--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "mighty_oak1" wrote:
> And this leads to another question(s). Do all motorcycles require
the same level of TLC that a KLR does or is the fact that it is a big
> single mean it needs more attention than say an '86 Vmax (which my
brother is trying to talk me into buying from him so he can
> buy a 2002 VTX1800). By the way, has anyone on the list ever owned a
Vmax? My bro's '86 runs like a neuclear powered
> locamotive. Unbelievable power and not a rattle to be heard!!!
>
> Brad J. Morris
> A16 Illinois
Great question! One of my favorite topics. A lot of it depends on the
design of the bike. The VTX for instance will require about the same
amount of maintenance as your washing machine. It has hydraulic valve
lash, so no valve adjustments; a shaft drive means no chain lubing or
adjustment, it is smooth so you won't have to check for bolts
vibrating loose and it has a spin on oil filter so you can change oil
in your tuxedo. It's basically a characterless bike like most
Honda's.
The KLR demands a little more involvement. You need to check/adjust
your valves every 10K miles, lube the chain once in a while, check
spokes, check bolts because of vibration, adjust the balancer chain,
adjust the drive chain and oil changes require you to get your hands
dirty.
As a rule, I have found that motorcycles do not demand nearly as much
attention as their riders bestow on them. For many, tinkering on a
bike and doing extra stuff to it does little for the bike itself, but
does much, much more for the mental well being of the rider.
Gino
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 12
Date: 07 Dec 2001 10:14:54 -0500
From: Zachariah Mully
Subject: Re: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
Brad-
Um, well that depends. Does your brother ride his V-Max through the
woods at 35mph then dump it on its side, letting it slide down a gravel
slope into a muddy stream at the bottom? How many times have you dropped
your street bike at speed? What was the damage? How many miles have you
ridden a street bike in conditions that it was not designed for? What
were the maintenance costs?
The reason you hear about a lot of maintenance on this list is that
there are some of us who push these bikes (and their 16 year old design)
beyond the limits for which they were designed. Your brother on the
other hand, NEVER even goes near those limits on his V-Max. How many
miles on it since 86? 20K I bet? Talk to Dale in SoCal, he's put
something like 20K on his KLR THIS YEAR alone.
I have no problem with bike maintenance and repairs on my KLR when I
look at where I've ridden it and how much I have abused it... And it has
always come back for more with nary a hesitation. I can show you a V-Max
that requires more maintenance than a KLR, I can also show you a V-Max
that requires the same amount of maintenance. Big deal, all bikes are
individuals and have their individual needs, just as all bike riders are
different in their own way and treat their bikes differently.
Like I said before, I recognize that I abuse my bike and I am happy
to
perform whatever maintenance it needs to keep performing as flawlessly
as it has. If I didn't want to do this then I'd buy a Honda Civic, and
if you don't then take it to a dealer, that's why they are there.
Z
On Fri, 2001-12-07 at 09:35, mighty_oak1 wrote:
> And this leads to another question(s). Do all motorcycles require the same
level of TLC that a KLR does or is the fact that it is a big
> single mean it needs more attention than say an '86 Vmax (which my brother
is trying to talk me into buying from him so he can
> buy a 2002 VTX1800). By the way, has anyone on the list ever owned a Vmax?
My bro's '86 runs like a neuclear powered
> locamotive. Unbelievable power and not a rattle to be heard!!!
>
> Brad J. Morris
> A16 Illinois
>
>
> > The NEXT bike I buy has every chance of being a used one, since I've
overcome
> > my wrench phobia. Thank you, List, for all you've taught me and for all
> > your support during my trying early years...
> >
> >
> > Wise men still seek Him...
> >
> > Mark St.Hilaire, Sr
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 13
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 09:23:55 -0600
From: "J. Gregory"
Subject: Re: NKLR: hello Brian Monroe
Hello Brian
I live in Camden Arkansas it is about 85 miles from Monroe. I have been to
monroe many times. we have many good roads here in Arkansas . recently took
ride to north Arkansas on the back roads 450 miles of twisties very few
streight spots I have a couple of buddies in little rock and we are always
going somewhere. if you would like to meet for a ride sometime you can call
me at 501-258-6499 anytime.
Jim
Arkansas
----- Original Message -----
From:
To: "J. Gregory"
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2001 11:09 PM
Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] NKLR: Help With Aerostitch Suit
> Howdy Jim!
> What part of southern Arkansas are you from? I've been looking for an
> Arkansas buddy to KLR with. Somebody that knows some good roads up that
> way. I'm from Monroe La. Ever heard of it? If your interested in doing
> some riding give me a yell.
>
> Louisiana Man - Brian
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 14
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 10:24:05 -0500
From: Brian
Subject: Re: Re: in defense of 250's
Two wheels and a throttle, that's all I need. "Ride Every Day"
guymanbro wrote:
> --- In DSN_klr650@y..., JJNeet1@a... wrote:
> > The KLR650 is a great motorcycle,but try taking it really rough off
> road conditions,and then try convincing yourself that its fun.
