Maybe I Should Call Klaus

[Gleno]

Well, to make a long story more boring.....

I bought this 04 used. I come from a Beemer world, and have been through many other bikes. Now, I've decided Ima keep this thing. I like the way it fits. It just fits and makes me smile.

The Klaus thing......

I've further decided to get deeper into the LD world. I like it, and itsa way to get away and get deeper into my passion. Well, I got in late on the Wilbers group buy (but got in), and gave ol Klaus my specs as I ride now. After seeing the posts about fuel cell, and going to Deans fuel cell page, I think Ima order one. I never ride 2up since the wife now has fibermialgia (sp?). So, a full time cell works for me. Donig the math, it seems as though I'd be a tad undersprung to run a full fuell cell. Looks like 24 lbs of FC, and roughly 45lbs of gas, totalling about 70 lbs I didn't factor into my spec sheet to Klaus.

Any thoughts on this?? BTW, what I didn't see was the cost or turnaround time on Deans FC. Anyone.

 

[radman]

Wait and see, I don't think the spring rate/weight is that critical. Next thing ya know, someone will post "I washed the bike, there was a lot of dirt on it, I ordered the spring for a dirty weight, yada yada yada"

Don't know 'bout the cell, many here more knowledgeable on that one.

 

[yamaholic]

spring rate/weight is that critical

Totally disagree. It is critical.

Adding a fuel cell and several pounds of gas directly over the tire is going to change handling. Period.

Klaus should have asked you about your weight, your luggage, and accessories. Being off by say 10lbs isn't that big of a deal, but you're looking at more like 30 at least (depending on the size of the fuel cell).

I can tell a HUGE difference in handling when I put weight in the trunk.

 

[ionbeam]

Adding a fuel cell and several pounds of gas directly over the tire is going to change handling

Figure about 7lbs/gallon for gas. Gleno's estimate of ~70lbs is pretty close. It will be directly over the tire which is WAY better than behind the tire. This is kind of a border line call here. The Wilber should have enough adjustment to compensate for the cell but it may be near the end of the adjuster. This wouldn't be too bad if Gleno has the remote preload adjuster, else he will be under the bike with a spanner to make the adjustment.

I did some wrenching with Speedfreak at his house, when done I threw my took kit on the Yamaha trunk plate (heavy kit, behind the wheel) and went for a spirited ride with SF. SF chose Island Pond Rd as the twisty Ride Of The Day. At the first major corner I was leaned waaaay over and gassed it hard coming out of the turn. Holy $hit, suddenly I'm a unicycle, still leaned way over :bigeyes: . After a quick recovery I straightened up and gassed it again. Monster wheelie . WTF? Suddenly the fog of stupidity cleared and I remembered the tool kit on the tail. While great for wheelies, extra weight behind the wheel suxs for sparkin' pegs <_<

Alan

 

[radman]

Well, I guess I make allowances for load changes when I ride-I realize that dynamics change when load changes, and all the suspension adjustments available won't completely compensate for that. For instance, I would know that I can't barrel in and out of turns with weight hung out there-as a result it's never been a problem for me. I guess I assumed everyone knew this and adjusted style as a result. Maybe this is why I've never laid one down in almost 40 years, while some trash one every other month, or so it seems. But, it makes sense to do what one can to minimize the possibilities, but I wouldn't trash the setup over it.

 

[Randy]

just a second......

are you concerned about the handling characteristics in the twisties or just the 'down the highway' ride? If the former, are you really planning on running a full front tank PLUS a full auxilliary tank when hitting the twisties? If not, don't concern yourself with it.

regardless, the different spring rate will be so minimal, you probably wouldn't even notice.

 

[ionbeam]

I guess I assumed everyone knew this and adjusted style as a result.

I know about and normally adjust my riding with changes in load and weight location. Ever just get distracted and just do something stupid? :blink: Often stupidity leads to pain, which I was fortunate enough to avoid this time :good:

 

[radman]

I guess I assumed everyone knew this and adjusted style as a result.

I know about and normally adjust my riding with changes in load and weight location. Ever just get distracted and just do something stupid? :blink: Often stupidity leads to pain, which I was fortunate enough to avoid this time :good:

No, never. Well, that first marriage, but thats it. And then that cliff jumping thing, but no more. The Sportster with the rear wheel locked for 200 feet as the cops stopped traffic for me at a football game, and thats all. Ahhhh, fuk it........... Yeah, I know what ya mean.

 

[Rogue]

Well, to make a long story more boring.....
I bought this 04 used. I come from a Beemer world, and have been through many other bikes. Now, I've decided Ima keep this thing. I like the way it fits. It just fits and makes me smile.

The Klaus thing......

I've further decided to get deeper into the LD world. I like it, and itsa way to get away and get deeper into my passion. Well, I got in late on the Wilbers group buy (but got in), and gave ol Klaus my specs as I ride now. After seeing the posts about fuel cell, and going to Deans fuel cell page, I think Ima order one. I never ride 2up since the wife now has fibermialgia (sp?). So, a full time cell works for me. Donig the math, it seems as though I'd be a tad undersprung to run a full fuell cell. Looks like 24 lbs of FC, and roughly 45lbs of gas, totalling about 70 lbs I didn't factor into my spec sheet to Klaus.

Any thoughts on this?? BTW, what I didn't see was the cost or turnaround time on Deans FC. Anyone.

Is this Dean Tanji's Fuel Cell?

If so it 54# full of fuel and you should contact him to verify he still has some.

When I picked up mine in December it sounded like he wasn't planning on another production run (but I may have not heard right). I think he is in Asia right now working.

 

[exskibum]

just a second......are you concerned about the handling characteristics in the twisties or just the 'down the highway' ride? If the former, are you really planning on running a full front tank PLUS a full auxilliary tank when hitting the twisties? If not, don't concern yourself with it.

regardless, the different spring rate will be so minimal, you probably wouldn't even notice.

Exactly my reaction, Randy. Everything is a compromise to some extent.

I think I'd just leave it as ordered and see how it works out in the twisties when the fuel cell is not loaded. In LD riding, are responsible riders really taking their bikes that close to the limits when they are in the twisties that the additional weight is that big an issue? OTOH, if it's truly a single purpose bike, I can understand how it'd bug an owner who doesn't have every part of the bike dialed perfectly to that purpose.

 

[Randy]

OTOH, if it's truly a single purpose bike, I can understand how it'd bug an owner who doesn't have every part of the bike dialed perfectly to that purpose.

Again, to the point of compromise, it can't be dialed in perfectly in every situation. For example, a 30 pound difference can determine a .5 difference in front spring rate. With a 6 gallon tank and a gallon of fuel being about 7 pounds, that's a 42 pound difference from a full tank to an empty tank. So, with a full tank, 1 spring rate would be optimum, but, with 1/4 tank, a lighter spring rate would be optimum.

Settings for street bikes should be set based on averages, not extremes (with the assumption the settings/set up can handle the extremes).