Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Stranded in Colombia... Stranded in Colombia...
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 26
Stranded in Colombia...
Hi,

My Kawaski KLR 650 begand knocking on hard acceleration and riding up mountain roads. The vibration and noise began to get worse everyday. I found a good mechainc who said hen thought it sounded like the piston rod. He totally disassembled the engine, and everything seemed to be ok. However the spring for the balancer chain tensioner (doohickey) was broken and there was evidence of wear at the chain guide.
Could this alone be the cause of the knocking and vibration? The piston rod and bearings seem to be fine, although my mechanic isn't convinced that the problem lies with the chain tensioner.
Any advice or help, someone knowlagable to contact would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot!
Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Feb 2008
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Welcome Jeff. sorry to hear about your problems, where are you know? I would suggest getting to Medellin. There is a great community there and they will be happy to help you. Also, contact the Colombian community located to the left of the screen. Hector at MotoAngel in Med will help you out. Also, contact Paul at Kasa Kiwi in Med, he has a KLR and maybe a source of parts.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Feb 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA Colombia
Posts: 10
Jeff,

I'll be returning to Medellin from the US on Wednesday......... Let me know if you need any parts.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Feb 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
doohickey done
do you mean to say that you did not get your doohickey replaced before you set off on your trip,sounds like that was what it was Eagle mike is the man you want ,you can chase him inder search for eaglemike in Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum
Last edited by thecanoeguy; 3 Feb 2008 at 23:26.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 146
Eagle Mike
You definitely need a new doohickey or someone to machine it for you.

Mike of Eaglehawk in San Diego fabricates these and helped me when I couldn't get it at short notice (as these must be ordered by dealers etc). I am sorry I dont have his phone number but search a couple of KLR forums and give him a call. Given the size, if your US helper above RAAY can't get in time you may be able to send by DHL as it has no obvious customs value - can of worms there.


good luck
__________________
The Road To Rio - Locokiwi
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Feb 2008
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Common problem with the KLR650..

As for long term problems, it depends how long you were riding it with a broken tension spring.

The chain will/maybe streched, reducing its life. The machanic "should" be able to determine this if he has the tech data for the bike. The chain guides are just that, guides.. As long as they are still in one piece and not too battered, they should still do their job.

You need to get the tensioner fixed first, them diagnose any other noises etc.

I think you will be ok TBH, they are tough bikes and take a lot of punishment...

p.s. Drop the oil and check it for chardes of metal etc.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Feb 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tappan, NY USA
Posts: 158
Yep, that's the one thing you should've replaced and carried a spare.

If you need one badly just let me know and I'll ship it over. I have one with under 200 miles on it that I can do without.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I should've been more specific, I have an Eagle Mike one with under 200 miles..... that's better.

If you can't get an EM one then stock is better than nothing, heck my Tengai has 79k miles and still has the stock one...
__________________
John C.
Last edited by Cinquegrana; 5 Feb 2008 at 15:02.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Feb 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: albury nsw australia
Posts: 306
dont replace it with a stock one
you need one from eagle mike
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Feb 2008
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Give these guys a phone call or email. Incredibly friendly and helpful. And cheap!!!

MOTO ANGEL

Carre 51 # 34 - 49
, Medellín

262 84 49

motoangel@hotmail.com
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
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
shipping bikes Panama to Colombia chrisandlori Trip Transport 21 8 Mar 2017 18:36
Help...I'm stranded in Colombia from a doohickey failure... jeff akins Kawasaki Tech 2 3 Feb 2008 19:30
Panama to Colombia by Boat - my experience The Big J Central America and Mexico 34 26 Sep 2007 14:58
Never miss the Colombia..!!! Please.. motoride South America 5 31 Oct 2006 00:05
Riding in Colombia Werner South America 5 11 Sep 2005 05:57

 
 

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.

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 06:07.

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