cam chain tensioner question.

[jwhyte@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk]

My first post after lurking for a while, with a view to getting a KLR for a long overland trip in Africa. I've enjoyed listening in, and now I think you can help me out. You guys had just about won me over when a copy of Chris Scott's new edition of the 'Adventure Motorcycling Handbook' arrived to scupper my plans. It turns out that the UK KLR isn't the same as the N.American one, and a quick search of the archives confirms this. His conclusion is that the current UK KLR/KLX650 models 'are snazzy street bikes: light, fast and small-tanked, they're not suited for an overland biker's needs.' I was fooled - the web may be global, but not the KLR.... However, it's not clear to me at what point the descendants of the original KLR (which was unavailable here after 1990) became unsuitable for my sort of trip. My question is, what are the chances of getting hold of a decent example of something like the original KLR? Would that be a Tengai, or an early KLX650? What are the differences, and until when were they produced in a suitable form? Does Fred have a cousin in the UK, or do you end up having to have aftermarket parts sent over from the US? Failing that, I guess I'll have to think again: maybe a KTM Adventure, a Tenere, a Honda Dominator, even an F650. I currently have no off-road experience, and my inside leg is 31", so the KTM might be a bit of a struggle. James

[Ted Palmer]

grandeal@... wrote: [...]

> Can I buy a replacement spring for the tensioner? > On the buy Kawasaki page it looks like I have to buy the unit. I > don't want to have to spend the extra $ if I can just get a new, > Better spring.

You can only buy the unit, AFAIK. It may be possible that the camchain is worn out now that it has been flapping around, or maybe the tensioner was at its limit and someone tried to get some more tension out of it. Best to check the camchain spec length as well while you are in there. Mister_T

[Ted Palmer]

jwhyte@... wrote: [C-series tank limitation]

> However, it's not clear to me at what point the descendants of the > original KLR (which was unavailable here after 1990) became unsuitable > for my sort of trip. My question is, what are the chances of getting > hold of a decent example of something like the original KLR?

It seems that the UK and Australia shared in the change to the C-series KLR around the same time. As it is around ten years after versions of the A-series were sold there, you would have to be very lucky to find a really good condition A-series or Tengai. The KLR-C does have an advantage in the larger front disc and twin piston caliper, and by book specs the alternator is a bit gruntier. You may be lucky, Acerbis might make a larger tank for the KLR650C but you would need to check that with your UK dealers. Mister_T Melbourne Australia