vendor friday ** petcock blockoff plates for sale dec 2014**

[notanymoore]

Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR.  Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4.  .  Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket.  And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress  anyone.  I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself.  So I was looking for a mid-size  "standard" bike I was comfortable on.  .  My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650.  I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006.  After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS.  Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery.  What a revelation!  It was like a new bike.  Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off.  A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom.  A week later, it's still there.  I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it.  After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K),  I took it for a spin..  I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size,  It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR.  The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling.    Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails.   I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS.  No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport".  The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it.  The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure.  But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations.  The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower.  And the stock drivetrain is crap.   Having said that it's competitors are even more limited.  The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail.  Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren.  And they cannot be "roadified  like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this.  The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike.  And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade  But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is  the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need  a dual sport all the time.   So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom.  When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska.  If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own.  As it is, I'm keeping both.  If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain.  Besides, I deserve it.       :           

[John Biccum]

I think you would really like a Gen 1 KLR with a 685cc kit and the oversize valves. It has the extra HP you crave and doesn t have the Tupperware. But I would still switch back to a 15t, the stock gearing is the best compromise between off road torque and high speed travel. I found the 16t too tall for off road and even too tall for loaded touring. The engine loves to run a 5k to 5.5k, highway speeds with stock gearing. I too have an adventurized Wee Strom and prefer it for long highway trips. From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] Sent: Friday, July 31, 2015 20:02 To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] KLR versus WeeStrom Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR. Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4. . Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket. And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress anyone. I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself. So I was looking for a mid-size "standard" bike I was comfortable on. . My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650. I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006. After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS. Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery. What a revelation! It was like a new bike. Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off. A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom. A week later, it's still there. I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it. After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K), I took it for a spin.. I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size, It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR. The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling. Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails. I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS. No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport". The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it. The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure. But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations. The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower. And the stock drivetrain is crap. Having said that it's competitors are even more limited. The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail. Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren. And they cannot be "roadified like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this. The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike. And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need a dual sport all the time. So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom. When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska. If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own. As it is, I'm keeping both. If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain. Besides, I deserve it. : ---------- ---------- ---------- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[RobertWichert]

A 685 kit with higher compression! And maybe the exhaust valve tooth mod. I haven't tried either one, but just the higher compression and the tooth mod sound like cheap upgrades. Robert Wichert P.Eng. LEED AP BD&C HERS I/II CEPE CEA BPI CERTIFIED SF/MF GREEN POINT RATER +1 916 966 9060 FAX +1 916 966 9068 =============================================== On 8/1/2015 9:55 AM, 'John Biccum' johnbiccum@... [DSN_KLR650] wrote:

I think you would really like a Gen 1 KLR with a 685cc kit and the oversize valves. It has the extra HP you crave and doesn t have the Tupperware. But I would still switch back to a 15t, the stock gearing is the best compromise between off road torque and high speed travel. I found the 16t too tall for off road and even too tall for loaded touring. The engine loves to run a 5k to 5.5k, highway speeds with stock gearing. I too have an adventurized Wee Strom and prefer it for long highway trips. From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] Sent: Friday, July 31, 2015 20:02 To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] KLR versus WeeStrom Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR. Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4. . Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket. And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress anyone. I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself. So I was looking for a mid-size "standard" bike I was comfortable on. . My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650. I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006. After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS. Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery. What a revelation! It was like a new bike. Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off. A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom. A week later, it's still there. I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it. After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K), I took it for a spin.. I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size, It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR. The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling. Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails. I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS. No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport". The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it. The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure. But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations. The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower. And the stock drivetrain is crap. Having said that it's competitors are even more limited. The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail. Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren. And they cannot be "roadified like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this. The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike. And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need a dual sport all the time. So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom. When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska. If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own. As it is, I'm keeping both. If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain. Besides, I deserve it. : ---------- ---------- ---------- [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[RobertWichert]

