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imported post
And so to the riding, which I guess is what it wasall about:tup:
I was aprehensive about trying the bike after a year and so many changes, so here is a view on all the major parts:
Forks/Steering/Brakes
The bike sits higher, both front and back now and I sense that it steers a bit quicker than stock. However there were no stability issues right up to 160ks. On Road there is really no major difference from stock (Read on for 'off' road). Not surprisingly, the front brakes were a big improvement with the 2 pot Nissins, but stillnothing to write home aboutagainst more modern stuff. There is still plenty of dive when you yank on the lever !
One particular benefit that I wasn't expecting, was the much reduced vibration through the bars:tup:. I put this down to the rubber mounted risers and the protaper bars.
The Fairing
Certainly from an on-road point of view, this is the biggest difference. The wind protection is fabulous, with cruise speeds of 130-140 absolutely effortless. The 'ram air' effect that I was looking for under the screen has eliminated any buffeting and transforms this bikes 'long haul' capabilities on the highway.
The looks will alway's be a matter of opinion, but I have been totally choughed at the number of 'non biking' people who have made comments at gas stations etc. One woman said 'it looks so futuristic' !!:hr:. I'm not sure anyone on a KLR has ever had that said to them , have they? Anyway, I'm pleased and I'm in discussions at the moment with regard to selling the fairing as a kit for the stock bikes.
Instruments
I sort of 'fell into' redoing the instruments. I wanted a better dash arrangement for additional instruments and changing the forks and triple clamps (holding the stock clocks) meant I had to look at something. The digital instrument from Acewell is great and works flawlessly in every respect. It is totally accurate, so I must be the first person on a KLR to actually know how fast I'm going!:tup:
Off road
I asked Sheldon if he would test ride the bike off road, not just so I could take pictures, but mainly because he's a much better rider than me and could 'extend the envelope' a bit! He didn't disappoint!!:wi:
A picture saves a thousand words, so look on !!
Good job I changes the Rims as well!!!
He's doing about 125 here!!
Has he finished yet ?:wi:
Believe it or not, when the front wheel was on the ground the forks tracked superbely over the moderate pot holes, which only egged him on more!! When he finally got off, he said " that's not like any KLR I've ridden !!!"
And that, people, is excactly why I started it in the first place:tup:!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you and it at the show - Cheers Ian:hb: