dakar klr for sale

[Ross Lindberg]

I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the list of farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the highway, I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last summer where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely put a damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in contact with the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by Eldon Carl warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine damage due to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there say be some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like B.S. to me. I'd like your opinions. Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or the SW-Motech skid plates. Ross Lindberg Fertile, MN Merry Christmas to all, and may you find lots of farkle under the tree. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Kevin Powers]

I've ridden my skid-plate equipped KLR hard all day without any temperature issues. If you're hitting hard stuff with your skid plate I would venture that the likelihood of impact damage is higher than the likelihood that you would suffer any heat related damage. I believe that the skid plates offered by the vendors you listed all come from a common manufacturer. I would look for a used one on ebay or advrider - heck you're just going to bang it up anyway right? Also, take the time to cut or drill a notch to allow doohickey adjustment without removing the skid plate for ease of maintenance. -- Kevin Powers White Bear Lake, MN

On Dec 24, 2007 7:37 AM, Ross Lindberg wrote: > I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the list > of > farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the highway, > I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last summer > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely put a > damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in contact > with > the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by Eldon Carl > warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine damage > due > to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there say be > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like B.S. to > me. I'd like your opinions. > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or the > SW-Motech skid plates. > > Ross Lindberg > > Fertile, MN > > Merry Christmas to all, and may you find lots of farkle under the tree. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Zachariah Mully]

Ross Lindberg wrote:

> I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the list of > farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the highway, > I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last summer > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely put a > damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in contact with > the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by Eldon Carl > warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine damage due > to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there say be > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like B.S. to > me. I'd like your opinions.

Holy Sh*t. Did he really say that? I know that for some on the list, Elden's feet never touch the ground, but unless his bike never touches the ground (which I know isn't the case) this is complete and utter bullshit, and potentially trip ending, bike destroying advice. This isn't a hypothetical argument about oil levels, the affect of which you'll not see over the life of the bike, this is something that has very high probability of happening if you ride your KLR anywhere off road. And too boot, with the KLRs weight, bottom end design and limited suspension, not even a bash plate (reinforced or not) is going to save your engine in some circumstances. I know, I punched a hole in my engine case through my bash plate, and I've see others do the same. Z

[Jeff Saline]

On Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:37:53 -0600 "Ross Lindberg" writes:

> I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the > list of > farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the > highway, > I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last > summer > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely > put a > damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in > contact with > the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by > Eldon Carl > warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine > damage due > to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there > say be > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like > B.S. to > me. I'd like your opinions. > > > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or > the > SW-Motech skid plates. > > > > Ross Lindberg > > Fertile, MN

<><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Ross, My opinion is an aftermarket metal skid plate is better for the KLR used off pavement than the stock skid plate. I've got one from Dual-Star and it works well. This last fall I did have to replace the button head bolts holding it to the frame. The heads were getting deformed and on one I wasn't sure if I reinstalled it if I'd ever be able to get it out without cutting a slot in the head for a screwdriver. Replacement was easy as my local ACE hardware store has a pretty good selection of metric fasteners. If I was getting one today I think I'd put one carried by Fred at www.arrowheadmotorsports.com at the top of the list. As I remember it has taller front sides which help protect the water pump area. Sorry I don't remember the name of it or the maker. One other thing you may consider when riding off road... Look at where you want to go instead of at what you don't want to hit. : ) I try to ride between the rocks when I can. Best and seasons greetings back at ya. Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT

[Ernie Campbell]

anyway the klr is water cooled not air cooled. i think the big aluminum plate makes a pretty good heatsink. Ernie Campbell http://www.oldskoolklr650.com

