oil sight glass

[dat brooklyn bum]

Kinda like that, only I was on a KLR in mud, not a dresser on main street. da Vermonster

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jeff Khoury wrote: > > quote: " unless you really try (and I have)." > > You mean... like this guy: > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAuPTo2XfJI > > Truly cringe-worthy > > -Jeff Khoury > > > > From: "dat brooklyn bum" > To: "DSN KLR650" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 10:45:32 AM > Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Clutch > > > > > > > The stock clutch is the same one used in one of the Ninja's so it's plenty stout for the KLR. That said, I'd go with whatever name brand you can find cheapest. KLR's don't burn a lot of clutches unless you really try (and I have). > > da Vermonster > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com , Thomas Komjathy wrote: > > > > Need a general consensus of clutch replacement kits. Stock, DP, etc. Or should I > > just shim the stock springs, or put heavier ones in? The stack height is good on > > the current set of friction/drive plates. > > > > Thomas J. Komjathy, BS/P, MS/P > > DSK L.L.C. > > dskllc@ > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

[revmaaatin]

Thomas- I did this recently, The short answer: Replace only what is 'broke' and out of spec. If [KHI #92144-1559 SPRING,CLUTCH] one spring was short, I would replace them all. If [KHI #13088-040 PLATE-FRICTION] one clutch disc was out of spec, I would replace them all. I would only replace the [KHI #13089-1068 PLATE-CLUTCH] metal disc it was warped or 'colored'. See manual for specs/checking for warpage. I considered HD springs: In conference with Fred, he suggested many who install HD springs, later wish that had OEM springs and end up changing back. I think he also knew that those of the aging KLR community might not like the extra work/load of HD springs. Admittedly, they could be helpful..... Why replace only what is broken? Unless severely abused, historically-reported--the clutch should last the life time+ of the bike. smile. The long answer. Having been present when an abused KLR clutch went South (7K smile bike), and having ridden in the same conditions as the bike that had the 'failure' I was somewhat concerned at my clutch's (32K smiles)outcome/future. as it turned out, rightfully so. Conditions = fully clogged rear tire/swingarm/chain guide/chain/C/S and front wheel with WY finest gumbo--between Atlantic City and Rawlings, WY. Yes Virginia, it was bad. All of John's metal plates were various shades of 'blue' instead of shiny silver. They got a little hot! and the oil smelled really bad.... As I recall, John didn't smell so hot either. (ducking for cover) John's bike was repaired by http://www.wildwestpowersports.com/ in Riverton, WY = overnight freight for parts and they stayed after closing on a Saturday to get us going. GREAT PEOPLE!!!!! Meanwhile, while John's bike is being repaired, and a fine steak consumed (Thanks John)--there was follow on discussion with Fred and fellow poster, Jeff Saline. I ordered a full OEM clutch in Rapid City to install when I passed through again. I rode with cautious abandon from WY to Antelope Wells and the return trip to Rapid City, SD--always wondering if the clutch was really soft or was I just spooked???? The tear down: I had one slightly discolored steel spacer [plate-clutch]. Even it passed the spec's for warpage; just not for color. All the clutch disc [plate-friction] were in the middle of acceptability. = fully reusable All the springs failed: they were to short! hmmmm. = not ONE was reusable. If I was home, I would/might have done it differently-- I could have just replaced one metal disc, and all springs and been, truly, good to go. But still being a long ways from home, I chose to install all new and avoid a hefty re-stocking fee for specially ordered parts from the local KAWI dealer. I did this mostly because I will be riding this bike until they pry it out of my cold dead fingers.... AS it is, I now have a spare clutch/pack that only needs a steel disc and springs--which in all likely hood, I will never need. (Identified to the wife: ship this to me if I call for it!) Take your pick: short answer, long answer Consider the long-haul and what you would want a buyer to know if you sold it to them. revmaaatin.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Thomas Komjathy wrote: > > Need a general consensus of clutch replacement kits. Stock, DP, etc. Or should I > just shim the stock springs, or put heavier ones in? The stack height is good on > the current set of friction/drive plates. > > Thomas J. Komjathy, BS/P, MS/P > DSK L.L.C. > dskllc@... >

[pdstreeter@mmm.com]

My first KLR had heavy duty clutch springs. It was very difficult to pull the clutch lever. Of course, it was an '88 model, the '96 and newer models have an extra clutch plate and are easier to pull. Anyway, I went back to the original equipment springs and was much happier. Paul Streeter [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jud]

