horns compared: twin fiamm vs stebel nautilus compact

[wiselp]

Hello everyone! I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety course to learn how to ride responsibly. It seems like there a lot of threads concerning mods for the KLR, but I was wondering what would be good upgrades for a new rider, specifically in terms of protection to the bike. I was thinking that I should go ahead and install radiator and waterpump guards. Are there any other suggestions? I plan on riding about 80/20 on/off. Thanks in advance. Lauren

[Yan]

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

> > Hello everyone! > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > course to learn how to ride responsibly. > It seems like there a lot of threads concerning mods for the KLR, but > I was wondering what would be good upgrades for a new rider, > specifically in terms of protection to the bike. I was thinking that > I should go ahead and install radiator and waterpump guards. Are > there any other suggestions? I plan on riding about 80/20 on/off. > > Thanks in advance. > Lauren

if i were in your shoes I would install either an enlarged rear rack (available for $60-$80 from two different suppliers on eBay) or saddle bags. Either should protect the rear plastic panels and the rear turn signals in case of a wipeout.

[Jim Priest]

On 10/17/06, wiselp wrote:

> I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > course to learn how to ride responsibly.

Safety course is number 1 and you have that covered. What kind of gear do you have? Before I spent a dime on any bike additions I'd make sure I had a nice helmet that fit properly, gloves, boots, and a nice motorcycle jacket (at least). Take the safety course - get some mileage under your belt and then you'll be ready for bike mods... Have fun! Jim

[Spike55]

Usually the biggest "fix" to your safety resides between your ears. The course can help but you'll have to get used to the bike, riding, reading the road, weather, and when not to put yourself into those "OH S**t" situations (if you even have enough time to think that) when you make a mistake or someone else does and it's going to hurt you more than them. I agree with most, ride it for awhile, you'll more wisely spend later. Don R100, A6F

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wiselp" wrote: > > Hello everyone! > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > course to learn how to ride responsibly. > It seems like there a lot of threads concerning mods for the KLR, but > I was wondering what would be good upgrades for a new rider, > specifically in terms of protection to the bike. I was thinking that > I should go ahead and install radiator and waterpump guards. Are > there any other suggestions? I plan on riding about 80/20 on/off. > > Thanks in advance. > Lauren >

[wiselp]

I have a good jacket and helmet and will be buying gloves soon (suggestions?). I think I am paranoid becouse I have heard alot about busting up the radiator fan or breaking the shifter, etc.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Priest" wrote: > > On 10/17/06, wiselp wrote: > > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > > course to learn how to ride responsibly. > > Safety course is number 1 and you have that covered. > > What kind of gear do you have? Before I spent a dime on any bike > additions I'd make sure I had a nice helmet that fit properly, gloves, > boots, and a nice motorcycle jacket (at least). > > Take the safety course - get some mileage under your belt and then > you'll be ready for bike mods... > > Have fun! > Jim >

[Moose]

Also, if you can find some used riding gear in your size, try to beg/borrow to use it. A lot of riders have extras that are 2 or 3 years old and still in good shape that you can use or buy. It'll save you money in the beginning and the fun little things you screw up on don't tear up a lot of new eq. I lucked out and got a 3 year old helmet with some chips, but still in great shape, older gloves (Cold as heck in the winter!!!), a riding jacket (also 3 years old) and riding pants. Not the best stuff as it's older but it's still safe and i'm not out a lot of money when I dump the bike. I'm now saving up for new stuff in say, 6 months. As for safety EQ on the bike, look for the front grill guard/ skid plate for the....unexpected off-road expeditions...to protect the bike. The rest you will see as you ride and decide if it's for you or not. My .02 Moose ----- Original Message ---- From: Jim Priest To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 3:02:51 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] New rider seeking advice on safety upgrades

On 10/17/06, wiselp wrote: > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > course to learn how to ride responsibly. Safety course is number 1 and you have that covered. What kind of gear do you have? Before I spent a dime on any bike additions I'd make sure I had a nice helmet that fit properly, gloves, boots, and a nice motorcycle jacket (at least). Take the safety course - get some mileage under your belt and then you'll be ready for bike mods... Have fun! Jim [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[kestrelfal]

If inseam length is an issue, rear suspension lowering links? Fred

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wiselp" wrote: > > Hello everyone! > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > course to learn how to ride responsibly. > It seems like there a lot of threads concerning mods for the KLR, but > I was wondering what would be good upgrades for a new rider, > specifically in terms of protection to the bike. I was thinking that > I should go ahead and install radiator and waterpump guards. Are > there any other suggestions? I plan on riding about 80/20 on/off. > > Thanks in advance. > Lauren >

[Blake Sobiloff]

On Oct 17, 2006, at 12:36 PM, wiselp wrote:

> I have a good jacket and helmet and will be buying gloves soon > (suggestions?).

