|
|
27 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
tyre pressure
Hello Mutha.
The front tyre is supposed to be 1.5psi. Can yousend a pic of your tyre tread?
I am sure it is run through in the middle, ans has lots of tread on the outside.
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
28 Jan 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
|
|
1.5 psi would only be for sand riding. I'm not quite sure what you mean.
I don't have a digital camera anymore, but I'll see if I can borrow one. You are correct, the majority of the wear is around the middle.
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend
Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
|
28 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
tyre pressure
Hello Mutha.
The sand pressure is 100 kpa for front, and 150kpa for the back. The road pressure is 150kpa (21psi) for the front, and 225kpa (32psi) at the back.
Sorry I always get confused with the psi/kpa story.
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
29 Jan 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
|
|
This is what I mean: the manual says 21 psi for the front, but most handbooks and people I've spoken to say 30 psi for the front. So far only the manual says 21 psi. I've tried both and feel wise 30 psi is better.
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend
Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
|
29 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
Tyre pressure
Hello Mutha.
I have been running at the recommended pressure, and find it quite OK. If your tyre is wearing down the middle, then the pressure is too high. If it wears along the sides, the pressure is too low (although you might find that out the hard way before the tyre wears enough). If the tyre pressure is correct, the wear would be reasonably uniform, unless you do not do any corners on your way to work. The 150kpa sounded too low for me as well, but my tyre is wearing OK, and the cornering is fine even down to touching the footpegs in the corners.
Why are all the other guys so quiet. Are we the only guys on this forum? Come on guys give some input, just be careful to not mix up the units!
Mutha, a picture of the tyre tread might help a bit. If you have a cellphone that can take a pic, you can MMS the pic as well. +27795228937
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
29 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 9
|
|
I have also been running on the recommended pressures and have had no problems. My guess (like the others here) would be that if you are getting centre wear you are running too high a pressure.
What problems do folks feel they are getting that is causing them to raise the pressure up? Is it the feel when cornering?
As I am new to the forum can I also ask if anyone has been able to find a rear hugger that fits? I know there appear to be no ones specific for the KLE, but I would have thought that one of another bike type might be similar enough. I want to try and save my rear sock and exhaust and my partners legs a bit from the crud during the winter. Has anyone managed to kuldge one to fit?
|
29 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
[quote=paulwt]
What problems do folks feel they are getting that is causing them to raise the pressure up? Is it the feel when cornering?
The problem with too low pressure in the front is that the tyre will fold in under the rim, causing you to try and corner on the rim. The results are a bit rough. But if the tire is too hard,then you are making the contact patch way too small, giving you the same tar kissing effect.
There is a formula to calculate tyre pressures, using the tyre's maximum load rating and the weight on the axle.
I will try and find that.
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
29 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 9
|
|
Not sure of the exact formula myself. However basically tyres are marked up with a load rating at a given maximum PSI. That represents the pressure you need to safely carry a load of the specified amount up to the speed rating of the tyre. So if the tyre is rated at 450Kg at 45psi then if you want to carry that load you must inflate the tyre to 45psi.
Potentially opposite to what one might expect, tyres that are underinflated overheat and may blowout. This is because the tyre wall flexes too much building up heat in the tyre. Tyres that are overinflated don't normally blowout (unless significantly overinflated). Instead they wear prematurely down the centre and reduce grip because of a reduced contact area.
I guess the formula would relate to the percentage of the full pressure for the maximum load. Probably with a minimum that is required to ensure the tyre sits properly on the rim. But would be interested to see if anyone finds it.
|
30 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
Tyre pressure
Hello Guys.
Attached is the formulas, and a full explanation on tyre pressures for 4x4 vehicles. The same applies for bikes and bike pressures. Unfortunately, I do not have the proper equipment to weigh the final weight of my bike, myself and luggage, as well as the different weights between front and back axles.
If there is anyone out there that can help with this, give some input and let us apply it to these formulas and see where we get.
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
5 Feb 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Croatia
Posts: 4
|
|
Hi,
Have a tip:
1. I have raised tail on my KLE with dogbones which I found in bikefarm
http://www.bikefarmmv.de/EN/tail-riser/index.php. Declaration said it raises 3cm but I had to extend my side stand for 5cm so that bike could stand normally again. I heavent measured it yet but I assume ground clearance is up for 4cm which is excelent if you like dirt ride, and got better front/rear wheel weight balance. Much better front wheel grip when bike is loaded+passenger for long distance travels . Perhaps even better conrering but I have to test that little more .
KLE looks mean, is mean , pics will come in a few days, (I'm still testing
|
10 Feb 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 26
|
|
I run the front and rear at 250kPa for tar, and for gravel I use 150kPa front and rear. My front (Dunlop Trailmax) did not wear off in the middle, it was just to the side of the middle row of tread blocks. I replaced it today at 27122km with a Michelin Sirac, let's see how long that lasts!
The only reason I replaced it is because I have a drivers license test in two weeks, and it was just about at the wear limit in a few places, don't wanna take chances.
|
12 Feb 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
Tyre pressure
Hello Nicki.
I suggest that you be very careful in the winter time on the wet roads with the front tyre that hard!
Good luck with your road test. Maybe you must ask the guy how many sheep your license will cost.
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
13 Feb 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 124
|
|
Sorry I haven't put that picture up yet; it will be coming eventually. 250kpa does sound quite hard, but it should be fine on wet roads. I'd love to know how you got 27,000km out of a set of Trailmax.
I'm beginning to wonder whether someone should phone Kawasaki and get a definitive answer on this. This debate has been raging for quite a while now.
__________________
"On that? You're nuts!" - My cousin's boyfriend
Current Bikes - Kawasaki KLE500 '05 (May 06)
Previous Bikes - Hyosung GF125 (Oct 05 to May 06)
|
13 Feb 2007
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Cape Town RSA
Posts: 87
|
|
Tyre pressure
Hello Le Cap.
Your input please.
Regards
__________________
Pleco
If its stupid, but it works, it aint stupid.
|
13 Feb 2007
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Romania
Posts: 1
|
|
shock absorber
Hi all,
I have a problem with shock absorber on my KLE500 '93. It seems that I cannot find the proper identification code for it. Can anybody help me?
Quote:
Quote:
Originally Posted by beefjerky
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-manual-9079-7
Link to KLE500 manual. Scroll down a little bit to download. Has some good pics of the linkage, etc.
That manual has deficiencies. E.g. most of the part numbers are prefixes only, hard to determine which parts are common to the EX.
For example it lists the shock as a 45014. Almost every Kawi shock has 45014 as a prefix, you need to know the suffix as well.
EX500 shock p/n is 45014-1365, for example.
Mainly I'm curious about the shock rocker and dogbones.
Peaces me off. Haven't found much on the KLE out there.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 5 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 5 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|