Its on!

October 29, 2011

Woodstock, Va. (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1726+Stultz+Gap+Road+Woodstock+VA+22664&hl=en&ll=38.910805,-78.610611&spn=0.219595,0.441513&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=28.667509,56.513672&vpsrc=6&t=m&z=11)

KLRista twohawks and family will host the first Blue Ridge KLR Tech Day at La Casa De twohawks, near Woodstock Va. They are providing a two bay man cave + an outdoor slab for tinkering and wrench twisting. Located on a chunk of George Washington National Forest, the twohawks homestead has room for tents and the ability to grill us some critter.

As with most things KLR, this will be an informal gathering. We don't have any grand scheme other than to get together, wrench a bit, ride a bit and break bread with each other. Mike [twohawks], and his wife, Holly, have a great home on a beautiful piece of the Shenandoah Valley, hugging the base of Little Mountain. Dual sport roads and trails for all skill levels, right at the end of their driveway.

We are doing this to help each other with general maintenance items, performance mods, and farkle installation. This thread is to ask questions, post up what you'd like to work on, ask about where to get parts, volunteering tools, advice, moral support and general BS. We'll add an "IN" list as the shyness KLRista's are known for wears off.

Maintenance things to consider:

Oil and Filter Change

Air Filter Cleaning

Mount New Tires

Tighten Wheel Spokes

Adjust Chain

Service Battery

Install New Chain and Sprockets

Swing Arm Maintenance*

Doohickey Replacement

Check and Adjust Valves**

Add to the list as you want....

Possible Performance Modifications:

22 Cent Mod

KLX Needle

Anything else, ask up and we can consider it!

Farkle Installation:

Crash Bars

Electrical Power Outlets

Skid Plates

Fork Braces......

If you can buy it and it can be fastened on, we'll try it!


* Keep in mind, this can be a stubborn procedure, and it's not uncommon for the swingarm bolt to need to be replaced. This may not be the best time or place for this procedure.

** Valve checks and adjustments should be done on an ambient temperature engine. You'll need to trailer in or be there the night before to allow the engine to cool down to air temperature.

We'll need to pool our resources and come up with lifts, torque wrenches and other specialty items to make this work. I think we can scour the area for what we need. Along with being colorful, KLrista's are a resourceful lot. We'll make it happen.


Tent space available on site or at Wolf Gap Campgrounds, a free National Forest Service site a few miles away.

Let the chatter begin.

This sounds like an awesome deal, but I just noticed, I will tentatively be at Deal's Gap that weekend for the EOSB.

The only major things I need to do are fork springs and emulators while getting rid of the RICOR bits that seem to be very much worn out.

No stranger to wrenching but Would love to get my valves adj'd. by someone with experience and of course help so next time I can do it myself! Due (soon) @ 6000 mi's.
Looking forward to it.
Plan is to ride up Fri evening and camp out.(on site?)

...guess since it's at my place I should commit :)


Valve adjustment

.22 cent mod

possible rear tire change

possible pulling of rear shock




It's gonna be a fun time! :thumb:

Trust someone has a collection of shims for the valve adjustment - JIC.

Left side case gaskets for the doohickey replacement - and the flywheel holder and puller?

Right side cover gasket for those wanting to clean the debris from the filter screen? Bring oil.

Manuals for proper torque specs. Guddentite doesn't always apply.

A can of Kroil (or something similar) to help free up the pivot arm bolt for swing arm maint. This stuff is God in a can for working through corrosion on hardware that nature has whacked on.

Seal driver (makes it easier) for replacing the fork seals. Fork oil.

Beer - when things go wrong - OR - right at the end of the day to celebrate your successes..

Just trying to point out the obvious. Maintenance stuff being done away from home sometimes leaves you with that "Now what?" feeling.

:)

Trust someone has a collection of shims for the valve adjustment - JIC.

Left side case gaskets for the doohickey replacement - and the flywheel holder and puller?

Right side cover gasket for those wanting to clean the debris from the filter screen? Bring oil.

