need rear wheel for 2000 klr

[Michael Silverstein]

I am being tempted by a new Suzuki DL650 VStrom because of its outstanding manners on the Interstate compared to the KLR650. My goal is to have a bike that keeps up easily with 80-85mph traffic for long periods on Interstate highways in relative comfort and confidence. I like the idea of being able to transform the 'personality' of my KLR from dirt-orientation to highway and back without spending a lot of money, so my question is: Which of the following are effective means for improving the highway manners of the KLR at Interstate speeds so that it can at least approach that of a VStrom: My options are: - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness - Street-oriented tires - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better cushioning - other? Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it is not and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long highway trips? Mike A18 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/326 - Release Date: 4/27/2006

[Greg Schmidt]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Silverstein" wrote:

> > I am being tempted by a new Suzuki DL650 VStrom because of its > outstanding manners on the Interstate compared to the KLR650. My

goal is

> to have a bike that keeps up easily with 80-85mph traffic for long > periods on Interstate highways in relative comfort and confidence.

I

> like the idea of being able to transform the 'personality' of my

KLR

> from dirt-orientation to highway and back without spending a lot of > money, so my question is: > > Which of the following are effective means for improving the

highway

> manners of the KLR at Interstate speeds so that it can at least

approach

> that of a VStrom: > > My options are: > - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness > - Street-oriented tires > - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed > - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast > - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better cushioning > - other? > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it

is not

> and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long

highway

> trips? > > Mike A18

It's really your call and your dime. The Wee is a nice highway ride. I'm sure the KLR can be made better. I've got mine leaned more toward highway at the moment. A better seat, better sheild, smaller fender and gripsters (soon to be MEFO's). I have a 16T front sprocket, but didn't like it and put the 15 back on. Is the bike now as comfortable on the highway as the 'strom? I d have to say no. The Strom also has some buffeting issues. But there are some aftermarket fixes for it. I may someday consider the 'strom, but for now, I still like the versatility of the thumper. Actually, I consider it a benefit anymore that I don't want to tax the bike all day long at 85mph. I tend to take more by-ways and makes for a more interesting ride. It usually really is more about the journey than the destination. On a side note, The Tomtom nav5 software has a nice feature to be able to map routes bases on a maximum vehicle speed . I've tryed setting it at 63 and 68 max speeds and it maps some cool routes. Keeping me off the super slabs. I still do my fair share of 6 lane slabs, but not much over the speed limit. Hard to beat the KLR for romps into town also. -CamoGreg

[Chris Jennings]

I've also had friends that took their 16 off in favor of the 15. Tires make a pretty big difference, I've been running Gripsters for about a year, and recently switched to D606's on a dirt ride. The Gripsters are much better on the front at highway speed.

On 4/28/06, Greg Schmidt wrote: > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Silverstein" > wrote: > > > > I am being tempted by a new Suzuki DL650 VStrom because of its > > outstanding manners on the Interstate compared to the KLR650. My > goal is > > to have a bike that keeps up easily with 80-85mph traffic for long > > periods on Interstate highways in relative comfort and confidence. > I > > like the idea of being able to transform the 'personality' of my > KLR > > from dirt-orientation to highway and back without spending a lot of > > money, so my question is: > > > > Which of the following are effective means for improving the > highway > > manners of the KLR at Interstate speeds so that it can at least > approach > > that of a VStrom: > > > > My options are: > > - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness > > - Street-oriented tires > > - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed > > - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast > > - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better cushioning > > - other? > > > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it > is not > > and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long > highway > > trips? > > > > Mike A18 > > It's really your call and your dime. The Wee is a nice highway > ride. I'm sure the KLR can be made better. I've got mine leaned > more toward highway at the moment. A better seat, better sheild, > smaller fender and gripsters (soon to be MEFO's). I have a 16T > front sprocket, but didn't like it and put the 15 back on. Is the > bike now as comfortable on the highway as the 'strom? I > d have to say no. The Strom also has some buffeting issues. But > there are some aftermarket fixes for it. > I may someday consider the 'strom, but for now, I still like the > versatility of the thumper. Actually, I consider it a benefit > anymore that I don't want to tax the bike all day long at 85mph. I > tend to take more by-ways and makes for a more interesting ride. It > usually really is more about the journey than the destination. > > On a side note, The Tomtom nav5 software has a nice feature to be > able to map routes bases on a maximum vehicle speed . I've tryed > setting it at 63 and 68 max speeds and it maps some cool routes. > Keeping me off the super slabs. I still do my fair share of 6 lane > slabs, but not much over the speed limit. Hard to beat the KLR for > romps into town also. > > -CamoGreg > > > > > > > > > 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 > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jim Link]

