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doohickey article

Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 3:27 pm
by josephgrove42
The current (Oct.) issue of Rider magazine has an interesting article on the KLR 650 doohickey issue. I think if I had read this article three months ago, I would not have done the doohickey up grade on my 09 model. I previously owned a first generation KLR which I did the upgrade on and would do that one again if I owned an older bike. Joe Grove Issaquah, WA

doohickey article

Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 6:18 pm
by Jeff Saline
On Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:27:20 -0000 "josephgrove42" writes:
> The current (Oct.) issue of Rider magazine has an interesting article > on the KLR 650 doohickey issue. I think if I had read this article > three months ago, I would not have done the doohickey up grade on my > 09 model. I previously owned a first generation KLR which I did the > upgrade on and would do that one again if I owned an older bike. > > Joe Grove > Issaquah, WA
<><><><><><><><><>> Joe, I haven't seen the article and don't expect too. But I am curious if they discuss the looser fit of the Gen II doohickey on the shaft or the spring tension decrease in less than 5,000 miles? From my information on all KLRs they haven't made one yet that shouldn't have the doo and spring replaced before the first adjustment. Best, Jeff Saline The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650 . . . . . ____________________________________________________________ One Weird Trick Could add $1,000s to Your Social Security Checks! See if you Qualify… http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/523cd79db1b9e579d2b42st02vuc

doohickey article

Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 3:59 am
by sh8knj8kster
  The current (Oct.) issue of Rider magazine has an interesting article on the KLR 650 doohickey issue. I think if I had read this article three months ago, I would not have done the doohickey up grade on my 09 model. I previously owned a first generation KLR which I did the upgrade on and would do that one again if I owned an older bike. Joe Grove Issaquah, WA       ~~~I believe the spring used in the factory motor is still an issue, at least there were multiple reports of spring failures in 08' and later motors, and the uprated springs available in the after market doo kits fix the problem...others may have better and different ideas         Best,     Jake Reddick Fla. "Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him had better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford
--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, wrote: The current (Oct.) issue of Rider magazine has an interesting article on the KLR 650 doohickey issue. I think if I had read this article three months ago, I would not have done the doohickey up grade on my 09 model. I previously owned a first generation KLR which I did the upgrade on and would do that one again if I owned an older bike. Joe Grove Issaquah, WA

doohicky's, what'cha m'call its, and 'that shiny thing with grooves

Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:26 am
by Lee Dodge
I have 2 KLR's and I well know their value in terms of overall competence, however the general M/C ing world is only recently becoming more aware of that competence.  We, as a group, by continuing to use a term like "Doohicky" for a 'cam chain tensioner contribute to the view that KLRs and their riders are unsophisticated Newbes who don't even know the names of their bikes parts.  Due to the KLR's low cost and wide capabilities it does interest buyers (with long inseams) new to M/Cs who do not know and can't be expected to know the names of the parts as some/most of us do, that may be true.  But as a group I see no benefit in perpetuating ignorance; I'm sure those who don't know would prefer to become more informed about their M/C.  Picture yourself going into a parts house asking for a Doohicky or "one of those 'thing a m'bobs' that goes on the handlebar."  The parts guy will be gentle and polite but if there's some long time rider at the counter as well you'd be subjected to a slow head turn with a look that read 'who is that turkey?"  No words required but message delivered.  
I suggest we start using the correct name for cam chain tensioners.  Let's upgrade our image.
An opinion only, your thoughts?
Lee

doohickey article

Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:37 am
by Fred Hink
The new model spring is actually stronger than the old model.  The problem with the new spring is that is too long.  It works great for a few thousand miles and then there is no tension left to make the adjustment needed.  So a shorter coil spring or the torsion spring is needed.  I m not sure I have heard of any late model springs breaking.  The early model springs would break but that may be caused by the doohickey breaking first.  It s hard to tell.  Which came first, (the chicken or the egg) or the broke doohickey or the broke spring? Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com   [b]From:[/b] sh8knj8k@... [b]Sent:[/b] Saturday, September 21, 2013 2:59 AM [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Subject:[/b] [DSN_KLR650] RE: Doohickey article    

  The current (Oct.) issue of Rider magazine has an interesting article on the KLR 650 doohickey issue. I think if I had read this article three months ago, I would not have done the doohickey up grade on my 09 model. I previously owned a first generation KLR which I did the upgrade on and would do that one again if I owned an older bike. Joe Grove Issaquah, WA       ~~~I believe the spring used in the factory motor is still an issue, at least there were multiple reports of spring failures in 08' and later motors, and the uprated springs available in the after market doo kits fix the problem...others may have better and different ideas         Best,     Jake Reddick Fla. "Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him had better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, wrote: The current (Oct.) issue of Rider magazine has an interesting article on the KLR 650 doohickey issue. I think if I had read this article three months ago, I would not have done the doohickey up grade on my 09 model. I previously owned a first generation KLR which I did the upgrade on and would do that one again if I owned an older bike. Joe Grove Issaquah, WA