[dsn_klr650] ok, now that i have a klr650...

[skypilot110]

Stu Cut the very end (the foot) off of the kickstand and grind off the rest of the tubing that is attached to it. Lay it on the ground somewhere. Then cut off ~inch, lean the bike on the foot to see if it is short enough. Make sure you have all the stuff you normaly carry so the weight has the suspension where it will normaly be. If it is not short enough cut off another 1/4 - 1/2 inch, measure, cut, measure ... until it is where you want it. Now load the bike however you would if you were off adventuring, for some this may mean putting two bags of groceries in the panniers. For others it may mean 3 months provisions and an affordable camp pad. Regardless make sure it is the right length for when the bike is both loaded and unloaded. If you dont do this the bike will either fall over when it is loaded or when you take the stuff off. You will look infinately cooler if it does not fall over at the grocery or at Tiera Del Fuego. Mind the angle you cut it off at matches the angle it contacts the foot. That will change as it gets shorter so keep an eye on it. Then weld the foot back on. You definately want some kind of cut off wheel for this, not a hack saw. If you dont have one buy a mandlrel and some cut off wheels to put in your drill, just dont twist it while the disc is cutting or bit go flying everywhere. As far as cutting it in the middle that is for when you want to make it adjustable. that is more complicated and more weight so you get to decide that one all on your own. IMHO it is easier to keep your eyes open for a used original replaccement over the years in case you grow a bunch and take out the lowering kit, hey, stranger things have happened! Other than that just hack off the bottom and weld the foot back on. Chris

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, stuart sullivan wrote: >> My tech friend want's to shorten the stand in the middle but I'm inclined to take it off the bottom of the kickstand,it would seem to me it would stay stronger that way,thoughts on this anyone. > > Thanks Stu.

[skc4seasons]

Tried post this last night, but it didn't show up so I'll try again. First off thanks to all those who gave advice to my previous post. I have settled with Progessive on the claim for my accident. They decided not to total my 2009 KLR after reviewing some figures. The adjuster had not initaly allowed enough for my aluminum touring boxes and aftermarket windscreen. I got a estimate from a Kawasaki dealer- Their estimate was 2500.00 Progressive is giving me a cash settlement that will more than cover the expenses if I make the repairs myself.(There is no frame or fork damage)I looked on line and will be able to replace everything that is damaged or scratched for less than 1500.00. They also gave me money to replace my damaged helmet and jacket.(They actually gave me more than I had invested in them) It will be a while before my shoulder is healed and i am ready to ride, but I am going to get the bike ready for riding this summer. Spring is here along the front range in Colorado and I am ready to start doing some exploring in the mountains. Any advice on mods I might do while I have it apart making repairs? I am thinking about installing a switch to kill the headlight while it is parked and running. Thanks Ahead of time for any suggestions. Stan

[RobertWichert]

My suggestion is to not replace anything.  Well, turn signals for sure.  I wouldn't replace the plastic unless it won't stay on.  These things drop.  Trust me, I know from experience. What was the value they put on the bike, just for my curiosity? It sounds like the value of the bike, less deductible, was more than the cost of repairs to the bike, your helmet AND YOUR JACKET?  Shit, I never thought of that.  My jacket has a big gnarly grind on the shoulder.  I should have tried for that.  My wife wants it fixed.  On the other hand, it's better to tell smart-ass guys who say "Nice Jacket!" that "It's a motorcycle jacket.  I wear it because motorcycles fall over.  See?" Here is the trick headlight switch that lets you turn the headlight off and has push-to-cancel turn signals. http://www.klr650.com/LightSwitchAssembly.htm Be sure to buy the mirror bracket thing too.  This is  a top-notch piece, but I don't know if it works on '09s.  The catalog says it doesn't  :  ( Robert P. Wichert P.Eng +1 916 966 9060 FAX +1 916 966 9068 ========================================================

On 4/13/2010 8:36 AM, skc4seasons wrote:   Tried post this last night, but it didn't show up so I'll try again. First off thanks to all those who gave advice to my previous post. I have settled with Progessive on the claim for my accident. They decided not to total my 2009 KLR after reviewing some figures. The adjuster had not initaly allowed enough for my aluminum touring boxes and aftermarket windscreen. I got a estimate from a Kawasaki dealer- Their estimate was 2500.00 Progressive is giving me a cash settlement that will more than cover the expenses if I make the repairs myself.(There is no frame or fork damage)I looked on line and will be able to replace everything that is damaged or scratched for less than 1500.00. They also gave me money to replace my damaged helmet and jacket.(They actually gave me more than I had invested in them) It will be a while before my shoulder is healed and i am ready to ride, but I am going to get the bike ready for riding this summer. Spring is here along the front range in Colorado and I am ready to start doing some exploring in the mountains. Any advice on mods I might do while I have it apart making repairs? I am thinking about installing a switch to kill the headlight while it is parked and running. Thanks Ahead of time for any suggestions. Stan