anyone else riding in the kettle moraine dual sport ride this sunday

[wilgundmadeleine]

does anybody on this list know the max payload for a 1000 V-strom? Can this bike handle 500lbs - rider,passenger, and camping gear? Thanks, Herm KCMO 2008 KLR650

[guymanbro]

Well, my KLR has handled loads like that before so I doubt the V would have any complaints... da Vermonster

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wilgundmadeleine" wrote: > > does anybody on this list know the max payload for a 1000 V-strom? Can this bike handle 500lbs - rider,passenger, and camping gear? > > Thanks, > Herm > KCMO > 2008 KLR650 >

[Martin]

herm- Does this mean there is going to be a KLR for sale in KCMO? smile. Now, It really depends on what your definition of 'handle' means. Are you asking for a factory spec, or a seat of the pants calibration? Factory specs for gross weight are submitted by an engineer, and approved by a lawyer (in my opinion). Max gross weight would be one of those numbers. I think the xr100 is 'rated' at about 130#--and lots and lots of them are used for camp bikes by folks that have not seen 130# except when passing it on the scales. Back to handling-- My KLR, w/ stock suspension, with me as ~200# rider, could not 'handle' that load--where I like to ride, at the rate I like to ride. I upgraded to progressive rear spring for my OEM shock, and added progressive springs to the forks. and like the results. as do many others. I think the consensus for the optimum KLR design weight was a 145# factory rider. Could you ride down the road with 500#. Sure. But it will not 'perform' like anything other than an overloaded tractor. If that 500# load is going to be a typical load, your OEM shock would really benefit from one of those progressive 500+ springs that you can find at Fred's and else where. For $10 or less, you can get it installed at anyplace that changes automotive strut springs/cartridges. I changed my OEM spring to a 450/550 and it made a world of difference. As I understand it; The 450 means that it takes 450# to move it the first inch, 550# to move it the second inch. At one 'G' (=1 gravity) your described mass on the spring is already at #500. Add acceleration (hitting a bump, jump, etc) to the collapse rate of the spring, and you can easily hit 2G's or 1000# of force on your spring. Now, Knowing that--do you think your V-strom or KLR w/ OEM shock/suspension will handle a continuous 500# load--safely? The other thing that you have not asked, "Will my tires handle a continuous 500# load." Which leads to the question, "What speed are you going to travel?" More mass (weight) + speed = more heat. Tires hate heat. Heat leads to tire fatigue and failure. as noted here at DSN; HD tubes make a tire run hotter. I run HD tubes to facilitate less flats--being aware that there is more heat generated. And I hate flats. Your original question asked about a Vstrom + 500#, but the 'details' of overloading your bike largely remain the same across the spectrum--and the items I offered are KLR relevant. Realistically, most motorcycles are built/tuned for one person, and the foot pegs are added as a marketing tool. Thinking about the original question: Double the passenger weight, will cut the performance by 2/3. (=seat of the pants calibration) If you are satisfied with 1/3 the performance, than by all means, the bike can handle it. Otherwise, you will likely be looking for some suspension upgrades. More discussion than you asked for. shrug. It is freezing rain outside my window--what else is there to do? revmaaatin.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "wilgundmadeleine" wrote: > > does anybody on this list know the max payload for a 1000 V-strom? Can this bike handle 500lbs - rider,passenger, and camping gear? > > Thanks, > Herm > KCMO > 2008 KLR650 >

[n9udl]

I see that both this ride and also the Bucky Badger DS ride the following weekend are full. I would like to connect with some KLR riders from the forum if possible. Ride info: http://www.kettlemorainesportriders.com/kmsrresults.htm Pics from last year: http://klasjm.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Wisconsin-Field-Forest-Dual/3711355_RrKTc#398408927_ATFtT It looks like it will be a lot of fun, judging from last year's photos. It also looks like it might be cold and damp, judging from the weather forecast. -Tom