proud owner of a a -13

[Michael Hightower]

Hey everyone, I just joined this list because I'm the new and ridiculously excited owner of a 2002 KLR650. It's got 4700 mi., and appears to be in excellent condition. I've got a few questions, but I guess I'll first give you a Who-Is-This-Dude overview: Name: Mike Hightower Location: Chicago Height: 6'3" ISO: Someone who likes long walks on the beach, enjoys Barry Manilow... wait... what? Anyway, I'm a long-time classic car guy who has only recently gotten (back) into bikes. I picked up a '74 Honda CB-550 and love the style and comfort of it, but I also want to do trail riding--a lot. My first car was an '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60. It's back in my home state of Virginia right now being sad at its lack of use at my parent's house. However, I used to go four-wheeling frequently, and had built the truck up quite a bit. The KLR seems, to me, to be the motorcycle equivalent of a Land Cruiser. That's a big part of the appeal: Rugged, heavy-duty, but not without its quirks. The aftermarket support is huge, which is also very appealing. Mechanically I'm pretty adept having restored a few Fiats and currently have a '76 Triumph Spitfire half-way through restoration. Being a collector of Fiats, you have to be mechanically savvy. At least, if you want to drive anywhere and get back you do. So my questions about the KLR: I'm going on a long trip back to Virginia for Labor Day to do some trail riding with a friend who wants a KLR--any good ones out there? He's got a 2000 Kawasaki ZRX that he wants to unload to finance a KLR. It's silly fast, and that's part of the problem. Back to what's important: Me. And the bike. The PO of this did no work on it except for regular oil changes. Based on what I've read this means I need to do at least the following things: 1. Loctite a bunch of bolts 2. Adjust the idle mix which is currently capped off and impossible to get to. Is it possible to rotate the carb enough to access the idle mix screw? Additionally, I was thinking of making my own idle mix screwdriver using a bolt and shaping it with a Dremel. I should mention that it's popping on the overrun. 3. Replace the rear tire. Can I do this, or do I need a shop to do it? 4. Lube the chain. This requires lifting the rear wheel. Any tricks out there? 5. Need to carry a fair bit o' luggage (tent, sleeping bag, clothes, etc.). I was thinking of getting the wider rack for the tail and those Wolfman Alpha bags, and strapping the tent and stuff to the top. It seems cheaper than panniers. Also need a tank bag with a map pocket. 6. Definitely need a new tire. There seem to be a ton of recommendations out there, so now I'm confused. What kind and where should I get a tire? 7. Comfort: This will be my first really long ride. I don't yet have leg protection, and I was thinking of Draggin' Jeans. Any better suggestions? 8. The "doohickey": I don't think I'll have a chance to do this before the trip. Is that going to be a big deal with almost 5k on the bike? 9. I imagine I need to do a valve adjustment. Any tips? 10. Anything else I'm missing? Okay, that's a lot of questions. Sorry. Thanks everyone, and I'm looking forward to some good times with this monstrous bike! - Mike The semi-obligatory vehicle list: '72 Fiat 850 Spider (yup, it's Spider, not Spyder) '74 Fiat X1/9 '74 Honda CB-550 '76 Triumph Spitfire '76 Kawasaki KZ-400 '83 Pininfarina (Fiat) Spider 2000 '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60 '00 Saab 9-5 Aero

[Jud Jones]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Hightower" wrote:

