Wilsons Sandbox

Testimonial and 3 Questions I m new to the list, and am very grateful for the format. I ve had my 2001 KLR for nearly a year and have logged 3000 miles, mostly on a trip around Lake Superior. I owned Hodakas and a Bultaco 250 in my teen years, and remember well the thrill of tossing these lightweight machines around. In my twenties I bought a 1977 BMW R 100/7. I rode that black beauty 100Kmiles all over the north and midwest, and still own it. It is great on the road and easy to service, but it never gave me a sense of confidence on any surface more daring than compacted gravel. The first time I rode a KLR 650 last year, I was hooked...it handles on the road better than my BMW (that was a total shock!!) and feels like a John Deere tractor crossed with a mule on off road conditions. Its no Bultaco 250 (my old reference point for a light fast dirt bike, yes I m dating myself), and the KLR s weight must be handled with respect, but it seems unstoppable! It is simply the best combination of bike for any type of riding I can imagine running up against. Questions: The petcock drips fuel, mostly happens exactly when the engine is turned off...the dealer fixed it last month, but now its coming back intermittently. Any obvious cures? Is a three year extended warranty worthwhile? Any dealers in Chicago area that seem more attuned to KLR s?, the dealer I bought it from in the north suburbs said they wouldn t do the 500mile valve service till 10K !? I went to a different dealer for the 500 mile service, but now that dealer has been sold . I promise future postings will be less long winded. Thankyou all! Bob Cole, Libertyville, IL A15 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]