quick radiator leak fix

[RobertWichert]

Yes, I know that more pressure means more mileage, but less pressure means more traction.  I'm opting for traction. Cheers! Robert P. Wichert P.Eng +1 916 966 9060 FAX +1 916 966 9068 ========================================================

On 6/14/2010 6:27 PM, Harry Seifert wrote: In spite of what the dealer says, you just may pick up a thousand or so additional miles from your tires if you put in an additional 2 - 3 PSIG at each end.  My stock tires on the '99 were gone at 3K miles....and I'm at 260#.   I ran 28/33 in my original '06 tires and got 4500K miles outta them before they were too bad to ride on.  Ya gotta remember, these vatos want to sell you stuff.  Low pressures on tires makes 'em wear out quicker, then they get to sell you more stuff.   On Jun 14, 2010, at 6:10 PM, RobertWichert wrote: I run stock pressures on the street, because the dealer yells at me if I change them.  21 front, 28 rear, I think. It's just me and probably 10 lbs of crap on the back.  I weigh 180Lb. Sometimes more, mostly not. Robert P. Wichert P.Eng +1 916 966 9060 FAX +1 916 966 9068 ======================================================== On 6/14/2010 5:51 PM, Harry Seifert wrote: What pressures are you running?  And how much weight is the bike carrying? On Jun 14, 2010, at 3:34 PM, RobertWichert wrote: I put TKC 80s on mine, and I ride on the street most of the time.  They seem to corner fine on asphalt and have enough knob to make a difference off road.  YMMV They don't last very long though.  I have 11,00 MILES on the bike and I have worn out the stock tires at ~5,000, where I switched, and I have worn out 1.5 backs and 1.1 fronts since then. Robert P. Wichert P.Eng +1 916 966 9060 FAX +1 916 966 9068 ======================================================== On 6/14/2010 2:02 PM, Michael Martin wrote: Hi Robert, Welcome to the KLR group!  I've had mine for three years now, and there is a great group of KLR riders here. One of the first things I found on the web after I bought my bike was the KLU\R FAQ: http://www.bigcee. com/klr650faq. html   The FAQ answered a lot of my newbie KLR questions. On that page was a link to a page all about tires for the KLR: http://www.standout net.com/extras/ mike/motorcycles /klr650/tires/ My used KLR came with Dunlop D607 tires, which are a great tire for paved roads, but leave a little to be desired for loose gravel.  I switched to Kenda K270 tires, which are considered a 50/50 tire, not the best for off-road nor for paved road.  They are a bit alarming (read squirrelly) at first on pavement, and have a pronounced howl at speed, but were just what I wanted.  YMMV. So I hope you get that bike tweaked to the way you want it and enjoy years of (s)miles riding it. Mike Martin, Louisville, KY [b]From:[/b] Robert Kochen [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.comDSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Mon, June 14, 2010 9:18:25 AM [b]Subject:[/b] [DSN_KLR650] newbie tire question and intro   Hi guys, New to this list and should intro myself before asking too may questions.  I've been riding for at least 40 years. Grew up on dirtbikes. Bought two dirtbikes just to teach my three boys how to ride! I've owned a BMW R1100rt for the last ten years, 100,000 miles ago. I also have an old 81 CB900C Honda for a project bike. Great bike but I will likely be selling it soon as I now own an 08 KLR.  A question about the best tires is like asking who has the best BBQ but I'll ask it anyway. For the time being my riding will consist of MOSTLY street riding. I'd like the option of gravel roads but living in Kansas City and having to work for a living limits adventure riding for now. I currently have (front) Dunlop K750 (rear) Trailwinner G-P 110R.  I'm also curious about quality vendors and websites selling aftermarket gear for the KLR.  Best to all, RJ Kochen 08 Kawasaki KLR650 * 99 BMW R1100rt * 81 HONDA CB900C IBA * BMWMOA * KCBMWMC * KC HOAME Club * AMA * RomeoRiders

[Thomas]

I am a heavy rider, and (on pavement at least) a little aggressive with the throttle. I burned through my OEM rear tire in less than 2000 miles. I bought a set of Mefo's when the rear was just over $100, hoping to see longevity to justify a higher tire  price. 3000 miles later I am about to replace the Mefo with a D606...  I have maybe 1/8" of tread depth in the middle of the tire, which is quite flattened at the center of the tread. Until this week, I was still running the OEM front tire, which I just replaced with the Mefo. I've run 30psi front / 40psi rear on the street according to the instructions (large, bold print) included with the tires, airing down before riding on much gravel or dirt.. I have liked the tire well enough, but at current prices of $150 for a rear, I won't buy another.  I could have maybe gotten 4000 miles out of the rear, but think how many $20.99 Kendas can you buy for $150! [img]https://ec.yimg.com/ec?url=http%3A%2F%2 ... uyT2fA--~E[/img] The D606 came in the mail yesterday...  Wow. Is it too much tire for me?  Even better in person than in pics.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Douglas wrote: > Am I the only one that has MEFO Explorers? Although I don't have alot of > miles on them I am surprized > that the name/type does not show up more in the tire threads? I had > read/heard that they are supposed > to get quite a few more miles that most other tires? Anyone else ever > had these for a long time?

[mechanizeinc]

Howdy RJ, and welcome. A few folks have mentioned Continental TKC80s. I had one for a short time. Awesome street knobbie. Grips corners really well. Very soft. Goes away quick. One major qualifier for me when considering new tires is who's gonna change 'em? I really like Dunlop D606s. They're a bit more expensive. But they are a fantastic do all tire that lasts. I've found that speed rating correlates well into quality and longevity. The problem with quality tires is that they seem to have stiff side walls and beads made from Super Man's hair or unobtanium. That's why I asked about who's mounting them. If you're going to do it and you want a quality tire, get rim protectors and long, quality levers! I ran a set of Shinko 700s and was impressed with them. Excellent grip. Decent off road, Cheap and easy to mount. If you're paying someone else to mount 'em, then you can afford D606s and that's the way I'd go every time... even if I hardly ever took the bike in the dirt. It's a dual sport. I'd put less aggressive tires on a V-Strom, BMW or even giant KTM that will see the street 99% of it's life and dirts roads the other 1% Heck, I'd put D606s on a Versys Mech

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Robert Kochen" wrote: > > Hi guys, > > New to this list and should intro myself before asking too may questions. > > I've been riding for at least 40 years. Grew up on dirtbikes. Bought two dirtbikes just to teach my three boys how to ride! I've owned a BMW R1100rt for the last ten years, 100,000 miles ago. I also have an old 81 CB900C Honda for a project bike. Great bike but I will likely be selling it soon as I now own an 08 KLR. > > A question about the best tires is like asking who has the best BBQ but I'll ask it anyway. For the time being my riding will consist of MOSTLY street riding. I'd like the option of gravel roads but living in Kansas City and having to work for a living limits adventure riding for now. > > I currently have (front) Dunlop K750 (rear) Trailwinner G-P 110R. > > I'm also curious about quality vendors and websites selling aftermarket gear for the KLR. > > Best to all, > > RJ Kochen > 08 Kawasaki KLR650 * 99 BMW R1100rt * 81 HONDA CB900C > IBA * BMWMOA * KCBMWMC * KC HOAME Club * AMA * RomeoRiders >

[Jud]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "mechanizeinc" wrote:

