is the doohickey really a problem?

[tpriestley2001]

Hi, Recently I've gotten the itch to get back into dirt riding. I'm currently riding a Gold Wing, and needless to say, it doesn't do well on gravel roads. I've been researching the various DP bikes, and settled on the KLR, so decided to take a test ride. The test ride was interesting! After the first few blocks of over controlling it, (remember, I ride a 900 lb. Wing,) I got the hang of it, and had a pretty good time. Because of my research, I wasn't too surprised by the mirror/handlebar vibration, figuring that I'd add bar ends/lead shot. The one thing that did surprise me was the amount of vibration from the gas tank. It felt like a vibrating sander held against the inside of my legs. Now, I realize that we're talking about a *BIG* single. There's going to be vibration, but is this normal? I also realize that I'm coming from the Wing, which is much smoother, but the thought of replacing the Wing with the KLR just doesn't work. Much as I'd like, current funds just don't allow for another bike in the stable. Any thoughts? Tom

[el_macho650]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "tpriestley2001" wrote:

> > Hi, > Recently I've gotten the itch to get back into dirt riding. I'm > currently riding a Gold Wing, and needless to say, it doesn't do well > on gravel roads. > The one thing that did surprise me was the amount of > vibration from the gas tank. It felt like a vibrating sander held > against the inside of my legs. Now, I realize that we're talking > about a *BIG* single. There's going to be vibration, but is this > normal?

Hard to say. I had a 500cc non-counterbalanced Yamaha SR500, and the KLR seemed smooth by comparison. Try and test ride another KLR, they vary significantly due to tightness of fasteners, condition of the tank rubber mounts, and whether the guy at the factory accidentally put a balancer weight 1 tooth off during assembly. Devon

[Michael Silverstein]

> From: tpriestley2001 [mailto:tompriestley@...] > The one > thing that did surprise me was the amount of vibration from > the gas tank. It felt like a vibrating sander held against > the inside of my legs.

I have almost 2K miles on my 2004 KLR650 now and I just recently realized that I had stopped noticing the vibration. I'm sure if I rode a smoother bike and went back to the KLR I would have to readjust again. My legs almost never touch the tank, though. I imagine that would substantially increase the physical coupling between your body and the engine. Mike A18 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.5 - Release Date: 2/3/2005

[chucksrad]

I have a 04 and it runs very smooth. No where near what you would expect from a 650 single. Probably would be a good idea to test ride a differant one.

[ron criswell]

I don't really notice that much difference in vibration in the KLR than my Concourse. It is a little different but not much. I use Pro Gel grips but no bar ends/ shot because it really doesn't bother me. I have done many 300. 400, 500 mile days and one 800 mile day with wind. I got blown around a lot but the vibes on the KLR just doesn't bother me. I don't hug the gas tank with my knees either. I think you will find the KLR is an easier ride if you relax more and don't over compensate on those wide bars and realize it is a light bike for the highway and a heavy one off road. Criswell tpriestley2001 wrote:

> Hi, > Recently I've gotten the itch to get back into dirt riding. I'm > currently riding a Gold Wing, and needless to say, it doesn't do well > on gravel roads. I've been researching the various DP bikes, and > settled on the KLR, so decided to take a test ride. > > The test ride was interesting! After the first few blocks of over > controlling it, (remember, I ride a 900 lb. Wing,) I got the hang of > it, and had a pretty good time. Because of my research, I wasn't too > surprised by the mirror/handlebar vibration, figuring that I'd add bar > ends/lead shot. The one thing that did surprise me was the amount of > vibration from the gas tank. It felt like a vibrating sander held > against the inside of my legs. Now, I realize that we're talking > about a *BIG* single. There's going to be vibration, but is this > normal? I also realize that I'm coming from the Wing, which is much > smoother, but the thought of replacing the Wing with the KLR just > doesn't work. Much as I'd like, current funds just don't allow for > another bike in the stable. > > Any thoughts? > > Tom > > Archive Quicksearch at: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > >

[Steve H.]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "tpriestley2001" wrote: It felt like a vibrating sander held

> against the inside of my legs. > Any thoughts? > > Tom

Hi Tom. I'd agree with your assessment. I think my 2004 is running quite well, but the handlebar and footpeg vibration still bother me. I've rammed most of one of my old scuba lead weights down the bars, but the tingle after an hour is unpleasant. And my feet get rather numb after a while on the pegs. I was a little surprised at how "rough" it feels after a 4 cylinder bike. But that is the nature of the beast. It's main attribute to me was it's low price. But now I'd probably plonk a few thou more down and get a 650 V Strom. I like my KLR to a point, but I'm too gimpy from old injuries to really use it to it's off road capabilities. If you are able to use it as a true dual purpose bike and want cheap transport, I think it's a great value. But as a street bike, I find it rather gutless and buzzy. Probably not a popular opinion here, but that's how I sees it ! Steve

