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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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Last edited by TREKGS; 11 Sep 2008 at 14:55.
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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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  #4  
Old 4 Sep 2008
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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 15 Sep 2008
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Originally Posted by TREKGS View Post
Font suspension can take up to 36psi pressure
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.
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  #8  
Old 16 Sep 2008
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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?
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Old 16 Sep 2008
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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
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  #10  
Old 16 Sep 2008
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Originally Posted by royzx7r View Post
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
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.
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  #11  
Old 16 Sep 2008
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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.
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  #12  
Old 16 Sep 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by royzx7r View Post
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?
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
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  #13  
Old 16 Sep 2008
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Be really interested to see how you get on with that ShaunJ...sounds like a good idea.
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