nklr moto-python and the leaning of mife

[got2klr@yahoo.com]

So, my lazy, crooked dealer charged three hours time but didn't do the 500 mile valve adjustment as agreed, but changed the air in the tires, checked the license plate bracket, adjusted the preload on the side stand and so forth for three solid hours (probably more like three solid seconds). I am hearing that this is a very popular and enjoyable passtime for Kawasaki service departments everywhere because it's like owning a machine where acorns go in one end and money comes out the other. Only you don't even need the machine. DIY people are apparently the only ones actually adjusting the valves at 500 miles. These good folk void the warranty by doing what Kawasaki asks and the evil dealers don't void the warranty despite not adjusting the valves as Kawasaki asks. BTW, the dealer gets very nervous at the mention of the word "warranty". "It's not called warranty it's called service and you have to pay for it" he says. What about faulty materials and workmanship? "If you have abused the bike we don't pay for nothing!" he says while peering at me like I am a notorious bike abuser just like all the rest. I have a feeling the warranty is observed in the breach just like valve adjustments. I need to adjust the valves myself. I will buy the manuals, throw myself on the mercy of the list and live for that day when I can honestly say "I hope these extra parts aren't part of anything critical!" Jon Zink Kingston, MA A15 I

[monahanwb@yahoo.com]

Don't strip the threads on the cam box screws when replacing them. My personal recommendation is to -not- use a torque wrench on these. Use a small box wrench about four inches in length so you can not put too much leverage on the screws. Go finger tight and then one-eighth of a turn. Mine don't leak at that torque and there is no chance of over-tightening and stripping them if you do it that way. I am sure you can find others who have not had the same experience. It's pretty common to hear of these cam cover screws stripping the threads in the head, much better to have one back out from under- torquing than to have to repair the head. You've been warned.

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., got2klr@y... wrote: > So, my lazy, crooked dealer adjusted the preload on the > side stand for three solid hours (probably more like > three solid seconds). > I need to adjust the valves myself. I will buy the manuals, throw > myself on the mercy of the list and live for that day when I can > honestly say "I hope these extra parts aren't part of anything > critical!" > > Jon Zink > Kingston, MA > A15

[got2klr@yahoo.com]

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., monahanwb@y... wrote:

> Don't strip the threads on the cam box screws when replacing them. > You've been warned.

Having several cam box screws left over or not enough is more the nature of my personal nightmare. Walking around looking for the small wrench for 20 minutes and then discovering that it is, in fact, in my left hand is also popular. I have referenced the excellent how-to guide by Eldon Carl. I also have heard of a new guide with lots of pictures maybe available to listers? I need "The Idiots Heavily Illustrated Guide to Getting All The Little Bits Stuck Back In There." Otherwise it may come to:"KLR for sale cheap. Needs put back together. Don't know where some stuff went. Includes small wrench for missing cam box screws and many small parts from my other bikes." Jon

> > --- In DSN_klr650@y..., got2klr@y... wrote: > > So, my lazy, crooked dealer adjusted the preload on the > > "I hope these extra parts aren't part of anything > > critical!" > > > > Jon Zink > > Kingston, MA > > A15

[Andrus Chesley]

Andy Chesley Jennings, La. Swede, A Beemer saying " The detination is the excuse. The journey's the reason"