----- Original Message ----- From: Jeff Saline To: rosslind@... Cc: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 11:11 AM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] B.S. or Not? On Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:37:53 -0600 "Ross Lindberg" writes: > I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the > list of > farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the > highway, > I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last > summer > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely > put a > damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in > contact with > the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by > Eldon Carl > warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine > damage due > to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there > say be > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like > B.S. to > me. I'd like your opinions. > > > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or > the > SW-Motech skid plates. > > > > Ross Lindberg > > Fertile, MN <><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Ross, My opinion is an aftermarket metal skid plate is better for the KLR used off pavement than the stock skid plate. I've got one from Dual-Star and it works well. This last fall I did have to replace the button head bolts holding it to the frame. The heads were getting deformed and on one I wasn't sure if I reinstalled it if I'd ever be able to get it out without cutting a slot in the head for a screwdriver. Replacement was easy as my local ACE hardware store has a pretty good selection of metric fasteners. If I was getting one today I think I'd put one carried by Fred at www.arrowheadmotorsports.com at the top of the list. As I remember it has taller front sides which help protect the water pump area. Sorry I don't remember the name of it or the maker. One other thing you may consider when riding off road... Look at where you want to go instead of at what you don't want to hit. : ) I try to ride between the rocks when I can. Best and seasons greetings back at ya. Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Shane]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Ross Lindberg" wrote:

> > I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the

list of

> farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the

highway,

> I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last

summer

> where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely

put a

> damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in

contact with

> the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by

Eldon Carl

> warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine

damage due

> to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there

say be

> some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like

B.S. to

> me. I'd like your opinions. > > > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or

the

> SW-Motech skid plates. > > > > Ross Lindberg > > Fertile, MN > > > > Merry Christmas to all, and may you find lots of farkle under the

tree.

> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Ross I have 33K on my '99- nearly all with the Moose skid plate in place. I bought it on E-Bay for cheap. Never any overheat troubles yet. Be advised though that I have the Bikini model- the one that doesn't come all the way up and in front of the radiator. Shane

>

[andykisz]

Heres a quote from Elden Carl thats on the Top Gun website that doesn't make an after market skid plate sound like a fatal move for your KLR: Q. Do I need an aftermarket skid plate? A. When shopping for a skid plate or asking for advice, the first question you should be asked is "where are you riding?" If you don't hear this, you're talking to the wrong person. The KLR stock plate is frequently trashed as being, well, trash. However, it's a great little plate for almost all riding conditions. It's light, it fits well, and it provides more cooling than any other plate. Now, if you are riding through big rocks you probably DO need an aftermarket plate. Just remember that you are adding weight and reducing the airflow across the bottom of the engine. At least make sure the risk of damage where you are riding is worth it. Probably the best thing you can do regarding damage to the underside of your engine is to replace the stock oil drain plug with a low-profile plug. As for the DR, the stock plate is a bit expensive, but fits very well and provides lots of cooling air around the sides of the engine - though does restrict airflow somewhat to the front. Remember that summer or desert riding exacerbates any poor cooling tendencies on either bike. If you are expecting to do a lot of aggressive off-road riding; if you think you are going to dump the bike from time to time; or as mentioned earlier if you are riding in rocky terrain you may be better off with a heavier plate with more side protection. As long as you understand the trade-off you are making (primarily weight and cooling), you won't be unhappy with your decision (especially if you avoid hot summer riding).

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Shane" wrote: > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Ross Lindberg" > wrote: > > > > I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the > list of > > farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the > highway, > > I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last > summer > > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely > put a > > damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in > contact with > > the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by > Eldon Carl > > warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine > damage due > > to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there > say be > > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like > B.S. to > > me. I'd like your opinions. > > > > > > > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or > the > > SW-Motech skid plates. > > > > > > > > Ross Lindberg > > > > Fertile, MN > > > > > > > > Merry Christmas to all, and may you find lots of farkle under the > tree. > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > Hey Ross > I have 33K on my '99- nearly all with the Moose skid plate in place. > I bought it on E-Bay for cheap. Never any overheat troubles yet. Be > advised though that I have the Bikini model- the one that doesn't > come all the way up and in front of the radiator. > Shane > > >

[andykisz]

Here's the link in case anyone wants to read the quote I posted in context: http://www.topgunmotorcycles.com/cp_archive/cpaug06.html

[Mike]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Ross Lindberg" wrote:

> > I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the

list of

> farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the

highway,

> I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last summer > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely

put a

> damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in

contact with

> the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by

Eldon Carl

> warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine

damage due

> to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there say be > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like

