Beware! Kawasaki KLR 650: Another Doohickey Video. Part 2

Shaun Murray is back with Park 2 of his excellent balancer chain video. When changing the doohickey did not solve his problem, this rider looked deeper into the balancer chain assembly and found more problems.  This video shows you why changing the doohickey is not a "cure all" for lack of tension in your balancer chain. Credit for this video goes to You Tube Shaun Murray - well done, mate!

BEWARE - Kawasaki KLR 650: Another Doohickey Video. Part 1

Before you simply replace the doohicky and spring, take a look at this video. It is a good idea to do a proper inspection of the balancer chain assembly while you have the engine opened. Credit for this video goes to You Tuber Shaun Murray.

NTSB Report on Deadly New Hampshire Crash

A pickup driver's impairment by drugs was the probable cause of  truck/motorcycle accident resulting in multiple rider fatalities. The June 2019 tragedy occurred when a pickup crashed into a group of 18 riders from the Jarhead Motorcycle Club. The tragedy near the small town of Randolph, NH resulted in the deaths of seven riders.

The pickup driven by Volodymyr Zhukovskyy, 24, of West Springfield, Mass., crossed the yellow line of a rural highway and plowed into the group of riders. The December 2020, National Transportation Safety Board report revealed that Zhukovskyy had cocaine and fentanyl in his system and this was the probable cause of the catastrophe. Prior to the accident, Zhukovskyy had a history of drug and DUI related crashes in Texas and Ohio.

He has been charged with reckless manslaughter, negligent homicide and negligent homicide/DUI, and single felony counts of aggravated driving while under the influence of  intoxicating liquor or drugs and reckless conduct. He pleaded not guilty.

A report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed multiple violations of  federal regulations by Zhukvoskyy's employer. 

GoPro Hero 8 Black First Ride

I recently picked up a GoPro Hero 8 camera and here is my first ride video. Nothing too crazy, just a ride around town to test the camera and see how I like it.

First impression of the Hero 8 was good, but there are a few things that make you wonder, why did GoPro do that to the camera? Other features are pretty great, some things that certainly could be better.  I will be posting more on the camera soon. Enjoy watching the first Hero 8 ride. 

Wire Harness Issues

Some older model year KLRs are known to have wiring issues. Whether you bought a new or used KLR take time to carefully inspect your bike's wire harness. I learned this the hard way while stranded in a raging thunderstorm.

The bike was running perfectly when in a turn it died. Nothing worked, no lights, no horn, nothing. After getting soaked in a storm and nearly eaten alive by mosquitoes, I found the main fuse had blown. I replaced it and turned the key. The fuse blew immediately.

This is looking forward on the RH side of the bike, with side panel off

I trailered her back to the garage and removed the panels, gas tank and seat. I soon found a wire bundle chaffed on the horn bracket. I repaired the wiring, repositioned the wire bundle and with a new fuse, life was good again.  Next, I went ahead and inspected the entire wire harness. Under the seat were a couple of more chaffed areas. I removed the windshield and found a couple of more in the front fairing. Finally, I went over the entire bike and "armored" the wire harness.

Before heading out for summer adventure, take some time and inspect your bike's wiring. This would also be a good time to armor your wire harness. I used plastic cable sleeve and it has worked well. When that's done, pack the appropriate size fuses, a roll of electrical tape and find where the fuses are located on the bike. Don't let a preventable electrical issue ruining a great day of riding. 

Acerbis Front Fender Review

Some say the KLR’s front fender, may be a bit too large. Others say it looks just fine. I was part of the second group until my first highway ride in a strong crosswind. The wind caught that big fender and I had to fight the bike to stay on my side of the road. Soon after, I decided the stock fender had to go.

There are several options from different manufacturers. I chose the Acerbis Supermoto fender. I replaced black with black so matching colors was not a concern., but these fenders are available in many colors. But, you can't go wrong with basic black.

Swapping the fenders is easy enough. Simply remove four 8mm screws and the stock fender comes off. Don't forget to disconnect the speedo cable and remove it from the fender bracket. The new fender will need new screw holes drilled. Take careful measurements to be sure the hole spacing and alignment is correct. Then drill the holes in the new fender and mount it.

The smaller fender gives a different look to the bike, but I like it just fine.  The new fender's smaller size catches a lot less wind, which was exactly what I wanted. Now. when riding in strong wind, the KLR is much more manageable. It was a good change for the bike and I am happy with it.

Last Ride During the Corona Scare

Idaho Governor Brad Little recently ordered Idahoans to stay home unless they have essential business out of the house. I carefully reviewed the Governor's list of essential reasons and sadly "motorcycle joy riding" is not on there. Perhaps this oversight will be corrected in the near future. So, I am staying home like folks in many other areas of the country.

It is a small sacrifice as I count my many blessings during this troubling time. My family and friends are all healthy and have avoided Covid-19.  We are working and have toilet paper, food, and all the necessities to ride this thing out. Our prayers are for the thousands of others who have family and/or friends who are ill or are sick themselves. Not to mention the many who have lost family and friends to this virus. This is a serious and troubling time.

I made this video the night before our governor ordered everyone to stay home. It's a short ride around town and is a bit odd because there are very few cars out. Normally, these streets would be much more crowded.

I don't know when I will be riding again. The stay at home order lasts until April 15 and I am planning for that day. Meanwhile I have plenty to do around the house and will be blogging when I can. Stay safe, wash your hands, and keep your distance from others. We will get through this.