500 mile "report"

[Douglas Bouley]

Just had my 500 mile service done by the dealer. They did a good (though not inexpensive) job. Bike feels so much "tighter" and more solid and runs noticeably stronger. Not sure why, but am happy with the results. This is my first KLR and first DS bike after about 300k road miles on mid-sized UJMs, V4s and the like. First thumper experience since the 60s BSA Victim Special back in the day. In short, I'm no expert, but I have enough experience to make generalizations. I love this bike! I've never had a ride I got so "emotional" about so quickly. It is a joy to ride and makes me comfortable and confident in even bad conditions. Relaxed riding position. The balance thing really tickles me. I have always tried to come to a full stop without putting my feet down to see how long i can balance a bike at rest. I've never had a bike that stands upright at rest as easily as the KLR. I know you real dirt guys think of the KLR as heavy, and I'm sure i will too when i start that phase, but for a road bike it is so nimble. Best commuter/ccity bike I've had. Now that I can get the revs up to 6k, it is a blast to ride in traffic and on backroads. Despite years of riding multis, I do not find the KLR all that rough. I kinda like the vibration that does get thru. It's enough to let you know there is stuff going on in the engine, but in no way obnoxious. Nothing like the old thumpers, that's for sure. Harley guys talk the same way, I guess. One Harley guy and I were taking good-natured shots at each other. My line was "Hey, mine vibrates like yours, performs about like yours on the street, weighs half as much... I can go anywhere you can go but you can't go everywhere I can go!" Not meant to diss any rides. But this really is a swiss army ride. Does so many things well-enough. It's gonna be a great summer. We have a ride planned down the Blueridge, thru The Gap, over the Cherehola Skyway and on to the Natchez Trace. Can't wait. This bike already seems like a great pack mule, as well. Doug - 2006 Rescue Vehicle Green KLR650 "Louise"

[chadr90s]

Hi, was wondering if anyone can please tell me how to go about adjusting the stock rear shock on a '95 KLR? Any insight would be greatly appreciated since all I have is the factory shop manual which does not cover such procedures Thanks, Chad