Manuals for proper torque specs. Guddentite doesn't always apply.

A can of Kroil (or something similar) to help free up the pivot arm bolt for swing arm maint. This stuff is God in a can for working through corrosion on hardware that nature has whacked on.

Seal driver (makes it easier) for replacing the fork seals. Fork oil.

Beer - when things go wrong - OR - right at the end of the day to celebrate your successes..

Just trying to point out the obvious. Maintenance stuff being done away from home sometimes leaves you with that "Now what?" feeling.

:)

Welcome to the forum Guy! All good points to consider. Even better would be your presence and help. We're adding an incentive bonus......

There's a firing range on site. Among his varied talents, twohawks does Gun Smithy work, and has a range. We'll be taking a break from the wrenching, before the suds start flowing, to have a plink-fest for defensive carry weapons. Leave your scoped race rig competition Hog Leg at the house...this will be for your concealed carry weapons only. An opportunity to see what others carry and how, and some plinking at close range.

Welcome to the forum Guy! All good points to consider. Even better would be your presence and help. We're adding an incentive bonus......

There's a firing range on site. Among his varied talents, twohawks does Gun Smithy work, and has a range. We'll be taking a break from the wrenching, before the suds start flowing, to have a plink-fest for defensive carry weapons. Leave your scoped race rig competition Hog Leg at the house...this will be for your concealed carry weapons only. An opportunity to see what others carry and how, and some plinking at close range.

Hellava bonus, for sure. I am looking at my schedule. All depends on my wife's schedule for prepping her parents house to put on the market. They put them in a nursing home this past summer and there is a lot of stuff that needs to be moved, and moved out - requiring my body, truck, and trailer.

FWIW - I have a bunch of shims, some of the aforementioned gaskets, and 'hickey tools. Also have the CC stuff and ammo for same for the plink-fest and the proper paperwork for the hardware. Question would be, which one. :)

As you may have read on ADV, my last full day of employ is the 23rd. I turned in my 2-week notice and will be a member of the retirement community after then.

But seriously, this looks like it will be fun and I'll keep you posted. Will need directions tho'. Following fallen parts, oil cans, and other misc. stuff that falls off our beloved steed has never been my strong suite.

Best!!

Im a definate "maybe".
Im not sure what my schedule will be that weekend and it is a bit of a drive (ride) for me (nearly 2 hrs).
I do have options though. I really dont need any wrenching done but I wouldnt mind watching and helping so I can learn a few things, Ive also got a good assortment of tools.
I've got a 2 bike trailer if anyone up I-81 from Woodstock needs their bike trailered down, say something now, otherwise I may just ride the KLR down.
Ive also got a couple of CC guns I wouldnt mind shooting (if I can legally get them through the communist state of MD):rolleyes:.
If I drive the truck down, finding a place to crash isnt a problem, Its got a cap on the back that is very comfortable.

Conveniently I was just looking at buyin a tent so this could be a good first occasion to try it out. I have 3 ccw weapons I Carry that I can bring to shoot. I don't need any wrenching done but would love to meet people and help out. Put me down as a deffinate maybe!

Is there a way I could get a exact address for plans to run map routes and talk to fiance thanks

Is there a way I could get a exact address for plans to run map routes and talk to fiance thanks

Click on the words "Woodstock, Va." in the original post to this thread.

Welcome to the forum jokerlp. I think you'll find a good brotherhood and lots of dual sport activity right here in your back yard. Watch for upcoming ride announcements.

Sounds good I PMed him.

Trust someone has a collection of shims for the valve adjustment - JIC.

If someone wants to pick up my assortment, you guys are welcome to it. Basically the Arrowhead collection plus a few. After my first adjust and calling around to all the local shops and being told that "valve stems" only come in one size... Yeah I went ahead and ordered the kit. Last adjustment, all was in spec, so I still have the unused Arrowhead collection.

