Wilsons Sandbox

In the last few (6) weeks I've ran the mileage on my KLR up to 7K. Likey around 8K by the end of this coming weekend. At that time I'm having the valves checked and adjusted FOR THE FIRST TIME. Hard to admit with the guilt I have ...but I've been having too much fun riding. I've been good about changing fluids and plug but have not done anything else. Lord knows I'll likey procastinate again before digging into the bike next time. I wonder if someone could give a little more detail to this (following) comment in the FAQ ...keeping in mind about 8K and likely maybe that many more before I want to do this again: ***from the FAQ***"After the first few valve checks (i.e., around 9,000 miles), you can probably set the valves at the maximum clearance and not check them for another 10,000 miles. This will make the engine noisy, but is acceptable"*** Would you guys suggest I follow this and set the valves to 0.200mm (intake) and 0.250mm (exhaust) and hopefully forget about it until after another 10K? (probably only a few months out) Also curious as to any suggestions or other maintenance that I should do at this time? While I ride the bike A LOT, I don't pound it on dirt as often/hard as many of you. I ride my bike TO the dirt and don't go too knarly and ride back on pavement. I will be doing fork brace and progressive springs in the next weeks after I get the parts. OK, and if I haven't already made this post too long: because I'm 85% street and wanting a bit more street performance I've decided to buy a V-Strom 1000 (after considering a F650GS Dakar) I had planned to sell the KLR but everyone I've known to sell their KLR regrets it so I've decided to wait a bit (save $) and keep the KLR and get the V- Strom in a few months. I've seen quite a few V-Strom postings here ...but would love to hear from anyone who has (or had) a V-Strom and any comments. Thanks in advance for any comments, suggestions, help, guidance, mentoring --oh, and where we riding this weekend? OH, and thanks for this groovy list ...very helpful. KLR_john@...

Here's a source for KLR touch-up paint. My Color-Rite paint pens have lasted 3 years and match the Forest Bluish Green perfectly. http://www.color-rite.com/ -Bryan A12 Tucson

> --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, David Farrell > wrote: > > I'v seen on this site in the past where there have > > been recommendations for touch up paint to match > > KLR's. I looked in past correspondence but have been > > unable to locate. > > What paint was recommended to match the frame paint > > and also tank paint on the '99 model. > > Also, I believe it has been recommended that to remove > > or blend white streaks or fading you could use a hot > > hair dryer or heat gun on the plastic parts. Is this > > correct also. My radiator shrouds and front fender > > need a little TLC in this area. > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software > > http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com