>
> Hey!!!! It IS fun. But then I'm only a whipper-snapper on this list.
> ;^P Remember people, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's
> okay...I think everyone's bike is just dandy.
>
> dat brooklyn bum
>
> Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
> Be part of the Adventure!
>
> Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
> Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe:
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>
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 15
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 10:33:17 -0500
From: Devon Jarvis
Subject: Re: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
I'll second this, with one caveat: If you do a lot of tinkering and
modifications, especially when you are bolting one third-party part onto
another third-party part, you will get things that don't quite match up.
They loosen, corrode in strange ways, or you get two parts, each
assuming it's bolted to something with the stock vibration isolation
scheme, and one promptly shakes apart.
I made a lot of parts for my SR500, learning about metal fatigue,
vibration isolation, and tolerancing with aftermarket parts. Keep your
bike as close to stock as possible, making only the mods that are truly
necessary for the riding you do. I have never been able to put this
wisdom into practice myself, and it's cost me a lot of time and money.
Not that I'm complaining, a bad day riding or wrenching beats a good day
at work.
Devon
gpokluda wrote:
>
snip
> As a rule, I have found that motorcycles do not demand nearly as much
> attention as their riders bestow on them. For many, tinkering on a
> bike and doing extra stuff to it does little for the bike itself, but
> does much, much more for the mental well being of the rider.
>
> Gino
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 16
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 08:14:59 -0800
From: "Conall O'Brien"
Subject: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
I've bought two used KLRs from people who at one time were on this list. I'm
happy with both deals. Before that I bought another used KLR650 out of the
newspaper from a private seller. Only time I bought new was back in '89 when
Kawi dropped the price of a KLR650 to $2899, paid $3300 out the door and
that was in Walnut Creek CA. Right now I'm window shopping for used bikes in
the Netherlands and there are some very competitive bike deals out there.
Transalps, Africa Twins, Varaderos, Super Teneres(sp), Dominators, XT's, so
many bikes its ridiculous. As soon as I can find a place to keep a bike in
Holland I'd like to get one. I want to tour Norway, Alps etc. Having a N.
American model KLR here in Europe might be different enough to get you
noticed.
Conall
Amsterdam, Holland
>From: "s2mumford"
>To:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [DSN_klr650] Question for multiple bike owners
>Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 00:19:54 -0000
>
>I know a lot of guys on this list have several bikes.
>I don't care what kind they are, I know you have a KLR 650.
>
>My question is do you guys normally buy your bikes new or used?
>
>If used, from a dealer or private individual?
>
>Thanks
>CA Stu
>
>
>Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
>Be part of the Adventure!
>
>Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
>Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
>Subscribe:
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>
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http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 17
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 16:25:57 -0000
From: "s2mumford"
Subject: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
Thanks for all the responses, folks.
I'm gonna look for the best used bike deal I can find.
After being offered $4k and $5500 by 2 differrent dealers to
trade in a bike that cost me over $12k 2 years ago, I think I would
rather be on the buying end of that deal...
I'm not scared to do some wrenching if a bike needs it.
That said, are there any dirt-oriented dual sport-ables (e.g.
dirt bikes with Baja Design kits) that are infamous lemons that I
shoud avoid? I realize parts for something like an ATK or KTM may be
expensive and hard to find, but if they never need parts, it doesn't
matter, right?
CA Stu DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com writes:
> I will say this though, about
> seven weeks ago I T-boned a deer at 55mph or so and had a very hard
> high-side onto the pavement.
I forgot to mention this before, but I hope you are all right after making
your deer kill for the season. I had my mind on other matters and didn't
even
register your accident until I read it again this morning. I apologize for
being so selfish. You OK? How did the bike fair? T-bones are supposed to be
nice juicy steaks, not deer in your face. (LOL). Seriously, I hope you are
OK, too many bikers have been dying or severely injured in the past couple
of
years.
Be good and Happy Holidays
Jim
Texas Thumpin
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 19
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 16:37:31 -0000
From: "blyskowski"
Subject: Fan Fuse
Any one having problems with the fan fuse on a 2001 KLR650? Mine
blew and looked like it was good. A continuity check showed it was
good. Turned out to have a hairline crack (I've seen this
before). I replaced with the 10 amp spare that was mounted with it,
and it blew in 30 seconds, same place, same way. I replaced with a
6 amp fuse and it has been fine for couple hundred miles. I suspect
vibration. I have not reattached the fuse to the original mount,
will eventually rubber mount it. The bike only has 12,500 miles on
it. Should I start carrying a supply of spares?
Bob
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 20
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 16:43:52 -0000
From: "gpokluda"
Subject: Fork extender caps
I'm in the market for the fork extender caps used by Elden and Toby.
