Wilsons Sandbox

>From: Charles Dill-wtp >To: DSN_klr650@egroups.com> >Subject: [DSN_klr650] First-time valve check question and a few >observations >Date: Sun, 06 Aug 2000 18:08:21 -0700 > >All, > > I have completed my DIY 500 mile service on my new 2001 KLR650 (A15). >First a question then a few observations. > > As my valves checked out to be in spec range, [Left exhaust=.006; >Right >exhaust=.008: Left intake=.004; Right intake=.006] should I be concerned >with the .002 in difference between the sides? I would hate to jump the gun >and shim up the left side, just to make them the same if not necessary. > > On this same matter, Eldon Carl noted that "11. Adjustment becomes >necessary when clearances fall outside the above recommendations. Since the >exhaust valve clearances seem to close slightly between inspections, I >never >let mine get below a loose .007". Maddeningly, Kawasaki only provides shims >for the KLR650 in .002" increments, so it is impossible to be perfect." >http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page27.html> > > A few observations: Has anyone else found the workmanship to look a >bit >shoddy on their KLRs? There appears to be welding debris on the frame under >the paint. Also the sump hasn't a smooth surface, but looks rather gritty. >As I am neither a welder or machinist, I can only blame these surface >defects to sloppy quality control. Any opinions? > > When I removed the gas tank, my fingers caught on some razor-sharp >shards protruding from the seam just under the bottom edge. Again sloppy >quality control seems the culprit. > > I bought this otherwise terrific motorcycle as a commuter and >occasional >adventure-tourer and thus far have enjoyed the ride and performance. It >kicks enough to handle 880 south to Cupertino (CA) on 280 from my home in >the fine city of Alameda sucking up the poor condition of the freeway and >slipping tween the cages stacking up on all sides. Nimble, responsive and >quick. > >Thanks in advance. > >Charles >2001 A15 >

> From: "OJ Salinas" > Date: Mon, 07 Aug 2000 00:28:51 CDT > To: charles@..., DSN_klr650@egroups.com > Subject: Re: [DSN_klr650] First-time valve check question and a few > observations > > Charles, > > Ya done good getting the KLR. With regards to your 'complaints'... > remember... you paid LESS than most bikes for what you got... if all you can > say bad about your KLR are cosmetics... then ME thinks your mission WAS > successful!!!!! > > Peace and Happy Thumping, > > OJ:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) > > > > > > > > >> From: Charles Dill-wtp >> To: DSN_klr650@egroups.com> >> Subject: [DSN_klr650] First-time valve check question and a few >> observations >> Date: Sun, 06 Aug 2000 18:08:21 -0700 >> >> All, >> >> I have completed my DIY 500 mile service on my new 2001 KLR650 (A15). >> First a question then a few observations. >> >> As my valves checked out to be in spec range, [Left exhaust=.006; >> Right >> exhaust=.008: Left intake=.004; Right intake=.006] should I be concerned >> with the .002 in difference between the sides? I would hate to jump the gun >> and shim up the left side, just to make them the same if not necessary. >> >> On this same matter, Eldon Carl noted that "11. Adjustment becomes >> necessary when clearances fall outside the above recommendations. Since the >> exhaust valve clearances seem to close slightly between inspections, I >> never >> let mine get below a loose .007". Maddeningly, Kawasaki only provides shims >> for the KLR650 in .002" increments, so it is impossible to be perfect." >> http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page27.html> >> >> A few observations: Has anyone else found the workmanship to look a >> bit >> shoddy on their KLRs? There appears to be welding debris on the frame under >> the paint. Also the sump hasn't a smooth surface, but looks rather gritty. >> As I am neither a welder or machinist, I can only blame these surface >> defects to sloppy quality control. Any opinions? >> >> When I removed the gas tank, my fingers caught on some razor-sharp >> shards protruding from the seam just under the bottom edge. Again sloppy >> quality control seems the culprit. >> >> I bought this otherwise terrific motorcycle as a commuter and >> occasional >> adventure-tourer and thus far have enjoyed the ride and performance. It >> kicks enough to handle 880 south to Cupertino (CA) on 280 from my home in >> the fine city of Alameda sucking up the poor condition of the freeway and >> slipping tween the cages stacking up on all sides. Nimble, responsive and >> quick.

>I'm just curious, do you all wear gloves? This has me a bit concerned >because my A13 doesn't vibrate. It's very smooth. Does everyone notice a >vibration such that it bothers them?