> > > Hey everyone, > > I just joined this list because I'm the new and ridiculously excited owner > of a 2002 KLR650. It's got 4700 mi., and appears to be in excellent > condition. I've got a few questions, but I guess I'll first give you a > Who-Is-This-Dude overview: > > Name: Mike Hightower > Location: Chicago > Height: 6'3" > ISO: Someone who likes long walks on the beach, enjoys Barry Manilow... > wait... what? > > Anyway, I'm a long-time classic car guy who has only recently gotten > (back) into bikes. I picked up a '74 Honda CB-550 and love the style and > comfort of it, but I also want to do trail riding--a lot. My first car was > an '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60. It's back in my home state of Virginia > right now being sad at its lack of use at my parent's house. However, I > used to go four-wheeling frequently, and had built the truck up quite a bit. > > The KLR seems, to me, to be the motorcycle equivalent of a Land Cruiser. > That's a big part of the appeal: Rugged, heavy-duty, but not without its > quirks. The aftermarket support is huge, which is also very appealing. > > Mechanically I'm pretty adept having restored a few Fiats and currently > have a '76 Triumph Spitfire half-way through restoration. Being a collector > of Fiats, you have to be mechanically savvy. At least, if you want to drive > anywhere and get back you do. > > > So my questions about the KLR: > > I'm going on a long trip back to Virginia for Labor Day to do some trail > riding with a friend who wants a KLR--any good ones out there? He's got a > 2000 Kawasaki ZRX that he wants to unload to finance a KLR. It's silly > fast, and that's part of the problem. > > Back to what's important: Me. And the bike. > > The PO of this did no work on it except for regular oil changes. Based on > what I've read this means I need to do at least the following things: > > 1. Loctite a bunch of bolts > 2. Adjust the idle mix which is currently capped off and impossible to get > to. Is it possible to rotate the carb enough to access the idle mix screw? > Additionally, I was thinking of making my own idle mix screwdriver using a > bolt and shaping it with a Dremel. I should mention that it's popping on > the overrun. > 3. Replace the rear tire. Can I do this, or do I need a shop to do it? > 4. Lube the chain. This requires lifting the rear wheel. Any tricks out > there? > 5. Need to carry a fair bit o' luggage (tent, sleeping bag, clothes, etc.). > I was thinking of getting the wider rack for the tail and those Wolfman > Alpha bags, and strapping the tent and stuff to the top. It seems cheaper > than panniers. Also need a tank bag with a map pocket. > 6. Definitely need a new tire. There seem to be a ton of recommendations > out there, so now I'm confused. What kind and where should I get a tire? > 7. Comfort: This will be my first really long ride. I don't yet have leg > protection, and I was thinking of Draggin' Jeans. Any better suggestions? > 8. The "doohickey": I don't think I'll have a chance to do this before the > trip. Is that going to be a big deal with almost 5k on the bike? > 9. I imagine I need to do a valve adjustment. Any tips? > 10. Anything else I'm missing? > > Okay, that's a lot of questions. Sorry. > > Thanks everyone, and I'm looking forward to some good times with this > monstrous bike! > > - Mike > > > The semi-obligatory vehicle list: > > '72 Fiat 850 Spider (yup, it's Spider, not Spyder) > '74 Fiat X1/9 > '74 Honda CB-550 > '76 Triumph Spitfire > '76 Kawasaki KZ-400 > '83 Pininfarina (Fiat) Spider 2000 > '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60 > '00 Saab 9-5 Aero >

My brother has been fixing cars for a living for almost 40 years. What does he say about Fiats? "I don't work on those." So I believe you when you say you're pretty good with a wrench. To respond to your punch list: 1. Yup 2. Yup, you can rotate the carb to drill out the plug for access to the screw. Search the KLR650.net archive for the procedure. Then grind 1/4" off the blunt end of a suitable Apex bit, stick the stub into a 1/4" length of 6mm fuel line, and you have a tool that can reach in there with the carb in place. 3. You can do it. Search this list or KLR650.net for the procedure(or look on Off-Road.com) 4. lean the bike over on the front wheel and sidestand and have a confederate spin the wheel while you spray. I won't tell you how to start the bike up in first and let the motor turn the wheel, because you might hurt yourself. Or put the bike up on a $60 atv lift from Sears, Checker or Wally World. 5. I don't see the need for the wide rack. Wolfman Alpha will work, as will Helen Twowheels duffels or kayaking duffels from REI or SeaLine. Wolfman tank bag, or the very nice one from KTM for under $90. 6. Cheng Shin 858, Kenda K270 or Dunlop D606. Everything else costs too much or doesn't last. 7. Aerostich Darien or Firstgear Kili. 8. Do the idler lever at your convenience. To be safe, don't try to adjust it in the meantime. 9. Look up the procedure on http://www.klr650.marknet.us/ 10. Spend some time in the archives here and at KLR650.net

[Tengai Mark Van Horn]

At 9:31 AM -0500 8/2/06, Michael Hightower wrote:

> Mechanically I'm pretty adept having restored a few Fiats and currently >have a '76 Triumph Spitfire half-way through restoration. Being a collector >of Fiats, you have to be mechanically savvy.