[Keith Saltzer]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "tpriestley2001" wrote:

> > Hi, > Recently I've gotten the itch to get back into dirt riding. I'm > currently riding a Gold Wing, and needless to say, it doesn't do

well

> on gravel roads. I've been researching the various DP bikes, and > settled on the KLR, so decided to take a test ride. > > The test ride was interesting! After the first few blocks of over > controlling it, (remember, I ride a 900 lb. Wing,) I got the hang of > it, and had a pretty good time. Because of my research, I wasn't

too

> surprised by the mirror/handlebar vibration, figuring that I'd add

bar

> ends/lead shot. The one thing that did surprise me was the amount

of

> vibration from the gas tank. It felt like a vibrating sander held > against the inside of my legs. Now, I realize that we're talking > about a *BIG* single. There's going to be vibration, but is this > normal? I also realize that I'm coming from the Wing, which is much > smoother, but the thought of replacing the Wing with the KLR just > doesn't work. Much as I'd like, current funds just don't allow for > another bike in the stable. > > Any thoughts?

Yes, was this bike that you rode used? Cause KLR's are pretty damn smooth dude. I have a very smooooth running KLR, however I spends countless hours making sure everything is perfect too. I have been on other KLR's, and felt mine "vibrate" out of character due to many things like, dirty air filter, jetting too rich, valves out of adjust, camchain loose, counter balancer system loose, etc etc. MrMoose A8 (Barbie and Ken special)

[Randy Shultz]

I agree with Keith: the vibes can largely be tuned out of the KLR. I bought an A18 new and the vibes were significant, particularly in the tank and footpegs. Coming off a sport bike I was used to gripping the tank with my knees which made it all the more noticeable. As I modded I found that re-torquing fasteners to spec, tuning the carb, and similar efforts made very noticeable changes in the vibes. I ride my KLR and sport bike interchangeably so it's not just a matter of having gotten used to the vibration. My bike is now smooth enough that I almost don't notice that it's a 650cc thumper. ALMOST, being the key word. You said you wanted to get back into dirt riding. To me, that precludes v-twin dual purpose bikes like the DL650. In fact, for me, the KLR is the heaviest bike I ever want to take off-road. Since you've already got the goldwing, why don't you just buy a cheap 250cc play bike, put it on the goldwing's trailer, and haul it to the dirt? Randy

[ron criswell]

I'm with you on not wanting a heavier bike in dirt. I just have to laugh when I see the BMW commercials with the guy jumping the GS. They don't see when he falls how it crushes his leg on a head. They don't see him trying to ride through serious mud or sand or rocks. A used to be friend who rides a Harley Low Rider kept talking about getting a more dirt orientated machine (he thinks). But also kept telling me any motorcycle will go any where. Just some are better in dirt (how would he know - he's never rode dirt). He has looked through his Harley books showing guys in the 30's and forties riding enduros on stripped Harleys. Hah! What a laugh. They couldn't get those down things I have been up or down. Anyway, I kept trying to steer him into a KLR (the most versatile bike out there). He kept saying the fit and finish didn't look good and was more inclined to get a Beemer. What a machine the G.S. is he said. Yeah for street I kept saying to him. I don't talk to him anymore because he is a typical Harley rider. He knows everything about bikes and you don't. I hope he bought the $15,000 G.S. and is stuck in Quicksand (as I have been twice out by myself on my old Yamaha IT which I retrieved by myself). Maybe the buzzards will eat his scrawny ass cause he sure doesn't have the beans in his jeans to lift that thing. Sorry about the rant but some guys just don't know crap when they think they do. Criswell Randy Shultz wrote:

> I agree with Keith: the vibes can largely be tuned out of the KLR. I > bought an A18 new and the vibes were significant, particularly in the > tank and footpegs. Coming off a sport bike I was used to gripping > the tank with my knees which made it all the more noticeable. > > As I modded I found that re-torquing fasteners to spec, tuning the > carb, and similar efforts made very noticeable changes in the vibes. > I ride my KLR and sport bike interchangeably so it's not just a > matter of having gotten used to the vibration. My bike is now smooth > enough that I almost don't notice that it's a 650cc thumper. ALMOST, > being the key word. > > You said you wanted to get back into dirt riding. To me, that > precludes v-twin dual purpose bikes like the DL650. In fact, for me, > the KLR is the heaviest bike I ever want to take off-road. Since > you've already got the goldwing, why don't you just buy a cheap 250cc > play bike, put it on the goldwing's trailer, and haul it to the dirt? > > Randy > > Archive Quicksearch at: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > >

[Jon Till]

Just wondering........ Has the original poster replied to any of the comments the rest of the list members have made on this subject? With all the posts I lost track of who posted the question and what their reply(s) may have been. Jon...