As indicated in an earlier post I did install a handful of new farkles on the pig. All of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I especially love the new Pro-taper ATV high bars. It gives the KLR some personality with regard to hand positioning and posture for off-road. I find myself sitting more upright and getting as close to the front tank as I can. I also do not feel like I am acting out a scene from the Hunchback of Notre Dame when standing.
The Progrip gel grip 714 do feel more substantial and yet softer. They mold when squeezed constantly reminding me not to death grip the handlebars. A light touch will keep me upright further. There is the argument that larger grips cause more fatigue but the loosening of my grip and the sticky feel added to the substantial reduction of vibration do far more with giving longevity to my hands despite this argument.
The Tusk D-flex Bark busters with spoilers look really cool and complement that solid feel of the handlebars. I have yet to drop the bike since they were installed but they feel every bit as protecting as they are described.
The install of these items were not exactly a barrel of laughs however. My 2 hour job turned into more like a 5.5 hour job. I could not fully appreciate how all those mirrors, switches, brackets, cables and handles lined up until I had to do them all again from scratch...plus some. This required more cutting, pounding, tightening\untightening, removing and reattaching resulting in "oops I missed this piece" and "It does not line up right" than I would have liked. The results are worth it but barely at the time.
I pray to God that I never have to replace the handlebars again.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Efficiency in a KLR?
I have toyed with a couple ideas lately with regard to farkles. I obviously am pursuing some of the most common and popular mods as I have previously listed as well as a few to come. What I have not mentioned is one of my more way out there ideas. Some of you may have heard of the idea of using Brown gas aka hydrogen gas created from electricity passing through water to improve internal combustion engine efficiency. I recently popped into a few sites and watched a youtube video of people’s attempts at this contraption. There is some debate as to its effectiveness but I am sold on the idea and believe it to be a noble idea and one worth pursuing.
Now I am not really concerned with the improved fuel mileage it provides (Claims of 30% or more is nice though) but more the improved burn resulting in more power and a smoother running engine...also the fun of designing and testing this. Carbureted gas engines apparently can gain even more than modern sensor based engines from this booster.
Besides the goal of installing a semi powerful booster safely I would also want to make sure it blends well with the bike but still be easy to refill with distilled water as needed. This might require some adaptation of designs and materials as well as mounting methods and gas injection procedures. Other considerations are a power cutoff when the bike is powered off\tipped over.
Interesting site reading with detailed designs http://www.free-energy-info.co.uk/Chapt10.html It seems to address a lot of the safety issues with the booster designs though some of the other ideas listed on the site seem a bit farfetched.
I have also come across the Traction Control Breaking Unit as seen http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/ and just like the above Hydrogen injector its reputation is still under question as the simplicity of items like these seem unlikely to most. We find ourselves asking question like:
"If it can really help that much, why does the automotive industry not already implement them?" Or "It can’t be true since things like improving engine efficiency and braking performance and traction are highly technical and would not benefit from such low tech items."
Some studies indicate otherwise but with such an ingrained fear by American consumers of being swindled, even the most well implemented test results will come under fire.
I am curious to see how things turn out with promising tech like these.
Now I am not really concerned with the improved fuel mileage it provides (Claims of 30% or more is nice though) but more the improved burn resulting in more power and a smoother running engine...also the fun of designing and testing this. Carbureted gas engines apparently can gain even more than modern sensor based engines from this booster.
Besides the goal of installing a semi powerful booster safely I would also want to make sure it blends well with the bike but still be easy to refill with distilled water as needed. This might require some adaptation of designs and materials as well as mounting methods and gas injection procedures. Other considerations are a power cutoff when the bike is powered off\tipped over.
Interesting site reading with detailed designs http://www.free-energy-info.co.uk/Chapt10.html It seems to address a lot of the safety issues with the booster designs though some of the other ideas listed on the site seem a bit farfetched.
I have also come across the Traction Control Breaking Unit as seen http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/ and just like the above Hydrogen injector its reputation is still under question as the simplicity of items like these seem unlikely to most. We find ourselves asking question like:
"If it can really help that much, why does the automotive industry not already implement them?" Or "It can’t be true since things like improving engine efficiency and braking performance and traction are highly technical and would not benefit from such low tech items."
Some studies indicate otherwise but with such an ingrained fear by American consumers of being swindled, even the most well implemented test results will come under fire.
I am curious to see how things turn out with promising tech like these.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Migratory Tumbleweed
When you think of Arizona you think of sand dunes, blowing tumbleweeds and sweaty cowboys. Lately that has not at all described my place of residence. I think all the cowboys and tumbleweeds migrated south because its damn cold this week. We have had record lows of below 30 degree temperatures in October. Being a new rider I dawned my summer gear (with liners installed of course) and hit the roads reaching 65MPh with 40 MPH winds.
