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I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 19 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: south molton, devon, england
Posts: 29
klr 650 shock absorber
Hey Guys

Set off on my KLR 650 (2001) yesterday and immediately noticed I was bouncing a bit - went over a speed bump and felt liek i was on see-saw. Got to my hotel and saw the shock absorber was covered in oil as well as there being oil on the floor. Took it to the mechanic today who says I need to completely replace the rear shock absorber.

Heres the kicker - Im in Colombia - they dont have the parts - and they have quoted me $1500 dollars to have them shipped in from America. I only spent $2000 on the bike so spnding $1500 on a part seems slightly steep.

Heres what I need to know:

1) Is the mechanics analysis correct (I imagine he is but considering the costs I am desperaely hoping maybe there is another reason/solution)

2) Is there another solution other than completely replacing the shock absorber?

3) Can it be repaired or would this be futile (I am still planniog on riding from Colombia to Canada)

4) If I do need to repalce the shock absorber does anyone have some slightly cheaper suggestions?

Hope you guys can help

Duncan
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  #2  
Old 19 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Langley, B.C. Canada
Posts: 47
Hello Duncan,
Sorry to hear you are having problems. I can answer one of your questions. Here are two sites where you can get a rear shock for less than $1500. Vicious Cycle in Canada sells a progressive shock for $499: A Vicious Cycle and Happy Trails in the U.S. sells the same shock for $399: Happy-Trail.com - KLR650 & Adventure Touring Motorcycle Luggage and Aluminum Panniers. I’m afraid I can’t help you out with any shipping information, but it’s a start. All the best.

Regards, Mike
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  #3  
Old 20 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 60
Aftermarket shock absorber
I'd say he's right and that there's no doubt you need a new shock absorber. When I needed one for my V-Strom 650, I ordered it from JCMotors and with shipping included paid less than A Vicious Cycle wanted for the shock before shipping.
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  #4  
Old 20 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
Colombia is a big place. Where are you?

My KLR shock blew out in Suriname after 80,000 miles of use and rude abuse. A local guy cobbled together something out of a Honda shock and a pile of scrap steel which got me to Guatemala, where I bought a new shock for about US$450.

If you're not going the "cobble-together" route, and if you really can't find a shock in Bogota, you need a shipping agent. People import stuff by air freight all the time from Miami, but without someone handling the import for you it might take forever, go missing enroute, or be held by customs for payment of absurd fees. In other words, you need a fixer with a man on the ground in Miami: you have the part express mailed to the guy in Miami, who puts it on a plane for Bogota (or wherever), where it's spirited through customs by something akin to magic.

I'd ask Mike at Casablanca Hostel about it. He gets busier all the time, but still seems to have time to give out good advice and help in various ways. It's going to be easier to find him if you're in Cali or Medellin.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
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  #5  
Old 25 Sep 2012
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: south molton, devon, england
Posts: 29
hey guys

thanks for the advice - have bought a second hand monoshock in America and am lucky enough to have a friend flying out in a week with out - just going to have to sit and wait now.

If that fails have also found a mechanic in Colombia who is able to repair them so got that as a back up option as well.

Duncan
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