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[monahanwb]

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "mnron2002" wrote:

> That issue is > really easily solved, and so that would NOT keep me from buying a > KLR, or keeping one for that matter. Now if there was some known > problem that was very hard/expensive to fix, that would be another > matter. > Anyway, I'm on my second KLR, and glad to be back as there are few > bikes that can do as many things as this one... Many do what they > are focused on much better, but are not nearly as flexible...

Well, I may very well become a second-KLR owner, of course. But the venerable Eldon Carl has made the recommendation that the balancer chain itself be replaced at 30,000 mile intervals, doohickey notwithstanding. Balancer chain replacement is major work. And the front fork is still notoriously weak. Now, if guys can ride KTMs long distances, surely a Yamaha single can be ridden far as well. The Yammie puts out real horsepower compared to the KLR, and I suspect the MZ's fork bottoms are way sturdier than that of the KLR (what isn't?). Like the prior post about the fork pulling to the right after installation of the Galfer pads.....Fred Hink hit the nail on the head....tighten up the axle nut, it's the only thing holding the KLR fork together at the bottom. That's why the recommended torque value is 58 ft/lbs. If KHI had splurged for a pinch bolt on each side the axle nut torque would not have to be so critical. By the way, when I was up in Idaho earlier this month, a fellow I had ridden with up there before showed up on a new KTM LC4 640, outfitted with nice aluminum side and top racks, underneath Chase Harper luggage. It was a nice rig, in spite of its skinny seat. However, I think a Kaw or Yamaha is going to be less maintenance and more reliable, generally. I don't believe there is a perfect bike. The MZ has some shortcomings for what I need a bike to do, but it also has some higher-spec components than does the KLR, so I may be willing to give one a try. I for one enjoy a well-put-together front fork with a real brake.

[RM]

On Mon, 26 Aug 2002, Devon Jarvis wrote:

>http://www.devonjarvisphoto.com/posted/KLR650/doohickey/doohickey.html > >Remember that the failure rate is somewhere around 0.6%, so don't get >alarmed.

We cannot possibly know the true failure rate unless everyone takes their engine apart to examine the parts in question. The dookickey can fail without the rider being aware that anything's wrong (unless the spring also fails). Among the people who have NOT taken their engines apart, how many KNOW that our doohickey is OK and can accurately answer a failure-rate survey? Only the ones with X-ray equipment, I'll presume. Given the number of active participants on this list compared to the number of failure reports, I would not feel comfortable telling anyone to not get alarmed. Considering the current legal climate in the US regarding product liability, KHI has been getting a free ride for years - I hope they're enjoying it. Now would be a Real Bad Time for Suzuki to introduce any KLR derivatives (not that they would). RM

[Devon Jarvis]

I quoted 0.6% because I can back that up directly with KLR-list stats. Personally, I also believe that the failure rate is much higher. The KLR is the only non-Yamaha I have ever owned. The Yamaha 660 engine is descended from motors made 20 years earlier, with consistent updates every few years. I have two SR500s, which are 500cc air-cooled singles, the same motor was used in the XT and TT. The 660 "evolved" from this motor (liquid cooled and shares no parts) and they are all over the place, just not in the US. Yamaha still sells the XT660, or XTZ or whatever they call it in Europe. The same motor is used in ATV's, and sold to MZ. Yamaha stopped importing their big-bore D/S bikes two years before I got the KLR. The 660 has been fairly reliable when tuned to over 70hp in MZ race bikes, stock or near stock it really is bulletproof. There are LOTS of experts on the 660 Yamaha motor, more so than the KLR if what you want is performance. Look at Thumper race meetings, ATV racing, etc... The Yamaha motor will take tuning better than the KLR, and hop-up parts are available. Devon mnron2002 wrote:

> >

snip I wonder how many "experts" there are on the Yammie 660

> engine, considering that there aren't many around? (unless that's > the same engine in the ATV??) > > Anyway, I'm on my second KLR, and glad to be back as there are few > bikes that can do as many things as this one... Many do what they > are focused on much better, but are not nearly as flexible... > > Just my $.01 worth today. > > Ron Crandell > St. Cloud, MN >