Great post! Thanks for your insight, RJ! One thing I would advise (I have a 2007)... Try a 14 tooth front sprocket. I ride on the freeway at indicated 80 every day and it's at about 6000 RPM. I have more than 35K on it, and if it blows, it blows. I can merge on the freeway in third or fourth, depending on the speed of traffic, change lanes to the fast/carpool lane, and then shift up to fifth. Away we go! I had a 13 tooth for a while, which was wicked quick on shifting through the gears and I found that I didn't like being in fifth on the on-ramp, so I switched up. Wouldn't change a thing. Robert Wichert P.Eng. LEED AP BD&C HERS I/II CEPE CEA BPI CERTIFIED SF/MF GREEN POINT RATER +1 916 966 9060 FAX +1 916 966 9068 =============================================== On 7/31/2015 8:02 PM, RJTaylor@... [DSN_KLR650] wrote:

Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR. Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4. . Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket. And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress anyone. I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself. So I was looking for a mid-size "standard" bike I was comfortable on. . My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650. I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006. After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS. Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery. What a revelation! It was like a new bike. Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off. A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glas ses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom. A week later, it's still there. I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it. After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K), I took it for a spin.. I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size, It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR. The highway size wheel significantly affe cts off-road handling. Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails. I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS. No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport". The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it. The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure. But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations. The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower. And the stock dr ivetrain is crap. Having said that it's competitors are even more limited. The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail. Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren. And they cannot be "roadified like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this. The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike. And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need a dual sport all the time. So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom. When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska. If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own. As it is, I'm keeping both. If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain. Besides, I deserve it. :

[Randall Marbach]

At 64 yo, 280lbs 6'7",  I had boiled my two-wheel adventure touring requirements down to the Wee or KLR, still deciding on Gen 1 vs Gen 2. However, in the stable now are 2 Ural GearUps,  a big bore DRZ440 with a wide ratio gear set (still in storage) and a Gen 1 KLR (in  parts, in storage) which is the tug for a DMC Enduro Sidecar. I never was good at off road riding. I fell off a lot on my KLR in the dirt, so I decided to try a KLR with a sidecar versus the DRZ (which is easier for me in the dirt) versus the Urals to be my off road bike of choice.  Unfortunately, they all went in to storage when we started an unexpected home remodel project that has finally completed after 2 years. The Urals have been resurrected and are a blast around our small town, the DRZ and KLR/sidecar are up next to be resurrected. Once running, I intend to run a bake off between the bikes in an off road situation to see which would stay and which might go when I possibly thin the herd in 2016. I did get a chance to ride my son's well farkled Gen 1 KLR solo on a 1000 mile road trip last month, and now, if I had to choose a road oriented bike for the stable, I would choose the Gen 2 KLR over the Wee at this point.  My new neighbor has a Wee, and I dont fit on it as well as I do a KLR.   If I had to get down to 1 solo and 1 sidecar, it would probably be a Gen 1 KLR and a Ural. Still so many choices... I am hoping to take one of  the Urals on a 500 mile round trip tenkara fly fishing trip this coming weekend... so that will provide another data point to the equation.  Being retired in a small village does bias my choices. I do no regular commuting or interstate.  When I do travel interstates they are usually stop and go so the ability to split lanes is more important than high cruising speeds. My routine requirements are going to the Post Office in town a few blocks away or 5 miles down the hill to the Super Market...   winner in this case, the Urals hands down..  the Ural can be ridden all four seasons including the snow we get here. Visiting my son in Washington 3 times a year.....   was thinking about the Wee.... but the winner is a solo KLR set up for road work, day long seat, highway pegs, big bore kiit, suspension work and cargo capacity. Leaning towards a Gen 2. 300-500 mile camping/fishing trips in the southwest...  probably the Ural, but could be the KLR if I need to travel a lot of ground quickly. Local off road work,  the DRZ, the KLR/sidecar or a URAL....   TBD.   If I dont like the KLR sidecar, I may sell the sidecar bits and convert the Gen 1 tug to a road oriented solo.    If I do like the KLR sidecar off road, I may part with the DRZ, or not...  it has been totally rebuilt and set up for my size and weight. I should have all the bikes up and running by the end of the month, and I should have a chance to play with them all in the dirt by the end of September. Who knows, I might have a Gen1 KLR/DMC Enduro sidecar for sale by October.... or not. Randy from Burbank. From: "RJTaylor@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, July 31, 2015 8:02 PM [b]Subject:[/b] [DSN_KLR650] KLR versus WeeStrom Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR.  Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4.  .  Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket.  And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress  anyone.  I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself.  So I was looking for a mid-size  "standard" bike I was comfortable on.  .  My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650.  I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006.  After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS.  Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery.  What a revelation!  It was like a new bike.  Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off.  A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom.  A week later, it's still there.  I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it.  After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K),  I took it for a spin..  I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size,  It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR.  The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling.    Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails.   I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS.  No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport".  The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it.  The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure.  But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations.  The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower.  And the stock drivetrain is crap.   Having said that it's competitors are even more limited.  The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail.  Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren.  And they cannot be "roadified  like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this.  The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike.  And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade  But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is  the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need  a dual sport all the time.   So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom.  When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska.  If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own.  As it is, I'm keeping both.  If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain.  Besides, I deserve it.       :           

