horns compared: twin fiamm vs stebel nautilus compact

[Norm Keller]

A better engine guard is a requirement for off road. Lever guards are great value even for street. Read the FAQ. Add reflective tape (available from truck parts) to areas such as sides of swing arms and fairing and trunk if you acquire one. Replace fuses with 15 amp. and brake light bulb with 2357 or (better) an LED unit. If you need a list of farkle, I'm up to #62 (VBG). Norm [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Norm Keller]

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

If you're paranoid, you'll fit in nicely here as we seem to share various mental disturbances (VBG). Consider a pair of riding pants such as Joe Rocket Phoenix or something of that nature which fits your needs. Falling can be very uncomfortable but is less so with knee protection. As a first set of gear it might be worth considering versatility. Many riders get by quite well with a warmer weather set and good quality rain gear such as Pioneer to wear over top in rain and cold. HIH Norm [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Norm Keller]

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

I went the lowering link route at first and really liked them for road use (28" inseam). For rougher use the lowering links were not cutting it so I've gone with a lowered seat which is much better for my use. The consideration of seat height is a very important one, especially a new rider. Norm [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Matt Knowles]

I wouldn't. I'd rather have a new HJC on my head than a used top of the line Arai.

On Oct 17, 2006, at 1:29 PM, usa1911a1 wrote: > Is it a good idea to use a used helmet? Matt Knowles Aesthetic Design & Photography - www.aestheticdesign.com - (707) 786-4643

[Matt Knowles]

On Oct 17, 2006, at 1:59 PM, Mike Peplinski wrote:

> would you buy used underware?

Yes. I've even bought used underwear that was over 100 years old. http://tinyurl.com/ucq7l Now, would I wear used underwear... 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

[revmaaatin]

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

> > Hello everyone! > 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 >

Hello Lauren, Personal NOTE: I bought my KLR during my last semester of Grad school, while on a limited income, po-man-budget. When I first bought the bike, (after being away from M/C's for 27 years), and not wanting to break something, then have to replace it, and THEN protect it, I choose to protect early as possible, which has turned out to be the best KiLeRista investment of all. Many suggest that you should ride your KLR before you upgrade/farkle it. That is good advice. I rode the bike 17000 miles before I finally gave up on the OEM seat. on the other hand.... I took the dual-approach, that is riding and reading, based on what I read here on the list, of what is broken often, and based on what I read, I protected that first. If you are going to ride the KLR like a dirt bike, you are going to fall down. Think about what needs to be protected. After being away from M/C's for 27 years, the only thing I still owned was a M/C endorsement on my drivers license, so I needed to think for a moment about what I needed to buy. A costume! I would suggest that you should do the same; I would buy the best 'costume' you can afford. Good riding apparel was the first stuff I bought to upgrade my KLR: helmet, full-armored riding suit, gloves--then bike armor. But let's say, you own a good M/C costume, then what? What I would order tomorrow if I bought a 2d KLR (which is on my wish list):~), by the numbers with commentary: Since many people will admit to tipovers, (the rest are in denial) is protection for the levers with #1) barkbusters/lever protectors (sic) and protection of the vulnerable left switch/mirror (corrected with the #2)mirror perch) would be high on my list, much higher than a metal skid plate, unless where you ride has lots of rocks--then it would go to the top of the list. (But that is just me.) The #3) brake billet and #4 )rear brake reservoir armor is also high on my list as well as some #5) serrated foot pegs (i.e. the DR650 pegs fit, or IMS etc.) allowing you to more fully control the bike if your boots are wet or muddy. #6) Mirror isolators because they allow the mirror to bend ~20-30 degrees when the mirror is trying to support the weight of the bike. Items #1-6 would be in the very first order I placed. For radiator protection: I thought about the two options we have: the C-shaped rad protectors or the nerfbars. Knowing/assuming that I was going to fall down (it's a dirt-bike), chose what appeared to give the most protection. I found on ebay a set of #7) HT Nerfbars (from the same buyer I bought my riding suit) and installed them as armor also. Nerfbars are overkill for most people, but I have never regretted it, as I have field tested them, (=bounced the bike hard on both sides, different occasions) and they protected the bike in a bone breaking get-off this spring, which allowed me to ride the bike to medical treatment, rather than trying to figure out how to get there with a busted up bike. Nerfbars protect the radiator and shrouds, where the others only protect the radiator. I would be missing or would have broken both shrouds more than once without the nerfbars. Others, never have a need for any radiator protection; Some folks never ride their KLR into remote locations and need very little additional protection. It all depends on what level of risk you are willing to accept. All the items previously listed/mentioned did their job, and nothing that has been armored has needed replacing. I still have the original left switch, levers, grips, shrouds, and brake reservoir. Every piece of armor listed has been field tested, having paid for itself fully, some of it more than once. I think it was Blake that has a similarly equipped bike, with a get off at ~50 mph and he suffered a broken mirror, broken bones, but his bike was still rideable (albeit, by someone else). For a quick #8-10, I would add a Jake Nut, 14T CS and both AXLE Nuts that are self-locking from Dual Star that allow you to do away with the cotter key. Others might suggest the shifter upgrade, among others, as being equally important. Hit the links below, and you will see some nice farkle. If I ride my KLR as a dirt bike, the items will be field tested again, and if your ride your bike in field conditions, it will be field-tested, armored or not. NOTE-2-SELF: The armor will NOT make it a tank, but more tank-like. Yeah, Tank-like, with a pleasing Briggs and Stratton audio tone. Disclaimer: no affiliation with any product mentioned, other than I was happy to have in on my bike. revmaaatin. Suggested sites: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/parts_frames.html http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Brand/Kawasaki/For_KLR_650s.htm http://www.happy-trail.com/ and other 2 numerous to mention....

