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klr evolution in the uk
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2001 2:57 am
by jwhyte@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk
My first post after lurking for a while, with a view to getting a KLR
for a long overland trip in Africa. I've enjoyed listening in, and now
I think you can help me out.
You guys had just about won me over when a copy of Chris Scott's new
edition of the 'Adventure Motorcycling Handbook' arrived to scupper my
plans. It turns out that the UK KLR isn't the same as the N.American
one, and a quick search of the archives confirms this. His conclusion
is that the current UK KLR/KLX650 models 'are snazzy street bikes:
light, fast and small-tanked, they're not suited for an overland
biker's needs.' I was fooled - the web may be global, but not the
KLR....
However, it's not clear to me at what point the descendants of the
original KLR (which was unavailable here after 1990) became unsuitable
for my sort of trip. My question is, what are the chances of getting
hold of a decent example of something like the original KLR? Would that
be a Tengai, or an early KLX650? What are the differences, and until
when were they produced in a suitable form? Does Fred have a cousin in
the UK, or do you end up having to have aftermarket parts sent over
from the US?
Failing that, I guess I'll have to think again: maybe a KTM Adventure,
a Tenere, a Honda Dominator, even an F650. I currently have no off-road
experience, and my inside leg is 31", so the KTM might be a bit of a
struggle.
James
cam chain tensioner question.
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2001 8:34 am
by Ted Palmer
grandeal@... wrote:
[...]
> Can I buy a replacement spring for the tensioner?
> On the buy Kawasaki page it looks like I have to buy the unit. I
> don't want to have to spend the extra $ if I can just get a new,
> Better spring.
You can only buy the unit, AFAIK.
It may be possible that the camchain is worn out now that it has
been flapping around, or maybe the tensioner was at its limit and
someone tried to get some more tension out of it.
Best to check the camchain spec length as well while you are in
there.
Mister_T
klr evolution in the uk
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2001 8:34 am
by Ted Palmer
jwhyte@... wrote:
[C-series tank limitation]
> However, it's not clear to me at what point the descendants of the
> original KLR (which was unavailable here after 1990) became unsuitable
> for my sort of trip. My question is, what are the chances of getting
> hold of a decent example of something like the original KLR?
It seems that the UK and Australia shared in the change to the C-series
KLR around the same time.
As it is around ten years after versions of the A-series were
sold there, you would have to be very lucky to find a really
good condition A-series or Tengai.
The KLR-C does have an advantage in the larger front disc and
twin piston caliper, and by book specs the alternator is a bit
gruntier.
You may be lucky, Acerbis might make a larger tank for the KLR650C
but you would need to check that with your UK dealers.
Mister_T
Melbourne Australia