first-time valve check question and a few observations

[Toby Lampson]

This is really a good question Mike. I'm now imagining an insertable allen head type plug, magnetic of course, that's flush with the bottom of the crankcase..........and two 1/4 square stock aluminum rails, running front to back, welded to the underside of the plate on either side of my drain plug hole........... Toby Mike Awesome wrote:

> I was doing some research and found an earlier post in which Mr. > Hink was in contact with Moose on how to improve their bash plate > specifically for the KLR. Has anything come from this? > Took the KLR offroading yesterday for a couple hours and had a > blast. Got home cleaned the bike, cleaned and lubed the chain, checked > to make sure everything was tight and all fluids were ok. Had so much > fun gonna go Sunday a.m. as well, even got the girls ok..wohoo. What's > this....low on oil ? That's odd my A1 has never burned oil before.But > not a problem I'll do a quick (still ongoing) oil change. Get the > trusty 17mm socket to loosen (yea right ) the drain plug errrr, gerrr > whatthe... Cannot even get it to budge eh girly-man? Take the bash > plate off to inspect further, all looks ok.? Manage to get the drain > plug to move and now it just spins . So I surmise a log hit the bash > plate which offered no protection for the drain plug. > Has anybody rigged something to protect the drain plug ? > > Mike very plugged Awesome > A1klr650 > > > > Visit the KLR650 archives at > http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 > Support Dual Sport News... dsneditor@... > Let's keep this list SPAM free! > > Visit our site at http://www.egroups.com/group/DSN_klr650 > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@egroups.com

[Charles Dill-wtp]

All, I have completed my DIY 500 mile service on my new 2001 KLR650 (A15). First a question then a few observations. As my valves checked out to be in spec range, [Left exhaust=.006; Right exhaust=.008: Left intake=.004; Right intake=.006] should I be concerned with the .002 in difference between the sides? I would hate to jump the gun and shim up the left side, just to make them the same if not necessary. On this same matter, Eldon Carl noted that "11. Adjustment becomes necessary when clearances fall outside the above recommendations. Since the exhaust valve clearances seem to close slightly between inspections, I never let mine get below a loose .007". Maddeningly, Kawasaki only provides shims for the KLR650 in .002" increments, so it is impossible to be perfect." http://www.geocities.com/~klrdsn/page27.html> A few observations: Has anyone else found the workmanship to look a bit shoddy on their KLRs? There appears to be welding debris on the frame under the paint. Also the sump hasn't a smooth surface, but looks rather gritty. As I am neither a welder or machinist, I can only blame these surface defects to sloppy quality control. Any opinions? When I removed the gas tank, my fingers caught on some razor-sharp shards protruding from the seam just under the bottom edge. Again sloppy quality control seems the culprit. I bought this otherwise terrific motorcycle as a commuter and occasional adventure-tourer and thus far have enjoyed the ride and performance. It kicks enough to handle 880 south to Cupertino (CA) on 280 from my home in the fine city of Alameda sucking up the poor condition of the freeway and slipping tween the cages stacking up on all sides. Nimble, responsive and quick. Thanks in advance. Charles 2001 A15