[Mike Peplinski]

If you'd said "whats a doohickey" I'd say you're an idiot (chuckle chuckle). Nerf bars can also be given the ominous term "crash" bars. Those things that attach to the front of the frame and keep you from getting pinned when you fail to keep the rubber side down. Ponder this; why are bars that protect your legs called "crash bars" but the bucket that protects your head is a "safety helmet"? Go figger.

>From: "Yan" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com >Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: New rider seeking advice on safety upgrades >Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 21:19:41 -0000 > >--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wiselp" wrote: > > > > Feel free to call me an idiot, but what are "nerf bars".. > >http://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=KLR-PD-KLR-EG-3 > > > > >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 > > > >

[wiselp]

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has replied. I really appreciate taking the time to do so. There is a wealth of information here. This is a great group of folks.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "revmaaatin" wrote: > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wiselp" wrote: > > > > Hello everyone! > > 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 > > > > Hello Lauren, > > Personal NOTE: I bought my KLR during my last semester of Grad > school, while on a limited income, po-man-budget. When I first > bought the bike, (after being away from M/C's for 27 years), and not > wanting to break something, then have to replace it, and THEN protect > it, I choose to protect early as possible, which has turned out to be > the best KiLeRista investment of all. > > Many suggest that you should ride your KLR before you upgrade/farkle > it. That is good advice. I rode the bike 17000 miles before I > finally gave up on the OEM seat. on the other hand.... > > I took the dual-approach, that is riding and reading, based on what I > read here on the list, of what is broken often, and based on what I > read, I protected that first. If you are going to ride the KLR like > a dirt bike, you are going to fall down. Think about what needs to > be protected. > > After being away from M/C's for 27 years, the only thing I still > owned was a M/C endorsement on my drivers license, so I needed to > think for a moment about what I needed to buy. A costume! I would > suggest that you should do the same; I would buy the best 'costume' > you can afford. Good riding apparel was the first stuff I bought to > upgrade my KLR: helmet, full-armored riding suit, gloves--then bike > armor. > > But let's say, you own a good M/C costume, then what? > > What I would order tomorrow if I bought a 2d KLR (which is on my wish > list):~), by the numbers with commentary: > > Since many people will admit to tipovers, (the rest are in denial) is > protection for the levers with #1) barkbusters/lever protectors (sic) > and protection of the vulnerable left switch/mirror (corrected with > the #2)mirror perch) would be high on my list, much higher than a > metal skid plate, unless where you ride has lots of rocks--then it > would go to the top of the list. (But that is just me.) The #3) > brake billet and #4 )rear brake reservoir armor is also high on my > list as well as some #5) serrated foot pegs (i.e. the DR650 pegs fit, > or IMS etc.) allowing you to more fully control the bike if your > boots are wet or muddy. #6) Mirror isolators because they allow the > mirror to bend ~20-30 degrees when the mirror is trying to support > the weight of the bike. Items #1-6 would be in the very first order > I placed. > > For radiator protection: I thought about the two options we have: > the C-shaped rad protectors or the nerfbars. Knowing/assuming that I > was going to fall down (it's a dirt-bike), chose what appeared to > give the most protection. I found on