2009 KLR650 - consumes oil?

[xj87]

Hi
I'm interested in buying a KLR 650 and have been reading stories of high oil consumption (esp at high revs) in the models upto and including 2008. I understand Kawasaki put thinner rings with higher tension in the 2009 model (KL650E9F) to reduce the consumption . Any 2009 model owners able to tell me their experience of oil consumption?
Cheers

[Moki]

Hi
I'm interested in buying a KLR 650 and have been reading stories of high oil consumption (esp at high revs) in the models upto and including 2008. I understand Kawasaki put thinner rings with higher tension in the 2009 model (KL650E9F) to reduce the consumption . Any 2009 model owners able to tell me their experience of oil consumption?
Cheers


Not sure about the accuracy of the info you've been given.

Early 2008 models had dodgy rings - supplier issue - but this was quickly sorted. Late 2008- don't have this issue and I don't believe the 09 has different rings than what the late 08s had.

I've put on 15k kms in 8 months without any oil consumption issues whatsoever....and my KLR was born Oct 08. I use it as an almost daily commuter (200kms return) on mostly highway and hitting about 4500-5000rpm for extended periods. No probs. I use Spectro Golden 4 and change every 6km.

[James Deuce]

Join KLR world (http://www.klrworld.com/)

After looking at the long list of issues that need to be rectified by an owner from new, I'd be hesitant, but it has been said that I am a miserable bugger. Those that say that may be right.

[veny]

Hi
I'm interested in buying a KLR 650 and have been reading stories of high oil consumption (esp at high revs) in the models upto and including 2008. I understand Kawasaki put thinner rings with higher tension in the 2009 model (KL650E9F) to reduce the consumption . Any 2009 model owners able to tell me their experience of oil consumption?
Cheers

No problems here yet. But then, it's only done 700kms.

Things I have noticed is that they're quite noisy when warm and idling at the lights. Reminds me of my mothers Bernina :)
But ok when moving along.

Also, they're not quite ready to take off the beaten track.
Crash bars and a decent bash plate required.

Steve

[Woodman]

No problems here yet. But then, it's only done 700kms.

Things I have noticed is that they're quite noisy when warm and idling at the lights. Reminds me of my mothers Bernina :)
But ok when moving along.

Also, they're not quite ready to take off the beaten track.
Crash bars and a decent bash plate required.

Steve

Welcome aboard Steve, good to see a klrer here. Just remember to be constantly on the defensive.

[veny]

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, I'll try to defend.
But it's early days. Several XR500 bikes over the last 20 years, a short stint on a Pegaso and now a KLR.

Here's hoping I can post more good than bad experiences :)

Steve

[junkmanjoe]

may be safer if you buy my DR-650.....stay away from them nasty KLR,s:msn-wink:

[paddy]

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, I'll try to defend.
But it's early days. Several XR500 bikes over the last 20 years, a short stint on a Pegaso and now a KLR.

Here's hoping I can post more good than bad experiences :)

Steve

I'm very interested in how you found the Pegaso when you get a chance.

[dino3310]

Welcome aboard Steve, good to see a klrer here. Just remember to be constantly on the defensive.

were so biting our tongues on this one:blank::shutup:

[Moki]

[R RATED][/R RATED]Crash bars and a decent bash plate required.

Steve

...and jet kit, intiminators and don't forget the locktite..

[veny]

I'm very interested in how you found the Pegaso when you get a chance.

There were some good rides on the Pegaso. It was a 1998 model and I owned it between 2000 - 2002. The motor was super smooth for a single. It had a nice whine to it and was great for power sliding up shingle roads :)
I remember it being quite shaky on those judders you get with shingle up hill corners though. The suspension wasn't really up to it. But the motor definitely stood out. A Rotax, which I think is the same as what they put into the BMW 650 bikes. The twin exhaust had people guessing whether it was a twin or not :) Luckily I didn't need to do any work to it, but was always slightly concerned of what it might cost to repair, compared to a Jap bike.
Not sure on that.

They're not tall and I'm 6' so looked a bit big for it.
I didn't sell it because I wasn't happy with.
I became a dad and spare time dried up for a while.

It seemed to hold it's value when it came time to sell.
Apart from tires, I only lost about $500.

I noticed today that the KLR has better brakes.
The 4WD coming the other way agrees :)

Steve

[paddy]

Cool thanks. I was looking at this and wondering how it compares to the F650GS. (I'm also wondering which island Manawatu is in, but lets not go there.)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-246771313.htm

[pete376403]

Just get the KLR. I have one of the very early '08s and there were are a couple of thing that required attention - the cable loom under the tank was incorrectly routed and pulled tight over a sharp edge, easily fixed. It did use oil and had the rings replaced under warranty, it still uses a bit and I'm waiting on Motorad to see where this goes. If they won't cover it I'll put the Schnitz racing 685 piston in, its well priced at $US280 odd.
The CAN go off road, good tyres (ie knobbies) will get these things most places.

read Big Daves blog - he had a long term test KLR and loved it.