[jeffsaline]

#ygrps-yiv-1870985424 .ygrps-yiv-1870985424ygrp-photo-title { OVERFLOW:hidden;FONT-SIZE:smaller;HEIGHT:15px;WIDTH:75px;TEXT-ALIGN:center;CLEAR:both;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424ygrp-photo { BORDER-TOP:black 1px solid;HEIGHT:62px;BORDER-RIGHT:black 1px solid;WIDTH:62px;BACKGROUND-REPEAT:no-repeat;BORDER-BOTTOM:black 1px solid;BACKGROUND-POSITION:center 50%;BORDER-LEFT:black 1px solid;BACKGROUND-COLOR:white;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424photo-title A { TEXT-DECORATION:none;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424photo-title A:active { TEXT-DECORATION:none;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424photo-title A:hover { TEXT-DECORATION:none;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424photo-title A:visited { TEXT-DECORATION:none;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-table DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-row { CLEAR:both;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-table DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-row DIV { FLOAT:left;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 P { OVERFLOW:hidden;PADDING-BOTTOM:3px;PADDING-TOP:15px;PADDING-LEFT:0px;CLEAR:both;PADDING-RIGHT:0px;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424ygrp-file { WIDTH:30px;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-table DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-row DIV DIV A { TEXT-DECORATION:none;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-table DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424attach-row DIV DIV SPAN { FONT-WEIGHT:normal;} #ygrps-yiv-1870985424 DIV.ygrps-yiv-1870985424ygrp-file-title { FONT-WEIGHT:bold;} On Sat, 1 Aug 2015 20:13:45 +0000 (UTC) "Randall Marbach remarbach@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> writes:   Still so many choices... I am hoping to take one of  the Urals on a 500 mile round trip tenkara fly fishing trip this coming weekend... so that will provide another data point to the equation.  <><><><><><><> <><><><><><><>   Randy,   I've enjoyed your Ural info.  Now that you are adding Tenkara fly fishing you really have my attention.   I haven't been Tenkara fly fishing in about 30 minutes.  Had a wonderful day today, probably caught close to 40 brown trout.   I'll be expecting a trip report here on the performance of the rig and the fishing.  : )   Best, Jeff Saline The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650 . . . . . . . .     . . ____________________________________________________________ [b]Protect what matters[/b] Floods can happen anywhere. Learn your risk and find an agent today. floodsmart.gov

[SniperOne308]