ebay a set of #7) HT > Nerfbars (from the same buyer I bought my riding suit) and installed > them as armor also. > > Nerfbars are overkill for most people, but I have never regretted it, > as I have field tested them, (=bounced the bike hard on both sides, > different occasions) and they protected the bike in a bone breaking > get-off this spring, which allowed me to ride the bike to medical > treatment, rather than trying to figure out how to get there with a > busted up bike. Nerfbars protect the radiator and shrouds, where the > others only protect the radiator. I would be missing or would have > broken both shrouds more than once without the nerfbars. Others, > never have a need for any radiator protection; Some folks never ride > their KLR into remote locations and need very little additional > protection. It all depends on what level of risk you are willing to > accept. > > All the items previously listed/mentioned did their job, and nothing > that has been armored has needed replacing. I still have the original > left switch, levers, grips, shrouds, and brake reservoir. Every > piece of armor listed has been field tested, having paid for itself > fully, some of it more than once. I think it was Blake that has a > similarly equipped bike, with a get off at ~50 mph and he suffered a > broken mirror, broken bones, but his bike was still rideable (albeit, > by someone else). > > For a quick #8-10, I would add a Jake Nut, 14T CS and both AXLE Nuts > that are self-locking from Dual Star that allow you to do away with > the cotter key. > > Others might suggest the shifter upgrade, among others, as being > equally important. Hit the links below, and you will see some nice > farkle. > > If I ride my KLR as a dirt bike, the items will be field tested > again, and if your ride your bike in field conditions, it will be > field-tested, armored or not. NOTE-2-SELF: The armor will NOT make > it a tank, but more tank-like. > > Yeah, Tank-like, with a pleasing Briggs and Stratton audio tone. > > Disclaimer: no affiliation with any product mentioned, other than I > was happy to have in on my bike. > > > revmaaatin. > > Suggested sites: > http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/parts_frames.html > http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Brand/Kawasaki/For_KLR_650s.htm > http://www.happy-trail.com/ > > and other 2 numerous to mention.... >

[Analog Aardvark]

It's been said but I'll add my .02 to the fray-- Put barkbusters on it (those metal bars that protect your levers/hands) because even on the road you're likely to drop it and the levers break easily. Buy a NEW helmet and dress intelligently when you ride--whether this means carharts and work boots or full motocross gear or racing leathers is up to you, but wear SOMETHING. Then ride the thing a while and see where you're riding and what you're doing. All the money some of us have spent making the things indestructible on the trail is wasted cash and extra weight for someone who's never in the dirt, or whose dirt is basically dirt roads. When you're ready to go offroad, some form of radiator protection (I choose nerf bars for their absolute protection, but at a significant cash and weight hit) and a real bash plate are the requirements. After that it gets more iffy. I would also suggest a day of getting to know the bike mechanically by doing all the basically free mods like the T-mod, removing the idiot switches and the smog gear, etc. Read the FAQ several times. -Luke --- 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 > > >

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[wiselp]

I was also wondering about opinions on "bark-busters". There seem to be a lot of models out there. Do these work ith the stock hand-gaurds, or do you need to replace those as well? (Most mention that they have the metal gaurds and then, at an additional cost, the shrouds.)

--- 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 >