Wilsons Sandbox

Hi Listers I've got this wee problem... My KLR600 B4 is bog standard. It has the Original muffler rewelded after rotting, but intact. It's got a new header pipe gasket, pipe correctly seated. Carb rubbers appear good. New plug. Choke and throttle cables are also good. I'm experiencing rough running between around 3300 - 5500 revs. The bike can't be smoothly revved through this range. Revs jump around, backfires on closing throttle from 5500, sticks at 2000rpm for up to 30 seconds before eventually working down to steady tickover at 1400rpm. Below and above 3300-5500 bike runs fine and revs pretty freely. It starts ok. It runs quite hot and drinks a lot of oil - but my last one did these last two as well. It looks like I'll have to strip and clean the carb to cure this. Before I do this (for the first time), is there anything I've missed? I'd like to get on the road again before the summer's gone here in Scotland. Thanks Mike

For anyone using the PVC pipe tool box hose clamped to the front of the bash plate, CARRY EXTRA HOSECLAMPS! I broke one of the clamps when the bike fell over on the log yesterday. Zip-ties held it on for the mile or so onto paved roads, then luckily found an open hardware store (on a Sunday). This is with a 10" wide PVC pipe box, narrower than most. I now keep an extra pair of hoseclamps on the toolbox, but loose so the box can move a bit if the tight hoseclamps get broken loose again. Then hopefully all I'll have to do is tighten up one of the spares. Zip-ties and duct tape are part of the toolkit, but I'll be carrying a small spool of stainless baling wire as well. Devon A15 78 SR500 81 SR500