...guess since it's at my place I should commit :)


Valve adjustment

.22 cent mod

possible rear tire change

possible pulling of rear shock




It's gonna be a fun time! :thumb: Rear shock pulling takes about ten minutes. Easy Peasy. I pulled mine , sent it to suspensions by sasquatch for a total rebuild. best money spent so far

Sounds like fun. I need to do the doo (have it and new gaskets) valve check (11,500 on the clock never checked valves) and while I am in there install Barnett clutch sprigs and plates. I do have a puller for the doo, but do not have the wrench needed. Is this too much? Will drain pans be available cause my oil is new and synthetic. I have some tools also. Actually scratch the drain pan question, I would probably bring the bike up in the back of the truck, and camp out of the truck. Will I be ridiculed endlessly for hauling the bike up? I will bring high test offerings for sampling.

Sounds like fun. I need to do the doo (have it and new gaskets) valve check (11,500 on the clock never checked valves) and while I am in there install Barnett clutch sprigs and plates. I do have a puller for the doo, but do not have the wrench needed. Is this too much? Will drain pans be available cause my oil is new and synthetic. I have some tools also. Actually scratch the drain pan question, I would probably bring the bike up in the back of the truck, and camp out of the truck. Will I be ridiculed endlessly for hauling the bike up? I will bring high test offerings for sampling.

Probably, but don't let that stop you! Bring it, we'll get done what we can. We'll start a list of who's bringing what for tools and such.

Be good to see you again!

I have it on the calendar. I need to do the doo. I have the parts but no tools.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Doo tools are pretty common but just in case no one else has them to bring, Ive got them. Ive also got a few extra brass washers for a $.22 mod. I guess it would be a $.00 mod for whomever uses my washers.
Ive also got a set of spoons and a balance rack if we are changing a tire or two. If Im riding the bike down though, the balancing rack wont come with me.

What time does this cluster kick off? I can probably attend but need to bolt by noon for some family obligations.

VAC

What time does this cluster kick off? I can probably attend but need to bolt by noon for some family obligations.

VAC


How early you wanna start?

On the other KLR forum someone mentioned bring coffee and donuts. Based on that is 0900 too early to kick off some of the wrenching?

VAC

Nope...9 AM it tis...


On the other KLR forum someone mentioned bring coffee and donuts. Based on that is 0900 too early to kick off some of the wrenching?

VAC

Any kind of count on how many people will be there?

Any kind of count on how many people will be there?


Early to say but if it's 5 or 25 it'll be fun...

I'll bring Enough coffee and a couple dozen donuts. That should do it on a first come, first served basis. No fighting over the creme filled!

Bumpety-bump. Let's keep this on page one so we don't lose track of time. Some will need to order parts, equipment needs to be arranged for. Kitchen passes negotiated.

I'm looking forward to just getting together with ya'all again.

Bumpety-bump. Let's keep this on page one so we don't lose track of time. Some will need to order parts, equipment needs to be arranged for. Kitchen passes negotiated.

I'm looking forward to just getting together with ya'all again.

I'll be there. I would like to do the doo. I tried a while back but the threaded tool was getting it's threads stretched and nothing was budging. Any advice on this?

Mike

I'll be there. I would like to do the doo. I tried a while back but the threaded tool was getting it's threads stretched and nothing was budging. Any advice on this?

Mike

I suppose there are a number of methods that can be used....I've had good luck getting flywheels off by putting bearing grease in the bolt hole, then applying steady pressure on the rotor puller. The top of my rotor pullers have a 19mm head. When pulling a rotor / flywheel, I tighten them with an automobile four way wheel lug wrench. I want to believe I have a better control over the applied pressure using both hands on the lug wrench, as apposed to a breaker bar or impact wrench. If I get a stubborn one, I apply pressure by feel, then at an "enough" point, quit, and allow the rotor to sit with that pressure on it. Give it a minute, and give the rotor bolt a little more. I haven't stripped a rotor bolt YET, and every rotor has popped off so far.....with the grease and standing pressure method, I have had rotors come loose just tapping on them after they had set for a minute or so under pressure. It's all in how you hold your tongue.

