KLR 650 expiriences ( Europe model )

[AnteK]

Hi KLR guys,
after spent more than 10 years on Yamaha enduro bikes ( XT 600, XTZ 660, Supertenere ) I need a bit of change, just change. Seems like new KLR 650 could be a good choise due very competitive price on our market ( equal 5000 EUR ), but some mechanics said me that in some cases timing/balanser chain could produce problems because bad stock chain tensioner? Any expirience, would be very thankesful. Is there anything special in maintenance of KLR to be on mind? Is KLR known as engine which takes oil or not? I have many questions, give me more answers :-)
Regards from Croatia,
AnteK

[Kurt]

I can't speak specifically about European models but the counter balancer chain tensioner is a weak spot. If it breaks, serious engine damage can result and apparently it can break without the rider knowing. However, some people put viewing holes in the case to make sure it's ok after a routine chain tensioning sesion. I myself have never had any problems, though.

My 12K miles KLR uses little or no oil between changes. I'm very happy about that. It's been rock solid despite the abuse I give it.

Keep in mind, though, there is nothing hi tech about this bike but that's why its inexpensive.

Kurt

[AnteK]

Hi Kurt,
I know that KLR is not hi-tech-built, but just cannot imagine is it reliable enough to do etc. 50-60.000 km out of serious mechanical problems in 2-3 years in hand of a calm rider, out of hardcore offroad, just macadam and paved roads. That is what i expect. The bike I drive now is XTZ 660, also not high-tech-built, but extreamly reliable ( also slightly underpowered ), novadays passing 130.000 km, never let me down or stoped on road. KLR seems overall good choise for both offroad/onroad, not too much plastics to broke if fall down, poverfull enough, just too small fuel tank.
Regards,
AnteK

[Steve Pickford]

I've read reports (on this site?) about part of the timing chain components that is prone to failure. It's referred to as the "Doohickey" & I believe a stronger aftermarket part is available. It's meant to be relatively easy/cheap to replace.

If you can't find any mention of it here, try:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/index...3fb938ac357bb1

Somewhere there is a very good report, with quality photo's, on what to do & where to get the parts.

Good luck

Steve

[Kurt]

Antek,

I can't make any claim on high mileage myself as mine has had low but hard miles: Most offroad.

Yes, I agree about the plastic. Especially around the radiator and coolant tank. Mine are quite mangled. As for gas tank, I believe I get something like 5.8 usable gallons. There is an aftermarket tank available which incidently takes care of the plastic pieces breaking as well. It's well over 6 gallons. I think it's the same one used for the military version. Dual Star sells it on the web.

One big plus with the KLR is the aftermarket support available for it. Nearly every shortcomming has been addressed by someone some where.

Kurt

[AnteK]

Kurt,
tnx on info given. I have found realy huge availability of aftermarket parts mostly from USA, as I expected, cause in EU KLR is not as common on roads as in your country.
Regards,
AnteK

[Bol]

Antek,
Doohickey problems explained and rectified here:www.klr6500.tripod.com/doohickey.htm
Very good support and forum here:
www.klr650.net/forum

Apologies to Kurt if I linked to unfavourable sites.

[This message has been edited by Bol (edited 18 April 2004).]

[Kurt]

Antek,

I'm sure they'd love to export :-)

Bol,

No appologies necessary. I go there myself on occassion.

Kurt

[Bol]

Antek,
Another issue you may want to keep in mind is the power output of the bikes you are comparing. I believe the yamaha 660 puts out about 50hp whilst the klr puts out 40 odd.
This may be a serious deficit if you are used to it.

[AnteK]

Bol,
the difference in HP is minor stuff in my eyes, for the macadam use 40 PS ie enough in calm riding. I know that KLR is not good speeding 140 km/h on motorways, but some price you have to pay :-)
Tnx,
AnteK