What a coincidence... I'm a long-time SAAB 99 aficionado, but I'm currently in the market for a FIAT 850 Spider or a Triumph Spitfire (preferably a mk III or pre-'76 with a GT6 engine conversion). Anything I should look for except the obvious rust issues? I'm also considering older Alfa Spyders ('67-'76). Thanks, Mark

[Bob Schulte]

Mike, Welcome aboard! You have come to the right spot but I don't think anyone has the hours it would take to walk you through all of what you are asking. Go to the website and search through the database for answers. Another excellent site is www.klr650.marknet.us/. There is a sidebar on the left that lists most of the projects you need help on and offers very good advice. Once you get all of the general information you can find, and if you need specific questions answered, bring those requests back here for expert and verbose discussion ad nausea. You did good Mike by buying the KLR. In 90 days, after digesting all of the free info already published, you will be posting informative replies to questions just like yours. Capt. Bob in CT.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Hightower" To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:31 AM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] New member - Howdy! > > Hey everyone, > > I just joined this list because I'm the new and ridiculously excited > owner > of a 2002 KLR650. It's got 4700 mi., and appears to be in excellent > condition. I've got a few questions, but I guess I'll first give you a > Who-Is-This-Dude overview: > > Name: Mike Hightower > Location: Chicago > Height: 6'3" > ISO: Someone who likes long walks on the beach, enjoys Barry Manilow... > wait... what? > > Anyway, I'm a long-time classic car guy who has only recently gotten > (back) into bikes. I picked up a '74 Honda CB-550 and love the style and > comfort of it, but I also want to do trail riding--a lot. My first car > was > an '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60. It's back in my home state of Virginia > right now being sad at its lack of use at my parent's house. However, I > used to go four-wheeling frequently, and had built the truck up quite a > bit. > > The KLR seems, to me, to be the motorcycle equivalent of a Land Cruiser. > That's a big part of the appeal: Rugged, heavy-duty, but not without its > quirks. The aftermarket support is huge, which is also very appealing. > > Mechanically I'm pretty adept having restored a few Fiats and currently > have a '76 Triumph Spitfire half-way through restoration. Being a > collector > of Fiats, you have to be mechanically savvy. At least, if you want to > drive > anywhere and get back you do. > > > So my questions about the KLR: > > I'm going on a long trip back to Virginia for Labor Day to do some trail > riding with a friend who wants a KLR--any good ones out there? He's got a > 2000 Kawasaki ZRX that he wants to unload to finance a KLR. It's silly > fast, and that's part of the problem. > > Back to what's important: Me. And the bike. > > The PO of this did no work on it except for regular oil changes. Based > on > what I've read this means I need to do at least the following things: > > 1. Loctite a bunch of bolts > 2. Adjust the idle mix which is currently capped off and impossible to > get > to. Is it possible to rotate the carb enough to access the idle mix > screw? > Additionally, I was thinking of making my own idle mix screwdriver using a > bolt and shaping it with a Dremel. I should mention that it's popping on > the overrun. > 3. Replace the rear tire. Can I do this, or do I need a shop to do it? > 4. Lube the chain. This requires lifting the rear wheel. Any tricks out > there? > 5. Need to carry a fair bit o' luggage (tent, sleeping bag, clothes, > etc.). > I was thinking of getting the wider rack for the tail and those Wolfman > Alpha bags, and strapping the tent and stuff to the top. It seems cheaper > than panniers. Also need a tank bag with a map pocket. > 6. Definitely need a new tire. There seem to be a ton of recommendations > out there, so now I'm confused. What kind and where should I get a tire? > 7. Comfort: This will be my first really long ride. I don't yet have > leg > protection, and I was thinking of Draggin' Jeans. Any better suggestions? > 8. The "doohickey": I don't think I'll have a chance to do this before > the > trip. Is that going to be a big deal with almost 5k on the bike? > 9. I imagine I need to do a valve adjustment. Any tips? > 10. Anything else I'm missing? > > Okay, that's a lot of questions. Sorry. > > Thanks everyone, and I'm looking forward to some good times with this > monstrous bike! > > - Mike > > > The semi-obligatory vehicle list: > > '72 Fiat 850 Spider (yup, it's Spider, not Spyder) > '74 Fiat X1/9 > '74 Honda CB-550 > '76 Triumph Spitfire > '76 Kawasaki KZ-400 > '83 Pininfarina (Fiat) Spider 2000 > '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60 > '00 Saab 9-5 Aero > > > > > 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 > Member Map at: http://www.frappr.com/dsnklr650 > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > >

[Doug Herr]

On Wed, 2 Aug 2006, Michael Hightower wrote:

> 10. Anything else I'm missing?