Time's a drawin' near. Got my rear tire ordered as well as front brake pads.


:thumb:

I suppose there are a number of methods that can be used....I've had good luck getting flywheels off by putting bearing grease in the bolt hole, then applying steady pressure on the rotor puller. The top of my rotor pullers have a 19mm head. When pulling a rotor / flywheel, I tighten them with an automobile four way wheel lug wrench. I want to believe I have a better control over the applied pressure using both hands on the lug wrench, as apposed to a breaker bar or impact wrench. If I get a stubborn one, I apply pressure by feel, then at an "enough" point, quit, and allow the rotor to sit with that pressure on it. Give it a minute, and give the rotor bolt a little more. I haven't stripped a rotor bolt YET, and every rotor has popped off so far.....with the grease and standing pressure method, I have had rotors come loose just tapping on them after they had set for a minute or so under pressure. It's all in how you hold your tongue.

Ok... so my idea of beating it with a sledge hammer is out right? :50:

OK, I want to make this my autumn getaway. 550 miles :-) I have some cheap torque wrenches from Harbor Freight I can bring along with my overstocked tool box. Mostly everything except what I probably need. I should bring a rear tire to change, maybe brakes, I'll get doo parts if the tools are coming with someone, 22 mod, and I'd be interested in any electrical advice (no problems yet, just preventative minded). I know..duct tape. Well I ran out, OK? I use it for the recalled turn signals that I won't hand over until the black ice of doom comes. Is there space for the new guy?

Looking forward to this. I will be leaving Roanoke early Saturday morning with the KLR in the back of the truck. Planning on valve adjustment and doo. I also have some Barnett clutch springs so would like to install those as well. My only concern is my 16 yo son taking care of my 4 yo JR terrier. I plan on a 9 am arrival , get the wrenching done, then some shooting, and would want to camp out of my truck Saturday night. I will bring plenty of provisions, and some spirits for those inclined. Any ideas on the number of folks attending?

On Tuesday, twohawks [Mike] experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. He is currently in the Winchester Medical Center. He is undergoing an MRI today. This may have little effect on our Tech Day plans, or lots of effect on our plans. Stand by for details....

I think the best thing to do right now is maintain a positive outlook and continue to plan for a Tech Day that date. Mike's recovery and health will dictate the location. Other than maintaining a positive attitude about all this, the next best thing any of us could do is send prayers, positive thoughts, whatever support you find useful towards Mike and his family.

I'm awaiting a call from his brother [a token KLRista by proxy] RebRider, for updates and condition reports. I'll keep you all filled in.

My thoughts are with you and your family Mike.

Health is more important than a tech day...my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Prayers out for Mike. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

Sending postive thoughts and prayers to the twohawks family.

That's tragic!

Prayers and best wishes to Mike (TwoHawks) and family.

:t1204:

Our thoughts are with him and his family .
I trust he'll make a quick recovery with little or no after effects.

I just received a message from Mike [twohawks]. This brought tears to my eyes.


"Pat,

I am in ICU at Winchester medical center having had a mild stroke last week. I am fine. No perm damage."



Thank you God. Thank you.

He continued with

"but will need you to help bring about the lists of what is happening and by whom."


So for now, it appears that the BRTD I is on.

Lets get the "IN" list going, along with what needs done.


*****

Anyone into sending a card of well wishes or other form of support for twohawks can contact Mike @


Michael Cooley
Room 279
Winchester Medical Center
1840 Amherst St.
Winchester, VA 22604

Wonderful news on all fronts! I'm in. Is this the way to say that? I'm in. Valves are a mysterious thing to me. I'm approaching 18k, never done 'em. What do I bring for them? I'll probably get run out of town when you all see how I treat my stuff. I want to learn and do better though. .22 mod: what do I need to bring for that? Rear tire maybe.

That's good to hear about him.


I think I will be an OUT since I will be nursing a serious hangover that day

Some more good news concerning twohawks [Mike]........

