klr usage question

[Jeff Saline]

On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:30:08 -0000 "eddiebmauri" writes:

> Hi all, I have a question about storage of a KLR, here's the > situation: > A month ago I got a company cage that I can use for personal use as > well. > So, my KLR, which was a daily rider, now sits. I have ridden it > for > less than an 2 hours in the last month. I keep it outside under a > MC > cover. > > So, should I get a battery trickle changer? Will starting it every > other day be enough to keep the battery happy? BTW, is a fairly > new > battery. > > Are there any other issues that I should consider relative to > storing > a KLR when it is not being ridden a lot? > > And, yes, I know that the only real solution is to ride more, am > working on that. > > Thanks > > Eddie (03' KLR - "la poderosa)

<><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><> Eddie, Sometimes I don't ride my 2003 KLR for two or three months at a time. I've gone longer too. I don't do anything to it normally. I just park it and hope I'll get to ride it again soon. Parked outside might be an issue for some folks. I think I'd just leave it under the cover with a full tank of fuel. I wouldn't add fuel stabilizer unless I knew for sure I was gonna not be riding it for a long time. I would turn the fuel petcock off about 1/2 mile from the parking space and let the carb and fuel line drain a bit before parking it. I've done this on all my bikes and I don't ever seem to have jets gummed up from longer term idleness. If you decide to use a fuel stabilizer make sure you follow the directions. Another one to consider besides Stabil is SeaFoam. I prefer SeaFoam but don't use it much unless in my fuel injected Jeep. For the battery I suggest you monitor it with a voltmeter once a week for four weeks. Write down the voltage and date. See how your battery holds a charge. If it drops below maybe 12.5 volts it might be worth charging the battery. I would not just put a charger on the battery and walk away from it for a month. If you are in freezing temperatures remember a dead battery will freeze while a fully charged battery won't. You could also make sure your battery fluid level is correct. If you add distilled water make sure you charge the battery either by riding it or with a small charger. Don't just top it off and walk away from it. Sometimes I'll put a battery tender junior on my KLR if it hasn't been ridden in 6 weeks or so. Usually it's a red light to start and a green light sometime later in the day. I don't put it on if the battery voltage is 12.6 or higher. I would suggest you only start the engine when you are going to ride the bike. It'll be best for the lubricants and moving parts if they get to operating temperature for a bit. Just starting the engine and letting it idle won't do that. Once it's running turn off the choke (enricher) as soon as you can. Ride and enjoy it. Oh, you also asked about other issues. I'd suggest you check your tire pressure with a gauge before riding if you haven't checked it within two days or so. Best, 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

[Blake Sobiloff]

Our very own Arden Kysely has a "tour test" published in the March 2008 issue of "Rider" magazine--I just got my issue in the mail today. He rides an '08 KLR650, while his buds ride an R1200GS, a KTM 950 Adventure, an R1150GS, and an XR650L. Arden also reviews the "Dual Sport Riding Techniques" DVD, so if you think you need a second opinion after Jeff's review, enjoy! -- Blake Sobiloff http://www.sobiloff.com/> San Jose, CA (USA)