I just took possession of a pair of Held Phantom gloves ($250 from NewEnough). They look like they may even be better than my old Held Galaxies, and they won last year's summer glove test in Ride magazine http://www.robinsonsfoundry.co.uk/library/pdf/triumph/gloves.pdf>. I'll do a write-up of my initial impressions on my personal blog in a day or two. What are you wearing for footwear? Most motorcycle accident injuries are from hands and feet flailing around if/when you tumble, so those (plus your noggin) should be your priority. Skin abrasions are painful but usually not permanently disabling, but shattered ankles/ feet and wrists/hands are.

> I think I am paranoid becouse I have heard alot about busting up the > radiator fan or breaking the shifter, etc.

Yeah, those things can happen, but they're easy and relatively quick to fix. You, on the other hand, are slow and difficult to fix when broken, and recovery plus time off the bike are a real drag. (I'm recovering from a broken collarbone and five broken ribs, so unfortunately I know whereof I speak.) -- Blake Sobiloff http://sobiloff.typepad.com/blakeblog/> http://sobiloff.typepad.com/klr_adventure/> San Jose, CA (USA)

[usa1911a1]

Ok Moose, you opened up a "Pandora's box". I have no strong firsthand knowledge in this matter, but would like to ask the group a simple question. Is it a good idea to use a used helmet? My safety course in CT. was loud and clear that you cannot tell if a helmet is any good if it is used...something to do with an ablative foam that chips off the inside of the helmet. As a result of the safety course, I have not even considered using a used helmet...am I correct or should I pick up a used helmet next time around? Capt. Bob in CT.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Moose" To: "Jim Priest" ; DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 3:39 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] New rider seeking advice on safety upgrades > Also, if you can find some used riding gear in your size, try to beg/borrow to use it. A lot of riders have extras that are 2 or 3 years old and still in good shape that you can use or buy. It'll save you money in the beginning and the fun little things you screw up on don't tear up a lot of new eq. I lucked out and got a 3 year old helmet with some chips, but still in great shape, older gloves (Cold as heck in the winter!!!), a riding jacket (also 3 years old) and riding pants. Not the best stuff as it's older but it's still safe and i'm not out a lot of money when I dump the bike. I'm now saving up for new stuff in say, 6 months. As for safety EQ on the bike, look for the front grill guard/ skid plate for the....unexpected off-road expeditions...to protect the bike. The rest you will see as you ride and decide if it's for you or not. > > My .02 > Moose > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Jim Priest > To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 3:02:51 PM > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] New rider seeking advice on safety upgrades > > On 10/17/06, wiselp wrote: > > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > > course to learn how to ride responsibly. > > Safety course is number 1 and you have that covered. > > What kind of gear do you have? Before I spent a dime on any bike > additions I'd make sure I had a nice helmet that fit properly, gloves, > boots, and a nice motorcycle jacket (at least). > > Take the safety course - get some mileage under your belt and then > you'll be ready for bike mods... > > Have fun! > Jim > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > 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 > > > > >

[notanymoore]

Best protection for the bike? Nerf bars hands down. But if you can't afford those, radiator and footguards are a good second. Also bring along a good set of tools as the KLRs are subject to (sometimes vital) part coming loose. Protection for you? A good, new, DOT approved, brain bucket with faceshield is #1. Often overlooked is a good pair of riding boots at #2 - waterproof boots that go over the ankle with padding are a minimum. Offroad boots are best. After that good riding gloves (gel to minimize vibration) and jacket to prevent road-rash in case you beccome less than vertical. The basic idea is to protect the vulnerable spots: head, eys, hands, feet/ankles. After that anything is gravy. You can get a full off-road riding suit and look like the chelin Man. But that's overkill for most folks unless you're really digging in the dirt.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wiselp" wrote: > > Hello everyone! > I am new to this group and new to motorcycles in general. I am buying > a 2005 KLR this Friday and have signed up to take a motorcycle safety > course to learn how to ride responsibly. > It seems like there a lot of threads concerning mods for the KLR, but > I was wondering what would be good upgrades for a new rider, > specifically in terms of protection to the bike. I was thinking that > I should go ahead and install radiator and waterpump guards. Are > there any other suggestions? I plan on riding about 80/20 on/off. > > Thanks in advance. > Lauren >