need a throttle

[oldrider25]

OK, a short while back, there was a kerfuffle about tool tubes, durability, and the possibility of tire interference when mounting to the skid plate. I took a ride to the local mountains and tested it on designated motorcycle single tracks and ATV trails. All of it was dirt; there were no large rocks. There was one trail that turned out to not be a trail. I rode over a couple of berms (the type they put on trails to tell you they're closed to moto travel) no sweat. The suspension got a workout and the moguls were steep, very closely spaced (about 1-1.5' peak to trough, 1-2 wheelbase lengths peak to peak) only hit the tube once on the right end and it's fine. No surprises since it's made of ABS and is very tough. I've hit it with a framing hammer against a sharp corner of my shop vice and all it got was a small dent. There was zero contact with the tire w/ the suspension working as hard as I was willing to push a heavy dual sport. The tube was re-mounted just below the skid plate u-bolt on the front which makes it vulnerable to rocks, etc. I changed the location after reading that some list members experienced some tire contact on the trail. Mounting the tube above the u-bolt still allows clearance for the front tire under full compression but it's close. I'm going to remount it at the higher location and test the set up again. I don't like the lower mounting location b/c it makes it very susceptible to large rocks. It would make it impossible to ride over a log w/ a dia. that is even with the skid plate's bottom without tearing the whole assy off the bike, IMO. I went down a couple very steep descents and hit many a trough, creating significant rearward and upward force, again, without any tire/tube compression. I'm satisfied with the tool tube's durability and mounting location. YMMV. John

[Greg Jorgensen]

I was one of the KLR owners who reported my front tire rubbing on my 4" tool tube on a rough downhill turn on Calif. Hwy 1. I had the tube mounted fairly high in front of the skid plate, just below the U-bolt. On that 900 mile ride I know the tire made contact with the tool tube at least twice, before I removed the tube. I don't know if it matters but I have an '08 KLR. The front end is a little different from the older KLRs, maybe that is significant. Greg Jorgensen Portland, Oregon USA '08 KLR650

[Lamar]

My bike has been on the ground on the right side so many times that I need a new throttle sleeve. Does anyone have one on a parts bike they would like to sell? I got out-bid on eBay and there are none currently listed. OR...Motion-Pro has a push/pull throttle assembly. Has anyone tried it? Would it work? Shoot me a line off-list if you care to do so. Thanks, Lamar A14