drz400sm

[Raven]

I found a good condition KLR from a dealer and wanted to get some thoughts on this bike from the vets who have owned one. It's a mint condition 1989 KLR650 with 3363 Miles for $2,499. Is this a worthwile purchase? I've heard horror stories of the tensioner problem, which has never been addressed by Kawasaki. I've also heard of people having problems with clogged oil filters, weak subframes, fasteners coming loose, heavy vibration, back fires on deceleration, wheel bearings not being sealed, etc. There was an article I read about how Eldon Carl uses older KLR650's, but he uses parts from newer KLRs. I can't locate that article anymore. Anyway, I asked a dealer if he could replace the "doohickey" if I purchased a new KLR650 from them and they said it couldn't be done. So, would you recommend the purchase? If so, are any of these mods recommended or just cosmetic changes to address problems that are highly unlikely to occur? If these are serious concerns, how difficult is it to replace the OEM parts with limited tools?

[wannabsmooth1]

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Raven" wrote:

> I found a good condition KLR from a dealer and wanted to get some > thoughts on this bike from the vets who have owned one. > > It's a mint condition 1989 KLR650 with 3363 Miles for $2,499. > > Is this a worthwile purchase? I've heard horror stories of the > tensioner problem, which has never been addressed by Kawasaki. > > I've also heard of people having problems with clogged oil filters, > weak subframes, fasteners coming loose, heavy vibration, back fires on > deceleration, wheel bearings not being sealed, etc. > > There was an article I read about how Eldon Carl uses older KLR650's, > but he uses parts from newer KLRs. I can't locate that article anymore. > > Anyway, I asked a dealer if he could replace the "doohickey" if I > purchased a new KLR650 from them and they said it couldn't be done. > > So, would you recommend the purchase? If so, are any of these mods > recommended or just cosmetic changes to address problems that are > highly unlikely to occur? If these are serious concerns, how difficult > is it to replace the OEM parts with limited tools?

Typical dealer - doesn't know what he is talking about. You can replace the idler lever with the aftermarket part. I make the parts, and I have an 89 with the parts in it. No harder than any other year. Replacing the idler shaft is a different story. I've done the machine work (for Elden) to fit the later idler shaft in the early cases, not hard, but you do have to take apart the motor to do it. Not really necessary, keep good oil in the motor, and keep it full. When/if you replace the idler lever, check the condition of the idler shaft and bearing, replace if need - in case the DPO ran it low on oil. The klr is about as easy as they come to maintain. Find a tech day near you, and join in. Wonder how an 89 has that few miles......... All the best, Mike

[austin blessard]

I think this price is a little on the high side for such a mature example. I found one for just over $1000, it was plain jane and needed a new shock but was very nice otherwise. I think if you put the word out, you could find a late 80's KLR in the $1000-1500 range...just my personal experience- as I'm brand spanking new to the list. Austin 01 Bandit-crashed 89 KLR-waiting to haul home once I heal 78 Wing in pieces

----- Original Message ----- From: "Raven" To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 9:03 PM Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Question about new purchase >I found a good condition KLR from a dealer and wanted to get some > thoughts on this bike from the vets who have owned one. > > It's a mint condition 1989 KLR650 with 3363 Miles for $2,499. > > Is this a worthwile purchase? I've heard horror stories of the > tensioner problem, which has never been addressed by Kawasaki. > > I've also heard of people having problems with clogged oil filters, > weak subframes, fasteners coming loose, heavy vibration, back fires on > deceleration, wheel bearings not being sealed, etc. > > There was an article I read about how Eldon Carl uses older KLR650's, > but he uses parts from newer KLRs. I can't locate that article anymore. > > Anyway, I asked a dealer if he could replace the "doohickey" if I > purchased a new KLR650 from them and they said it couldn't be done. > > So, would you recommend the purchase? If so, are any of these mods > recommended or just cosmetic changes to address problems that are > highly unlikely to occur? If these are serious concerns, how difficult > is it to replace the OEM parts with limited tools? > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: > http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > >

[Rodney Copeland]

Don't forget to look at this one! http://www.ktmusa.com/frameset.asp --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "dirtrooster2003" wrote:

> Went into my local shop a couple days ago and they had a black > drz400sm on the floor. first time id seen one and im wantin it real > bad.