Make sure the battery is not really low on fluid. The KLR tends to shake and/or cook out a lot of batt fluid. Plan on going to sealed when you change it. -- Doug Herr doug@...

[W.V. Doran]

Welcome Michael..... In case this hasn't been suggested...Check the FAQ's at the bottom of this page. Lot's of info. Michael Hightower wrote: Hey everyone, I just joined this list because I'm the new and ridiculously excited owner of a 2002 KLR650. It's got 4700 mi., and appears to be in excellent condition. I've got a few questions, but I guess I'll first give you a Who-Is-This-Dude overview: Name: Mike Hightower Location: Chicago Height: 6'3" ISO: Someone who likes long walks on the beach, enjoys Barry Manilow... wait... what? Anyway, I'm a long-time classic car guy who has only recently gotten (back) into bikes. I picked up a '74 Honda CB-550 and love the style and comfort of it, but I also want to do trail riding--a lot. My first car was an '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60. It's back in my home state of Virginia right now being sad at its lack of use at my parent's house. However, I used to go four-wheeling frequently, and had built the truck up quite a bit. The KLR seems, to me, to be the motorcycle equivalent of a Land Cruiser. That's a big part of the appeal: Rugged, heavy-duty, but not without its quirks. The aftermarket support is huge, which is also very appealing. Mechanically I'm pretty adept having restored a few Fiats and currently have a '76 Triumph Spitfire half-way through restoration. Being a collector of Fiats, you have to be mechanically savvy. At least, if you want to drive anywhere and get back you do. So my questions about the KLR: I'm going on a long trip back to Virginia for Labor Day to do some trail riding with a friend who wants a KLR--any good ones out there? He's got a 2000 Kawasaki ZRX that he wants to unload to finance a KLR. It's silly fast, and that's part of the problem. Back to what's important: Me. And the bike. The PO of this did no work on it except for regular oil changes. Based on what I've read this means I need to do at least the following things: 1. Loctite a bunch of bolts 2. Adjust the idle mix which is currently capped off and impossible to get to. Is it possible to rotate the carb enough to access the idle mix screw? Additionally, I was thinking of making my own idle mix screwdriver using a bolt and shaping it with a Dremel. I should mention that it's popping on the overrun. 3. Replace the rear tire. Can I do this, or do I need a shop to do it? 4. Lube the chain. This requires lifting the rear wheel. Any tricks out there? 5. Need to carry a fair bit o' luggage (tent, sleeping bag, clothes, etc.). I was thinking of getting the wider rack for the tail and those Wolfman Alpha bags, and strapping the tent and stuff to the top. It seems cheaper than panniers. Also need a tank bag with a map pocket. 6. Definitely need a new tire. There seem to be a ton of recommendations out there, so now I'm confused. What kind and where should I get a tire? 7. Comfort: This will be my first really long ride. I don't yet have leg protection, and I was thinking of Draggin' Jeans. Any better suggestions? 8. The "doohickey": I don't think I'll have a chance to do this before the trip. Is that going to be a big deal with almost 5k on the bike? 9. I imagine I need to do a valve adjustment. Any tips? 10. Anything else I'm missing? Okay, that's a lot of questions. Sorry. Thanks everyone, and I'm looking forward to some good times with this monstrous bike! - Mike The semi-obligatory vehicle list: '72 Fiat 850 Spider (yup, it's Spider, not Spyder) '74 Fiat X1/9 '74 Honda CB-550 '76 Triumph Spitfire '76 Kawasaki KZ-400 '83 Pininfarina (Fiat) Spider 2000 '83 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60 '00 Saab 9-5 Aero WVDoran Scottsdale, AZ --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Mike Frey]

Welcome to the list! You have had several responses to your questions, I'll chime in with commentary on your friend in VA who wants a KLR: He'll probably find himself riding the KLR more often than the ZRX, as I do. Mike 2002 ZRX 2004 KLR w/more miles than the Rex

----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Hightower To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:31 AM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] New member - Howdy! I'm going on a long trip back to Virginia for Labor Day to do some trail riding with a friend who wants a KLR--any good ones out there? He's got a 2000 Kawasaki ZRX that he wants to unload to finance a KLR. It's silly fast, and that's part of the problem.