Randy, Tell me more about the wide ratio on your DRZ.  I have one with the 435 big bore and have been considering the ACT wide ratio kit. RandyIn Albuquerque Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone -------- Original message -------- From: "Randall Marbach remarbach@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Date: 08/01/2015 2:13 PM (GMT-07:00) To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] KLR versus WeeStrom   At 64 yo, 280lbs 6'7",  I had boiled my two-wheel adventure touring requirements down to the Wee or KLR, still deciding on Gen 1 vs Gen 2. However, in the stable now are 2 Ural GearUps,  a big bore DRZ440 with a wide ratio gear set (still in storage) and a Gen 1 KLR (in  parts, in storage) which is the tug for a DMC Enduro Sidecar. I never was good at off road riding. I fell off a lot on my KLR in the dirt, so I decided to try a KLR with a sidecar versus the DRZ (which is easier for me in the dirt) versus the Urals to be my off road bike of choice.  Unfortunately, they all went in to storage when we started an unexpected home remodel project that has finally completed after 2 years. The Urals have been resurrected and are a blast around our small town, the DRZ and KLR/sidecar are up next to be resurrected. Once running, I intend to run a bake off between the bikes in an off road situation to see which would stay and which might go when I possibly thin the herd in 2016. I did get a chance to ride my son's well farkled Gen 1 KLR solo on a 1000 mile road trip last month, and now, if I had to choose a road oriented bike for the stable, I would choose the Gen 2 KLR over the Wee at this point.  My new neighbor has a Wee, and I dont fit on it as well as I do a KLR.   If I had to get down to 1 solo and 1 sidecar, it would probably be a Gen 1 KLR and a Ural. Still so many choices... I am hoping to take one of  the Urals on a 500 mile round trip tenkara fly fishing trip this coming weekend... so that will provide another data point to the equation.  Being retired in a small village does bias my choices. I do no regular commuting or interstate.  When I do travel interstates they are usually stop and go so the ability to split lanes is more important than high cruising speeds. My routine requirements are going to the Post Office in town a few blocks away or 5 miles down the hill to the Super Market...   winner in this case, the Urals hands down..  the Ural can be ridden all four seasons including the snow we get here. Visiting my son in Washington 3 times a year.....   was thinking about the Wee.... but the winner is a solo KLR set up for road work, day long seat, highway pegs, big bore kiit, suspension work and cargo capacity. Leaning towards a Gen 2. 300-500 mile camping/fishing trips in the southwest...  probably the Ural, but could be the KLR if I need to travel a lot of ground quickly. Local off road work,  the DRZ, the KLR/sidecar or a URAL....   TBD.   If I dont like the KLR sidecar, I may sell the sidecar bits and convert the Gen 1 tug to a road oriented solo.    If I do like the KLR sidecar off road, I may part with the DRZ, or not...  it has been totally rebuilt and set up for my size and weight. I should have all the bikes up and running by the end of the month, and I should have a chance to play with them all in the dirt by the end of September. Who knows, I might have a Gen1 KLR/DMC Enduro sidecar for sale by October.... or not. Randy from Burbank. From: "RJTaylor@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, July 31, 2015 8:02 PM [b]Subject:[/b] [DSN_KLR650] KLR versus WeeStrom Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR.  Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4.  .  Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket.  And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress  anyone.  I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself.  So I was looking for a mid-size  "standard" bike I was comfortable on.  .  My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650.  I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006.  After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS.  Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery.  What a revelation!  It was like a new bike.  Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off.  A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom.  A week later, it's still there.  I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it.  After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K),  I took it for a spin..  I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size,  It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR.  The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling.    Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails.   I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS.  No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport".  The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it.  The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure.  But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations.  The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower.  And the stock drivetrain is crap.   Having said that it's competitors are even more limited.  The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail.  Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren.  And they cannot be "roadified  like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this.  The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike.  And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade  But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is  the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need  a dual sport all the time.   So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom.  When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska.  If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own.  As it is, I'm keeping both.  If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain.  Besides, I deserve it.       :           

[Norm Keller]