He was transferred from the Winchester Medical Center to

Winchester Rehabilitation Center
333 W. Cork Street,
Winchester, VA 22601

Apparently, he is stable enough to begin physical rehab, and rehab, I imagine, is somewhat like getting off the bus at MCRD Parris Island.


I visited with Mike's brother RebRider a bit tonight. We are planning to go on with the tech day, contingent on Mike's progress.

So, if ya would, sound off your intentions, and what you need done. I'll start an "IN" list in the original post.

Still in for the morning.

VAC

Count me In for contingent KLR tech day.

Glad to hear twohawks is on the road to recovery.

Working on a list of maintenance tasks.

Count me out. I just found out that Ive got a parade to attend on the 29th.

...We are planning to go on with the tech day, contingent on Mike's progress.

So, if ya would, sound off your intentions, and what you need done. I'll start an "IN" list in the original post.

I'm planning on being there. No pressing need to work on the KLR, but I can always lend a hand and offer my opinion on what someone else is doing :sign0173:

Lars

Lars, good to see you last night. I still feel full today after 4 trips to the Boo-fay yesterday.

VAC

I'll be there. I'm getting the doo done tomorrow so I'll mainly be there to bs and have fun with you guys and help out where I can.

Mike

How is Mike? Haven't heard if this is a go due to how he's feeling. If it's a go then I will be there. Hopefully someone can lend a hand with the Doo.

Don

Well hello there,

I am the newest new guy to this thread, this Forum site, and owning a KLR-650 (2011, Orange).

I'm such a new KLR owner I have yet to add on any accessories, make any mods, or do any maintence, save two exceptions. The initial 600 mile oil change, and I've ridden enough since I got the bike in June to need a new rear already, but it's already on the bike. Both of those things were done by a professional since I'm such a puss. Looking forward to getting over the hump and doing my own wrenching.

I would really love to hang out with some other KLR owners (kind of surprised there's not more of us around) watch some maintanence getting done, learn a thing or two, and most of all hit some dirt with others.

I'm IN for this Saturday's tech day. My name on ADVRider and now this Forum is FATNBLD, so you'll know when I arrive as soon as I take my helmet off. You can even call me that if you want, however I prefer to go by J.R.

See you around 9:00 Saturday morning.

Not yet sure what to bring, any suggestions?

J.R.

Another happy new owner/member here in WV tri-state area!
Been trolling for a while, finally joined today. Haven't pulled the trigger on any new stuff for my '07 yet. Really want to make it to Woodstock this weekend, BUT...

How late might wrenchin' be goin on? I have a family deal in Winchester from about 10-3. 'Fraid I might miss out on the good :50:

Best wishes and thanks to Mike TH!

I may have one of my buddies coming along as well. He's not a KLR owner but he's good people. We'll all pitch in to help out.

Ajr, I'm right down the street from you in Inwood. We've got a great little riding group called the West Virginia Adventure Riders on facebook that you might like. PM me if you want to do some riding with us.

Mike

Probably need someone to confirm that the event (SAT Tech Day) is still on. Got my 1st TankVest delivered. (The stealthy black one) Fit is outstanding and installed in about 2 minutes. Been scouring the military surplus and law enforcement supply stores to find pouches and what-not to mount on it.

VAC

In true cat herder fashion...we will be rescheduling the tech day unfortunately, due to my just getting out of the hospital and being unable to get things ready in time. Hopefully we'll still have it before Winter...but it may be moved to Spring with a bigger agenda


I am VERY SORRY to have to do this.

That's ok Mike. Your health is the most important thing. Just concentrate on getting well. We all are sending good vibes your way.


don

Hope you feel better soon Twohawks.

Mike,

Glad to hear your home and doing well.
You've got all winter to plot and scheme on the next farkles, improvements and travel plans.

Thanks for offering your garage but now we will get lots of stories from unsupervised KLRistas performing "upgrades".
("it seemed pretty clear on the website")

Look forward to seeing you on two wheels.

