Wilsons Sandbox

On Sun, May 3, 2009 at 11:56 PM, bufbooth wrote:

> 2) what is the rpms at 60mph? > 3) how is the vibrations at 60mph?

It looks like Dennis might have already decided, but if it helps at all, I've uploaded a video of my commute into DC that should give a pretty good idea of engine noise, vibrations, speed, etc. It's about half interstate, with speeds on the HOV lanes averaging between 70-80 MPH (when not stuck in a rubbernecker traffic backup). http://blip.tv/file/2078933 My general thoughts based on 6000 miles on my '08... Vibrations aren't an issue at speed. At low speeds, it does vibrate a bit around 2500 rpm. A rider is "in the wind"... the fairing helps, but you'll still be getting direct wind. There's no buffetting, and I like it with the wind (I'd chop the windscreen on my FJR for the same effect if I weren't selling it). The handguards do a good job of keeping fingers warm in all but insane temps. I have heated gloves for that. I've had no oil burning or electrical issues and don't expect any. The muffler fell off, but there's a recall for that now on the '08s. '09s should be fine. The radiator hose connector to the engine leaked, fixed in one day under warranty, no hassles. It's a good bike and is more comfortable for long distances that my FJR (which is why I'm selling that one). For the money, you can't beat it. I have all sorts of crash protection. I've taken it seriously offroad once. I wasn't prepared and am not a good offroad rider. I was picking the fat beast up all day long. No damage other than bent clutch lever, thanks to crash bars. Buy them, you'll thank us some day. Chain is easy... it's a fifteen minute job to tension and lube it. I expect 20,000 miles out of mine. --Jonathan "smthng" Kalmes Springfield, VA http://smthng.info Twitter - http://twitter.com/smthng Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000936455 "Shake well... some settling is natural."

Ron, I tore my ACL in a ski crash years ago, then bought a custom knee brace and continued skiing "Black diamonds". I'm sure a brace would work for you riding, tho' I haven't tried myself. Ed

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "roncriswell@..." wrote: > > As a long time bike rider (and crasher), sometimes skier (and > crasher), and retired skateboarder / sailboarder, my right knee is > telling me maybe to find a chair and stay there. The knee hurts a lot > and sometimes wants to collapse when you don't want it too. Anybody > have the same problems and did you have surgery (with success)? > > > Criswell > (who sometimes contemplates a new dirt bike but knee say maybe not) >

Ron, I had the same problem after a military injury. Essentially I damaged the knee and instead of going to the doc and physical therapy, I just "toughed it out". This caused some tendons to shrink (namely the "IT" band) and caused a great amount of wear to the joint that needn't be there. This caused swelling and grinding in the joint and overall weakness. I had an arthroscopy and lateral release in '96. A lateral release has a very long recovery time, and I was NFFD for a month, and light duty for 2. After many evaluations, the Coast Guard decided that I was not fit for sea duty due to stability problems, and therefore not fit for duty at all. I retain about 60% strength in my right knee, but my lateral stability is toast. Going to sea on a rocking ship is not an option. 13 years later, I still have problems from time-to-time, but not nearly as many as I had before the surgery. I get 3 or 4 steroid injections a year when it gives me problems and I've had to have it drained twice. It doesn't stop me from KLR-ing all over the place, I just suck it up and go. If you have a passion for something, you gotta follow it. I still have a torn meniscus and other misc problems that could be fixed, but I prefer the least invasive treatments, so I'll live with it until it affects my lifestyle and then I'll get it fixed. My advice is: find the best orthopaedist you can afford and follow his advice. If you're in the Southern California area, I'll happily recommend you to mine. He's stellar and he also is the sports doc for the LA Clippers. Hope you get it sorted out, if you want any more detailed thoughts, feel free to email me off board. -Jeff Khoury Astatic Solutions, LLC.

----- Original Message ----- From: roncriswell@... To: "KLR Group" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2009 7:29:44 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [DSN_KLR650] knee surgery???NKLR or maybe is... As a long time bike rider (and crasher), sometimes skier (and crasher), and retired skateboarder / sailboarder, my right knee is telling me maybe to find a chair and stay there. The knee hurts a lot and sometimes wants to collapse when you don't want it too. Anybody have the same problems and did you have surgery (with success)? Criswell (who sometimes contemplates a new dirt bike but knee say maybe not) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]