Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Clacking sound!! KLR650 Clacking sound!! KLR650
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 72
Clacking sound!! KLR650
Just got my bike out of the shop: MotoPerformance Peru... just outside of Miraflores.

they did alot of work, but nothing to the engine. I requested that they do a valve job, because i am at 25 000 miles and have never had one(however, i am unsure about previous owner for the first 10 000 miles). anyway i wanted them to check. They didn t even take the top off so i assume they do not have the technical expertise to do it (they had my bike for up to a month waiting for parts). they blamed their lack of initiative on not having the parts. I decided it was good that they didn t do it and decided to get it done in bolivia: No problem it is running good enough i thought.

I drive it for 4 days after i get it back and twice it decides not to start, but eventually it does. then last night i try to start it and it turns over but will not ignite. While it turns over i hear a LOUD clacking sound for about 40 revolutions. during this time the clack gets quieter and quieter untill it goes back to normal. it does not ingnite and soon enough the battery is dead. Question: Any idea what this temporary Clacking sound was? it was coming from the engine. top or bottom i could not tell. my bike is still not running.....i am now searching for a trickle charger.

Wrong Way
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2012
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Can you record the sound?

If you need work done see Nicky in Sucre, he has a proper shop.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 72
never thought of recording the sound.
Well, the clacking sound only happened once while it was turning over; over the course of say 40 to 50 revolutions it went away. now, i have a fully charged battery and it will not start.

thanx for the contact in Sucre. i will look up Nicky when i get there. You thing he could perform a valve job?

Regards,
Wrong way
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
It is never easy to diagnose such problems over the internet, and the vagueness in your posts 1 & 3 doesn't help!

But linking your two posts I would say that your starter motor is kaput, in which case you should be able to bump start the motor; I suggest you give that a go, and try to be specific and accurate with reporting fault symptoms in future posts.

Just my 2 cents worth.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 62
Maybe something like a bolt was left in the crankcase adjacent to the ignition pickup or wiring; if the foriegn object was picked up by the flywheel, that would explain the clanking, and the fail to start could mean that whatver it was could have done significant damage to with either the pickup or wiring...

just a thought...

Good luck with it anyway!

Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southampton
Posts: 24
Stop and investigate.
As stated, it is difficult to diagnose a noise, but any unusual noise requires investigation. There are several possibilities : The automatic decompresser device on the exhaust cam shaft, the cam chain tensioner and the balancer chain (doohicky), adjuster. It is no good trying to start it, you will only inflict more damage. The KLR motor is strong, the only weakness is the balancer chain adjuster. If broken and not attended to the damage is horrid !!! Unfortunately if the motor has been the victim of a monkey mechanic then the list could be endless, I would have a look at the doohicky first, but if you can be sure that the upgrade has been done, then remove the cam cover, and have a look, the cam chain and decompresser are easy to check.

Andy.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Newer KLR650 as RTW bike.... tvtommy Which Bike? 5 4 Apr 2012 18:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:45.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top