Beware , Kawasaki KLR 650 , another doohickey video part two

Beware , Kawasaki KLR 650 , another doohickey video part two. Update and conclusion..

[@ronaldwaddell3135]

Wow, finally someone found the real problem, hat's off to you, well done thanks for sharing.

[@supertrucker2077]

I’ve watched a ton of Klr doohickey videos and this is by far the most informative and sensible version. I’m extremely impressed with your work and investigation. My 2017 Klr has about 8,500 miles and I’m starting to worry about the doohickey... I think when I check it I’ll be replacing the chain, guides, and then install the eagle mike upgrade kit with the torsion spring... hopefully it’ll last a while... awesome work.. really

[@ShaunMurray63]

We made a thorough investigation of the doohiky problem on the KLR 650 and that is our findings , I am glad that you can find it useful,

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

If you only have 8,500 miles on it and you need to replace the chain, then he solution to your problem is not replacing the chain with another faulty chain which will need to be replaced in another 8,500 miles.

[@supertrucker2077]

@@BikerGirlTraveler I now have about 15,000 miles on my bike and the chain is fine. I did check it and did the eagle mike doohickey upgrade. My spring was still in tact but very little tension.. 2017 Klr.. I think the guides and the spring are the biggest culprits of the doohickey issue...

[@jerryherbel2466]

You, sir, are a genius. Thanks for the clear explanation of the real doohickey problem.

[@courcyvincent]

Great job mate, will definetely have a more "general" perspective of the system before doing open heart surgery to the pig . Very informative ,thank you

[@ShaunMurray63]

I'm glad the video has been of some use to you and thanks for the comment.

[@clockworkbike]

Wow, everyone is papering over the cracks. Good detective work. Great video.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@slalomking]

This video really helps to get the balancer shafts timing correct when the balancer chain is removed for troubleshooting. Thanks a lot

[@1ronhall]

What an informative and terrific video! Thank You for your technical and mechanical approach. You have identified the root cause of the worn out doohickeys as opposed to masking the issue. Well done sir! Well done indeed. You taught me something today!! Thank you!!

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thank you for your comment and I am glad it is of use to you.

[@ShaunMurray63]

And thanks for subscribing.

[@ecalzo]

the best doohickey video ever .. thank you sir

[@89unica]

Excellent job, thank you!! That was extremely helpful shedding light on the actual cause instead of the symptom.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for subscribing , I have subbed back and I'm going to watch your Mustang videos over the weekend , love the Mustangs and I hope the doohicky video is of some use to you .

[@89unica]

@@ShaunMurray63 It absolutly was, just bought a KLR.

[@aaronchamberssaabfan7397]

This channel deserves more subscribers keep up the good work fellas

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@TheLost4rmzone]

I was becoming frustrated by with all the doohickey videos that skipped over the mechanism. Even the larger service manual wasn't helpful. Thanks for this video, it really helps!

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for your comment and I'm glad it is of use to you.

[@JaydubyaX]

Awesome video, thanks! Please do more KLR videos, your video is the only one that truly teaches WHY and HOW. Thañk you again

[@kazjak1]

awesome video! i really appreciate the fact that you pinpoint the underlying problem. i have a 2016 KLR and will definitely be giving it a look over BEFORE problems arise, now I know what to look for thanks to your guidance!

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for your comment and glad the video is of some use to you.

[@aeronca260]

Outstanding, Shaun! Thanks a ton for being inquisitive and asking the all-important "why". More importantly, thanks for sharing with this excellent KZbin video!

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks , hope it helps.

[@CLP2102]

what an excellent video on a tired subject. I'm cracking mine open this weekend, paying close attention to your inspections of chain and guides. great job brother

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks I'm glad it may be of some use to you.

[@bodydoc2010]

The only time I have heard the real doo-hicky explanation . Nice job. I just got a pearl lime base model 23 . Studying up and praying for sun.

[@listairgin]

Thanks for another great video and for explaining everything, especially the timing marks etc.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for the comment , hope this video was of some use for you.

