Wilsons Sandbox

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "Allan Patton" wrote: > > Hi Folks, > > I had a talk to the guys in another forum about singles. They say a single > doesn't live as long...yadda yadda. A mechanic said that he opens single > engines on a regular basis, two or more cylinder engines he doesn't open at > all, for repairs that is. > > So what say you folks ? Is it abusement that breaks the KLR650 engine ? Is > it lack of proper maintenence ? > > Thankful for any helpful comment on experience. > > CitizenKain > > > > CitizenKain, I just have to ask, how long do you want a bike to last? Five > years? 50,000 miles? The KLR is a low priced bike, so if you compare dollars > to miles, the new Harleys should last 150,000 to 200,000 miles and 15 to 20 > years. 10,000 miles per year is probably a good average for most riders, so > think about it, even if you throw the bike in the trash every five years, it > 's still some very low price fun. ( Don't take this wrong, I'm laughing to > myself as I write this.) > > "Is it lack of proper maintenence ?" That's me, Mr. Low Maintenance. I > target 5 to 7,000 miles for oil changes most of the time. When I rode to > Alaska, the KLR went almost 11,000 miles on that oil change. I've never > changed any other fluids. Air filter is probably around 15,000 miles. The > valves were adjusted for the first time at 50,000 miles. The fork boots look > like rags. So.... at 53,000 miles... I say don't worry about how long it > will last, use it up and throw it away. > > I should add that I do not feel that I ride in an abusive manner. It's never > been over 7,000 RPM. Mostly public road miles. > > I'm not sure, but I think I'm starting to like this bike. > Allan A14