Ok It’s cold. While the jacket and pants keep my core plenty warm I find the helmet acts like a wind tunnel for cold to blow up into it and my hands start to lose feeling after a few minutes at 60MPH. It kind of reminds me of growing up in Ohio when I used to go out and play in the snow in sub zero temps right after a blizzard. You get that same feeling where you have an awareness of your lower face and lips but cannot seem to feel them anymore.
I like riding to much so I embrace the frozen face syndrome. I could jump in the Jeep but that is not in the spirit of Just Ride! If I am going to be a good rider, what better way to reach that point than to ride in the most uncomfortable conditions.
I cannot wait to get back on the bike this afternoon for the ride home.
The good news is that the weather is just a fluke. It seems it will be back in the 70's by this weekend.
I will get back to the KLR farkles this coming week. I just ordered all of my phase two upgrades and they should arrive next week just in time for a weekend install\write up.
These include:
Tusk D-Flex Bark Busters with Spoilers
Pro-Taper SE ATV High Bar
Progrip 714 Rally Gel Grips
Replacement front brake lever
Ok It’s cold. While the jacket and pants keep my core plenty warm I find the helmet acts like a wind tunnel for cold to blow up into it and my hands start to lose feeling after a few minutes at 60MPH. It kind of reminds me of growing up in Ohio when I used to go out and play in the snow in sub zero temps right after a blizzard. You get that same feeling where you have an awareness of your lower face and lips but cannot seem to feel them anymore.
I like riding to much so I embrace the frozen face syndrome. I could jump in the Jeep but that is not in the spirit of Just Ride! If I am going to be a good rider, what better way to reach that point than to ride in the most uncomfortable conditions.
I cannot wait to get back on the bike this afternoon for the ride home.
The good news is that the weather is just a fluke. It seems it will be back in the 70's by this weekend.
I will get back to the KLR farkles this coming week. I just ordered all of my phase two upgrades and they should arrive next week just in time for a weekend install\write up.
These include:
Tusk D-Flex Bark Busters with Spoilers
Pro-Taper SE ATV High Bar
Progrip 714 Rally Gel Grips
Replacement front brake lever
Monday, October 26, 2009
Just Ride!
Over the last week or so I have continued to get some ride time on the pig nearly every day. The weather has taken a noticeable dive in temperature but this seems to make the riding more enjoyable. The new battery has transformed the KLR from a "I hope It starts" to a "Wow it starts up every time". This has made me feel more comfortable and I now understand what it means when people call the KLR bulletproof.
My feel for balance has significantly improved. I find myself enjoying the ride even in the windiest conditions where it feels like the bike wants to blow right out from under you providing some sphincter tightening moments. I practice daily trying to keep the touch light on the handle bars and turn with my head up. I also try and keep my legs tight on the tank and practice slow turns using only my legs for when I hit the dirt.
Sometimes when traffic is a little heavier I will take a detour through a dirt trail on my commute to work. What I know and have confirmed repeatedly is that dirt riding is a totally different animal than street riding. I found myself shying away from the dirt simply because you feel barely on the verge of control when dodging chunks of rock or sliding the rear tire when going through a corner in sand. Its learning limits and trust all over again.
I recently was having a moment where I thought..."Maybe I can't get the hang of this dirt riding." Nahhh I just have not had enough dirt time yet.
In the spirit of that statement I got on my pig this past weekend and rode up to Sahuarita to meet my step father who has a sport ATV and a lot of unmaintained roads and sand washes to explore.
It took some self motivating to overcome my reservations but I geared up and hit the dirt. Now this was only my second time really hitting the dirt hard. My last time it was significantly hotter and I had only been riding for 3 days. The result was me gasping for air after I dropped the KLR in the sand washes a few times. This time I tried to apply some of the lessons I learned about keeping the hands light on the handlebars, steer with the legs and stand up more!
I was shocked. Those simple changes added up with the little over 4 weeks of daily street riding experience. My sense of balance was clearly better as the hours progressed I found myself able to dive right into most terrains, turns and bumps. I stood when I saw it was going to get really rough and kept my legs tight to the tank using them to steer. Just using enough pressure to keep the handlebars mostly straight but not fighting them and trying not to use them to turn was far more effective. Over those three hours I rode hard and by the end I was bottoming my suspension out 2-3 times a minute catching air and bucking the pig over ruts. I was able to keep the bike moving straight for nearly a mile in 12 inches of sand despite the fact that it felt like a pit-bull was jerking my rear tire back and forth in a game of tug-o-war. Now it was not all smooth. I had my fair share of almosts while riding but with better balance I was able to power out and keep just enough traction to turn the almosts to holy shit I made it. I have to say that being on the verge of doing a full flying hug into a jumping cholla cactus really motivates one to stay on the bike.
