sprocket

[Mike Hilton]

On Oct 1st I made the post below concerning my 08's use of oil.  Once I determined that the bike was again using excess oil, 1 quart in 670 miles, my dealer contacted Kawasaki warranty an presented the problem.  Kaw authorized them to tear the bike down and report what they found.  The leak down test was at 48% and when they removed the cylinder they found that the piston was galled on one side, the intake valve side.  To my relief, Kawasaki warrant authorized them to bore the cylinder to the first over size (the first boring was only a .05 oversize).  They replaced the piston, rings, wrist pin and replace the valve seals and lapped the valves.  All of this was done on their nickel!!!  I have only had the bike back for two weeks and wet weather set in.  When I did start riding it, I decided that I was not going to do the recommended break in (not to exceed 4K for the first 500miles.  I have ridden it hard, spending most of the time at 5K or above.  After 700 miles it has managed to use 1 pint of oil.  I plan on riding this hard for the first thousand miles or so.  If it doesn't blow up or develop high volume oil use I plan on switching to Amsoil synthetic M/C oil.  I not sure if 2 thousand miles is enough to have the rings set in or not.  I would appreciate input as to when synthetic oil is recommended.  Will keep the list updated on the progress.  I will have to say, that a supportive dealer makes all difference.  My bike was purchased at McKinney Honda, Ruston, LA.   Michael Hilton Louisiana 08 R1200R,  08 KLR650 M/C Riding gear: http://www.etsy.com/listing/39341344/chill-chaser-bibextra-warmth-and    

----- Original Message ----- [b]From:[/b] fmhilton@... [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com ; kjedick@... [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, October 01, 2010 5:12 PM [b]Subject:[/b] Re: [DSN_KLR650] Oil Consumption   Ken, I had my 08 in for warranty on the oil consumption issue, mine was using about that much and maybe slightly more than yours.  My dealers service rep. convinced Kaw to allow them to tear it down and see if there was a problem.  They found that the cylinder was out of round.  This is with the bike at 11K on the odometer.  I had a choice of having Kaw replace the cylinder and piston with new ones or allow the dealer to bore the cylinder to the first over size and install  a new piston and rings.  I chose to go with the first over size.  Now 7K later, odometer at 18K, my bike is starting to  us oil at the same rate or more.  I reported it to my service rep  and advised him I was starting a consumption test.  To start it off, I  had  them change oil (Kaw 10W40) and filter and note the mileage.  I'm only at 250 miles and have had to add 250cc's.  Plan on making a 500  mile run this weekend at highway speeds,  55 to 65 and finish up the test.  I'll try and post to the list when I find and what Kaw is willing to do. Mike Hilton Louisiana   PS: on the 08's they increased the oil change interval to 7.5K, but I faithfully change oil and filter at 5K.  Your dealer can make the difference with Kaw!   ----- Original Message ----- [b]From:[/b] kjedick@... [b]To:[/b] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, September 29, 2010 11:09 PM [b]Subject:[/b] [DSN_KLR650] Oil Consumption  

My KLR 09 likes to drink oil and according to Kawi, a quart every 1000 miles is OK. My drinks (burns out) about a 1 Quart and 5 oz. every 1000 miles. Kawi also said this was acceptable . Bike runs great. I commute 70+ miles round trip on a combination of rural roads (34 miles @ 65/70 mph), City streets (24 miles of stop and go @ 35 mph) and dirt roads (12 miles of dirt roads @ 45 mph). Bikes has had this problem from day one. (Current mileage10785 miles ) No Mods just farkle. HT Crash guards and Panniers. I guess I'm looking for some advice on what my next move should be to resolve this issue. Ken Colorado

[Jeff Saline]

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[cycletip]

I plan on riding this hard for the first thousand

> miles or so. If it doesn't blow up or develop high volume oil use I plan > on switching to Amsoil synthetic M/C oil. I not sure if 2 thousand miles > is enough to have the rings set in or not. I would appreciate input as > to when synthetic oil is recommended. Will keep the list updated on the > progress. I will have to say, that a supportive dealer makes all > difference. My bike was purchased at McKinney Honda, Ruston, LA. > > Michael Hilton > Mike, > > My guess is you should wait at least until 1,500 smiles before switching > to synthetic. Once you do switch it might be worthwhile to check seal > integrity (countershaft seal) as sometimes you get leaks when changing to > synthetic. > > Jeff Saline

_____________________________________________________________________ +1 on what Jeff says. I'd go even longer to the second oil change or more. Glad to hear you have good dealer support. Think I remember seeing something about a dealer bulletin on late model KLR's using excessive oil. You might look / search for it to keep handy just in case.

[Eddie]

Attachments :

A few days ago, I reported seeing my front sprocket had a slight hook to the teeth. Following several member's suggestion, I ordered a new one and just finished installing it (30 min.). I had no real trouble getting the sprocket nut off with a breaker bar and a 27mm socket. I used a plastic wire tie and held down the rear brake pedal by tying it to the crash bar right below it. A good firm tug on the breaker bar and the nut spun free (after flattening the lock washer, of course). Going back on and retorquing it was interesting, though. I felt like I was crushing the cush drive trying to reach the final torque. I ended up holding a 1/2 in socker drive handle against the underside of the swingarm and stuck through the rear sprocket with one hand while I pulled on the torque wrench with my other hand.

*click*. Done.

 

Attached is a small photo of the old sprocket. It shows some wear. But, isn't horrible. The chain and rear sprocket look okay. I will cross my fingers and see if I can get another 9,000 out of them. =)

 

eddie