Very interesting trip report. I just finished a 5700 KM trip on my '97, also without anything resembling a mechanical problem. I too had the Kawi luggage but also bought Tim Bernard's side protector racks, so had no problem with melting plastic.
cheers
Tom Clay
Winnipeg MB
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I have recently bought a '98 KLR 650, and have app. 3000 km (1800
miles). I got my first servicing @ 800 km, and got all the necessary
adjustments (2nd lof @ 2400 km). Being that this is my first bike I am
unsure of how to feel, this particular bike feels really primitive and
noisy (clicks/rattles/shakes/etc). Is this the feel I am suppose to
experience with a single, or do I have a dud. Everybody says here on how
the newer KLRs are smother but I don't know if it is my inexperience
with bikes to be able to give that conclusion.
The idle is at 1400 warm, and all the the exposed bolts are tight
???
note: 94 octane fuel made it somewhat smother..
Thanks for the info..
Brian
'98 klr--"
Brian,
These noises sound fairly normal. My '97 has 18000 km and has always sounded the way you describe. I've heard several other KLRs and they sound the same. The only KLR I've heard that sounded really "bad" was a '95 that made a terrible loud knocking noise when you blipped the throttle. My bike also runs noticeably smoother on higher octane gas, but, being a single with one very big piston.....well, it's not going to be smooth like a car or even a multi-cylinder bike of similar displacement. Believe it or not, you get used to it. I should point out that I too was a little shocked at the vibration and shaking when I first got the bike but can honestly say I don't notice it any more. I'm not suggesting the bike couldn't be smoother, but it's never enough to ruin the experience of riding the bike. You need only go and test ride some other bikes to increase you appreciation of the KLR's finer points. Riding certain Harleys will rewrite your personal definition of "primitive", for e!
xample.
Having said this, I would be careful of a couple of things. Make sure your balancer chain tensioner is adjusted. My dealer didn't do this and when I did, the bike was smoother. If you're still not sure, then seek out some other KLR's to compare your bike too. I actually chased a guy down once because I noticed he was riding the same bike as me. That was before I discovered this list. There may even be a used on at a local dealer. Otherwise, go to your dealer and politely but firmly request an examination of the bike [do this while it's still under warranty]. Make sure the mechanic can satisfactorily explain the noises. Don't let him brush you off with "I don't hear anything".
good luck
Tom Clay
Winnipeg MB
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I have a klr with 22k miles and I am thinking of changing the timing chain. So at the same time I want to put in a high compression piston and aftermarket exhaust (not to loud) and maybe a carb? Does anyone have any reccomendations or suggestions? I want a whole package that works together.