Are these available from Dual Star? Anyone have any they want to get
rid of?
Gino
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 21
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 09:03:05 -0800 (PST)
From: John Irvine
Subject: Re: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
Known for being ill-handling, but locomotive like.
--- mighty_oak1 wrote:
> And this leads to another question(s). Do all
> motorcycles require the same level of TLC that a KLR
> does or is the fact that it is a big
> single mean it needs more attention than say an '86
> Vmax (which my brother is trying to talk me into
> buying from him so he can
> buy a 2002 VTX1800). By the way, has anyone on the
> list ever owned a Vmax? My bro's '86 runs like a
> neuclear powered
> locamotive. Unbelievable power and not a rattle to
> be heard!!!
>
> Brad J. Morris
> A16 Illinois
>
>
> > The NEXT bike I buy has every chance of being a
> used one, since I've overcome
> > my wrench phobia. Thank you, List, for all you've
> taught me and for all
> > your support during my trying early years...
>
> >
> >
> > Wise men still seek Him...
> >
> > Mark St.Hilaire, Sr
>
>
>
> Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
> Be part of the Adventure!
>
> Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
> Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> Subscribe:
DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> Unsubscribe:
DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> List owner:
DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
__________________________________________________
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Send your FREE holiday greetings online!
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Message: 22
Date: Fri, 07 Dec 2001 17:21:34 -0000
From: "mighty_oak1"
Subject: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
I have not ridden my KLR through the woods at 35mph then dumped it on its
side, letting it slide down a gravel slope into a muddy
stream at the bottom (though it does sounds like fun). I mostly just ride
the highways and biways of central Illinois, and though I
occasionally take it to some trails that offer the opportunity to do some
serious riding, I generally stick to the tamer trails, yet I
will still have to adjust the valves, tweak the balancer tension, replace
nuts and bolts that rattle loose, ect. I just wondered if all
motorcycles required this level of TLC when ridden in a manner consistant
with their design, or if the KLR is considered high
maintenance compared to other machines. This is my first bike, and though I
had 4 years of AutoMech in H.S. (20 years ago), and I
once changed the water pump in an 82 Celica in a gas station parking lot in
the middle of nowhere with an adjustable wrench and
butter knife for a screw driver Brad-
> Um, well that depends. Does your brother ride his V-Max through the
> woods at 35mph then dump it on its side, letting it slide down a gravel
> slope into a muddy stream at the bottom? How many times have you dropped
> your street bike at speed? What was the damage? How many miles have you
> ridden a street bike in conditions that it was not designed for? What
> were the maintenance costs?
> The reason you hear about a lot of maintenance on this list is that
> there are some of us who push these bikes (and their 16 year old design)
> beyond the limits for which they were designed. Your brother on the
> other hand, NEVER even goes near those limits on his V-Max. How many
> miles on it since 86? 20K I bet? Talk to Dale in SoCal, he's put
> something like 20K on his KLR THIS YEAR alone.
> I have no problem with bike maintenance and repairs on my KLR when I
> look at where I've ridden it and how much I have abused it... And it has
> always come back for more with nary a hesitation. I can show you a V-Max
> that requires more maintenance than a KLR, I can also show you a V-Max
> that requires the same amount of maintenance. Big deal, all bikes are
> individuals and have their individual needs, just as all bike riders are
> different in their own way and treat their bikes differently.
> Like I said before, I recognize that I abuse my bike and I am happy
to
> perform whatever maintenance it needs to keep performing as flawlessly
> as it has. If I didn't want to do this then I'd buy a Honda Civic, and
> if you don't then take it to a dealer, that's why they are there.
>
> Z
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 23
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 09:36:05 -0800 (PST)
From: John Lyon
Subject: Re: Fan Fuse
Bob:
Replace with an ATO 10amp fuse and fuse holder. I
would also replace the fuses and holders under the
seat.
Check out for more info:
http://www.dualsportnews.com/klr/klrfuse.html
John
--- blyskowski wrote:
> Any one having problems with the fan fuse on a 2001
> KLR650? Mine
> blew and looked like it was good. A continuity
> check showed it was
> good. Turned out to have a hairline crack (I've
> seen this
> before). I replaced with the 10 amp spare that was
> mounted with it,
> and it blew in 30 seconds, same place, same way. I
> replaced with a
> 6 amp fuse and it has been fine for couple hundred
> miles. I suspect
> vibration. I have not reattached the fuse to the
> original mount,
> will eventually rubber mount it. The bike only has
> 12,500 miles on
> it. Should I start carrying a supply of spares?
>
> Bob
__________________________________________________
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Send your FREE holiday greetings online!