> > Howdy RJ, > and welcome. A few folks have mentioned Continental TKC80s. I had one for a short time. Awesome street knobbie. Grips corners really well. Very soft. Goes away quick. One major qualifier for me when considering new tires is who's gonna change 'em? I really like Dunlop D606s. They're a bit more expensive. But they are a fantastic do all tire that lasts. I've found that speed rating correlates well into quality and longevity. The problem with quality tires is that they seem to have stiff side walls and beads made from Super Man's hair or unobtanium. That's why I asked about who's mounting them. If you're going to do it and you want a quality tire, get rim protectors and long, quality levers! I ran a set of Shinko 700s and was impressed with them. Excellent grip. Decent off road, Cheap and easy to mount. If you're paying someone else to mount 'em, then you can afford D606s and that's the way I'd go every time... even if I hardly ever took the bike in the dirt. It's a dual sport. I'd put less aggressive tires on a V-Strom, BMW or even giant KTM that will see the street 99% of it's life and dirts roads the other 1% > > Heck, I'd put D606s on a Versys > > Mech >

Over the last several years, I have mounted a lot of tires on a range of D/S bikes. Of the commonly mentioned tires, I have found the D606 to be the easiest to mount. As much as I like them, the K270s have given me the most trouble. If a bead is giving me trouble seating, it is most often a K270. Ditto with breaking them, perhaps because they typically sit on the rim for longer than other tires.

[skypilot110]

This was one of the best written and most relevent replies I have read in the current tire debacle. Cudos to you Jud! And I agree, the D270 rear seems to stick to the bead harder than the OEM or BT21s I have run. No idea why that is but I may pull out a pair of OEMs and a pair of D270s this weekend and see what the beads look like side by side just for curiousity sake

> > Over the last several years, I have mounted a lot of tires on a range of D/S bikes. Of the commonly mentioned tires, I have found the D606 to be the easiest to mount. As much as I like them, the K270s have given me the most trouble. If a bead is giving me trouble seating, it is most often a K270. Ditto with breaking them, perhaps because they typically sit on the rim for longer than other tires. >

[Jeff Khoury]

#ygrps-yiv-269615879 p {margin:0;}I found the K761 rear difficult when setting the bead.  There are two methods to easily overcome this: 1. After 'huffing' the tube, put in about 10psi and ride the bike around, then air up to 20, ride around, then up to operating pressure.  Sometimes this will make it pop in. 2. Even easier, when you get ready to air up, use a lubricant on the bead.  Anything will do really - soapy water, Windex, Simple Green, etc.  It will help the bead slip in to place.  In my expanded toolkit I carry a tube patch kit, spoons, etc.  I also carry a small spray bottle of Windex.  Normally I use it for cleaning my face shield, but in a pinch I also have tire lube. The fronts will mount and dismount easily.  I actually like the fact that the beads on the rears are tight.  It makes me feel better about airing down without rim locks.  I feel there will be less of a chance of the rim spinning inside the tire and ripping the valve stem off the tube at low pressure, but that may all be in my head. To break the bead, I use the $25.00 Harbor Freight motorcycle bead breaker.  Haven't found a tire yet that it can't make quick work.  On the trail, a buddy's sidestand does the trick, and I never venture that far off the beaten path alone.  You should always ride with someone if you're way out in the boonies, especially here in the western deserts. -Jeff Khoury

----- Original Message ----- From: "skypilot110" To: "DSN KLR650" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 7:03:24 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: newbie tire question and intro   This was one of the best written and most relevent replies I have read in the current tire debacle. Cudos to you Jud! And I agree, the D270 rear seems to stick to the bead harder than the OEM or BT21s I have run. No idea why that is but I may pull out a pair of OEMs and a pair of D270s this weekend and see what the beads look like side by side just for curiousity sake > > Over the last several years, I have mounted a lot of tires on a range of D/S bikes. Of the commonly mentioned tires, I have found the D606 to be the easiest to mount. As much as I like them, the K270s have given me the most trouble. If a bead is giving me trouble seating, it is most often a K270. Ditto with breaking them, perhaps because they typically sit on the rim for longer than other tires. >

[Eckert, Christopher (Infrastructure Solut]