[@listairgin]

Shaun Murray yes Shaun I've just purchased a Tengai with only 16000 miles from new and I had one when they first came out but sold it after a couple of years. I now intend to keep this bike 1990 B2 model and if necessary now I will understand what is required. Brilliantly explained indeed. Thanks so much.

[@verbalwidget7267]

Great finish to the first video. Nice to find out the real cause of the problem. Thank you for taking the time and money to figure things out and for posting.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks , we got to the bottom of it eventually , there is a part 2 if you have not seen it already here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXrJk2CnbrKUpac

[@LTVoyager]

This video seems to suggest that the spring was slack because the chain worn (stretched). However, I will suggest that the opposite is true. The spring reaches its travel too soon and then the chain gets loose and flops around which generates high forces (think cracking a whip) which then wears the chain much more quickly. The reason I say that is a number of very low mileage KLRs have had the springs nearly at their coil bound limit and it is very unlikely that this chain is stretched substantially in less than 20,000 miles unless the bike has not had the proper oil or oil changes.

[@jeffbone8475]

Thanks for this!! I really enjoyed watching and your thorough and well explained findings. Looking at buying a KLR so this has been so helpful for my research. Cheers from Canada!

[@ShaunMurray63]

I'm gad it's of help , happy new year from the UK.

[@deborahbicker9206]

Great video. My doohickey lever that holds the spring broke, came loose and the balancer chain got out of synch. Thanks again for the info to get it back in alignment with the crankshaft.

[@jerrycrum6404]

Thank you Shaun for the info will be checking will be doing upgrade next week and with your insight on the doohicky I now know what to look for and make complete repair/upgrade Thanks

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks, I'm glad that it was of use to you.

[@aminscrambler]

thank you for the info. great tips and will check and repair my bike according to your tips n advice

[@dqm9991]

Great videos, very informative! 👍 I have mine apart for the doo and valve adjustment, I’ll make sure to check this.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube. Thanks hope you find it usefull.

[@francof1635]

Mr. Murray, Thank you for your video. I just got a 2013 KLR650 and this video is a great help for future repair of the doohickey.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thank you , I glad this will be able to help you in the future.

[@francof1635]

@@ShaunMurray63 Mr. Murray. In light of your video. Do you think the aftermarket doohickey is necessary if you have the updated Kawasaki Balance Adjuster? I know the aftermarket has a better fitment but i think once the factory doohickey is tighten down. The small amount of play should not be an issue. I also think the aftermarket doohickey will allow to much range of adjustment if you use the torsion spring and not the factory spring. This could lead to excessive wear on the balancer chain guides if not checked periodically. What are your thoughts on this and how is it possible for the balancer chain to have stretched? Thanks.

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@francof1635 Hello , no I don't think it is necessary but I also think there is nothing wrong with up grading it as long as the guides and chain are in good tolerance. The issue I have found is that although my chain guides were badly worn due to not being inspected for a long time and the chain being allowed to run too loose , I honestly think the upgrade at that time would have been a waste of time . I would have no issue fitting a Mike upgrade as long as everything else is ok , but yes , all that will be achieved is you will get longer use out of a warn chain due to the higher range of adjustment it affords. But please remember it is only my opinion.

[@francof1635]

Hi Mr. Murray, At 37,000 km and did the 1st balance chain service. I replaced the balance chain as your excellent video suggested. I gained the same amount of tension from the stock spring as you did. Thanks again for a great video and bring attention to this fix.@@ShaunMurray63

[@hkvp9tactical418]

I KNEW IT! If Kawi needed a better doo-hickey, then it would have made it long ago. After-market engineering and internet 'experts" is/are bah-humbug and their advice and products are only good for them--NOT YOU! Good job mate, as I'd rather really address the REAL issue (the one that makes sense) than give EM money for pulling the wool over my eyes and side-stepping the problem.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks and I'm glad this video is of use to you.

