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?:helpsmilie:

Cheers
George

Got some pitcures you could pop up?

All sounds pretty good so far!

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 .

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

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:mchappy:

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.

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.

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

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


http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/q...10-9-08004.jpg

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

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:thumbup1:

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

Nice looking ride...in the best colour:mchappy:

Are those Avon tyres?

EDIT: Sorry just looked a bit closer...

Hi
Roy quick question about the crash bars
what is the diameter of the tube used for the main hoop and the cross bar which looks thinner?

And TREKGS have you got any pics of the bike especially with front mudguard installed?

Thanks

shaun

Nice Colour Roy...... I'll try my forks at 10psi at some point:thumbup1:, if i keep the machine:innocent:
TDMalcolm

shaunj.,

Pls have a look at this thread for photos.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...tion-kle-37551


rgrdshttp://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-kle-kle3.jpg
george

thanks i may try doing that at some point
i think acerbis supermotard mudguard would look good with the 05> front end

nice looking bike

It could mean max psi under load, so you'd want to stay well down from that.

I think a standard tyre you'd pump up to 30psi has a max load of 50ish. Forks take the same load as the front tyre. I could be wrong about that though.

I Have ride the kle for more than 300Km off-road .Here are my conclusions .Pirelli MT 21 is a great tyre compared to Pirelli scorpion off road.It gives you confidence and stability of road and normal use on road.I have been told by fellow riders that is not stable in wet road and someone must be very careful .Now lets go to of-road capabilities of Kle .Front suspension need serious improvement .On straight lines even in hard conditions bike will be happy to go fast ,rear end can easily be controllable
It works like a cars limited slip due to the fact that power/torque is well balanced .Even if you can catch-up other riders with enduro bikes on straight lines make no mistake to be speedy in corners this is were the bike will show its 185kgs+.Do not try to jump , even if you manage a take-off when landing suspension will not absorb bikes weight. Brakes are not bad and will not lock if are smooth on them .In other words bike can do better off-roading with enduro tyres and front suspension improvement.Its more confortable than enduro bike on long distance trips with an average performance.So the next step is to reduse weight(exhaust) and improve suspension(springs).

Does anybody installed a complete exhaust (arrow or leovince).What is the weight of stock exhaust?

Shaun,

Ive no idea, but will get my tape messure out the next time im in the garage.
Are you planning on making a set?

TD, Not seen you on for a while. Im gonna stick with 10psi in mine as not to over stress the seals. Makes a big difference though!.



Regards
Roy:thumbup1:

Roy,

I have set mine on 20psi check it again after been off-road(hard riding)20psi pressure is stable no loss.Better to change air valves before you set on 20Psi.Forqot to mension the most importand factor im 85kgs.

Just to make thinks clear.All motorcycles manuals are saying to set suspension preload(our setup is airpressure)on sag measurment of approx 3cm.So the best way to set pressure is measuting the sag.This it will be the best way to adjust suspension according to your weight.Ofcource this is not a rule my benelli tnt is adjusted to 2cm.

george.

no i'v got some on order and was planning on mounting some foglights to them
i just wanted to know if a standard 22/25mm mirror mount would fit so i would only have to make a simple plate bracket to mount the lights to the mirror mount

something like this (3rd pic)
Motorcycle Mirror Adpaters, Accessories, Bar mount Adapters

Be really interested to see how you get on with that ShaunJ...sounds like a good idea.

Got the crash bars today
probably order lights and mirror mounts at the weekend
The tube diameters are 25mm for the main hoop and 22mm for the cross bar if anyones interested in trying this aswell

The lights i'm getting hella micro de (halogens) which i think are the same as touratechs just without the guard and expensive logo

Finally got the brackets so the lights are now fitted easy enough to do with a basic knowledge of electrics
should have pics at weekend if weathers good