Paul isn't kidding. I tried his clutch. "Very difficult" is a euphemism for "Stiffer than a M0t#39fv(k39", so stiff we thought there had to be something else wrong with it. As has been mentioned, the clutch, meant for a 900cc four, is way over-engineered for the KLR. Effort at the lever is a much bigger issue than holding the clutch together. I'd stick with the stock springs too.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, pdstreeter@... wrote: > > > My first KLR had heavy duty clutch springs. It was very difficult to pull > the clutch lever. Of course, it was an '88 model, the '96 and newer > models have an extra clutch plate and are easier to pull. Anyway, I went > back to the original equipment springs and was much happier. > > Paul Streeter > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

[Fred Hink]

There are three different clutch springs that have been used in the KLR over the years. The stiff feel may have been because you may have gotten the wrong springs. All springs will loose their tension with use. Comparing a worn out stock spring to a new HD spring is like comparing apples to oranges. The EBC HD spring is supposed to have about 10% more tension over a stock spring. I really doubt you would feel this difference. If there is anyway of telling what springs were used, I can tell you if they are the correct ones for your year of KLR. Having an extra clutch plate shouldn t effect the way the lever feels. Your lever is pulling against the springs not the clutch plates. Kawasaki changed the springs when they changed the number of clutch plates. Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com From: Jud Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 9:35 AM To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Clutch Paul isn't kidding. I tried his clutch. "Very difficult" is a euphemism for "Stiffer than a M0t#39fv(k39", so stiff we thought there had to be something else wrong with it. As has been mentioned, the clutch, meant for a 900cc four, is way over-engineered for the KLR. Effort at the lever is a much bigger issue than holding the clutch together. I'd stick with the stock springs too.

--- In mailto:DSN_KLR650%40yahoogroups.com, pdstreeter@... wrote: > > > My first KLR had heavy duty clutch springs. It was very difficult to pull > the clutch lever. Of course, it was an '88 model, the '96 and newer > models have an extra clutch plate and are easier to pull. Anyway, I went > back to the original equipment springs and was much happier. > > Paul Streeter > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Marc]

"newer models have an extra clutch plate and are easier to pull" I think he was saying that you have the extra load cap. of the extra plate, and that it also has a lighter pull (not sure this is true?) not that the plate makes it lighter. Just my reading of it. M ________________________________ From: Fred Hink To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com; Jud Sent: Wed, April 27, 2011 10:48:11 AM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Clutch There are three different clutch springs that have been used in the KLR over the years. The stiff feel may have been because you may have gotten the wrong springs. All springs will loose their tension with use. Comparing a worn out stock spring to a new HD spring is like comparing apples to oranges. The EBC HD spring is supposed to have about 10% more tension over a stock spring. I really doubt you would feel this difference. If there is anyway of telling what springs were used, I can tell you if they are the correct ones for your year of KLR. Having an extra clutch plate shouldn t effect the way the lever feels. Your lever is pulling against the springs not the clutch plates. Kawasaki changed the springs when they changed the number of clutch plates. Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com From: Jud Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 9:35 AM To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Clutch Paul isn't kidding. I tried his clutch. "Very difficult" is a euphemism for "Stiffer than a M0t#39fv(k39", so stiff we thought there had to be something else wrong with it. As has been mentioned, the clutch, meant for a 900cc four, is way over-engineered for the KLR. Effort at the lever is a much bigger issue than holding the clutch together. I'd stick with the stock springs too.

--- In mailto:DSN_KLR650%40yahoogroups.com, pdstreeter@... wrote: > > > My first KLR had heavy duty clutch springs. It was very difficult to pull > the clutch lever. Of course, it was an '88 model, the '96 and newer > models have an extra clutch plate and are easier to pull. Anyway, I went > back to the original equipment springs and was much happier. > > Paul Streeter > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[mark ward]

Sight glass, Anouther thing to do is Look at it on the stand, The straighten it up slowly. IF there is TOOOO Much oil, if will fill the sight glass, there for, NO OIL LINE. ENJOY Your ride It's been RAINING here for days, and days predicted to come. (Oh well, it'll be EXCITING riding trails in the slippery MUD. YEE-HA)

--- On Wed, 4/27/11, Dominick Martin wrote: From: Dominick Martin Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Oil sight glass To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 9:30 PM All, Thanks for the welcomes and replies. They are much appreciated. The bike was upright/vertical when checking the sight glass so i am pretty sure the sight glass is bogus somehow. But, since I live in a small apartment and unfortunatley don't have the work space or tools to play with just yet. I think I might take it into a Kawasaki dealer and have them give the entire bike a complete once over. Little things like the chain looking a little loose and the bike starting/warming up kind of slow, and not shifting too great through some gears make me want to have a professional get their hands on it and give me their opinion. For the most part it really is a beast and runs pretty smoothly!! I actually took it out for my second ride today, on the highway in around 35mph winds... It was a fun ride to say the least. haha=) oh... Revmaatin, thanks for the links they were very helpful! (I am at Bragg) Take care! -Dom [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]