Recent Posts

Didn't change my front brakes today. I looked at my front brakes a week ago, and they looked pretty worn. Like 2/3 gone after only 5000 miles. Seemed a little quick, but I am a big guy, so whatever. I ordered up some new pads that arrived last Thursday and was going to tackle them today. When I looked at them in better light they're not even half gone yet, so I threw the new brake-pads in the parts box for another day and cleaned off my workbench instead.

    

Doing a valve check today and thought I would make up a sheet for figuring and one to keep for reference for the next scheduled interval... Use one sheet to write down the current lash in top of corresponding circle. When you pull the shims write down the shim thickness in bottom of circle, etc.,etc.

Use sheet to figure new shim size and write down on second sheet. After cam installs write down new lashes in corresponding circles and put sheet away for future reference.

Just thought some of you might like to copy this pic or if you would like a PDF of the sheet just PM me and I can Email one to you.

(I know it is a crude CAD drawing, but it aint no F'ing piano!!)

I took mine back to the dealer at ~600 miles for the first check and that's the last time I've taken it anywhere but my place for maintenance (at the time I was living where I had NO place to work on it... three floors up in an apartment complex with strict "no worky on your bikey" rules). I seem to remember reading somewhere, can't find it now, that doing the maintenance yourself will not void the warranty, as long as you keep good records. Of course, if you mess something up, that will void the warranty. I would definitely do it on the appropriate schedules, or close, whether you take it somewhere or do it yourself.

I put the standard height sargent on my KLR. It actually lowered me about an inch. Cant say enough for the comfort. Its night and day from stock.

Break in maintenance is simply changing the oil, make sure everything is adjusted properly, and absolutely check for things coming loose.  KLR is notorious for things trying to get away.  A lot of folks noted the headlight pointed at the sky.  MY rear rack came loose.  The exhaust got loose and started leaking at the muffler coupling, and rear supports.  Also fixed a lot of stuff that was rubbing and rattling. 
As far as taking it in, that depends on you and how much you like to tinker. 
I found my KLR to be poorly assembled ( I pretty much knew this when I got it) and have spent a lot of time going over it, something I would have done anyway and enjoy hanging out in the garage. 
Your bike, your call.   

Another vote here for. .NomadGals most interesting travel journal!!!

I agree

NG have you ever thought of putting all your pic's in an album? That would be great to look back on in the future. 

Sometimes looking good doesn't work. 

I got a longer test ride planned for next weekend.  I know I wont be comfy like on my big cruiser saddle, but I don't think I would be no matter what I got.
So good so far.  But as is posted in quite a few forums, there's no one saddle that works for everyone.  For me it didn't make sense to get a really expensive saddle only to have to get another one.  The stock foam is horrible so I got a good start with the SC.  I just wanted better.  And smething shaped better so I can actually use a sheepskin if I want and now can.