Winter repairs 2008 KLR
 

I live in Kyrgyzstan and bought a 2008 KLR. It came from the States and had 3200 mile showing. I believe the bike had more miles on it when I bought it. This is my second summer with the bike and it now has over 12000 miles on it. I have done nothing but put one set of tires on and feed it good oil every 1500 to 3000 miles. It does vibrate, not excessively, and has started to use more oil. With highway speeds after 500 mile, in one day, it took one liter. There is a sticker that says the doo was done.
It is getting cold and I will not be able to ride. I know I need to adjust the valves but what else might I look at doing? Don't mind working on the bike when I cannot ride but hate working on it when I should be riding it!
What about bearings? fork seals? or the big questions, doing the 685cc up grade? Also, what would be the good in an after market exhaust?
Thanks for any and all advice. One major problem is getting parts. I must order everything. Yes, I can get stuff here that will work but good quality is hard to find here.


Mac

Mac,
I owned a KLR 2008 model too. It has 60,000km now since bought in October 2008. To date, I have done a valve check (all within limits), change spark plug, flush and replaced coolant but no bearing change or doo hickey. Yes, the bike does eat up lubrication oil a bit depending on my speed along the highway. Other than that the bike works flawlessly. However, in Malaysia where I lived, the KLR is not a popular dual-purpose bike may be we do not go off road often. Just my opinion that is.
As for spare parts, I do not know how to help you out from here. The KLR is manufactured in Thailand and Malaysia has a big market for Kawasaki bikes. By far, it is the cheapest bike in Malaysia. So, parts not a big problem here.
Ride safe.

Amzah

Thanks
 

Thanks Amzah for sharing your information. Wow! 60,000 km! That is very impressive for as little repairs you have had to put into it. Keep on Keeping on. I believe mine has more miles on it than is shown. Me thinkest the odometer was turned back, or a different one put in.

If you ever get up to Kyrgyzstan look me up.

Mac

I have a 2008 KLR with 80,000 km. No problems at all. It does burn some oil at highway speeds, but not excessive. I have never done the Doo, and I have never heard of a 2008 or newer engine exploding from a faulty Doo, has anyone else?
The only real problem I have had is with the speedo sending unit at the front hub. I have no working speedo or odometer, not a big deal since the GPS handles these duties anyway. I really should look at getting it fixed over the winter.
Change your oil regularly, keep a close eye on the chain and sprockets. Had the valves done last year, they where long overdue. My rear shock and fork springs will be replaced this spring with new Progressive Suspension.

Good luck with your KLR, its a great bike, have fun and ride safe.