Maintaining that KLE

[johnquinnell]

Just wondering what other KLE owners are doing with regard to maintaining their machines with things like lubes, tyres, brake pads etc?
I have had my KLE for nearly 3 years now and am coming up to 40,000kms.
Half way through warranty I started servicing the bike myself. It's honestly the most reliable mount I have ever owned in over 33 years of motorcycling and suspension-wise definitely the most comfortable..
Re: maintenance, it's by the book. Oil & filter changes every 3,000kms with genuine oil filter & Shell SX4. I check the factory foam air filter regularly and continually find it surprisingly clean despite some terribly dusty conditions I subject the poor bastard to. Brake pads are non-genuine purchased through eBay at a fraction of the price of original pads yet they seem to last comparably in distance to factory ones. (I'm extremely light on brakes). I've settled on Michilan Sirac rubber and am 100% satisfied with the service they give. I tend to get around 12,000kms on both front & rear. The rear tyre normally wears out in the centre of the tread first and I normally flick the front tyre when the feathering gets too bad. Have got a genuine replacement chain & sprockets to go on next time I change out the rear tyre. Drive chain cleaning is with WD 40 & chain lubing is performed compliments of No Chukka Chain Lube. Possibly looking at a replacement rear shock-spring combo in a year or so and would be interested in what other readers have tried on their KLE's?
I run 21psi air pressure in the front tyre & 28 psi in the rear. Best milage I have got from my KLE when touring is around 76 mpg but that was taking it pretty easy around 80kmh.
Still on the original battery.
I run standard 91 octane ULP - (none of that 10% Ethanol crap)
I run Oxford Heated Grips (pure bliss on those cold winter morning commutes and an absolute life saver at dragging me back from hypothermia when getting drenched on my wet winter bush rides).
Oh and for celebrity status it sports a Charley Boorman signature on its fuel tank compliments of when he was out here in July 08 on his completion of the By Any Means trip ;-)
So what are the rest of you fella's doing in keeping your KLE's on the road?
Cheers
JQ
Sydney Australia
PS Any interest out there on a KLE ride one some KLE friendly trails around Sydney?

[Jameseye]

G'day John!

Mine ('06) has clocked up 56000km and the water pump mechanical seal let go at 55,000. Simple repair, but make sure you order the two water-pump gaskets as the same time - they will be stuffed. All other maintenance by the book and similar regime as yourself. Mine is all stock, but I have contemplated the KTM muffler swap and some springs and emulators for the front...

Have to agree that these are sooo reliable - mine is also still on its original battery too! Use E07's on mine and get 12,000km+ on rear and 20,000 out of the front. About 80/20 tar/dirt for mine (But I do prefer dirt) due to commuting duties.

Great bike - love it!

Cheers
Ian

[ufoufo]

Hi John , The KLE 's are so easy to work on . I have fooled two of my mates into buying one as well , so there is 3 in our group and a KLR .

I have made a few mods to mine including the exhaust and jet/intake mods which made quite a difference. I installed progressive springs in the forks as well which was well worth it . The problem I am having now is I cant change gear properly because I am wearing motocross boots and have run out of adjustment on the lever . If you or anyone else has some tips !!!!!

Regular rides out of sydney if you are keen ...

[TommyT]

Originally Posted by johnquinnell

So what are the rest of you fella's doing in keeping your KLE's on the road?

Precious little John!

The only thing outside of the normal servicable items I've had problems with is the calipers. Even with regular greasing I've had to replace the seals in both of them, and they've both seized up at different times.

Saying that, I haven't been off the road once since I got my KLE - except for the time I filled her up with diesel

[lone star]

Originally Posted by TommyT

Saying that, I haven't been off the road once since I got my KLE - except for the time I filled her up with diesel

I'm surprised it still didnt go...
Seems pretty unstoppable no matter what...

[matt.huck]

Hi all,

Have just bought a KLE500 to get back and fore to work on. Just got my L's at xmas and am loving it. I live in Sydney - North

would love to take it out in the dirt but having never ridden offroad before am unsure. Have been a keen 4x4 driver and have done most of the sydney surrounds. Not sure I would go there on my own on the bike though!

anyone fancy teaching me a few tricks or who doesn't mind a newbie tagging along on an easy ride - not up for the macho lets ride up a wall type rides

Matt

[johnquinnell]

Welcome to the world of adventure bikes Matt.
I'm sure you'll enjoy your new purchase. Even in an unmodified state, the KLE's are great fun off-road and a very capable commuting bike as well. Check your email for more details.
Cheers
John Quinnell