Wilsons Sandbox

I have not been pleased by my past experience with Corbin seats.  I have had two of the basketweave variety.    They soak up water, and don't last (these two occurences are related), at least that's been my experience.  When discussing the defective seats with the factory, I was met with resistance to performing any warranted repairs, as if it were my fault the seat lasted a few months at best.   Overall, between the ass-dampening characteristics of the Corbin basketweave material, and the lack of after-purchase support I received, I'll never, ever, buy another.    If I were to get a new seat, I'd get a Sargent seat. 

> Went riding yesterday and got caught in the rain...the new   Corbin takes in water like the stocker never did...I went for   the vinyl basketweave, thinking a little more ventilation for   summer would be good...maybe a bad call for the Grey   Northwet...Goretex won't protect from sitting or leaning against    something wet, so the 'stich was drenched in the butt

> I am in the info gathering stage on the KLR 650. What are the > important differences in the years "87" to the current 2000 year.

no differences that should keep you from considering a well-maintained pre-'96....the '97 and on (most '96's) have upgraded clutch and balancer chain mechanisms different countershaft sprocket arrangements...

> Plus- I was wondering what opinions are out there on synthetic oils

the CW is that there are few downsides to using synthetics if the increased costs of purchasing the oil do not keep you from changing the oil frequently...no one has a bad word to say about Mobil 1 any blend made since inception...I use Valvoline Premium Blue Diesel Oil in all my bikes and change the oil frequently...

> and what life span can be expected out of a well maintained KLR650. > 50,000 miles plus?

the person who has studied this as opposed to just running the bike and hoping for the best is Elden Carl...his advice is to check and or replace the cam chain and sprockets and balancer chain and sprockets every 30,000 miles. He believes that if these items are replaced at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 you have an engine that can go 100,000 as long as it is not driven at high speeds most of its life. There are listers who have 60,000 miles plus and have not and do not plan on changing these items. Kurt