Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Urgent info needed about KLR 650 clutch cable. In Chile.

Hello all,

I am currently near Temuco, Chile. My trip to Ushuaia was to begin today and now I find myself with a clutch cable that is on the verge of breaking.

I need to know what other models of motorcycles use the same clutch cable length so I can see if I can buy a replacement. I am thinking if any of the Honda, Suzuki or Yamaha assemblies use the same length cables. Kawasaki dealers and parts are hard to find around here.

If anyone from the area can help, I'd be very grateful too.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jan 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Nieder-Olm, Germany
Posts: 144
Actually every motorcyle dealer and possibly even lawnmower dealer should be able to help you. You just need cable and a couple of cable nipples, whether with a screw or for soldering. I would estimate that 80% of all motorcycle overlanders carry such a repair set, so may be you find someone else riding.

Kawasaki dealer apparently in Temuco:
http://www.motomaster.cl/contacto.htm
Casa Matriz Avenida Caupolicán # 380 Fono: 45 - 401640 Motorrad.
motomaster@surnet.cl

Sucursal Avenida Caupolicán # 489 Fono: 45 - 211208 Kawasaki
ventas@motomaster.cl
__________________
Need to fix your Africa Twin? Check out my step-by-step frame strip pictures at
Google+ album: http://tinyurl.com/6u93yv2
Dropbox with zip-File: http://tinyurl.com/czj8qgw
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Jan 2013
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
I've had more issues with clutch cables on my KLR than with any other repair. The original cable lasted almost forever (±50k miles/80k km) but after that I had some which went just a few thousand miles, others which lasted 10k or 20k. They all looked the same at first.

The first thing you need to know is that cables can be fabricated as Keks states above: they'll use your existing cable ends and attach them to new cables. Second thing is to always carry a spare cable zip-tied to the one in use--ends sealed so it doesn't corrode out. That makes installing the new cable (in the dark and rain, generally) fast and easy. I had so many troubles I took to carrying a third cable in my baggage.

I found OEM Kawasaki cables long-lived, at least if purchased in the States. The ones I purchased along the way varied astoundingly, but a reliable local source will know where to buy a good one (and I'd suggest buying two while you're at it). Then, watch like a hawk for the fraying which warns of imminent failure.

The last thing it's important to know is that you can ride without a clutch. In fact, it's worth trying this out just to develop confidence; just shift up or down without clutching while moving. Starting off is awkward, since you need to get moving while in neutral, then jam the bike into gear; always stop on a hill, or someplace where you'll have help pushing. I made it across Paso de San Francisco clutch-free by stopping only on hills....except at the Argentina border station, which is located in a little dip. The border guards, who'd been less-than-friendly, got a huge kick out of push-starting me.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
I ended up having a new one fabricated from another bike's cable, soldering my nipple onto this new one. Works great, though I don't know how long it will last.

I will stop by tomorrow at the place mentioned by Keks. I called them and they don't have the part but were willing to take a look at the cable for me. Will do it tomorrow.

Thank you all for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Welp, ****. Solder joint broke after 150 km. Still in Temuco looking for a better welder or new cable. Kawasaki dealer has no cables in stock. I am a bit worried to ride into Patagonia on a welded cable if I can´t bring a welder with me.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Jan 2013
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
Quote:
Originally Posted by E-Bum View Post
... Solder joint broke after 150 km....Kawasaki dealer has no cables in stock....
It's not my business to tell you what to do. However, if it was me I'd make a point of doing whatever it takes to carry at least one, possibly two new spares--see my description in an earlier post. You failed to carry a spare earlier, which is why you're in the situation you're in. Now it's time to learn the obvious lesson and ensure it doesn't happen again.

"In stock" is not generally a problem in Chile, since infrastructure is good and parts can be overnighted or put on express buses to get them to wherever you're at. More than likely, that will mean waiting around for a few days and paying the shipping fees. That's not a bad deal for you considering the consequences of parts failure in a more remote place--you'll still have the issue of waiting around and paying for shipping, but from an even more awkward base. Two days downtime is not a big deal in the context of a long trip.

Or you could have another roadside repair done and hope for the best. Usually they'll last longer than 140 km, but not always.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Jan 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Paraguay
Posts: 30
Sounds like you are in a dilly of a pickle.

A lot of moto shops sell universal, adjustable clutch cables (just the cable, not the assembly) in Latin America. Basically you cut the existing cable, remove it, then insert the adjustable cable in the clutch cable assembly. One of the nipples locks into place via a small screw. Cut off the excess cable. You must constantly adjust/tighten it though.

Another option is to use a pair of vice grips as a lever. Fasten them to the clutch arm and engage the clutch with your leg. You could also use the vice grips as a clutch lever if the original clutch lever or cable breaks at the top.

Suerte, and be thankful you are in a Chilean city and not in the altiplano...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jan 2013
Bush Pilot's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Thailand
Posts: 85
You should be able to find a cable in the larger cities. I know the dealer in La Serena was well stocked for KLR parts. Certainly no problem in Santiago.
You see quite a few KLR's around Chile.
I'd try calling Conception or Talca. I had some very competent service done in Talca and saw a couple of other KLR's around town.

BTW I carry two spare clutch cables for mine and still haven't had one break, go figure!
Sorry I'm not nearby to help.
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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 10:54.