This is not to say that the KLR did not eat some dirt. I did drop it twice on this trek. Both times were at near dead stops where my balance seems weakest and both times on a hill where I tried to lean into the downside and had no way of catching the weight. Jumping off was the best option after letting the bike pull me down under\with it. On a positive note I got to try some techniques for lifting the bike myself using a technique where you put your lower back into the bike seat and lift with the legs entirely. It works extremely well even when the tires were uphill. See this link for examples: http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-pick-up-a-fallen-motorcycle-77965/.
Overall I think this advice rings true. Just Ride!
My feel for balance has significantly improved. I find myself enjoying the ride even in the windiest conditions where it feels like the bike wants to blow right out from under you providing some sphincter tightening moments. I practice daily trying to keep the touch light on the handle bars and turn with my head up. I also try and keep my legs tight on the tank and practice slow turns using only my legs for when I hit the dirt.
Sometimes when traffic is a little heavier I will take a detour through a dirt trail on my commute to work. What I know and have confirmed repeatedly is that dirt riding is a totally different animal than street riding. I found myself shying away from the dirt simply because you feel barely on the verge of control when dodging chunks of rock or sliding the rear tire when going through a corner in sand. Its learning limits and trust all over again.
I recently was having a moment where I thought..."Maybe I can't get the hang of this dirt riding." Nahhh I just have not had enough dirt time yet.
In the spirit of that statement I got on my pig this past weekend and rode up to Sahuarita to meet my step father who has a sport ATV and a lot of unmaintained roads and sand washes to explore.
It took some self motivating to overcome my reservations but I geared up and hit the dirt. Now this was only my second time really hitting the dirt hard. My last time it was significantly hotter and I had only been riding for 3 days. The result was me gasping for air after I dropped the KLR in the sand washes a few times. This time I tried to apply some of the lessons I learned about keeping the hands light on the handlebars, steer with the legs and stand up more!
I was shocked. Those simple changes added up with the little over 4 weeks of daily street riding experience. My sense of balance was clearly better as the hours progressed I found myself able to dive right into most terrains, turns and bumps. I stood when I saw it was going to get really rough and kept my legs tight to the tank using them to steer. Just using enough pressure to keep the handlebars mostly straight but not fighting them and trying not to use them to turn was far more effective. Over those three hours I rode hard and by the end I was bottoming my suspension out 2-3 times a minute catching air and bucking the pig over ruts. I was able to keep the bike moving straight for nearly a mile in 12 inches of sand despite the fact that it felt like a pit-bull was jerking my rear tire back and forth in a game of tug-o-war. Now it was not all smooth. I had my fair share of almosts while riding but with better balance I was able to power out and keep just enough traction to turn the almosts to holy shit I made it. I have to say that being on the verge of doing a full flying hug into a jumping cholla cactus really motivates one to stay on the bike.
This is not to say that the KLR did not eat some dirt. I did drop it twice on this trek. Both times were at near dead stops where my balance seems weakest and both times on a hill where I tried to lean into the downside and had no way of catching the weight. Jumping off was the best option after letting the bike pull me down under\with it. On a positive note I got to try some techniques for lifting the bike myself using a technique where you put your lower back into the bike seat and lift with the legs entirely. It works extremely well even when the tires were uphill. See this link for examples: http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-pick-up-a-fallen-motorcycle-77965/.
Overall I think this advice rings true. Just Ride!
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Odyssey And The Pig
The battery arrived just as UPS stated a full seven days after I ordered it. I could not install it last Thursday when it arrived as I went to Las Vegas for the weekend to catch a couple shows. This past Monday being Columbus Day, I had it off so the Odyssey PC545 install was completed in my KLR650. Below is a write up and pictures on how it was done. As for the battery itself...I am pleased. It starts the pig right up with a quick squeal of the starter. I can honestly say I believe it starts better than when I had my Checker purchased Jeep Liberty battery connected to it. Loads of cranking amps and a hot spark.
First off there are a couple of ways to do this. Really it boils down to if you want to extend\replace cables or reroute them. I was not sure if you could reroute them but as it turns out you can with minimal effort. Same rules apply in that it must be mounted side ways with the negative side down.