[Frodo]

Cool thanks. I was looking at this and wondering how it compares to the F650GS. (I'm also wondering which island Manawatu is in, but lets not go there.)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-246771313.htm

That is the last of the Pegasos with the Rotax motor (had a DOHC five-valve head compared to the four-valver in F650s). The current model (like mine) has a very similar motor to that in Yam XT660 - fuel injected SOHC four-valve.

The one on Trademe has been listed for some time. Looks tidy. I think that this model is fuel-injected. I'd be tempted to go for the current model (which has the fuelling sorted) for very little more - there are not many Trails second-hand (the "Strada" is much more road focused with a 17 inch front wheel). Or go for the earlier Rotax motor which uses twin-carbs (I had a twin-carbed F650 which I was happy with).

In any case, its probably a better road bike than the KLR (but okay in gravel), whereas the KLR comes into its own in the more snotty stuff.

Cheers

[Padmei]

From what I've read on KLr650.com some 09s have oil burning issues as well. This has been put down to warped cylinder barrels.

[Crisis management]

Sorry, mis-read the title, thought this was about KTM's but it's all about a foreign subject to me, mechanical problems......


:Pokey:

[NordieBoy]

No probs. I use Spectro Golden 4 and change every 6km.

Well that's why you have no oil burning issues then.

Must cost a fortune though.

[Digitdion]

I had on of the early 08 models. It was a dog. Problems with the wiring which the mechanics could never sort out. Only left me stranded a few times. My Bike got 2 new sets of rings in her to. Was a oiler user. They have changed the rings since then. Kawa saki got them wrong first up.For me we later found out that the dumb dealer in invers was putting in the wrong oil.(fully synthetic) which caused the bike to not bed it.

What did I learn? I learnt alot about the motor vehicles disputes tribunal.I won! And decided to get the ultimate adv bike(in my little head). Ktm 990 of course. Never looked back.

I also learnt alot about oil. I wish the dealers mechanics knew about oil. So DO NOT run synthetic oil. The KLR does not need it and its bad for them during break in.

To be fair to Kawasaki i am sure they have sorted the rings. You would think!

[Digitdion]

sorry about the typing errors there boys. You get the message though.
Cheers Dion

[Jumpingstone]

I have 09 KLR, done now about 8000km and it is not burning oil. Only issue earlier was leaking oil filter cover. First they replaced oil filter cover under warranty, but it was still leaking oil. Then they replaced whole clutch cover and now it is not leaking.

[Moki]

Well that's why you have no oil burning issues then.

Must cost a fortune though.


Only use it cause it's what's leftover from the GSA service... Me thinks you can put just about anything in it.

[veny]

Reading on the web, not all 08's have oil burning issues. I wonder if it's a break-in problem? There is a feel or knack to it. And synthetic oil is not recommended.

As a side note..., I'm new to this site. Is there a special place that one could post wanted new save your KLR parts?
I've seen plenty of KLR's on the web with crash bars and decent bash plates. But they all seem to be American..., what about NZ?
Does anyone sell crash bars and bash plates for these bikes locally?

Could it be worth trying to make my own?

Any clues would be appreciated...

[Moki]

Reading on the web, not all 08's have oil burning issues. I wonder if it's a break-in problem? There is a feel or knack to it. And synthetic oil is not recommended.

As a side note..., I'm new to this site. Is there a special place that one could post wanted new save your KLR parts?
I've seen plenty of KLR's on the web with crash bars and decent bash plates. But they all seem to be American..., what about NZ?
Does anyone sell crash bars and bash plates for these bikes locally?

Could it be worth trying to make my own?

Any clues would be appreciated...


Ring issue was identified early on and sorted later in the model year-whether or not it had anything to do with breakin I guess would be a matter for speculation. Most KLR owners I know either manufacture themselves, or order in off the web. The strength of the Kiwi is such that it's just easier and cheaper to order in.

What parts in particular are you after?

[veny]

What parts in particular are you after?

Crash bars and skid plate would make the ride more entertaining.

I found these on the web:
http://www.aviciouscycle.ca/klrswcrash.html
http://www.aviciouscycle.ca/klrswskid.html

One in AUS
http://www.norrus.com.au/

None in NZ.

[Moki]

I've got the SW Motech bars and a generic bash plate from KLR650.com. I found klr650.com to have the best shipping costs for multiple items.
The bars look to be quite well-made, however know how rugged they are but must be better than nothing. Same for the bash plate. Just waiting for the Ortlieb soft panniers and racks to be delivered and I'm all farkeled out (she says).

[Jumpingstone]

I ordered my sw-motech crash bars from www.twistedthrottle.com You can also ask from motomail.

[veny]

Eh, thanks for the link, but after tonights shocking news, I might have start saving for my next rego :o

[Padmei]

Try these guys. I got a set of Sw Motech crashbars from them & they are awesome.

