lost ignition key, help with kangaroos

[Anthony Mrse]

Hi folks: I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance touring bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if I am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding, and gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked, but since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring bike and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster... So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information: some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be appreciated. Many thanks for your suggestions, Tony

[Glen Harness]

> So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar > vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information: > some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world > without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations > look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from > those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be > appreciated.

There was a message in here the other day about a fellow whose handlebars vibrated so much they made his hands numb. Last night on a ride, I paid attention to the vibration, and didn't really think it was that much. I use a pair of Thor motocross gloves which don't have any padding in the palm, so there's no padding to absorb it. You might need to do something about the mirror vibration. In my case, a pair of $5 vibration elimators from JCWhitney did the trick. Glen

[Arden Kysely]

Tony, I'm on my second KLR and have never found the handlebar vibration to be a problem. I've got the 714 Rally Grips and don't notice much buzz. There's recently been a vibration thread here, with solutions including new bars, filling the bar with RTV, and filling the bar with lead shot. Where do you live? Perhaps there's a Lister nearby who will let you give his KLR a try before you buy. __Arden --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Anthony Mrse" wrote:

> Hi folks: > > I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be > THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group > could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a > bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every > day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance

touring

> bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if

I

> am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding,

and

> gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every > few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall > (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very > comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar > vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right > wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to > tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and > originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked,

but

> since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't > had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of > experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the > vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring

bike

> and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other > offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster... > > So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar > vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information: > some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world > without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations > look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from > those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be > appreciated. > > Many thanks for your suggestions, > > Tony

[Rick Kubik]

haven't noticed vibes to be a problem even on all day rides. Maybe having accessory handguards (Maeier, Acerbis, UFO whatever) installed helps, because the little bit of extra weight on the bar ends probably helps damp some vibrations. Plus they add protection you will like anyway. One thing that may be pertinenet to your CTS is sitting with your arms outstretched for long periods, especially throttleside. You may want to talk to your doctor or trainer at a gym to see if there are special stretches that may help. I asked while I was taking some weight training classes, and they recommended a thing where you lay your forearm flat on a surface, hold a light dumbell (5 lb or so, 1500 lb if you want to be real macho:) and bend you wrist up and down to stretch and strengthen. I'm too lazy to actually do it, but it could help. PS also see a dirt ridin' doctor's riding tips at http://www.docwong.com/dirtclin/drt-tech.htm Ride and enjoy, it's a great bike! Rick Kubik Calgary A14 _____________________________________________________________ Get 25MB, POP3, Spam Filtering with LYCOS MAIL PLUS for $19.95/year. http://login.mail.lycos.com/brandPage.shtml?pageId=plus&ref=lmtplus

[Arden Kysely]

One $10 gadget that's handy for long highway rides is the Throttle Rocker. I love mine, and it doesn't get in the way on dirt roads. If it does, you can easily remove it and put it in your pocket. Others have installed the Vista cruise control system. __Arden --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Rick Kubik" wrote:

> haven't noticed vibes to be a problem even on all day rides. Maybe

having accessory handguards (Maeier, Acerbis, UFO whatever) installed helps, because the little bit of extra weight on the bar ends probably helps damp some vibrations. Plus they add protection you will like anyway.

> > One thing that may be pertinenet to your CTS is sitting with your

arms outstretched for long periods, especially throttleside. You may want to talk to your doctor or trainer at a gym to see if there are special stretches that may help. I asked while I was taking some weight training classes, and they recommended a thing where you lay your forearm flat on a surface, hold a light dumbell (5 lb or so, 1500 lb if you want to be real macho:) and bend you wrist up and down to stretch and strengthen. I'm too lazy to actually do it, but it could help.

> > PS also see a dirt ridin' doctor's riding tips at > http://www.docwong.com/dirtclin/drt-tech.htm > > Ride and enjoy, it's a great bike! > > Rick Kubik > Calgary A14 > > > _____________________________________________________________ > Get 25MB, POP3, Spam Filtering with LYCOS MAIL PLUS for $19.95/year. > http://login.mail.lycos.com/brandPage.shtml?pageId=plus&ref=lmtplus

[S. B. Lawrence]

Such differences of opinion are based in "what you're used to or willing to get used to." IF a rider was weaned on certain bikes from back in the 60's and 70's that literally were known to vibrate fillings out of teeth, then the KLR650 is a Lexus on 2 wheels. OTOH if they've never ridden any small bike except on a cone course and went straight from MSF class to a Goldwing, then to them the KLR is a crude paintshaker for backroads that has neither the mass nor geometry to be suitable for real highways. IMO it's a "passable" interstate commuter/tourer, probably the best IF you want to stay in the $5K price range *and* kick around in the desert too. But if you can drop the last requirement out the bike you've already got suits your purposes better IMO. In that case keep it unless you just want a different bike--and hey ain't nothing wrong with that either --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Anthony Mrse" wrote:

> Hi folks: > > I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be > THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group > could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a > bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every > day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance

touring

> bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if

I

> am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding,

and

> gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every > few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall > (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very > comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar > vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right > wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to > tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and > originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked,

but

> since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't > had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of > experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the > vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring

bike

> and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other > offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster... > > So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar > vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information: > some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world > without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations > look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from > those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be > appreciated. > > Many thanks for your suggestions, > > Tony

