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  #1  
Old 3 Sep 2008
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Mods/kle Of Road Handling
I have seen a lot of threads about modifications on KLE500.Im especially interesting to modify kle for better
Handling off road. As an example I would like to modify for 60%off road and 40% on road commuting etc.I believe
That kle it’s a good base for a project using a small budget.

Here below it’s my wish list and thinks I already did. I m just trying to summarize and also read your opinion.

1.Handle bars .Ihave installed lower lighter handle bars as I didn’t feel comfortable with stock handle bars .I always had the impression that
Bike it’s over steering .Also this bars will transfer more weight on front wheel and improve grip for road use as well.

2.Acerbis hand protectors. Much better protection than stock. Already installed.

3. Progressive springs front and rear, or much better and more expensive if rear shock will be replaced to something better .With progressive
Springs bike will be comfortable for road use but unexpected bottoming will be prevented off road. Font suspension can take up to 36psi pressure and from what I have seen It can really work from 20-30psi according to riding conditions.

4. Replace front mudguard to after marked (enduro). Done

5. Front sprocket changed to 16 t. Not much improvement but enough for a good balance on/of-road use. Done.

6. After market lighter exhaust system (arrow etc) .Less weight on the bike and more power in combination with a K&n or Dna filter.

7.On-off tyres with better grip of road i.e. PIRELLI MT21.DONE

8.Brake lines. Not something expensive but at least pressure from brake pump will be transferred
To the calliper without loses on the cheap rubber stock brake line.

9. Front and rear brake disk.Change to better quality in combination with compatible usually same brand brake pads. This improve the brakes of-road without changing callipers etc.Its th cheaper solution.

10. Engine guard .Done.

Definitely kle is not a ktm or an of-road beast but for sure is a convenient bike capable of cross country use as long as someone will
Do the right modifications within a logical budget and to ride close to the bikes limits.

Any suggestions or opinions?

Cheers
George
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  #2  
Old 3 Sep 2008
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Got some pitcures you could pop up?

All sounds pretty good so far!
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  #3  
Old 3 Sep 2008
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where did you find out the forks could take 36 psi? Might help mines excessive dive when braking
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Old 4 Sep 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaunJ View Post
where did you find out the forks could take 36 psi? Might help mines excessive dive when braking
There is a label on the right hand site of fork and is clearly indicated 36 psi maximum pressure.I have tried different pressures and found that you can use 20psi for city-commuting and when off-road i use 28psi.THe air chamber in the forks is small,if you try to put with hand airpump 28psi it will be impossible.Maximum i got with hand pump was 18psi so better use very carefully a small 12V comressor.

keep in mind that if you have a top box you will have a lot of vibrations on the bike after 120km with 28psi.I had this vibrations i have removed the top box and problem solved.Anyway 20psi is very good with top box and not much diving when braking .
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Old 4 Sep 2008
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thanks
just had a look and it says 35psi so probably take it upto 22psi at the weekend that and my new ebc disk and double H pads should solve all the brake issues
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Old 4 Sep 2008
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Let us know how you get on?.

I put 0.5bar in mine the other day but was reluctant to add more...will be very interested to see how it affects the bike.



cheers
roy
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Old 4 Sep 2008
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wil do

i already run with 12 psi which stops the wallowing round corners but it still dives excessively maybe its because i'm not a lightweight which is also why i think all modern bikes should have some sort of front and rear preload adjustment even if its oldschool like this as how many riders are going to be same weight as the test/setup rider.
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Old 5 Sep 2008
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Folks,

Thinks are not so complicated.Maximum pressure is 36psi and i personally believe pressure is far from what the forks can take,acctually is a policy to have the settings in a safe position away from limits.I have tried the forks and they can take easily up to 28psi and i have tried this presure in rough country roads same used for wrc in Cyprus .No leakages ,no problems will occure as long as forks are in good shape.
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Old 7 Sep 2008
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hi
changed the pads and put 20psi in forks yesterday and swapped the disk this morning and what a difference even with the brakes not fully bedded in and on a wet road i can stop in a shorter distance than with the old pads and disk (using same pressure on lever and using same braking points on road) also the bike handles alot better with 20 psi the front ends alot more precise and confidence inspiring
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Old 7 Sep 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaunJ View Post
hi
changed the pads and put 20psi in forks yesterday and swapped the disk this morning and what a difference even with the brakes not fully bedded in and on a wet road i can stop in a shorter distance than with the old pads and disk (using same pressure on lever and using same braking points on road) also the bike handles alot better with 20 psi the front ends alot more precise and confidence inspiring
Shaunj,


Good news.

cheers
george
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Old 10 Sep 2008
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Right then, theres been a lot said over air in the forks. I put 10psi in mine this morning and headed into north Wales.

Had the roads all to my self, hehe!!!

With 10psi, the forks were a whole lot better then before, not much dive unless you gun the brake. I was very impressed with the difference it made to the ride of the bike. The bike was more sure footed in turn in and also the mini tank slapper I would get at 90-95mph was now gone.

The bike has a sticker on the forks with a maximum psi of 35. Im a bit reluctant to goto that sort of pressure but I think 10-20psi should improve your ride a whole lot. Im gonna try 15psi in mine the next time I go out on it and I think that should hit the mark.

Regards
Roy


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Old 10 Sep 2008
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Roy
have u got a fender extender on the front?
if so who makes it?

Also as a guide i weigh about 95kg and 20 psi gives optimal handling i find
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Old 10 Sep 2008
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There is no listed fender extender for the kle500.

My mate gave me one( I think it was from a zzr600) and I just made it fit. Its not perfect looking but does the job well.

Im sure you could make any fit with a bit of tinkering.

I have a jack up kit fitted which has sharpened the handling up noend and Ive just got to fit my stainless brake lines to compliment the ebc discs and pads and then im sorted.


regards
Roy
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Old 10 Sep 2008
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ok thanks
i was thinking of doing that but no shops have them on display so u can't see which would be the best fit
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  #15  
Old 10 Sep 2008
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Nice looking ride...in the best colour

Are those Avon tyres?

EDIT: Sorry just looked a bit closer...
Last edited by Ruud; 10 Sep 2008 at 22:06. Reason: Poor eye sight!
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