[@francof1635]

I also think the aftermarket doohickey will allow to much range of adjustment. See how close the stretched chain is to the bottom of the engine case in the 1st video part 1 at 2:27. He is pulling on the adjuster like the doohickey would under tension and its almost, if not touching the bottom. That chain will wear into the case and also destroy the lower chain guide.

[@LarsGTV6]

...and thanks for explaining and making this video. It helped me a lot. Greetings from Norway.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube. Glad the video is of use to you and hello from England.

[@danielphilips2226]

Fantastic vid, thankyou

[@jeffandconnortatadventure5510]

Well done. Very informative, thanks for posting.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks, I'm glad that it was of use to you.

[@dannysmith9217]

Great Video, nothing like old school mechanics and old school integrity . Thanks

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks , glad you liked it.

[@scramblinman7156]

Great video! Thanks for the info.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for taking a look at it and hope it may be of use to you one day.

[@breakawaymotorsports]

Thanks for doing this video.My KLR only has 1500 miles but I will be monitoring the balancer chain wear.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube. Yes always good to keep an eye on things.

[@JasonEmanuel]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for taking a look.

[@redhawk1497]

Great catch. 👍thanks for the video.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@funnykaraokes9538]

Muy buen video. Acierta en el verdadero problema de la cadena balanceadora. Gracias Shaun.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Gracias por tu comentario y el problema ya está resuelto.

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

Good catch, but in my opinion you wasted your money on the chain. Most chains stretch a LOT in the first few thousand miles, then hardly any more stretch for the rest of the engine's life. I'd encourage you to check again (since this video is a few years old) and let us know if the chain stretched to a similar length to the other one, and if there's grooves in the guides.

[@MrTxroady]

Dang that was a quick reply . Thanks for the info and cheers .

[@ShaunMurray63]

No problem.

[@MRWHITEGLOVES]

Thanks for actually doing the work and sharing.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks I hope it is of use to you.

[@MRWHITEGLOVES]

@@ShaunMurray63 It will be. I was planning on doing the Doohickey op, but I hadn't considdered the timing chain issue.

[@johnwetstein2574]

Thank you. Extremely useful.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks , hope it is of use to you.

[@rhuntsinger8899]

if only there was good, thorough bike mechanics here in the US... if there are, i cant find them. well done sir

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thank you.

[@bobg1685]

Impressive work.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@fernandizosbedtimestories680]

awesome video.. I think this is the real issue. not a simple spring

[@Desertduleler_88]

Great video, I've seen a few video's showing the doohickey upgrades but don't mention the guides or chains.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Glad you like the video and I hope it can be of some use to you.

[@jaspertaylor7455]

AGAIN, GREAT INFORMATION on the repairs to this KLR650. I'm ready to take one apart so that I can do and feel and see the construction of this engine...YOU didn't mention the year of the motorcycle your working on, but I don't think it matters....KAWASAKI KLR650 RULES....THANK YOU KINDLY....

[@DefencelessDuck]

Amazing Completely what we all needed to hear Thumbs up

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks , hope it is of use to you .

[@DefencelessDuck]

Shaun Murray yes! I have this bike for a commuter/adventure. I am a rookie adventurer. Knowing the real issue is by far the most important. Everyone just puts the new eagle mike doo mod in and don’t think about it. But!! With the chain causing the real issue it’s so so important to know WHY the adjusting mechanism wouldn’t adjust the chain no more. Out of all the dozens of videos I’ve watched this was by far the most informing. I wish you more subscribers and likes.

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@DefencelessDuck Thanks.

[@1968lr]

Excellent.

[@BrunoB99]

Good video. In this case, it seems like the chain was stretched, nevertheless the doohickey and/or the spring can break and then you are back to square one. The upgrade is an important one.

[@Chuffin_ell]

So, as a consequence of designing the guide to displace area of the chain to manage noise(likely), guide wear should be measured as part of routine for service? That’s brilliant! Thank you immensely!

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thank you for your observation and your comment.The guide wear will take a long time to show , just be mindful of future problems.