#ygrps-yiv-571278182 blockquote.ygrps-yiv-571278182cite {margin-left:5px;margin-right:0px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:0px;border-left:1px solid #cccccc;} #ygrps-yiv-571278182 blockquote.ygrps-yiv-571278182cite2 {margin-left:5px;margin-right:0px;padding-left:10px;padding-right:0px;border-left:1px solid #cccccc;margin-top:3px;padding-top:0px;} #ygrps-yiv-571278182 .ygrps-yiv-571278182plain pre, #ygrps-yiv-571278182 .ygrps-yiv-571278182plain tt {font-family:monospace;font-size:100%;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;white-space:pre-wrap;} #ygrps-yiv-571278182 a img {border:0px;}#ygrps-yiv-571278182 {font-family:Tahoma;font-size:12pt;} #ygrps-yiv-571278182 .ygrps-yiv-571278182plain pre, #ygrps-yiv-571278182 .ygrps-yiv-571278182plain tt {font-family:Tahoma;font-size:12pt;} The exhaust cam advance is a winner. I've done more than a dozen and only one didn't like it. That was a strange one because he rides a lot of very long, very fast highway trips like a quick run down to California, then to Florida and back. All two up with a big load of gear. He said that his mileage dropped but wonder if is was because he was using the extra power with faster running. My Gen1 with stock cams, stock muffler and Gen2 header, has mild exhaust port clean up, KLX kit, air box mods and air box screen removed. It will pull nicely to 9,000 RPM in 2nd 3rd and 4th. Haven't tried for a 5th gear maximum as 15 tooth and wanting to live to enjoy grandchildren. The mod is really a matter of returning the exhaust cam timing to where it should be. Retarding the exhaust timing was a popular method of reducing CO levels in 1970's and 1980's vehicles so not an unusual practice to older automotive techs.

[Glen Coddington]

I mostly agree. I have a Gen 1 KLR. Then got the V Strom. The Wee Strom gets most of my miles ridden, can't beat the highway comfort ( w/ the 1000 seat). Fire roads it does fine, more than that I'm wishing for the KLR. KLR'S down ( using too much oil) V Stom's not been apart at 140k ( yes it uses some oil). Good to have both.

On Jul 31, 2015 8:02 PM, "RJTaylor@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: [u][/u]

Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR. Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4. . Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket. And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress anyone. I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself. So I was looking for a mid-size "standard" bike I was comfortable on. . My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650. I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006. After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS. Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons. So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery. What a revelation! It was like a new bike. Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off. A great ride for the next years. Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom. A week later, it's still there. I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it. After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K), I took it for a spin.. I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it. After 4 months riding, these are my observations: 1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size, It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR. The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling. Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails. I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS. No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport". The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it. The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure. But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand.. 2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations. The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower. And the stock drivetrain is crap. Having said that it's competitors are even more limited. The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail. Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren. And they cannot be "roadified like the KLR. I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this. The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike. And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need a dual sport all the time. So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom. When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska. If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own. As it is, I'm keeping both. If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain. Besides, I deserve it. :

[John Biccum]

The 685 kit is the way to fix the oil burning.

 

I d advise replacing the valves with the oversize stainless valves when you are in there. I didn t do that and ended up having to put the bike down again when the stock valves tuliped shortly after doing the 685 overbore.

 

[b]From:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] [b]Sent:[/b] Sunday, August 02, 2015 12:19 [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Subject:[/b] Re: [DSN_KLR650] KLR versus WeeStrom

 

 

I mostly agree.  I have a Gen 1 KLR. Then got the V Strom. The Wee Strom gets most of my miles ridden, can't beat the highway comfort ( w/ the 1000 seat). Fire roads it does fine, more than that I'm wishing for the KLR. KLR'S down ( using too much oil) V Stom's not been apart at 140k ( yes it uses some oil). Good to have both.On Jul 31, 2015 8:02 PM, "RJTaylor@... [DSN_KLR650]" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Just got back from a warm summer evening ride thru the local forest preserves, on the KLR.  Ten years ago I was looking for a new two wheel ride again after 20 years on 4.  .  Being 50 and a recent empty-nester, I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket.  And since it wasn't a mid-life crisis, I wasn't looking for a Harley to impress  anyone.  I'm old enough that the only person I have to impress is myself.  So I was looking for a mid-size  "standard" bike I was comfortable on.  . 

