doing your own service

[rmeredith@shaw.ca]

Thanks I'm going to take it to a mechanic and have it removed with a powertool. Steve seems to like his though. Does it wear faster than the stock rear sprocket? Shouldn't the chain and both sprockets be changed at the same time? I have 4300km's on my A18 (sorry Norm apparentlly they stopped making the C18 a few years back) and am concerned about everything wearing propertly.

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "rsanders30117" wrote: > I've been using a 14 tooth sprocket for the last 10k miles & it works > very well for me. I do replace it at every rear tire change because > I find that it they wear pretty rapidly & a worn sprocket is death to > my expensive chain. > > Regarding the removal of the counter sprocket nut. KLR's are know to > be extremely hard to remove this nut the 1st time. I had to cut mine > off with a drimel tool after damaging those puny little CS nut flats, > not a pretty picture. Since then, I've had absolutely no problem > removing the nuts I've installed. > > > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, Chris wrote: > > On Mon, Jul 12, 2004 at 01:39:00AM -0000, Steve Hersant wrote: > > > Rob Meredith showed up with our 14 tooth sprockets today. I let > him > > > > > I think the 14 tooth sprocket would make the KLR a much easier > bike > > > to ride for someone just starting out, and if you aren't > concerned > > > with top speed, it seems a more practical choice. > > > > I agree absolutely, made getting back to riding FAR easier when I > did > > the swap. Took the awkward gap between first and second and another > > where 3rd was odd at 30mph or so. Puts power where it feels right, > > particularly with all the local crusing around that I do. > > > > 99.99% of my riding is < 65mph and I highly recommend the 14t for > that. > > -- > > ___ ______ _____ __ ________ > ___ > > / _ |< < / == / ___/__ / /_ /_ __/ / __ ____ _ > ___ /__ \ > > / __ |/ // / ****/ (_ / _ \/ __/ / / / _ \/ // / ' \/ _ > \ /__/ > > /_/ |_/_//_/ == \___/\___/\__/ /_/ /_//_/\_,_/_/_/_/ .__/ > (_) > > 8600 miles*Russel Lines*Supertrapp > Race* /_/ > > http://www.kingsqueak.org/klr650/

[pete88chester]

I have been reading the post & replies about the first 500-mile service cost. Most everybody said it is best to do it yourself. I agree, the KLR650 is one of those bikes that is great for the do it yourself type. It is also the kind of m/c that if used as intended, that is; off road, in the boondocks, away from the civilized world, etc., you should know how to trouble shoot & repair it. If you break down 20 miles off the beaten path & have to hike out or be rescued only to be told your problem could have been easily fixed on the spot, well that's kind of stupid on your part. Doing the service your self familiarizes you with the bike. If you know how it works, then when something quits working you have an idea where to start looking, your less likely to be dumbfounded. Get yourself the service manuals or an after market service manual (I have both the Kawi & Clymer manuals). They provide not only the specifications & how to of a repair, but many helpful hints. The one thing I have noticed from reading the posts on this & other sites is that many do not have any background or knowledge of engine theory, fuel systems, electric components, etc. I would suggest going to the library & getting some books on basic auto theory (auto & motorcycle wiring, ignition, fuel, etc. are similar at the basic level). Another thing you can do is take a basic auto design or repair course at a Community College or night school. After you learn the basics you can get one of the many books available on basic motorcycle repair that cover the design theory on the carbs, electrical, etc. Knowledge is power, get it! You will find you will enjoy your cycle more once you know how it works, you will be less at the mercy of others, less likely to get ripped off. You will have more confidence about taking those long trips, knowing what spares to carry, knowing you can make the basic repairs if you have problems. Of course there are those who do not want to have anything to do with there own maintenance or repairs (did you read the book, "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance?). I can respect that, but you will need to spend more & I feel you will miss a lot of the personal satisfaction of being able to do it yourself. Pete Chester A16