actual field repairs or maintenance
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:49 am
On Mon, 7 Jan 2008 01:28:23 -0800 "Dan Taylor"
writes:
<><><><><><><> <><><><><><><> Dan, Maybe the question should be "what KLR parts have been used by folks in the field"? : ) Based on my limited experience here are repairs and maintenance I've done in the field. - Fixed flat tires using patches and glue, tire irons and an air compressor. I do carry the bottom of a 5 gallon plastic bucket to help keep the wheel out of the dirt. It can also act as a drain pan, wash basin and storage container if in a saddlebag. - Used JB Kwik to secure a countershaft nut to a countershaft with a broken end. - Replaced a bent front axle using one from the KLR that got run over and totaled by a pick up truck. - Replaced a chain master link clip. Now I secure them with RTV and haven't had anymore issues. - Replaced a headlight bulb with both filaments burned out. - Filed some nicks off a Moose barkbuster after I dropped the KLR in the same spot twice at a fuel stop. (Watch out for those oily spots when you are sitting on the bike talking with others) : ) - Performed oil changes. I leave the filter alone while on the road. Most I've seen done were 5 oil changes in a Walmart parking lot in about 20 minutes. And that includes recycling the oil with the automotive section. - Added battery water. - Service the air filter with No Toil air filter maintenance products. Most I've serviced at one time is three filters. Easy to clean, dry and oil. Don't forget to bring latex or Nitrile gloves to help keep the mess down. - Replaced broken radiator shroud tabs with home made brackets I carried for about 2 years. Took two brackets, four pop rivets which I had and I bummed a pop rivet tool and drill with bit. - Changed the countershaft sprocket a few times. - Removed a fuel tank and tightened the petcock screws on the back. - This probably shouldn't really count but on De Tour Steve bought a KLR in AZ and we swapped parts between bikes in one day. That included tires and tubes, lubing the rear suspension bearings, swapping chain and sprockets, dash electrical stuff, skid plate, centerstand, footpegs, handguards, saddlebag bracket, etc. That was all done in a barn but I think we could have done the job in the woods with the tools we carry. We work pretty well together most of the time. : ) As you can see I didn't need much in the way of parts in the last 22,000 smiles of travel. I do carry tools in my tank bag so they're easy to get to. That way I use them to check fasteners and make adjustments as needed. If I had to unpack a lot of gear to get to my tools I wouldn't use them nearly as often as I do. Tools I use most often are a #2 phillips screwdriver to check sidecover fasteners and my digital air pressure gauge to check tire pressure. A 10mm combination wrench also gets a good workout on assorted fasteners. Hope this is helpful as to what you may actually need. I'm sure others can add work they've done in the field to help add to the list of interesting repairs/maintenance. Best, Jeff Saline ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT> Sounds like a good trip -- any highlights or must-sees worth > mentioning? > Also, what "extras" are you referring to? Magneto? Extra bolts? > BTW, does anyone know what extra KLR parts should be brought on any > long > distance touring like this? > thanks in advance, > Dan in Pasadena > '05 KLR650 > '90 R100GS