[@Chuffin_ell]

Shaun Murray when you say long while, are we talking several k miles?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes ,the bike has done 20k and this is probably the first time it has ever been inspected properly and repaired correctly .

[@Chuffin_ell]

That’s testimony to its reliability. Mine had the oil drain snatched out of the block. Cracking the case and resulting in galling the cam journals in the head. All because of the protrusion of that oil drain bolt. I consider my self lucky to have a acquired a military surplus engine of the same year with maybe a few hundred miles. Was trying to give all known vulnerabilities attention now before setting into service.

[@MrPepper312]

Now I have been educated on this problem. Good job

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@user-qr9zz1qt2h]

Ii vary help full thankyou

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@koreyhannan9071]

Regardless of replacing the guide. I heard the standard coil springs are known for breaking

[@pinkiewerewolf]

New sub. Great detective mechanic work.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes we got to the bottom of the problem , I have subscribed back.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@ShaunMurray63 Thanks. One of these days I'll put up some content.

[@natvega1]

You should have put the two chains side by side, the new one and the old stretched one. You may wonder why Kawasaki never did a recall or got a lawsuit because of this and it is because the original spring is the indicator of the chain lifespan. And why would you fit the modified spring? If you fit it it will exceed the original spring tension length and when the chain reaches its lifespan end you wont know and you will be riding your bike with the dots out of alighnment which will destroy your engine. Someone should do a video explaining how the dohicky modification will destroy your engine overtime by putting the dots out of alighnment.

[@mackman1480]

I watched both of your videos and read the comments and am glad to see your explanation of the possible cause of the out of adjustment chain tensioner. Some responders talk of engine problems with only a few thousand miles and yet I have seen video's of others having these bikes and riding 50 thousand kilometers with minimal issues. Is it possible that Kawasaki was just on the fence for years on whether to cancel the bike so they just didn't bother fixing the problem. Do you see this type of wear on other big single cylinder Japanese bikes.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hello , yes it's surprising at what mileage this can occur and yes it probably was Kawasaki sitting on the fence with this issue , we have only investigated the Kawasaki so don't know if this is a problem with other bikes.

[@gregn489]

Thank you. I subscribed to your channel. 👍🙂

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for subscribing , I will subscribe back to you, cheers.

[@2xantnice]

What kind of chain did you get did you get a stock chain or aftermarket. Where did you get it from

[@natvega1]

Also that means everyone that did the modification did it over a bad chain which is now being used beyond it's recommended specs, everybody that had a dohicky mod has a stretched chain,,,,, what kind of longterm damage will that cause?

[@chaswood1234]

Thank you!

[@ShaunMurray63]

No problem.

[@georgerogers5954]

Hi Shaun. I might be wrong so apologies! At 3.45 on the vid, you point to the crankshaft dot and it looks to me like it's between two links rather than at the centrepoint of one. Is it just the angle of the camera? Great vid though. I've bought the guides and chain on the strength of your advice. Many thanks.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hello Gorge sorry about the delay in replying , the explanation in the video is a little confusing regarding your question , yes the bottom mark on the crankshaft has to be between the chain links.

[@georgerogers5954]

@@ShaunMurray63 Hi Shaun, thanks for your reply. When I took mine apart, I found that none of the links lined up as they should so I think I was lucky to have found it before it caused more probs. All running sweetly and quieter now. Many thanks.

[@easternshoreblinds9477]

Thank you

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@jonathanstormont2898]

Great vid!!! My local Kawasaki dealer has told me there is nothing technically wrong with the doohicky the issue is they get over tighten when adjustment needed hence the issue. I am not sure but guessing it is easy to over tighten hence the issues. The question I feel is knowing when this needs to be done as I feel it only needs doing if you can identify when?

[@9736grunn]

circlip of the balancer is fitted wrong way on. 2nd circlip in video is fitted good way on. good video thanks.

