Wilsons Sandbox

Hi I recently purchased a 04 KLR 650 with supposedly 900 miles. The bike looks new and is clean. I felt as though the valve train was slightly noisy so I checked the valve clearances. Both intake valves are 4 thousands (bottom of spec) Exhaust valves measure 7 and 8 thousands. The cam looked to be in good shape with no marks and or burning and or excessive wear. I have changed the oil the bike came with, the oil was very black. I did not have a new filter so I reused the old filter and put in some good grade Castrol. I still feel the bike has a very very slight ticking at idle, it seems to be coming from the front right area (exhaust side) Is this normal for the bike? Is this due to the oil and or filter? Do I need to use Kawasaki oil? Is their a know issue with the Cam retarded and or cam retarder spring? Thank you! Ed

Over and over I see in a gentle way our members here poking fun at our Toy. Well , sure it is no Ninja, but being used to my '00 Corvette with the tank company air filter, my bike is quite fast. Got to hold on tight when I crank her up in first and second. And my bike is still tight and brand new. Don't want to break her in like a sissy though... Does the KLR compare with the air cooled Honda 650 dual purpose. I chose the Kawa simply because it is "prettier" and has water coolant. Also Kawasaki has an excellent reputation and quality build. But Honda will always have a fond place in my heart. My first bike a '64 Honda 90, my second a '79 dual purpose 250. Both would not break, and were amply powerful for the small displacement and 4 stroke design. Sure, we all forever want more power,,, but when does power kill.. Can you believe I lust for the new supercharged Corvette with the over 600 horsies!!! andy