|
7 Sep 2003
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
|
|
KLR - front end stability
Got the chance today to test ride the KLR 650 and the F650 Dakar side by side today. One thing I noticed is that the KLR has a very loose front end, meaning that it didn't seem very stable at all at speeds above 60mph. One little push or swerve on the handlebars and the whole front end swayed back and forth, just like my XR250.
The F650 was MUCH more stable at higher speeds and I wonder if this is due to the fact the the F650 has a fork brace about halfway down the forks?
I know you can get a fork brace for the KLR also (Happy Trails in Idaho), does this makes a significant difference in the KLR's high speed handling? Or is it just minor? Is this the only way to stiffen up the front end? And is the front end stability adversely affected by loading up the bike with gear?
Thanks for the help...
|
8 Sep 2003
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 233
|
|
I've noticed the lack of stablility at speed on mine as well but put it down to the tire size, weight distribution etc. Never enough to bother me until exceeding 75mph. Also, front tire condition seemed to effect this as well. I've noticed improvements when I sit closer to the tank or use tank panniers when traveling. I'm not sure about the fork brace though.
Kurt
|
8 Sep 2003
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
|
|
mine used to move about a bit over 100mph, but just keep it pinned till it hits 110 and then try to work out how to slow down without running off the road. ace fun!
there's loads of moaning about the KLR front end and its all spot on, but you get such a sweet induction roar!
|
13 Sep 2003
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Kansas City Missouri USA
Posts: 79
|
|
Try taking the front fender off. It is such a big sail, it catches wind and twists things around alot. It can be replaced with a smaller "hugger" style.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 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
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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.
|
|
|