Just purchased my first bike.. KL 250 Super Sherpa

[Mel Brooks]

I don't think it's an issue with the sherpas, like for instance, the '09 KLX 250's had a bad run of valve cover gaskets that Kawasaki was replacing for free.

I think it just has to do with how many times the cover has been off and of course, like you said, age contributes. I'm still running the same OE gasket that came on my '02. I have had the cover off numerous times and just put some sealant on it where the manual calls for it when putting it back on. I did have to do a little cleanup of the old sealant last time I had it off.

In my case, it may require a new gasket next time the cover comes off but I figure it's due one anyhow.

[BakonMoto]

Thanks for the responses mates, I went with the Shinko 705's. For less than 50 bucks a tire and free two day shipping I thought those were the best value.

On the other hand, I noticed some oil leakage on the valve cover gasket after putting a couple hundred miles on the bike. I'm guessing since the bike is almost 13 years old and only had 1500 mi on it that the gasket probably just dried out so i'm having my mechanic change the gasket when he puts the new tires on. Is this a known issue on the super sherpa's or is my theory about it being 13 years old probably why it started leaking? How often(miles and years) does this gasket need to be changed?

Good decision on the 705's, 00kl250. I think you'll like them but let us know when you've put some miles under them. That may be the next tire I put on my Sherpa ( nearly worn out 244's on it now, but I sure like the 705's on my DR).

While the leaking valve cover gasket isn't what you'd call a "known issue", it's by no means rare-- because I've been too lazy so far to change it out, mine has had a seepage for quite a while, though not enough to change the oil level. It's something I'll do when I check my valve clearances. Leakage from the cover can be just a question of the seal getting old (as in the case of my Sherpa probably) or, as Mel says, incorrect installation. There needs to be some gasket sealer, like Honda-bond/Yama-bond/3-Bond 1194 for example, applied to a certain area around the two little half-moon shaped sections of the seal at the end of the cams. If you're a subscribed member of the "Yahoo Groups Kawasaki Super Sherpa" listserv, the home-page has a "Files" section with the relevant service manual page showing the proper gasket installation procedure, as well as a good many other useful scans from the service manual (if you're not subscribed, it's easy to do, just Google it). If your mechanic has the valve cover off anyway, have him check the valve clearances (shim-type, so any necessary adjustments could involve a new shim or two)-- 1500 miles is not far past break-in, so it would be good to know if the clearances have been checked and adjusted by a previous owner. If they're in-spec at this point, they should stay that way for a good long time.

Bryan

[nossi_ck]

It is a known problem that oil leaks from the gasket of a cylinder head cover.
The time when an oil leak takes place has individual specificity, at an early individual, an oil leak takes place at 5000 km (3100mile), and it happens at 50000 km (31000mile) at a late individual.
Since this oil leak is little, if it fixes when a leak is checked, it will fully do.

[00kl250]

So far i've put a couple hundred miles on the shinko tires and let me say they are 100 times better than those stock nobbies on the road.  What a world of difference! For less than a hundred bucks for the pair and two day free shipping it's something that can't be beat. 

On a side note, how do you guys monitor engine temp.  Since there is no temp gauge or oil light how is one to tell that the beast is getting over heated?  I'm kinda worried about driving the bike over the next two days as it's suppose to be around 100 degrees here.  I only drive it about 10 miles each way but it's in heavy stop and go traffic in the afternoon.  Should I put the bike away for the next few days or should it be good to drive in the heat?

[Mel Brooks]

I wouldn't worry too much about the sherpa in the heat. I had mine out in Moab in 101+ degree weather, riding all day long, no problems.

If you're worried about that stop and go over the next few days, maybe just cage it til it cools off a bit.

If it were me, I'd be more worried about ME overheating than the sherpa.   

[SSMSCHULZ]

If it were me, I'd be more worried about ME overheating than the sherpa.   

 

[00kl250]

I've been riding the sherpa in the hot weather and no problems!

Here's another question for you guys.  I noticed the KLR has a 6.1 gallon gas tank.  Is it possible to install a KLR gas tank on my sherpa?  2.4gal is a little small for my riding habits.  I seen where the guy put the honda 650 on tank on his sherpa but I was curious about a klr tank.