[kdxkawboy@aol.com]

Tony, For me the only problem with vibration was due to the stock handlebars. They pronated my wrists and my arms would go numb and my hands would cramp. Switching to a better suited bar bend took care of the problem. Once I got the grips where my hands wanted to be I was able to keep a relaxed grip again and no more problem. I would second the suggestion about the throttle rocker. When it is adjusted right for cruising speeds it uses your wrist as a poor mans cruise control so you can loosen your grip. Pat G'ville, Nv In a message dated 2003-03-26 5:50:19 AM Pacific Standard Time, shimstack@... writes:

> Hi folks: > > I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be > THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group > could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a > bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every > day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance touring > bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if I > am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding, and > gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every > few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall > (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very > comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar > vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right > wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to > tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and > originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked, but > since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't > had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of > experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the > vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring bike > and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other > offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster... > > So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar > vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information: > some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world > without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations > look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from > those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be > appreciated. > > Many thanks for your suggestions, > > Tony >

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Ken Clark]

Hey, not so quick, I rode a Goldwing over 60k last year. Just got back from a a two days business trip of over 700 miles on the Wing, arriving home last night. After arriving home I jumped ont he KLR for a short romp. Today I am comuting on the KLR, no vibration to bother me, and I am used to the Wing ride. Kenn Today "S. B. Lawrence" wrote:

> Such differences of opinion are based in "what you're used to or > willing to get used to." IF a rider was weaned on certain bikes from > back in the 60's and 70's that literally were known to vibrate > fillings out of teeth, then the KLR650 is a Lexus on 2 wheels. > > OTOH if they've never ridden any small bike except on a cone course > and went straight from MSF class to a Goldwing, then to them the KLR > is a crude paintshaker for backroads that has neither the mass nor > geometry to be suitable for real highways. > > IMO it's a "passable" interstate commuter/tourer, probably the best > IF you want to stay in the $5K price range *and* kick around in the > desert too. But if you can drop the last requirement out the bike > you've already got suits your purposes better IMO. In that case keep > it unless you just want a different bike--and hey ain't nothing wrong > with that either > > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Anthony Mrse" > wrote: > > Hi folks: > > > > I've thinking about purchasing a KLR650, and since this seems to be > > THE place for opinions on this bike, I was wondering if the group > > could help me answer a question or two. I have been looking for a > > bike which will be used primarily as a commuter (20 mi/day, every > > day on the interstate) and can function as a medium distance > touring > > bike (on the order of 400-600 miles over a weekend). Correct me if > I > > am wrong, but the KLR seems appropriate for this type of riding, > and > > gives me the ability to kick around some sand in the desert every > > few months... a very nice bonus. Also, because I am fairly tall > > (6'4"), I find the high seat and long reach of the bike very > > comfortable. The main thing I am concerned about is handlebar > > vibration. I have carpal tunnels syndrome in my right > > wrist, which makes excessive vibration difficult for me to > > tolerate. I presently ride a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB750, and > > originally found the bike to be buzzier than I would have liked, > but > > since I have upgraded the handgrips to Kuryakyn IsoGrips, I haven't > > had any hand-numbing problems. I've also had a few hours of > > experience on an HD Road King and found that once it got going, the > > vibration level was acceptable... although the RK is a touring > bike > > and as such should be significantly smoother than HDs other > > offerings. I doubt I would have lasted as long on a Sportster... > > > > So, my question to the group is how pronounced are the handlebar > > vibrations on the KLR? So far I have gathered mixed information: > > some riders seem to have major problems while others tour the world > > without a hitch. Should people sensitive to handlebar vibrations > > look elsewhere? I realize thumper vibrations are different from > > those of my I-4 CB750, but any help on the matter would be > > appreciated. > > > > Many thanks for your suggestions, > > > > Tony > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[S. B. Lawrence]

Yes, I forgot to say "and the only thing that will be consistent about such opinion is the presence of exceptions" You can get off a Goldwing onto a KLR and not be bothered by the vibration. I can get off a Harley Superglide onto the KLR and I do notice the vibration (but wouldn't go so far as to say it's terribly bothersome). Now the Dynas are smooth bikes as bigbore V-twins go, but I sure don't think the conclusion to draw here is that they're smoother than Goldwings! Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder and saddle comfort is in the arse of the buttholder, I think the only truth here is that objectionable grip vibration is in the palms of the bar-holder.

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Ken Clark wrote: > Hey, not so quick, I rode a Goldwing over 60k last year. Just got back from a a two days business trip of over 700 miles on the > Wing, arriving home last night. After arriving home I jumped ont he KLR for a short romp. > > Today I am comuting on the KLR, no vibration to bother me, and I am used to the Wing ride. > > Kenn

[Anthony Mrse]

Thanks for the reply... and very interesting. Now my question to you is: have you ridden bikes where the handlebar vibrations have bothered you or were quite noticeable? If so, which bikes were they? Never-the-less, its still interesting that a Wing rider would speak highly of a thumper. Says a lot about how far singles have come. Best wishes, Tony

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Ken Clark wrote: > Hey, not so quick, I rode a Goldwing over 60k last year. Just got back from a a two days business trip of over 700 miles on the > Wing, arriving home last night. After arriving home I jumped ont he KLR for a short romp. > > Today I am comuting on the KLR, no vibration to bother me, and I am used to the Wing ride.