Zachariah Mully wrote:
> I have located an 1986 KLR600 locally and today I am going to
> check it out. The bike has 9,500 miles on it, and is in okay shape
> according to the seller.
Rather low distance. A 600 isn't any less durable than a 650, IMO,
and has some advantages.
> It is still totally stock, and needs rear brake
> work, rear tire and possibly a new seat cover and thermostat.
All very simple things.
> The current
> owner has no idea of its history and a bike this old with that few miles
> on it also concerns me. He has cleaned the carb, replaced the float bowl
> gasket and KREEM'ed the tank.
Yeah, the tanks are nothing special inside, and Kreeming is a good
move if done properly.
> So it sounds like somewhat of a project bike
> (which is exactly what I want), but I was wondering if any of youse had
> advice or experience with the 600 series.
Lighter and better handling compared to the 650, and very little
(if any) difference in peak engine output.
If you live in particularly hot conditions then the 600 would have
an advantage with its greater radiator capacity.
And if you do lots of slow riding then the slightly wider ratio'd
600 gearbox may be useful.
> The seller wants far too much
> for the bike ($1600) so I was wondering if you all might have a better
> idea of what this baby would be worth, I was thinking more in the
> $600-800 range.
Sounds more like it to me but I'm not familiar with US values.
That model _is_ a bit of an orphan, so should be valued accordingly.
FWIW, what is its colour?
[...]
> Also can this bike take standard KLR650 stuff?
> I am thinking specifically of the gas tank and racks and other
> consumibles...
There are enough differences to make things like racks not fit.
Rumour has it the mufflers are interchangable.
The alternator is pretty much the same as the 650.
The wiring system is more like the 650's than the one described in the
base manual.
I suspect the 600 rear subframe is stronger than the 650's but was more
expensive to produce.
An electric start 600 would make a nice second bike to use around town
if you don't feel the need for a locking petrol cap on the tank, or
can resist the urge to become an accessory junkie.
Mister_T