I share the same good experience as Markharf. If looked after with oil changes etc they last a long time. I bought a 1990 model with 55000km on it 3-4 years ago. Last year with the odometer reading 130,000 km I left Vladivostok and rode 28,000 km over the next 5 months getting to the UK. Problems were 2 broken clutch cables, a rear wheel bearing and a leaking fuel tap. I'm now planning to take it down through Africa next year and am not planning any major engine work for that (the suspension and brakes are shot though and need doing).

My only other comment was after 28000km a couple of my valve clearances had closed up so for a 45000km trip you may need one or more adjustments during the journey. These are not hard to do if you have any mechanical ability or you can get a dealer to do it; and I would carry some spare adjustment shims one or two thicknesses smaller than the current ones with you - they are small, cheap and not always easy to get when you need them.

Also if you don't know if the Doohickey has been done - do it. I've worked on a couple of KLR's and all have needed them doing. They really are as bad as the internet posts suggest.

Just as an aside I also bought a second KLR which had siezed its cam due to complete lack of oil. Original plan was to use it as a spares bike but in the end I put a second hand cylinder head on and see how it went (I did nothing else except for the doohickey). Its now done 20,000km since then and is running like a trojan - they really are tough motors, if a bit agricultural.

Happy riding

(PS - I see you live in Toronto. So do I - trouble is I suspect not the same one, mine is in Australia!)

__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/