Toolgasm » Auto/Travel

Kawasaki KLR 650

admin — Thu, 22 May 2008 02:34:45 +0000

When I was a kid one or both of my elder brothers had a motorcycle at one point or another. I myself have never owned one until very recently, but I have always been around them or on one from time to time. For the last year or 2 the urge to finally get my own has had just become too much. That combined with gas prices and some recent trips to the National Forest off road park with friends in jeeps, made the time ripe to take the plunge.

Like I try to do before buying anything, I did extensive research. My criteria included

Low price
Versatility
Efficiency
Support

Coming in at just shy of $5400 The KLR 650 sits at the bottom edge of what you can get a new motorcycle for. As far as its versatility, it is what would be considered an enduro, or dual sport. Meaning it is just as capable off road as it is on. In production for for 21+ years, the design has proved itself time and again, and is Kawasaki’s 4th best selling motorcycle to this day. She is a 1 cylinder (thumper) 4 stroke with a displacement of 651 cc’s, which translates into an average of 55 MPG. I save almost as much as the payment in gas. Compared to my Honda Element, about $120 an month. This bike has what you could only describe as a cult following. There are many forums dedicated solely to this bike, the 2 best I have found being

KLRworld and KLR650.net

The aftermarket support is unreal, and anything you would ever want to do to one of these is well documented on one of the above mentioned sites or others.

Owning this bike has without a doubt made life more enjoyable. I ride it as much, and as many places as humanly possible, and if you are daring enough, it will go just about anywhere you could think of. Because of its geometry (tall, with wide, dirt style handle bars) cornering is effortless, and has been claimed by others to be on par or better than any purpose built sport bike in the twistys. Off road prowess is very comendable too, you can see some examples here. With a recent resurgence underway, there are plenty of dual sport type bikes on the market to choose from, but all things considered (nothing to do with me owning one ) It’s hard to see a better choice than the Kawasaki KLR 650. Of course, like everything there are issues and compromises that must be considered. Most of which in case of the KLR have be addressed by a complete redesign for the 2008 model. So, start doing your research, and no matter which you decide, I hope to see you on the road soon!

Gator Grip Socket

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:17:03 +0000

I love it when something you see on an infomercial actually works. The Gator Grip Socket would be one of those things. Its a goto piece for almost any socket like job. I have moved, and have had to leave my workshop behind temporarily. I now have limited space and had to grab just the necessities from my shop, and the Gator Grip was my socket. It will get a grip on just about anything, most impressive, and useful, is its ability to handle those little eyelet screws. It comes with a drill adapter, so hanging plants and such are a breeze. I was very skeptical at first as to its durability, but it has proven very hardy, and I haven’t seen any signs of failure, even on some very hard rusted bolt removals.

There is no substitute for having the exact right socket for a particular bolt. If your on a budget though, have limited space, or just some odd shaped things you need to grip, then this is the choice for you. Its a one tool to rule them all type of thing.

[tags]ratchet,socket,gator grip[/tags]

LED Headlamp

admin — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 19:21:16 +0000

I don’t care how stupid they look, LED headlamps are some of the most useful things you can have. Whether your camping, working on a computer, soldering, you name it. Having a bright light pointed exactly where you are looking at all times is indispensable. Now that LEDs are cheaper and brighter than they ever have been before, it makes it a lot more practical than having a huge battery strapped to your dome. 1 or 2 AAA’s are all you need with one of these.

Believe it or not, you can also hold one of these in your hand! So you can skip the whole “Im not putting that dorky thing on my head” excuse , and use it like a regular flashlight. While reserving the coal miner look for when nobody is looking. I completely understand the feeling too, I don’t even own one myself, but my roommate does, and I’m sure I use it as much or more than him. So this post is just as much a reminder to get my own, as it is a prod for you to get one.

[tags]LED, flashlight, headlamp[/tags]

Proclip Mounting System

admin — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 21:20:23 +0000

I mentioned in an earlier post about me having gadgets all over my car. This is how I have them distributed all along my dash. The Proclip system comes in 2 parts, one that is car specific and mounts non destructively to pretty much any late model car in existence. The second part is gadget specific, and you would be hard pressed to find one they do not have a holder for.

I am convinced this is the ultimate solution for mounting things you need to get to, in your car. You can either get fixed mounts, or with ball and socket joints that give you some degree of movement. They are made from bomb proof heavy plastic, and are custom milled to fit your precious toys like a glove. You can even just get the gadget specific part (which comes with great, 2 sided tape on the back) and stick it to what ever open surface you have availible.

I will be up front though, these things are not especially cheap, but I really do believe they are the best product of its type I have seen. Another thing to be aware of, this puts your gadget right out in open site, great for while your using it, bad for when its parked in the city. Put your toys away when not in the vehicle, or like me you will end up with a broken window and a missing Ipod. the plastic is heavy enough though, that when you do get your Ipod stolen, you can modify it to fit your new GigaBeat. Look for them at ProClip

[tags]proclip, ipod, phone[/tags]

LowePro Stealth AWII

admin — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:37:54 +0000

Have a camera, laptop and a handful of other cool things you like to bring with you when you travel? I do, and that’s why I got one of these bad boys. Lowepro is well known for making great bags for all types of situations, so once I saw they made one like this I jumped all over it. The AWII has 2 large compartments, one that holds another bag that your laptop goes into and then Velcros inside. Then a second one that has soft foam compartments for cameras and lenses. Not to mention several other little pockets on the front.

Cameras, Lenses, and Laptops are heavy, and being able to throw them on your back as you trek thru the airport is a huge bonus. You also get to keep all your valuables with you (no way I’m going to check this bag) . The separate laptop bag is nice in itself too, I find I use it constantly, nothing like killing 2 birds with one stone. I also have to say how comfortable it is, with cross straps to help take the load off of your shoulders.

Looks like there is a newer version, and I don’t have a bad word to say about the old one. So, take your pick.

[tags]backpack, camera bag, lowepro[/tags]

Sticky Pad

admin — Thu, 31 May 2007 20:22:25 +0000

This one of the all time greatest things I have ever come across. With custom gadget holders in every availible space in my car, it was time for another mode of “stuff” localization. If you have a dashboard that will accommodate it, I highly recommend getting a Sticky Pad. Not even donuts in the parking lot (within reason) will shake its grip from almost anything you put on it. It does not leave a sticky film when you remove it, and just wipes off when it gets dirty. there is a great roundup of Sticky Pad product over at

Palm InfoCenter

[tags]sticky pad[/tags]