I just found out my 6-week old, 2001 KLR250 has major engine problems.
Bought it six weeks ago.Broke it in as per the manual-first 500 miles,
keep under 4000 rpm, and vary the rpm's constantly.Then I changed oil and
filter.I used Torco oil, the same as the dealer put in it-10W-40.Found no
sign of metal in the filter.Then I kept it under 6000 rpm for the next 500
miles. Since I planned to go dirt riding for the last three day weekemd, and
I was now at 1325 miles, I decided to go ahead and change the oil and filter
again so I would have fresh stuff for the ride. We trailered our two KLR250's
to my friend's cabin, and then spent two days exploring the fire service
roads up around Lake Cushman, and the Olympic Rain Forest in Washington
State. I was very happy with the bike, and had forgot how much fun dirt
riding was.Then on the ride back to my friend's cabin, my bike started to
knock.I pulled in at Twanoh State Park, and sent him on for the trailer, and
we trailered it home.
I trailered it to a dealer, and left it there Thursday.I called him
today(Saturday), and they had already looked at it. They already had the head
off.They said that the hard-facing was already worn off the camshafts.They
were planning to tear it down and check some more.They wanted to check the
piston-pin for excessive play.They wanted to get ready to call Kawasaki on
Tuesday to see what they want to do about it.
This bike had a textbook breakin.I have had 14 other bikes-8 were broken
in by me with zero problems.The bike ran great, always started second kick
cold, and one kick warm.It got really good gas mileage.It never used any oil,
or coolant, though you wouldn't expect it to being brand new.It had never
been overheated.
I had already decided that if the knock was a scored cylinder, that it
would not be acceptable to me to bore it out, as the bike is brand new, and I
didn't buy a brand new bike to hav it bored out at 1300 miles.
So my questions to the group.
1.What do you think Kawasaki might do? I would think a new engine might be
likely.If this bike has already worn the hard surfacing off the cams, then
either the cams are defective, or we have an oil supply problem. And if this
engine has an oil supply problem, I'm not so sure I want it patched up and
given back to me.
2. What has been your experience with Kawasaki as far as warranty? Do
they bust their butt to keep you happy?Or is it the old "who the hell are
you" now that the sale is irrevocable? I have heard a lot of complaints about
one of the big four(not Kawasaki).
I'm going to believe that they will take good care of my motorcycle and
me, and that they are honest and responsible, until proven otherwise.If they
try a screw-job, then you will be the first to know.I most definetely plan to
buy more motorcycles in the future, even in the next two years or so.
So I'm waiting to hear all of your glowing reports about how Kawasaki
went way over and above the call of duty to help you with your warranty
problems....
In the meantime, I'm bikeless, and the weather was decent last week, and
its going to be spectacular next week.
Thanks,
Jon Neet
Bonney Lake, Wa. USA
wanted for klr250
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- Posts: 912
- Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2000 11:31 am
kawasaki warranty?
--- In DSN_klr650@y..., JJNeet1@a... wrote:
problems. Wow, too bad. Don't the 250s have screw and locknut adjusters? If so, then there wouldn't be any reason for an accidental switch of cam caps....I have had the hardening worn off of a M-B diesel engine's cam, and had to replace it (it made the engine knock real loud, by the way)....but it does sound like an oil supply blockage, doesn't it? Personally I have no warranty experience other than the dealer giving me a new side cover for my old melted one. But it certainly sounds like something they should cover to your satisfaction.> I just found out my 6-week old, 2001 KLR250 has major engine
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- Posts: 9
- Joined: Mon May 21, 2001 1:06 pm
wanted for klr250
Hi all,
Here is a little list of parts that I would need for a 88 KLR250.
1. left side radiator shroud (color not important but white prefered)
2. left side rear plastic (color not important but white prefered)
3. Rear Rack ( I guess all models would fit)
4. Schock only if it's in good condition.
Maybe wheels if someone has a spare for cheap.
Thank you
Christian
drz400@...
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