Wilsons Sandbox

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "scottsthillier" wrote:

> Does anyone know the MSRP on the new 08'?

We probably won't know that until it hits the dealer catalogs in mid-2007. My suspicion is that they'll use the opportunity to creep the price up by a few hundred dollars, but they can't raise it too much because that'll just drive sales to the Suzuki DR650 (which I presume will already meet the 2008 standards due to its more modern head design). Thus why the "new" KLR is primarily a "parts bin" bike rather than an all-new bike -- to keep the costs down. The new head and piston will be appreciated by those of us who want more power out of the beast but are frustrated in that quest by the current head's breathing restrictions, but otherwise I see no reason to wait for an '08 if you're looking for a new KLR. Everything else on the new KLR -- suspension improvements, lowering, better seat, better brakes, etc. -- is available for the current KLR, sometimes in much better form (e.g. I doubt their fancy new petal brakes will hold a candle against my massive EBC supermoto disc!). -E

Most likely cause is a broken shifter whether original or aftermarket. Have a really good look at the end of the shifter shaft to ensure that the shaft is actually rotating. Another possibility: Is your KLR fitted with "lever saver" cables? These are cables which connect the end of the brake pedal or shifter lever to the frame to prevent a branch or small tree from being pulled between the pedal/lever and bending it outward. Sometimes the cable will be snagged rearward or forward preventing the shifter from moving full stroke. The shifter will typically move far enough to go into first gear but not through neutral into second because the movement required is greater. After those possibilities it will be a matter of pulling the clutch cover (right hand engine cover) to inspect the shifter ratchet, lever, etc. I really discount seizing the transmission because this is virtually unheard of. Seizing due to lack of lubrication is improbable because the engine would react to lack of lubrication far before the transmission. If you go into the clutch cover area to check, take the time to clean the oil pump pick-up screen. If the problem lies anywhere inside, I'll bet on the lever or linkage between the shifter shaft and the ratchet. The coil spring on the shift ratchet which operates the shift drum would be a likely culprit (IMO) as I've seen this before on other bikes. This failure would be ideal as the spring will be very inexpensive and likely able to be sourced from an automotive parts store. HIH Norm Chilliwack, Canada Sunny day but have the flu so no riding today....

>I got on my bike one night when it was cold >and it went into second and then back to >neutral at a stop and then it would not come >back out of 1st gear. It is stuck in first. I have >the much higher quality aftermarket shift lever.

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