You are not alone, I do 95% of my riding on the road, I bought the KLR to go down fire roads, and dirt road. I am seriously considering the 1000cc vstrom, I just wish the KLR has mor top end.... Should I be buying one too? --- Michael Silverstein wrote:

> I am being tempted by a new Suzuki DL650 VStrom > because of its > outstanding manners on the Interstate compared to > the KLR650. My goal is > to have a bike that keeps up easily with 80-85mph > traffic for long > periods on Interstate highways in relative comfort > and confidence. I > like the idea of being able to transform the > 'personality' of my KLR > from dirt-orientation to highway and back without > spending a lot of > money, so my question is: > > Which of the following are effective means for > improving the highway > manners of the KLR at Interstate speeds so that it > can at least approach > that of a VStrom: > > My options are: > - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness > - Street-oriented tires > - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed > - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast > - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better > cushioning > - other? > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR > something it is not > and should I more seriously be considering the > VStrom for long highway > trips? > > Mike A18 > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/326 - > Release Date: 4/27/2006 > > > > > 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 > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > >

__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

[Randy Shultz]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Silverstein" wrote:

> > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it is

not

> and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long highway > trips? >

--- Ding ding ding, I think we have a winner... I've tried most of the items on your list, and the KLR cannot approach the DL650 in terms of highway manners. Likewise the DL, in my opinion, cannot approach the KLR off-pavement. The two bikes are just too different to close the gap with any amount of modification as I see it. Personally, I can live with the KLR on the highway, but I also own a sport-tourer for long road work. I wouldn't take a DL where I take my KLR. Different bikes for different needs. Happiness is a large garage and the ability to fill it. I'm not there yet, but I'm hopeful.

[Bogdan Swider]

> > My options are: > - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness > - Street-oriented tires > - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed > - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast > - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better cushioning > - other? > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it is not > and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long highway > trips? > > Mike A18

I currently run with all those mods except the 16T which I consider too tall. I do sometimes consider a Wee Strom and who knows it may come to that. There are obvious trade offs; there would be less if at some point the klr was modernized. But since I believe in moto-monogamy for now I find the klr to be fine on long trips and even interstates when I can't avoid them. Bogdan

[Mike Peplinski]

Lowering the revs won't make that much difference. The engine spins along fine. Try trimming the front fender just behind the flat spot on the tip, about 4 inches and cut the side curve so it is a straight line from the top of the fender curve to the tip. It works great and looks good. A taller windshield may just dump turbulent air on you at a different level. I tried adding several inches to the already tall shield and it made little difference. I prefer the short stock windshield. I've got a beemer with a real tall fairing and shield and it really isolates me from the wind but it takes a lot of the feeling out of riding. For the most part this seems to be part of sport riding. The only way around it is to go with a Goldwing or other fully faired touring bike. Personally I don't consider this an option at this time. Maybe when I'm 70.

> > > > > My options are: > > - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness > > - Street-oriented tires > > - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed > > - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast > > - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better cushioning > > - other? > > > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it is not > > and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long highway > > trips? > > > > Mike A18 > >> >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 > > > > > >

[kr4je@bellsouth.net]

I tink if you are not mostly satisfied with the KLR now you are wasting your time . You can enhance it a little but not transform it into a highspeed highway bike. Keep the KLR and buy a V Strom. Still Cheaper and more versatile than than any one bike out there. Gus

