late model klr650 problems?
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2002 12:19 am
I thought the KLR is a bulletproof reliable machine... here's what a
DR650 rider wrote about his riding buddie's KLR's.(by the way i
checked out a 93' DR650 and it seemed like a pretty cool bike except
for the horrid kick start and overall beat up condition, )
"Yes, here is the breakdown list for a 2001 KLR 650 in the past 16
months under normal riding conditions. I was very surprised because I
was considering one too:
1. Broken shift lever
2. Broken clutch cable
3. Malfunction radiator, water leaked out.
4. Swingarm bolt fell out causing extreme vibration. I found it after
looking at the bike closely, it was getting ready to fall completely
out.
5. Major engine malfuntion; tensioner chain broke.
6. Battery failure after 6 months
7.Blown headlight fuses(many).
8.) Ground wire malfunction. Left the rider stranded twice, had to
hike back 5 miles out of the woods.
end of quote.
The reason i didnt go for the DR650, other than the kick start was
its age and the fact most of the aftermarket goodies manufacturers
switched to the 96+ models,so i thought i'll go with either a 96+
KLR650(because of better clutch than previous years) or a 96+ DR650
as soon as i can comfortably afford one. i like the DR better but KLR
has the water cooling that should be great in summer in traffic and a
much bigger following than the zuki.
SO, figures the newer KLRs are not nearly trouble free or what?