B.S. to

> me. I'd like your opinions. > > > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or the > SW-Motech skid plates. > > > > Ross Lindberg > > Fertile, MN > > > > Merry Christmas to all, and may you find lots of farkle under the tree. >

I always like to see actual data, from good quality objective tests. I'm not talking about aiming an infared sensor at the front of the engine. I'd like to see oil and/or coolant temps over identical runs, identical conditions, several times to help eliminate error. I only know of one guy that has actually done that. I don't think he's responded to this discussion yet, maybe he will. I know of people that have had damage to the engine from insufficient protection for the cases. I know of some that have had an aftermarket bash plate damaged in a way that made me think it saved the engine. I don't know of anyone that has shown an aftermarket plate actually caused damage from heat. all the best, Mike Be your own KLR650 guru

[traderpro2003]

I say let it melt. The bottom of my skid plate looks heinous...like I've taken more than one NED (nature's explosive devices). I literally have a baseball-sized punch up into the plate, sheared-off 2 button-head screws (the skid plate makes a nice dish saving everything), and countless, deep gashes. I'd road race in a Speedo before going without a stout skid plate. But for the casual guy running over some debris that comes up? The plastic plate is just fine. That little bugger can take a serious beating. It's when you get into rocks and huge boulders when it really matters. As far as engine temps, the skid plate shouldn't be an issue. But let science confirm it like Mike said. Air across the block at slow speeds simply is a poor cooling mechanism. Personally, I don't think airflow matters much under 20mph which is typically the speed in boulders. Actually, with a big aluminum skid plate, heat coming off the engine would actually disapate (theoretically) faster than say plastic due to plastic's insulating properties. Still, I would not consider skid plates/aerodynamics leading to any significant +/- engine temp until you're at constant speeds where airflow really matters. Even here warm air across a hot block? It's why we have radiators (albeit under-sized ones). My rec would be if you plan on riding areas with big rocks, add the plate at all costs. $70? Call it insurance vs. over-heated engine. At least with an over-heated engine, you can choose to stop...no so with hole in your case. I'd even install the low-profile oil plug. If you might ride rock, go without it until you're convinced rock- hopping is for you. My 2005 rides at the same temp with the Moose SP as a guy riding a 2007 with the stock. We hit the same NEDs and he's had plenty of little damage to his plastic/stock SP with no worries. Then compare it to mine (it's seen more places/action) and quickly realize WOW!...it has worth it. Brian who is convinced there is a fine line between the benefits of a solid skid plate and avant garde skid marks

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Mike" wrote: > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Ross Lindberg" wrote: > > > > I have been contemplating adding an aftermarket skid plate to the > list of > > farkle on my KLR. While most of my riding to date has been on the > highway, > > I am venturing more and more off-road and was in a situation last summer > > where the skid plate was getting a bit of a workout. It definitely > put a > > damper on the fun factor each time I heard the plastic come in > contact with > > the ground. My question is this; on the web there is a quote by > Eldon Carl > > warning that fitting an aftermarket skid plate will cause engine > damage due > > to reduced airflow and increased engine temperature. While there say be > > some truth to reduced airflow, resultant engine damage sounds like > B.S. to > > me. I'd like your opinions. > > > > > > > > Also welcome are your comments favoring either the Happy Trails or the > > SW-Motech skid plates. > > > > > > > > Ross Lindberg > > > > Fertile, MN > > > > > > > > Merry Christmas to all, and may you find lots of farkle under the tree. > > > I always like to see actual data, from good quality objective tests. > I'm not talking about aiming an infared sensor at the front of the > engine. I'd like to see oil and/or coolant temps over identical runs, > identical conditions, several times to help eliminate error. I only > know of one guy that has actually done that. I don't think he's > responded to this discussion yet, maybe he will. > > I know of people that have had damage to the engine from insufficient > protection for the cases. I know of some that have had an aftermarket > bash plate damaged in a way that made me think it saved the engine. I > don't know of anyone that has shown an aftermarket plate actually > caused damage from heat. > > all the best, > > Mike > Be your own KLR650 guru >