greetings...

[klrkermit]

I adjusted the tensioner chain just after a ride. started it up, heard the valves hitting, but it ran fine. So I am trying to get at the chain and can't seem to get the magneto magnet (bowl type assembly) off. Any and all help appreciated.

[Devon Jarvis]

Funny you asked, I ran into a guy on a GS at a rest stop, and he asked me about my KLR (had a friend considering one). My honest answer, and I am a big fan of that bike especially after this weekend, is yes there are a few things you need to know. It's a 17 year old design, $5000 kawasaki, not a new $10,000 BMW. I have heard it described as the least-developed bike in the world, short of the Royal Enfield. All parts, except for a few engine internals, will fit all years of KLRs after '87 when they went to 650cc. There are build quality issues, design and specification shortcomings, and poor dealer support. I don't know why but most japanese bike dealers are sloppy lazy idiots. I buy stuff from BMW dealerships when they have what I need, but their bikes are too expensive to slam into rocks over and over again, and I really enjoy doing that. All of the shortcomings can be overcome cheaply if you have even a little mechanical skill. You just have to do the little fixes first, before they bite you in the ass one by one. Devon A15 Steve Hanson wrote:

> Hello to all. I just joined the group. I am 55, and a school teacher in > Maine. I am in the process of buying a KLR 650, my first. My last bike was > a Beemer, a 1100GL, but I lost most of the vision in my right eye,(athletic > accident), about four years ago, and sold the bike. I have pretty-much > adjusted to the vision changes, and have been doing a lot of > bicycling,(single- speed mtb,fixed-gear,road,mtb,etc.), and have decided I > want another motorcycle. The KLR looks like a lot of the GS 1100 features, > for less money, and a great reintroduction to riding. BTW, my other chief > activity is Powerlifting. Any advice or thoughts before I make the purchase > on a new KLR? > > Many thanks, > > Steve in Maine > > Checkout Dual Sport News at > http://www.dualsportnews.com > Be part of the Adventure! > > Visit the KLR650 archives at > http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 > > Post message: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com > Subscribe: DSN_klr650-subscribe@yahoogroups.com > Unsubscribe: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > List owner: DSN_klr650-owner@yahoogroups.com > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/