[@gregn489]

I have a 2017 KLR650 with approximately 3,000 km on it. I am not sure if I should be adjusting the doHickey now or wait longer. I know that at some point, I am supposed to loosen that special bolt at the bottom of the engine to take out the slack in the chain inside. Do you know when that should be done?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hi sorry for the delay in answering you I have been away as for doing your tension it rely doesn't matter when you do it just make sure you set your engine to top dead centre then all the slack on the chain will be on the adjustable side cheers

[@rockeater]

A true old school mechanic. Nice

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hope it is of some use to you.

[@dougamclean]

Just curious what the mileage was on this bike when this occurred? Did the owner do regular maintenance or were they a bit neglectful on the oil changes? Brilliant bit of detective work and good for you to question the established 'upgrade' thought of just installing the doohickey on and keep riding!! This seems to be a higher mileage bike I'm guessing..my new to me KLR is only 14500km(9000mile) and has been well cared for. Just trying to gauge the point I should be looking at this on my bike.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the extremely laye reply I think I am haveing problems with notifications , at the time I think it had 16.500 miles on it ,thanks for the comment.

[@josephwinkler4863]

That’s a nice little Yamaha trials

[@frankrightbrain]

Glad to find this video. How many miles are on your KLR? The guy I bought mine from said it had the doohickey mod, but seeing this I’m going to have to open it and check the chain and guides. 22,000+ miles on it

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube.Yes it had simmilar mileage on this one as well.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

May I suggest that the frequency and quality of oil changes may keep the timing chain from stretching to begin with.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes servicing is a must.

[@northlander1948]

A good mechanic always asks "why" and doesn't just throw parts at the problem (hard to find these days) well done!

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks.

[@nseriousget8165]

superb video, i intend to open my engine soon for the first time and check doohickey, how do i check if chain is worn out? is it hard to remowe that chain? thanks.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks for your comments, you won't really notice if the chain is worn out because it only takes a small tolerance to make a difference, the chain is removed by removing the cog gears , but make sure you have got the timing marks alined before you remove the gears, take another look at the video to learn how to alien the cog gears , it is a fairly easy process just go for it.

[@larrythompson2967]

Wondering if the cam chain should be checked at the same time, probably similar wear as the balancer chain?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for not replying earlier it seems that I am not receiving notification about comments on some of my videos from youtube. Yes always worth checking.

[@bryansovich2]

Would like to have a idea for when the chain wears out? My 2017 has about 3500 miles. I was going to do the upgrade now. But I guess what I am hearing is that I will always be having to go back inside the bike and check on things.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube. Yes always go inside and have a check on things , this bike had done 22000 miles but was clearly needing inspection thousands of miles earlier.

[@alanreilly9056]

Thank you again Sir, may I ask how many miles your KLR has done please?. I am asking as I live in Australia and will be shortly purchasing a 2023 KLR650 S model

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hello , I think at the time it had 16.500 miles on it , thanks for your comment.

[@koreyhannan9071]

So you were saying by doing the doohickey upgrade and using the torsion springs you need to replace the guide still?.

[@ShaunMurray63]

This is what we had to do with this motor bike.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Good empirical diagnosis Sir. I don't own one of these, just interested, but how lumpy would this engine be if you just disabled/stripped out all the balancer gear? Kind regards.

[@ShaunMurray63]

I'm not sure but I think it would throw the timing out somewhat and make the engine run lumpy.

[@ericscaillet2232]

@@ShaunMurray63 do you mean the valve timing?or the ignition -and isn't the forward gear running the water pump?

[@seanhammon6639]

Yes! Root cause analysis. Did you lie the old and new chains next to each other to compare lengths? I'm wondering if it is chain stretching or roller wear that has caused the chain to be out of tolerance.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes the used chain was a little longer.

[@micropoid]

Great video! Do you know the mileage of that particular engine? I've recently bought a Tengai with 20k miles and was wondering if I should expect to see similar situation when I open her up for doohickey replacement

[@ShaunMurray63]

The engine has done 40k , it could be possible that you may find similar problems , take out the chain guides and inspect them but as in the video I changed the guides because they were in a terrible state but what cured the problem was fitting a new chain. It cost all together £175 pounds , so not very expensive and the engine now runs good and no rattles.

