, make sure the water/acid level is correct and then put it on a > > battery tender or you will probably get a disappointing sound when spring > > does come. I take one more step when I store my bikes, I slather the WD-40 > > all over the thing. It is easy enough to clean off in the spring and it > > helps fight that evil menace, corrosion. > > > > Don't go cabin crazy. > > > > Jim > > Texas Thumpin > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[sim_n_o]

Reshim, I saw a post or two on this subject when I first joined the list. Some were diong just what you describe. I started out trying to just throw a leg over to get on but I snagged my boot occasionally on the seat. I developed a new technique while ridding with luggage. Just bend your leg at the knee. Keep your foot as close to your bum as you can till your thigh slides across the seat then straighten your leg. This works really well when you have a top case on the back. I'm over 6' but I bet it would work OK for the more vertically challenged among us. It seems a lot easier to clear the knee bent than the foot with a straight leg. Joe in NC under 8"+ of the white stuff.

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., cleising@t... wrote: > I've been a dirt biker for a lot of years but only just got my KLR (and > license) within the last two months. So I've been having a ball on the > blacktop, as well as a little bit of dirt (despite the insinuations about > my mental health, given current teperatures). But I've got a few dumb > nagging questions. How do you get on it gracefully? I'm 5'10", so not that > short, but it sure is tall! (Maybe my 45 year old legs don't flex that > well.) I've been setting it on its sidestand to climb on the footpeg and > hoist a leg over, but I have to believe that's not the approved method. > Also, just out of curiosity, how does a heavier bike fare in crosswinds on > the superhighway? I know the KLR is a mighty tourer, and I'd like to try > that next summer, but it gets a little scary when the wind blows and you're > going 75 or so. Is that a thing common to bikes, or does a couple of > hundred pounds more make a world of difference? Maybe I should just slow > down? > > Also, I just did the first service at 500 miles (new bike), but chickened > out when it came to the valve check. What's the likelihood that an > adjustment's needed at 500 miles? Obviously, I have to pull the covers at > the next service, but is that too late? How often do you typically have to > reshim? > > Thanks, > Chris Leising