As for tools, assuming you are not gonna go cutting and extending cables the only items you really need are below. A Phillips head, 10MM socket wrench a set of Allen keys, a small knife and some needle nose pliers. You may also need some scissors and a way to trim the metal bracket to size. I used a hand held grinder.
First off there are a couple of ways to do this. Really it boils down to if you want to extend\replace cables or reroute them. I was not sure if you could reroute them but as it turns out you can with minimal effort. Same rules apply in that it must be mounted side ways with the negative side down.
As for tools, assuming you are not gonna go cutting and extending cables the only items you really need are below. A Phillips head, 10MM socket wrench a set of Allen keys, a small knife and some needle nose pliers. You may also need some scissors and a way to trim the metal bracket to size. I used a hand held grinder.
I picked up a few things from Ace hardware. I got some automotive Sponge tape and a galvanized metal bracket with a few flat stainless steel screws. I recommend some Blue Loctite also.
You will have to remove the side plastic and seat. Both can be done with the tools listed above.
Now you want to remove the old battery. You will need to disconnect the drain tube and unscrew the bottom metal bracket holding the battery in as seen.
Unbolt the battery terminals (in my case 10mm bolts) starting with the negative (Black) terminal first then the positive (red) last.
Gently pull the battery out from the left side. The plastic casing will come out with it.
This is what the old stock battery and how the new Odyssey PC545 look like side by side. We get a better understanding as to why the Odyssey has to be mounted sideways.
Nope not gonna fit.
One of the first things I did was cut the zip tie holding the battery cables to the frame. This will give you more room to play with routing the cables. After sliding the Odyssey in and trying to connect the cable to the terminals it still was not quite enough... but close. (Cut where my finger is touching)
By routing the negative cable back around the frame I was able to get enough with the main cable but it was just a little to short with this smaller M\F bullet connector that stemmed off from the main cable to the accessory cable that routed under the seat. (You may choose to extend this smaller cable if you are familiar with electrical otherwise there is another option.)
Instead of cutting and extending this cable I instead opted to reroute the main accessory cable. I simply began unbolted the clip holding it to the frame and disconnecting all these M\F bullet and clip connectors.
You can see in this pic that I rerouted the main accessory cable back under the tank and pulled it through the left side instead of directly through the middle. The negative M\F Bullet connector now reaches just fine. (See new accessory cable placement where my finger are.)
Make sure to connect all the M\F Bullets and pin\clip connectors back properly. Pulling cables back under the frame will be needed. As seen now, all connectors bolts, bullets and clips fit just fine.
Now that we know the battery fits and all cables are adjusted properly we need to secure the battery in the case. To do this I used some foam inside the plastic case to fill in the gaps and provide some vibration reduction and cushioning for the battery. I put three cut to length rubber padded tape for the bottom, two for each side and one for the back. Add more if you want. Reinsert the Odyssey while supporting it slowly and carefully as it can snag and tear the foam tape on insertion. There will be some resistance but not to much if its supported.
I also measured and cut to length the metal bracket I got from ace hardware and used another strip of the sponge rubber tape on it.
Now you want to take that homemade bracket with the rubber tape facing toward the battery and use the stainless steel screws to screw the padded bracket into the plastic of the air intake. They go in easily enough with some pressure on the Phillips head. (I used Blue Loctite to make sure the screws did not back out easily.)
Bolt the terminals back on starting with the positive first and check all the other connectors.
Now all you have to do is put the seat back on as well as the side panels and tighten everything down. You can still see the negative terminal with all of the plastic back on but at least now it is a lot easier to jump or jump another bike with only a couple screws needing to be removed.
Finally a little video of starting the KLR after the install.
Monday, October 5, 2009
You And The Pig Are One
Got the pig running again despite that I am burdened with a badly performing battery. I took a 20 mile ride last night after I jumped and charged for a while the battery of my KLR. When I returned home the battery seemed to be holding a charge worthy of commuting on.
The KLR started right up this morning as it should and I had a nice relaxing ride enjoying my coldest weather to date.
After I got to work and had removed most of my gear, I was walking down the hall quickly and was passing some of the slower people arriving.
I then noticed. As I passed someone on my walk I kept glancing over just to my right. Not to look back and say hi but to check my mirrors. Each time I walked past someone I felt the urge to verify their location. HEHE I guess maybe I have reached level 3 and a lot of the conscience activities have become second nature.
Now I hear some people may actually end up shifting through the gears in their sleep. I guess my wife will have to keep me updated on if I start wringing her wrist, kick the cats off the bed or make vrooming sounds as I dream.
The KLR started right up this morning as it should and I had a nice relaxing ride enjoying my coldest weather to date.