Givi now apparently make crash bars for them.From what I've heard they are the same as the SW s but have a cross brace & better way to secure. Try contacting Filco Farm & Sport motorcycles in Nelson & talk to Rod. He may be able to tell you where to get them from.

You will get a lot more vibes coming from the engine with the crashbars on - they work like tuning forks.


My bash plate cost $8 for some scrap 4mm ali & $20 cash for a weld along the 2 plates. You could get a pretty one for more but after a few bangs they'll look the same.

[pete376403]

Cycleworks Lower Hutt were looking at fabricating crash bars for KLRs, don't know how far they went with it.

[NordieBoy]

Cycleworks Lower Hutt were looking at fabricating crash bars for KLRs, don't know how far they went with it.

They probably kept ending up looking like exhaust pipes.

[marks]

You will get a lot more vibes coming from the engine with the crashbars on - they work like tuning forks.

I have eliminated that vibration by bracing under the frame between the footpegs (I also lowered my footpegs 40mm which improved sitting and standing comfort a lot).

The footpeg mounts really needs improving - I sheared footpeg mounting bolts on both sides on my 08 hitting rocks. The footpeg bolts on the 09 came loose repeatedly after hitting things

I also snapped my SW crash bars and they were a bitch to get refitted after welding.

The plastic bashplate breaks the mounting points as well so I fitted an xr650 bashplate.

[Padmei]

[QUOTE=marks;1129457275] (I also lowered my footpegs 40mm which improved sitting and standing comfort a lot).

QUOTE]

They must be bloody close to the ground now. I'd like to shift mine back 20mm or so, so the leg clearance around the tank is better.

[NordieBoy]

The plastic bashplate breaks the mounting points as well so I fitted an xr650 bashplate.

So basically you've got an XR650 that's been upgraded with some KLR parts.

[Moki]

...I also lowered my footpegs 40mm...

How'd you do that?

[Woodman]

[QUOTE=marks;1129457275] (I also lowered my footpegs 40mm which improved sitting and standing comfort a lot).

QUOTE]

They must be bloody close to the ground now. I'd like to shift mine back 20mm or so, so the leg clearance around the tank is better.

I agree , back would be good on mine too, not lowered though, just back.

[marks]

They must be bloody close to the ground now. I'd like to shift mine back 20mm or so, so the leg clearance around the tank is better.
They are slightly above the frame tubes.

I moved mine back a tad as well.


How'd you do that?
Got an engineer to make up new brackets which were welded to my centerstand mounting brackets which are bolted to some square tube that crosses the frame rails

[XF650]

Old thread but still a hot topic in Yankland: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581916

[pete376403]

Haven't done any sort of mileage since installing the thermobob kit but will be heading off to Brass monkey in a couple of weeks - Will be interesting to see how the oil use goes now the motor gets (and stays) properly hot.
Another thing I'm going t try is installing a PCV in the engine breather to see if crankcase pressurisation has anything to do with it.

[GPS MAN]

My '09 has about 10,000 K's and no add oil issues so far......maybe I am just lucky:violin:

Hey Mark...installing Mr. Thermo Bob.....wonder what difference that will make, none:mad:

I need all the help I can get ...that 685 of yours is a beast........:devil2:

[GPS MAN]

Next on the list is the 705 kit and Stage II head work..............:ar15:

lOOK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Woodman]

Next on the list is the 705 kit and Stage II head work..............:ar15:

lOOK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then a bigger tank..........

[marks]

My '09 has about 10,000 K's and no add oil issues so far......maybe I am just lucky:violin:

Hey Mark...installing Mr. Thermo Bob.....wonder what difference that will make, none:mad:

I need all the help I can get ...that 685 of yours is a beast........:devil2:

the thermobob certainley even's out the temperature fluctiations

even though the 685 option makes the best sense cost wise I just like the sound of 705

next time we ride together you should take mine for a strop (bring earplugs or cotton wool to staunch the blood coming from your ears...)

when are you going to post some photos of your stateside trip???

cheers


Mark

[pete376403]

My '09 has about 10,000 K's and no add oil issues so far......maybe I am just lucky:

Do you do much highway riding, ie engine speed up around 5000 for extended periods?

[GPS MAN]

Yea, I do lots of highway riding...But, I am slow usually around 100 K's...little under the magic or cursed 5000 rpm's..

So, I am my own best friend....not causing any more oil blowing out ..I'll keep you posted should things change:gob:

Mark..you are right I do need to post some pics of my Stateside trip...had a blast...Rode the wheels off my 955 Tiger over there... Put somewhere around 2500 miles on that animal...Needless to say it was hard coming back:mad:

I would like to give you scooter a whirl to compare the 685 kit to mine little ole 650:bye:

[marks]

I would like to give you scooter a whirl to compare the 685 kit to mine little ole 650:bye:

Hopefully we might catch up at Clints's mmmm ride - if the stars align I hope to join in for part of the ride