[@vchochev]

@@ShaunMurray63 Hi Shaun, a question about the mileage, are you talking about 40k miles or 40k km? Mine is 30k miles now and next week I'm going to upgrade the tensioner. But I think about the chain, too. Thanks for the great video! Cheers

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@vchochev Hello , it's 40k km.

[@mikego18753]

heh Shaun.great vid.Does Nick have a channel?it's certainly an interesting shop! cheers Mike.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hi , no he doesn't have a channel at the minute.

[@BLUESBOYBENFIELD]

Excellent video…..I’m just doing the Eagle Mike doohickey in my 1987 klr….. I need to change the bottom left sprocket…..so while I’m in there I’m want to put a new chain on too……I’ve been scouring the internet and can’t find a new chain for sale anywhere online…..can you help me at all please? Thanks in advance….Andy.

[@luisjimenez2400]

Could you please give me some enlightment on the miles an enjoy would have when this issue starts to come across? I am looking to buy an used KLR. THANK YOU

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube.It had I think about 22000 miles on it at the time. The problem would come about with lack of maintenance , so I couldn't put a mileage on it really to be fair.

[@gauloiscalifornien]

Really good video, you think the smart way. what's the millage on the bike?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks .I think at the time it had 45 thousand on it.

[@dothetontim]

Excellent videos - a real benefit to us KLR owners. What year and how many miles on those guides?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hello Tim , the bike is a 1999 and now has 38 miles on the clock or about 60 kilometres , I don't know if the guides have been changed previously as I have only owned the bike for the past 8 years.

[@nativejuicevapors]

@@ShaunMurray63 how many miles where on the bike before the changes

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@nativejuicevapors It had 16500 as I recall at the time.

[@waynemrees8240]

Is it wise to put a new chain old sprockets. I have the same issue.

[@ShaunMurray63]

I personally would change the sprockets as well.

[@jglassman1122]

Great video. What was the mileage on this bike?

[@ShaunMurray63]

I think at the time it had 28 thousand miles on it.

[@clivegreenall309]

Hi Guys. Thanks for this video. Do you need to take the cylinder head off when replacing the balancer chain? Regards from S Africa Clive

[@ShaunMurray63]

No , there is a split pin in the chain.

[@clivegreenall309]

Thank You Shaun, much appreciated as I wasn't looking forward to stripping the motor down. Do mind me asking if you're from Lancashire, as your accent is familiar. (I was born in Haydock). Regards from S Africa Clive

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@clivegreenall309 Hello Clive , we live in Todmorden near Rochdale , Todmorden is just inside west yorkshire but only just , but we strangely have a OL postcode which is for Lancashire. Glad to see the video has reached you in South Africa.

[@normansmith6180]

Hi Shaun, How did you get a KLR 650 in the UK I didn't think they sold them there, I have an 06 here in Phoenix AZ and have 22K miles on it I did the coil spring doohickey about 6 years ago I've also done other mods to it. I'm 72 and ridden most of my life I like the KLR as it's comfortable light weight and easy to ride being 6ft. 3" tall .

[@ShaunMurray63]

We have had the KLR 650 in the UK for a long time but they didn't sell in big numbers. Good to hear you are still going strong on the KLR , more power to your elbow.

[@normansmith6180]

Thanks for the reply, after watching your video I'm thinking of taking the covers off and checking things out. I already installed the doo hickey with a coil spring but better safe than sorry.

[@normansmith6180]

PS. it was the torsion spring I fitted.

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@normansmith6180 Yes definately safe than sorry.

[@unclequack5445]

Is it hard to synchronize the chain?

[@ShaunMurray63]

No , just keep turning the crankshaft until the marks line up , take the spark plug out and the crank will turn easier.

[@ORflycaster]

What was the mileage on this engine?

