--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "gpokluda" wrote:
> --- In DSN_klr650@y..., RM wrote:
> > Design flaws, mainly:
> >
> > * Dangerous front brake (undersized plus a stretchy brake line)
> >
> > * Rear subframe attachments
> >
> > * weak headlight adjuster bracket
> >
> > * very lossy electrical system (doesn't bother most people,
though)
> >
> > * brake calipers that seem prone to binding up on their sliding
pins
> >
> > * clutch and sidestand safety switches that fail with regularity
> >
> > * the doohickey
> >
> > * Carb float-bowl vent tube that clogs up in the rain
>
> blah, blah, blah
> >
> > Did I leave anything out?
>
> Oh puleeez. Give me a break. Out of the box, the KLR is a good
> bike. Not a great bike, but a good bike that can do a lot of
things
> well. Sure it has shortcomings, so does every bike. I also know
> lots of KLR riders who have done nothing to their bikes and have
> accumulated thousands of trouble free miles.
Good bike? 'Puleez' define 'good' bike...the KTM Adventure is
a 'good' bike...it still has issues, but a hell of a lot less than a
KLR. Take a look at one when you get a chance...these are tough
bikes designed to be able to do what enduros do ie take a hit
sometimes in rough conditions, every design issue RM mentions has
been addressed well...problems? heavy vibration, very tall seat
height, and a very steep price tag. Its race bred and the KLR isn't.
Out of the box, for people who use it as a big enduro, the KLR is
less than average - but because of the number of years its been
built, the large aftermarket means you can change the things you want
on it, when you want and can afford to change them. You can fix the
shortcomings that bother you, and leave the things that don't, and
the bike is cheap enough in the beginning that you can throw away the
original parts without feeling like your're replacing quality
components.
But 'puleez', don't confuse cheap with good. The fact that you can
afford it and it doesn't suffer from market hype doesn't make poor
engineering better. Its a very old design, be proud of it if you
want, but don't call it well built from stock when compared to other
big enduros today. 'Just f'ing ride it' if you want, and let those
who want to make their bikes better get on with it - this originally
came from the doohickey conversation, which has shown itself to be a
POTENTIAL weak point. Anyone putting a figure on 'when' this might
fail is talking out their ass, given the range of age on failures
(and non-failures) reported so far. And believe me, they WON'T be
paying your repair bill if their 'advice' turns out to be wrong.
Your bike, you choose.
Rich
www.twowheelwandering.com