Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Kawasaki Tech
Kawasaki Tech Kawasaki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Kawasaki riders only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Sep 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Sep 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,957
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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
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
Reply With Quote
Reply


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


 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 13:16.