----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Silverstein" To: "'DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups. com'" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 6:25 AM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Best way to improve high-speed highway manners? >I am being tempted by a new Suzuki DL650 VStrom because of its > outstanding manners on the Interstate compared to the KLR650. My goal is > to have a bike that keeps up easily with 80-85mph traffic for long > periods on Interstate highways in relative comfort and confidence. I > like the idea of being able to transform the 'personality' of my KLR > from dirt-orientation to highway and back without spending a lot of > money, so my question is: > > Which of the following are effective means for improving the highway > manners of the KLR at Interstate speeds so that it can at least approach > that of a VStrom: > > My options are: > - Lowered fender to reduce twitchiness > - Street-oriented tires > - 16T sprocket for lower revs at high speed > - Lengthen or modify wind screen for less air blast > - Replace the seat, or at least insert some better cushioning > - other? > > Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it is not > and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long highway > trips? > > Mike A18 > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/326 - Release Date: 4/27/2006 > > > > > 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 > > > > > >

[Gavin Macfarlane]

Randy Shultz wrote:

> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Silverstein" > wrote: > >> Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR something it is >> > not > >> and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long highway >> trips? >> >> > --- > > Ding ding ding, I think we have a winner... > > I've tried most of the items on your list, and the KLR cannot approach > the DL650 in terms of highway manners. Likewise the DL, in my opinion, > cannot approach the KLR off-pavement. The two bikes are just too > different to close the gap with any amount of modification as I see it. > > Personally, I can live with the KLR on the highway, but I also own a > sport-tourer for long road work. I wouldn't take a DL where I take my > KLR. Different bikes for different needs. Happiness is a large garage > and the ability to fill it. I'm not there yet, but I'm hopeful. > >

I agree with Randy, one of each in an ideal world. When I do long highway rides the WeeStrom is so much more comfortable and far less fatiguing. The Wee has so much more power, ideal for overtaking our long trucks and road trains here. The KLR by comparison feels hung out to dry, not good on a two laner. I certainly wouldn't take the Wee on a lot of off highway stuff. It feels quite twitchy with road tyre pressures and I don't know if its the radial tyres but it basically feels weird plus the extra power is not so welcome there. I've now got about 8000Km on the Wee and over 23000 on the KLR. -- Gavin Broadford Victoria Australia KLR650A18 DL650K6 Home of the DSN-KLR650 searchable archive at:- http://dsnklr650.gavinmac.com [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Michael Silverstein]

Thanks to all who responded. I ran into an ex-road racer who advised me to set my tires to 24psi front and 28psi rear and raise the fork stanchions a 1.5 cm. I tried that as well as cranking the stock shocks all the way up and suddenly the bike is much steadier on the highway and corners, even at high speed around trucks with K270's mounted. In true KLR spirit these changes cost nothing! Now to start backing them off to see which ones made the most difference. Mike A18 who's not pining for a VStrom quite as much

> -----Original Message----- > From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Gavin Macfarlane > Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 5:59 PM > To: Michael Silverstein > Cc: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com; Randy Shultz > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Best way to improve high-speed > highway manners? > > > Randy Shultz wrote: > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Michael Silverstein" > > wrote: > > > >> Or am I wasting my time/money trying to make the KLR > something it is > >> > > not > > > >> and should I more seriously be considering the VStrom for long > >> highway trips? > >> > >> > > --- > > > > Ding ding ding, I think we have a winner... > > > > I've tried most of the items on your list, and the KLR > cannot approach > > the DL650 in terms of highway manners. Likewise the DL, in > my opinion, > > cannot approach the KLR off-pavement. The two bikes are just too > > different to close the gap with any amount of modification > as I see it. > > > > Personally, I can live with the KLR on the highway, but I also own a > > sport-tourer for long road work. I wouldn't take a DL > where I take my > > KLR. Different bikes for different needs. Happiness is a > large garage > > and the ability to fill it. I'm not there yet, but I'm hopeful. > > > > > I agree with Randy, one of each in an ideal world. When I do long > highway rides the WeeStrom is so much more comfortable and far less > fatiguing. The Wee has so much more power, ideal for overtaking our > long trucks and road trains here. The KLR by comparison feels > hung out > to dry, not good on a two laner. I certainly wouldn't take > the Wee on a > lot of off highway stuff. It feels quite twitchy with road tyre > pressures and I don't know if its the radial tyres but it basically > feels weird plus the extra power is not so welcome there. > I've now got > about 8000Km on the Wee and over 23000 on the KLR. > > -- > Gavin > > Broadford Victoria Australia > KLR650A18 > DL650K6 >

-- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/328 - Release Date: 5/1/2006