My choice came down to two bikes - a Weestrom and a KLR 650.  I went with the KLR, a bright red tupperware 2006.  After the first two years and 15K miles I was ready to dump that POS.  Mushy front fork, buzzy handlebar grips, OEM Dunlops squirrelly on and off road, too much chain slop, 15 tooth front sprocket was good neither on or off road, slow throttle response, sweaty seat, - and the battery died after two seasons.

So after getting the valve adjustment and tuneup at the dealership, I decided on some upgrades - Nerf bars, 16 tooth front sprocket, superbike X-chain, Bridgestone Trailwings, fork brace, grip puppies, bar end weights, seat cover, K&H air filter, glass matte battery.  What a revelation!  It was like a new bike.  Sharp handling, no front fork flex, snappier throttle response, comfortable enough to ride all day, on the highway and off.  A great ride for the next years.

Fast forward 8 years and 40K miles this spring and I'm picking up a new pair of riding gloves and glasses at a dealership when out front is an "adventurized" Weestrom.  A week later, it's still there.  I ask the dealership what year and what they wanted for it.  After checking KBB price for the price of a 2006 stock Weestrom and checking the odometer (25K),  I took it for a spin..  I talked them down to a reasonable price and they hung the "Sold" sign on it.

After 4 months riding, these are my observations:

1) The Weestrom may be an "adventure" bike, it's not a dual-sport. It's wider, heavier than the KLR by at least one size,  It has highway sized tires and cast wheels. You have to be more conscious of your momentum in corners. It handles slowly compared to the KLR.  The highway size wheel significantly affects off-road handling.    Nothing that inspires confidence in more than dirt two tracks or fire trails.  

I've ridden a Tiger XC800, sat on a Yamaha Tenere 1200, BMW 1200 Adventure GS.  No one can convince me anything 500 LBs or more is a "dual sport".  The "adventure" is 300 miles of highway riding and 20 miles of forest fire trails; and that's about it.  The only exception in this category MIGHT be the KTM Adventure.  But I have neither the money or the the dealerships to deal with that brand..

2) The KLR is definitely a dual-sport, that can (kind of) be converted to an adventure bike, with limitations.  The biggest limitation being lack of horsepower.  And the stock drivetrain is crap.   Having said that it's competitors are even more limited.  The XR650 and DR650 are fine bikes I've ridden offroad. Lighter than the KLR, over torqued and under-geared air cooled off road bikes, they're good for about 1 hour of highway riding before you better hit the trail.  Otherwise you'll not be expecting any grandchildren.  And they cannot be "roadified  like the KLR.

 

I'm not a KLRista, but I will say this.  The KLR 650 may be a "compromise" bike.  And IMHO, the stock bike needs a lot of improvement and I have no use for the 2007+ 40 Lbs more plastic and minimal motor changes that are not an upgrade  But given the price point, self-service and upgrades that are available, the KLR 650 is  the best damn "dual sport" value out there. Problem is, I just don't need  a dual sport all the time.  

So when I go on long trips at highway speeds, I wheel out the Weestrom.  When I want a lone, secluded ride along forest and 2-lane roads at my own pace; just me and the wind, I use the KLR. If I were riding from Chicago to Alaska via Seattle, I'd take the Weestrom to Seattle and the KLR from Seattle to Alaska.  If the KLR had just 5 more HP and more lungs at the top end, it would be the only bike I own.  As it is, I'm keeping both.  If only because it pisses off the ball-and-chain.  Besides, I deserve it.       :