Thanks,

[A]

How long do you usually ride in one sitting?

Usually, I get 90~120 mile on my Sherpa before switching to reserve.

That`s plenty of distance between fuel stops, and for the rear end to take a break.

[00kl250]

That's about the same for me.  The first tank I hit 127 before hitting reserve(i filled up before actually hitting reserve) and then at 107 I was starting to sputter(luckily I was right next to a gas station  ).  100 mi range isn't bad, I'd just like to go double or triple that before I have to hit the gas station for a refill  .  Maybe i'm being too picky but wasn't sure if there was any easy gas tank swap that still made the bike look nice.  I'm not very fond of the look of the 650 tank on the sherpa.

[BakonMoto]

...  100 mi range isn't bad, I'd just like to go double or triple that before I have to hit the gas station for a refill  .  Maybe i'm being too picky but wasn't sure if there was any easy gas tank swap that still made the bike look nice.  I'm not very fond of the look of the 650 tank on the sherpa.

You'll want to check out Mel Brooks' Honda tank install thread:

http://klrworld.com/forums/your-klkleklr250kl250-super-sherpa/ims-tank-install-on-super-sherpa/msg121307/#msg121307

Bryan

[nossi_ck]

In Japan, there are those who are doing reconstruction which attaches the tank of "DJEBEL200" of Suzuki to super sherpa.
This tank has the capacity of 3.7 gallons.


Although it is a Japanese website, refer to the following websites for the situation of reconstruction.
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/kamoyasan/27264502.html

[BakonMoto]

In Japan, there are those who are doing reconstruction which attaches the tank of "DJEBEL200" of Suzuki to super sherpa.
This tank has the capacity of 3.7 gallons.
...

Oh, now that looks sweet  !!! The shape of that tank definitely fits the styling of the Super Sherpa, almost better than the stock tank, and is only .3 gallons smaller than the IMS XR650L plastic tank that others have used to increase the fuel capacity. I would bet though that the Djebel tank is not very available in the USA, unfortunately. I hope I'm wrong though.

Bryan

[Mel Brooks]

Looks a lot like a DR 200 tank. DR 200 capacity listed at 3.43 gal/ 13 litres.

[nossi_ck]

> Mel Brooks
It is right!
It is exchanged for a large-sized headlight and the model is sold as "DJEBEL200" in Japan.

[00kl250]

Thanks for the info guys, maybe i'll try one of these tank swaps.  For now i'm just enjoying the bike, almost put 1000mi on it since i got it just over a month ago.

I've been watching the gas mileage and have averaged 67mpg over 5 tanks, is that about what you guys are getting?  All my driving is on road in a suburban environment.

[blastfurnace]

Make sure you get the aftermarket installed intravenous fuel delivery system... 



You had to be there.... I Was!!!!   

sre

I'd say that thang be bout reddy ta go now.
I see a real future here.....KLR injector system....but where is the duct tape?

I saw this and did the exact same thing when I was testing my carb...my fuel tank was full of rust cleaner and pennies getting cleaned...worked like a charm!

[klrophile]

I WD 40'd the chain last night ....

Careful, WD40 is not a lube - it's a cleaner and water displacer - mostly solvents in it. Lube the chain with gear oil (90W) or proper chain lube.

[englishfred]

Old XR 250 tanks fit as well.  My Sherpa tank was too nice, as Mel pointed out, no dents etc so I took the XR250 tank off my modified CT110 "Postie Bike" and slotted it on.  Same capacity as the Sherpa tank but it is plastic... tough plastic!

[Turborob]

Nice, Fred.

Rare to hear about someone outside Australia with a long-range postie. I did around 15,000 touring kilometres on one a few years back.....they're the bees knees!

I must re-fit my XR tank to the Sherpa, but most of the time the range simply isn't required.

[SSMSCHULZ]

Also remember by adding more fuel to the tank is going to change the handling of the bike.  Carry a little extra on the tail when you need it.  It seems, you will never have enough.  Once you go with 3.7 you will want 4.5 then 6 etc. 

The Shinko 705s rock on the sherpa.  3500 miles on mine and they still look and run great.   Only issue I have is they do not provide much traction when descending steep gravely hills.