[revmaaatin]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Schulte" wrote:

> > Mike, > > > Welcome aboard! You have come to the right spot but I don't think

anyone

> has the hours it would take to walk you through all of what you are

asking.

> Go to the website and search through the database for answers.

Another

> excellent site is www.klr650.marknet.us/. There is a sidebar on the

left

> that lists most of the projects you need help on and offers very

good

> advice. > > Once you get all of the general information you can find, and if

you need

> specific questions answered, bring those requests back here for

expert and

> verbose discussion ad nausea. > > You did good Mike by buying the KLR. In 90 days, after digesting

all of the

> free info already published, you will be posting informative

replies to

> questions just like yours. > > Capt. Bob in CT. >

HI Mike, This is the answers to the questions you did not ask: If you have not enrolled in a MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course, find one, and take the class. Soemthing to learn, no matter how long you have been riding. New to M/C's? Even more to learn. You are 'invisible', but not invinceable. Folks in a cage are not watching for a green KLR, or Red for that matter. And wear ATGATT, All the gear, all the time. The EMT folks love expensive riding gear! You should hear them squeel with glee--NO, ITS MY TURN to CUT OFF the JACKET! Yes, Virgina, they like cutting off your pants also. Change the gas often. and the oil. and lube the chain. lube is cheap. The first 1000 miles /3 months are the most dangerous. Never argue with a prairie rut, at least while on your KLR. You get dirty and the rut likes it. and when, Passing through 89-degrees of AOB (angle of bank, 0-degrees is vertical) you will have just enough time to think, "This is not working out well." If you want to argue with prairie ruts while riding a KLR, take someone along that is younger than you that can pick up your bike. Ask me how I know.... revmaaatin. look ma, no drugs! very soon, back to Careflight 911, Aberdeen, SD

[Matt Knowles]

On Aug 3, 2006, at 11:24 AM, revmaaatin wrote:

> The EMT folks love > expensive riding gear! You should hear them squeel with glee--NO, > ITS MY TURN to CUT OFF the JACKET! Yes, Virgina, they like cutting > off your pants also. >

We also use that as a patient indicator. If the patient doesn't complain when his expensive gear is being cut to shreds, it's probably time to get the chopper in the air. http://www.ferndalefire.org/gallery-2006-06-24.html Matt Knowles - Ferndale, CA - http://www.knowlesville.com/matt/motorcycles '99 Sprint ST - for going fast and far (2CZUSA) '01 KLR650 (A15) - for exploring the North Coast backroads '97 KLX300 & '01 Lakota - for playing in the dirt '79 KZ400 - just because it was the first vehicle I ever owned

[Mike Frey]

The year was 1977, I had just crashed my 400 KTM. Once in the hospital, the ER docs were discussing cutting off my riding gear. I asked them to just TAKE it off, please don't cut it off. They complied. I lost consciousness soon after. Good thing I was awake for that part! As a side note, even though today's gear is better, the only external injury I had was a hole in my forearm where a jacket snap punched through. Several internal organs did not fare as well, though. Matt Knowles wrote:

> > On Aug 3, 2006, at 11:24 AM, revmaaatin wrote: > > > The EMT folks love > > expensive riding gear! You should hear them squeel with glee--NO, > > ITS MY TURN to CUT OFF the JACKET! Yes, Virgina, they like cutting > > off your pants also. > > > > We also use that as a patient indicator. If the patient doesn't > complain when his expensive gear is being cut to shreds, it's probably > time to get the chopper in the air. > > http://www.ferndalefire.org/gallery-2006-06-24.html > http://www.ferndalefire.org/gallery-2006-06-24.html> > > Matt Knowles - Ferndale, CA - > http://www.knowlesville.com/matt/motorcycles > http://www.knowlesville.com/matt/motorcycles> > '99 Sprint ST - for going fast and far (2CZUSA) > '01 KLR650 (A15) - for exploring the North Coast backroads > '97 KLX300 & '01 Lakota - for playing in the dirt > '79 KZ400 - just because it was the first vehicle I ever owned > >