I use the following method to break beads http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/bead-breaker/motorcycle-tire-bead-breaker .htm. Tree branch under a stump or rock works as well as a 2x4 under a car. It was able to break the beads on my Triumph and GS rear tires so there is nothing the KLR will throw at it that it can not handle. From: Jeff Khoury [mailto:jeff@...] To break the bead, I use the $25.00 Harbor Freight motorcycle bead breaker. Haven't found a tire yet that it can't make quick work. On the trail, a buddy's sidestand does the trick, and I never venture that far off the beaten path alone. You should always ride with someone if you're way out in the boonies, especially here in the western deserts. ************************************************************ This communication, including attachments, is for the exclusive use of addressee and may contain proprietary, confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, copying, disclosure, dissemination or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, delete this communication and destroy all copies. ************************************************************

[mechanizeinc]

The Mefo Explorer 99 I bought for $120 shipped was a great tire. I think I rode it for almost 4400 usable miles before it was very squared and almost very bald. Like every tire other than a knobbie, I consider it a street tire. And talk about a difficult bugger to mount/remove! When that sucker was wore out I didn't try with tire irons very long... I just cut it off. Someone replied that D606s were easier to mount than I had stated. I recently busted the tip of a tire iron mounting a Bridgestone Trailwing. Maybe I just ain't doing it right. I've only changed a few without the aide of a legit tire changing stand. Mech

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Douglas wrote: > > Am I the only one that has MEFO Explorers? Although I don't have alot of > miles on them I am surprized > that the name/type does not show up more in the tire threads? I had > read/heard that they are supposed > to get quite a few more miles that most other tires? Anyone else ever > had these for a long time? > > > I put TKC 80s on mine, and I ride on the street most of the time. > > They seem to corner fine on asphalt and have enough knob to make a > > difference off road. YMMV > > > > They don't last very long though. I have 11,00 MILES on the bike and > > I have worn out the stock tires at ~5,000, where I switched, and I > > have worn out 1.5 backs and 1.1 fronts since then. > > > > Robert P. Wichert P.Eng > > +1 916 966 9060 > > FAX +1 916 966 9068 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Jud]

The math is compelling. A $50 K270 will be very squared and almost very bald after 9500 miles. Twice the mileage for half the price, with half the number of tire changes. You know what they say in Hamburg...

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "mechanizeinc" wrote: > > The Mefo Explorer 99 I bought for $120 shipped was a great tire. I think I rode it for almost 4400 usable miles before it was very squared and almost very bald. Like every tire other than a knobbie, I consider it a street tire. And talk about a difficult bugger to mount/remove! When that sucker was wore out I didn't try with tire irons very long... I just cut it off. Someone replied that D606s were easier to mount than I had stated. I recently busted the tip of a tire iron mounting a Bridgestone Trailwing. Maybe I just ain't doing it right. I've only changed a few without the aide of a legit tire changing stand. > > Mech > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Douglas wrote: > > > > Am I the only one that has MEFO Explorers? Although I don't have alot of > > miles on them I am surprized > > that the name/type does not show up more in the tire threads? I had > > read/heard that they are supposed > > to get quite a few more miles that most other tires? Anyone else ever > > had these for a long time? > > > > > I put TKC 80s on mine, and I ride on the street most of the time. > > > They seem to corner fine on asphalt and have enough knob to make a > > > difference off road. YMMV > > > > > > They don't last very long though. I have 11,00 MILES on the bike and > > > I have worn out the stock tires at ~5,000, where I switched, and I > > > have worn out 1.5 backs and 1.1 fronts since then. > > > > > > Robert P. Wichert P.Eng > > > +1 916 966 9060 > > > FAX +1 916 966 9068 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[skypilot110]

So your saying that, at $20 a tire, the math works really well for me? 2 pairs baby. I'm a cheapo commuting king now! feels good to finaly be something other than the king of what not to do.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Jud" wrote: > > The math is compelling. A $50 K270 will be very squared and almost very bald after 9500 miles. Twice the mileage for half the price, with half the number of tire changes. You know what they say in Hamburg... >