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 24
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 11:00:11 -0700
From: "Peter Dahlheimer, MD"
Subject: RE: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
No, it's not any higher in the maintenance requirements than similarly
designed and used bikes. You could arguably have bought a bike
requiring a _little_ less maintenance, but that bike would not fall into
the "norm" in terms of maintenance requirements. You've made a fine
choice for where you ride. Get out there and ride it. Then be brave,
take your time, take your time, and learn to maintain it yourself. You
won't be sorry.
_pete
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mighty_oak1 [mailto:mighty_oak1@...]
> Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 10:22 AM
> To:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: Question for multiple bike owners
>
>
> I have not ridden my KLR through the woods at 35mph then
> dumped it on its side, letting it slide down a gravel slope
> into a muddy
> stream at the bottom (though it does sounds like fun). I
> mostly just ride the highways and biways of central Illinois,
> and though I
> occasionally take it to some trails that offer the
> opportunity to do some serious riding, I generally stick to
> the tamer trails, yet I
> will still have to adjust the valves, tweak the balancer
> tension, replace nuts and bolts that rattle loose, ect. I
> just wondered if all
> motorcycles required this level of TLC when ridden in a
> manner consistant with their design, or if the KLR is considered high
> maintenance compared to other machines. This is my first
> bike, and though I had 4 years of AutoMech in H.S. (20 years
> ago), and I
> once changed the water pump in an 82 Celica in a gas station
> parking lot in the middle of nowhere with an adjustable wrench and
> butter knife for a screw driver exageration. The thought of tearing into my new $5200 machine
> is a little
> intimidating. I'm sure once I do it a couple of times, I'll
> actually enjoy it.
>
> In case I was missunderstood. I'm totally thrilled with the
> bike, and have not for a second regretted purchasing it, and
> still think
> it's the best all around machine for the money, and I
> wouldn't trade it for anything, and people who own them raise
> better children,
> have prettier wives and girlfriends, and are generally
> smarter than those who don't. Did I leave anythig out?
>
> Brad J. Morris
> A16 Illinois
>
> > Brad-
> > Um, well that depends. Does your brother ride his V-Max
> through the
> > woods at 35mph then dump it on its side, letting it slide down a
> > gravel slope into a muddy stream at the bottom? How many times have
> > you dropped your street bike at speed? What was the damage?
> How many
> > miles have you ridden a street bike in conditions that it was not
> > designed for? What were the maintenance costs?
> > The reason you hear about a lot of maintenance on this
> list is that
> > there are some of us who push these bikes (and their 16 year old
> > design) beyond the limits for which they were designed.
> Your brother
> > on the other hand, NEVER even goes near those limits on his
> V-Max. How
> > many miles on it since 86? 20K I bet? Talk to Dale in
> SoCal, he's put
> > something like 20K on his KLR THIS YEAR alone.
> > I have no problem with bike maintenance and repairs on
> my KLR when I
> > look at where I've ridden it and how much I have abused
> it... And it
> > has always come back for more with nary a hesitation. I can
> show you a
> > V-Max that requires more maintenance than a KLR, I can also
> show you a
> > V-Max that requires the same amount of maintenance. Big deal, all
> > bikes are individuals and have their individual needs, just as all
> > bike riders are different in their own way and treat their
> bikes differently.
> > Like I said before, I recognize that I abuse my bike
> and I am happy
> > to perform whatever maintenance it needs to keep performing as
> > flawlessly as it has. If I didn't want to do this then I'd
> buy a Honda
> > Civic, and if you don't then take it to a dealer, that's
> why they are
> > there.
> >
> > Z
>
>
>
> Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
> Be part of the Adventure!
>
> Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?> ln=klr650
>
> Post
> message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
>
> Subscribe:
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>
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>
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Message: 25
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 10:17:45 -0800 (PST)
From: Rev.Chuck
Subject: Re: Question for multiple bike owners
I generally get my bikes from a *re-builder* a gentleman that buys salvaged
bikes and re-builds them to original specs. Sometimes an insurance company
will total a bike for purely cosmetic reasons, I am not so picky. If you
decide to go this route, make sure you know the person doing the rebuilding
to the extent you can put your life into his hands, or know what you are
looking at yourself. My re-building source is my brother.
Rev. Chuck
:^)>+
A13
Antelope, California
http://KLR650.50Megs.Com/
Or
http://DualSports.OnWeb.CX/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
--- "s2mumford" wrote:
>I know a lot of guys on this list have several bikes.
>I don't care what kind they are, I know you have a KLR 650.
>
>My question is do you guys normally buy your bikes new or used?
>
>If used, from a dealer or private individual?
>
>Thanks
>CA Stu
>
>
>Checkout Dual Sport News at
>
http://www.dualsportnews.com
>Be part of the Adventure!
>
>Visit the KLR650 archives at
>
http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650
>
>Post message:
DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com
>Subscribe:
DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
>Unsubscribe:
DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>List owner:
DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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