Stranded in Colombia...
 

Hi,

My Kawaski KLR 650 begand knocking on hard acceleration and riding up mountain roads. The vibration and noise began to get worse everyday. I found a good mechainc who said hen thought it sounded like the piston rod. He totally disassembled the engine, and everything seemed to be ok. However the spring for the balancer chain tensioner (doohickey) was broken and there was evidence of wear at the chain guide.
Could this alone be the cause of the knocking and vibration? The piston rod and bearings seem to be fine, although my mechanic isn't convinced that the problem lies with the chain tensioner.
Any advice or help, someone knowlagable to contact would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot!
Jeff

Welcome Jeff. sorry to hear about your problems, where are you know? I would suggest getting to Medellin. There is a great community there and they will be happy to help you. Also, contact the Colombian community located to the left of the screen. Hector at MotoAngel in Med will help you out. Also, contact Paul at Kasa Kiwi in Med, he has a KLR and maybe a source of parts.

Jeff,

I'll be returning to Medellin from the US on Wednesday......... Let me know if you need any parts.

doohickey done
 

do you mean to say that you did not get your doohickey replaced before you set off on your trip,sounds like that was what it was Eagle mike is the man you want ,you can chase him inder search for eaglemike in Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum

Eagle Mike
 

You definitely need a new doohickey or someone to machine it for you.

Mike of Eaglehawk in San Diego fabricates these and helped me when I couldn't get it at short notice (as these must be ordered by dealers etc). I am sorry I dont have his phone number but search a couple of KLR forums and give him a call. Given the size, if your US helper above RAAY can't get in time you may be able to send by DHL as it has no obvious customs value - can of worms there.


good luck

Common problem with the KLR650..

As for long term problems, it depends how long you were riding it with a broken tension spring.

The chain will/maybe streched, reducing its life. The machanic "should" be able to determine this if he has the tech data for the bike. The chain guides are just that, guides.. As long as they are still in one piece and not too battered, they should still do their job.

You need to get the tensioner fixed first, them diagnose any other noises etc.

I think you will be ok TBH, they are tough bikes and take a lot of punishment...

p.s. Drop the oil and check it for chardes of metal etc.

Yep, that's the one thing you should've replaced and carried a spare.

If you need one badly just let me know and I'll ship it over. I have one with under 200 miles on it that I can do without.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I should've been more specific, I have an Eagle Mike one with under 200 miles..... that's better.

If you can't get an EM one then stock is better than nothing, heck my Tengai has 79k miles and still has the stock one...

dont replace it with a stock one
 

you need one from eagle mike

Give these guys a phone call or email. Incredibly friendly and helpful. And cheap!!!

MOTO ANGEL

Carre 51 # 34 - 49
, Medellín

262 84 49

motoangel@hotmail.com