Model C

[jimmy]

So what is the story on these model "c"s

They r supposed to be better? They have no tachometer, no temperature gauge, apparently no way to control the damper on the rear shock, and they are heavier, with a smaller gas tank!

 Parts like fork braces, are inexistance...and other parts are hard to come by.

I am a new owner since a week now and except for the fact that the bike looks god-dam good, I am not impressed. Problems with a "dohickey" and a wobble after 120 km/hr, what did I get myself into??

I may need some therapy after this purchase!

By the way, I love this forum, part of my therapy, thanks to all for answers received up till now.

[DaveC]

So what is the story on these model "c"s

They r supposed to be better? They have no tachometer, no temperature gauge, apparently no way to control the damper on the rear shock, and they are heavier, with a smaller gas tank!

 Parts like fork braces, are inexistance...and other parts are hard to come by.

I am a new owner since a week now and except for the fact that the bike looks god-dam good, I am not impressed. Problems with a "dohickey" and a wobble after 120 km/hr, what did I get myself into??

I may need some therapy after this purchase!

By the way, I love this forum, part of my therapy, thanks to all for answers received up till now.

Better is in the eye of the beholder. They look better, but they were never marketed in the 'States, so there's little in the way of bolt-on aftermarket stuff. That said, apparently the rear shock for the 'A' (or any A-compatible replacement) will bolt right in (I recall reading that on another forum...I'll see if I can dig up the reference).

I've since traded mine in on a Versys, but everything I found for it can be found at http://web.ncf.ca/ac255/motorcycle.html.

Dave C

[jimmy]

Thanks Dave, better is in the eye of the beholder...I like that. Salut to my fellow Canadian, happy and safe summer soon!

[DaveC]

I'll be glad when the snow goes, that's for sure...

The 'C' is also known as the "European" model, as it was more popular over there (I'm not sure if the 'A' was sold over there or not...). If you speak German, you might want to try reading http://klr650.de, as there are a lot more 'C' riders on that board. I've tried reading it using the "translate a web page" option at Babelfish but some of the translations are...errr...interesting at times.

Despite some of the issues you noted, I really loved mine. I just don't ride off-road, and I wanted something with a bit more power to haul my fat butt around (tried losing weight, but I love beer too much  )

Some thoughts:

• The lack of a tach was one thing that irked me. If I had kept the bike, I was going to look into getting the Trailtech Vapor. At least one user on the UK section at klr650.net installed one without much difficulty.
• In 6 years of riding a 'C', I never once felt the need for a fork brace. Check the front end, 'cause something might be loose.
• Other parts are a bit of a pain, but I believe some items such as the skid plates will bolt right on.
• The 'doo' affects all of the KLR's, not just the 'C'. That said, just about every bike made has a few issues. There aren't really that many with the KLR family.

Good luck,
Dave C