After I got to work and had removed most of my gear, I was walking down the hall quickly and was passing some of the slower people arriving.
I then noticed. As I passed someone on my walk I kept glancing over just to my right. Not to look back and say hi but to check my mirrors. Each time I walked past someone I felt the urge to verify their location. HEHE I guess maybe I have reached level 3 and a lot of the conscience activities have become second nature.
Now I hear some people may actually end up shifting through the gears in their sleep. I guess my wife will have to keep me updated on if I start wringing her wrist, kick the cats off the bed or make vrooming sounds as I dream.
Friday, October 2, 2009
O Battery Where Art Thou?
My battery woes continued on Thursday afternoon. Well maybe it was my noobishness.
The morning went well enough as did the past week. My KLR started everytime with very little effort. In cold mornings the battery output was noticably less but it still turned over. This was all going well until Thursday afternoon when I was walking out from the office on post and was about to put my helmet on when I noticed the faint glow of my rear parking light through the back lens. Son of a B#$%^
It’s going to be dead I thought. My dread was confirmed when I tried to turn it over and got a sickly buzzing sound.
I called my wife as I decided I will very likely need a jump. As she got ready I decided to try a running pop the clutch in second gear while holding the starter cheese way of getting going. I tried a couple of time with a running start in the tight parking lot getting a couple familiar lug lugs but nothing that resembled a starting engine. I pushed it by an open car parking spot and waited.
My wife arrived with the tool set and homemade pair of cigarette lighter to battery terminal jumper cables but it was taking to long with a poor connection. I pulled off the plastic and the seat allowing me to connect the battery with the big car jumper cables from KLR battery to Jeep Liberty battery. With this fine connection the bike started after a couple cranks of the engine.
I let it idle for a while as my frustration with the circumstances had reached its boiling point and I felt the need to express this visually as I brute forced my plastics and seat back on while I mumbled and scowled. "Clearly I was not thinking and made an ass of myself" Sorry honey.
I rode home repeating to myself "Pay attention! Riding a motorcycle deserves my full attention on the road."
I finally arrived and cut the engine. I turned the key back on and tried to turn the pig back over. Ahhhhh there is that oh so dreadful sound. The sound of an underpowered low amp battery as it struggled to create enough spark to start the bike and quickly diminished as the cranking slowed to groans.
I ordered my new Odyssey PC545 last Tuesday but UPS has decided to take their time with the shipping and it has sat in some east coast shipping facilities the last 3 days. They expected the delivery date to be Tuesday the 6th of October a full 7 days of shipping.
I guess I will try and get a little more life from this old battery as I wait for UPS.
Where art thou battery?
The morning went well enough as did the past week. My KLR started everytime with very little effort. In cold mornings the battery output was noticably less but it still turned over. This was all going well until Thursday afternoon when I was walking out from the office on post and was about to put my helmet on when I noticed the faint glow of my rear parking light through the back lens. Son of a B#$%^
It’s going to be dead I thought. My dread was confirmed when I tried to turn it over and got a sickly buzzing sound.
I called my wife as I decided I will very likely need a jump. As she got ready I decided to try a running pop the clutch in second gear while holding the starter cheese way of getting going. I tried a couple of time with a running start in the tight parking lot getting a couple familiar lug lugs but nothing that resembled a starting engine. I pushed it by an open car parking spot and waited.
My wife arrived with the tool set and homemade pair of cigarette lighter to battery terminal jumper cables but it was taking to long with a poor connection. I pulled off the plastic and the seat allowing me to connect the battery with the big car jumper cables from KLR battery to Jeep Liberty battery. With this fine connection the bike started after a couple cranks of the engine.
I let it idle for a while as my frustration with the circumstances had reached its boiling point and I felt the need to express this visually as I brute forced my plastics and seat back on while I mumbled and scowled. "Clearly I was not thinking and made an ass of myself" Sorry honey.
I rode home repeating to myself "Pay attention! Riding a motorcycle deserves my full attention on the road."
I finally arrived and cut the engine. I turned the key back on and tried to turn the pig back over. Ahhhhh there is that oh so dreadful sound. The sound of an underpowered low amp battery as it struggled to create enough spark to start the bike and quickly diminished as the cranking slowed to groans.
I ordered my new Odyssey PC545 last Tuesday but UPS has decided to take their time with the shipping and it has sat in some east coast shipping facilities the last 3 days. They expected the delivery date to be Tuesday the 6th of October a full 7 days of shipping.
I guess I will try and get a little more life from this old battery as I wait for UPS.
Where art thou battery?
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