Ed

In true cat herder fashion...we will be rescheduling the tech day unfortunately, due to my just getting out of the hospital and being unable to get things ready in time. Hopefully we'll still have it before Winter...but it may be moved to Spring with a bigger agenda


I am VERY SORRY to have to do this.

TwoHawks, hope you get to feeling 100 percent soon, maybe a spring Tech day would be better. I know it is supposed to be COLD on Saturday. When the day is rescheduled, I will be happy to help with the cookin, and I will certainly help with the drinkin too. Thanks again, and see you soon!

Well...looks like the tech day may have had to have been rescheduled anyways...we have 3 or 4 inches of slush here and temps dropping. My driveway is steep and up hill coming in.


We will get a Spring date out soon so keep watching the thread.


What's it like where you are?

Well...looks like the tech day may have had to have been rescheduled anyways...we have 3 or 4 inches of slush here and temps dropping. My driveway is steep and up hill coming in.

:t1204:


We will get a Spring date out soon so keep watching the thread.


What's it like where you are?

Hey Mike, we've got a couple of inches so far. I hope you're doing better. Remember, health before play. LOL.

Mike

Hey Mike, we've got a couple of inches so far. I hope you're doing better. Remember, health before play. LOL.

Mike


Thanks...I am not a good patient...I am ready to get back to my normal routine. Won't be long they tell me. Dying to ride again.


Hey...whats the deal with tank vest for 2008 and up KLR's?

The 2008+ Tank Vests were redesigned to eliminate some air gaps and flexing caused by the faring design. They are in production now and we anticipate beginning shipping in the next week.

The faring gave us a lot of issues but we were able to overcome the problems and the 2008+ design works well. I had planned on bringing the prototype down yesterday but with the cancellation, I'll bring some down in the spring.

Our gallery page has pics of the redesign up now.

Mike

Sitting by the wood stove on a rare day off, occasionally checking for accumulation. After a snowy Halloween, who would have expected such a pleasant winter for riding in VA! (excepting for today!)

Figured I'd bump this thread, wish Mike and everyone great health and recovery to whatever ails ya, and offer my assistance for the future tech day (got doo tools, an extra kit, and professional grade mech-i-neck stuff)

Andy:23:

Still hope to have the tech day this spring early summer.

Still nothing on vatrader....anyone else heard from him?

Haven't been on here much lately, so I didn't know he was awol. Hope he's ok.

Still hope to have the tech day this spring early summer.

Still nothing on vatrader....anyone else heard from him?


I looked up his stats:
His last post was 10/14/2011.

As I remember, he was on here every day.

If his history on ADV is any indicator, he tends to take extended breaks from the internet.

No sightings of VATrader on recent pass thru.
Maybe we need to hang out at the Home Depot and see if he shows.
If I remember correctly last year he attended the KLRpalooza the weekend after the fourth of July. Is that on again this year? Maybe he'll show.

If his history on ADV is any indicator, he tends to take extended breaks from the internet.



My thought exactly...

You still have not caught up with VAtrader (Pat)? Doesn't anyone know him well enough to know his phone number...or where he lives?

As much as Pat was on this forum and the ADVrider forum, I can't imagine that he would just stop, and he has posted nothing since OCT. 17th! The sad news about SLO-KLR makes me wonder if something hasn't happened to him.

You still have not caught up with VAtrader (Pat)? Doesn't anyone know him well enough to know his phone number...or where he lives?

His cell phone remains OFF when I've tried to call; and . . . he never set up a voice-mail sytem; no response to E-mail messages or to PM's on any forum.

The man clearly wants to be alone; I respect his wishes and hope for the very best for him.

I look forward to his return.

You still have not caught up with VAtrader (Pat)? Doesn't anyone know him well enough to know his phone number...or where he lives?

As much as Pat was on this forum and the ADVrider forum, I can't imagine that he would just stop, and he has posted nothing since OCT. 17th! The sad news about SLO-KLR makes me wonder if something hasn't happened to him.

Dale,

I was thinking the same about Pat. On another note, We need to get together and ride.