[@thomaslandenberger7982]

How many miles were on the bike?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Sorry for the late reply , for some reason I am not receiving notification of comments on some of my videos from youtube. I thad 22000 on it at the time.

[@waynemrees8240]

My mechanic doeas not want to put on new chain without changing all the sprockets. Sprocket with balancer and cam sprocket quite worn .(Balancer side)

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes it's best to put new sprockets on if they are badly worn as it could ruin the chain fairly fast.

[@damiansgaragebuilds7663]

What year bike and the miles on it?

[@ShaunMurray63]

1989 and 24 thou miles.

[@whereswaldo5740]

How many miles were on that bike?

[@ShaunMurray63]

It had 24 thou on it.

[@chadkline4268]

Wow!!! You did in this video what a million KLR users couldn't do in 30 years!! Amazing! I 'knew' that there was a better explanation than just a bad 'doohickey/spring'. But it is 2x interesting that you think the upgrade is still a good idea. I guess because the extra tensioning ability will give more life to the chain ... ?

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yep got it in one Chad , the upgrade isn't a bad idea at all but it's not the hub of the problem .

[@chadkline4268]

@@ShaunMurray63 I have been studying the KLR for a few months because I'd like to purchase one, and wanted some clarity on some of these long-standing problems: 1) the doohickey problem, which you demonstrated to be a result of: A) possibly poor maintenance; ie, not performing the chain tensioning adjustment regularly. B) a regular spring which does not provide the maximum range of tensioning adjustment required by a worn and stretched chain. Compared to an upgraded torsion type spring which provides a greater degree of allowable chain tensioning. C) the damage to the chain guides from a slack chain. D) the fact that the chain stretches quite a bit over time, and may require a replacement, and the stretching cannot always be compensated for with the regular spring. Is there anything else important regarding this issue? You seem to indicate that these things may not be the whole story. 2) the oil consumption problem, which can be extreme; ie, 1qt of oil for every 2-3000 miles. I guess this is still unanswered fully. My theory was that a low detergent cheap oil may allow the orfices in the oil ring and piston to get clogged, thus the rings push oil into the combustion chamber instead of allowing it to drain back into the sump from inside the piston. However, others claim that it is due to an improper thermostat design that causes temperature extremes on opposite sides of the cylinder. I still need to study that more, but something doesn't seem right about that. A product called the Thermo-Bob is sold that supposedly corrects the supposedly flawed thermostat design. It would be interesting to to know if you have any insight into probable causes of oil consumption in a single cylinder engine. It only seems to affect some bikes, but not all. Anyway, thank you very much for your clear analysis and demonstration. I appreciate it very much.

[@ShaunMurray63]

@@chadkline4268 Haven't looked into the Thermo Bob issue but a best guess on oil consumption would be valve seal ware or worn bores and piston rings.

[@billeidaho871]

Could the root cause of the issue be that the original spring is too tight? that could cause the chain to run tight and wear the guides. Since this is an issue with many KLRs there has to be a root cause (sprint?) . Maybe the new KAW spring that was longer was a reaction by them to this issue.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes it could be a possibility.

[@nativejuicevapors]

How many miles does the bike have

[@ShaunMurray63]

It had 16500 as I recall at the time.

[@theldun1]

So the doohickey mod spring just takes the slack out of a stretched chain. hmmm nice catch.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yep.

[@bri1360]

Yes very good what is the mileage on your bike probably started happening at least 20,000 miles ago.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Yes it has 26000 on it.

[@cmarides]

How many Ks had this bike done... many thanks.

[@ShaunMurray63]

Hello , it has done just over 20k.

[@cmarides]

@@ShaunMurray63 Thats does seem like not allot yet the chain is finished... not good. Thanks Shaun. Wish you had more motorcycle vids.

[@pauldub5767]

How many miles on that bike?

[@ShaunMurray63]

38 thousand.

[@kepa504]

after all the doohickey palaver you have explained what its all about ,

[@ShaunMurray63]

Thanks , hope you find it useful .