KLR riders out there

**warewolf** · 7th June 2011, 23:16

Originally Posted by Woodman

fFcuk knows how this guy let this go on for so long.

Fcuk me! People without mechanical empathy should not be let near motorbikes; as rider, as pillion nor as mechanic!

I bet that swingarm ends up on a dealer's "customers from hell" wall.

**marks** · 8th June 2011, 12:25

Originally Posted by warewolf

That does sound excessive. Do you do many water crossings? That's the worst for them. Maybe should be a 1-2000km service job to regrease them?

Also, even new seals won't work if the spacers they run on are grooved.

yes - lots of muddy water and I also tend to ride with large throttle openings at low revs which I think its pretty hard on the entire drive line. I'm trying different bearings (was using all-balls - now using nachi) and so far so good.

Always (intend to) repack at each tire change.

**Howie** · 25th June 2011, 21:25

Was a day in the shed today. Fitted a Motobatt AGM battery, and a relay for the hot grips today.

The Motobatt brand is 2mm higher than standard, so I had to leave the plastic Battery box cover off, and fashioned a more flexible piece of plastic to slide over the top of the battery, seems to work fine at holding the battery in place.

The Relay I used in true KLR owner form was an old one that was sitting in a box of spare parts from a car, wired the feed to the relay into the tail light circuit and the main feed to the Hot grips from the battery and through the relay. The good thing is now I don't have to remember to turn the hot grips off when i stop.

Also found this LINK to how a Keihin CVK40 works which seems reasonable accurate, and easy to follow

**marks** · 25th June 2011, 23:26

Originally Posted by Howie

Was a day in the shed today. Fitted a Motobatt AGM battery

Cost?

my klr battery seems to be getting a bit sad

**Woodman** · 25th June 2011, 23:29

Originally Posted by marks

Cost?

my klr battery seems to be getting a bit sad

Woodman tip:

Always check the battery water level after each ride that the bike becomes inverted?

**Howie** · 25th June 2011, 23:38

Originally Posted by marks

Cost?

my klr battery seems to be getting a bit sad

It was $130 at TSS, I was just having a look at pricing a new one,but they had one in stock.... Description of the one I got HERE .

My original one was getting a bit sad too, one of the middle cells seem to like drying out regularly, and leaving the hot grips on a few times didn't help

**Padmei** · 29th June 2011, 20:41

Hey guys
Little teardrops are exploding over my keyboard as I type.
Today the bike movers took Gonzo away to his new home up North. I couldn't be there when he was loaded up as it was too much to take.

Apparently Bec said it had a lovely old cool Matchless to keep it company. That makes me feel a little better.

He was a great mate & we had some good times - he didn't cry out in pain when I dropped him or even mind hanging out with DRs.

Vale Gonzo mi amigo

Can I still hang out with you guys tho? You guys are cool - in a stubbies & singlet kinda way

**Woodman** · 29th June 2011, 21:02

Sad day indeed.

We will still let you hang out with the cool crowd.

**NordieBoy** · 29th June 2011, 21:35

And may the new owner have as much fun and never stumble upon these pics

**marks** · 30th June 2011, 09:05

Awesome photos Fran

I think Padmei will look back and regret selling the KLR

not just because its a klr (although they are easy to get attached to in a 'fart under the dinner table Labrador' kind of way) but because of all the great rides he has taken it on.

some bikes are 'appliances' that may perform the job much more efficiently but the overweight, top heavy, slow klr is a bike with personality - you either love it or hate it

**JATZ** · 30th June 2011, 18:16

Yip... some good pics there Nordie

and some good memories

I remember the Kikiwa incident like it was yesterday

, and Padders turning up to the XC with little more than a racing slick on the front

Good times, here's to Gonzo

**warewolf** · 30th June 2011, 19:51

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

And may the new owner have as much fun and never stumble upon these pics

Should have titled that set, "Gonzo vs Gravity"

Some bikes you always remember with fondness, I'm sure this is one.
(even if they get lighter and faster with time)

**Padmei** · 30th June 2011, 19:54

That's an awesome tribute Nordie. Thanks for that- I appreciate the time taken to put it together. Can you email me a linkto the black & white shot-that's mint.

You guys are right I will miss Gonzo. For a road bike

it sure mixed it with the other off road beasts. And you're right Marks, it's all those odd things about them that makes the KLR such a lovable character.

What struck me also was how many great times were shared riding with you guys. Heres to many more adventures with the lil green soulless piece of crap & it's cranky Bavarian cousin

I reckon I know where that rear tyre is still... Maybe a few more rides left in it