just to add to my last post I have talked tom a mechanic who claims dropped valve seats are common if the xr/nx engine is run too hot. watch your oil temps or you could suffer the same problem as me. also he stated it is ESSENTIAL to make sure the oil is always topped up to the max mark on the dipstick. do this every day without fail. I am trying to find a dipstick replacement which has an oil temp gauge built in. anyone know the whereabouts of one of these.
thanks.
oz

Oz; Scott Summers Racing at srcinc.net has a
oil temp dip stick for the xr650l

Got a '95 Dommie with 30K kilometres on the clock.
Had no probs whatsoever engine-wise. I think the key here is very regular oil changes (I use semi-synthetic which may not be necessary but for the few quid extra, reckon its worth it...)
I tend to ride quite gentle, which is to say I dont gun it from lights - I'm fairly smooth with the throttle. I dont think its revs that kill it, but hard acceleration - hope this helps...

Steve

I've had a dommie that has done 140.000 km now. (sold it on 110.000 to a friend)
At 90.000 it needed a new piston and camchain. at 140.000 again a new piston.
The cilinderhead is really worn out now.
Cracks from the valveseats to the sparkplug, valve guiders needs replacement, the cam is worn, due to low oil level etc., but its stil running.

Been a while since I looked at the HUBB since finishing my Germany - N.Z trip over a year ago. My Dommie now has 80,000 km on the clock. Replaced rings & cam chain as a precautionary measure at 78,000km. Wow, was there some carbon build up inside, due to the crap fuels of Asia, tis a wonder the valves kept opening - but they did.
She's always been ridden hard and still she never complains. Round the world, rolled, bowled and arseholed & she scrubs up like new. Great build quality (& mines an Italian built one!) great bike - I love her!