KLR650 Bi-Weekly Inspection-Maintenance Video-Island ADV

[@deanpenn5645]

One of the most common sense, down to earth KLR650 videos I've seen. Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing advice and for posting your checklist. I am a new KLR 2018 owner as of six months ago down here in Florida . Regular maint a must and your checklist makes it a no brainer. Lots and sand and mudholes to blast through but am looking forward to longer trip out west. Can I ask what is the make/model of the jack stand you have. I'm on the hunt and looks like it works well with the KLR. Thanks again!

[@IslandADV]

Thank you so much! I'm glad this helps out and congrats on your bike. The bike stand is Motomaster. It's a brand sold out of our Canadian Tire stores out here. Ride safe brother and have a great trip.

[@TommieJohnson-ds4se]

egg guykt5v3r be 1:50 gyg3bn

[@elwood62]

Useful advice for any bike. They don’t all rattle bolts loose though. I sold my KLR last year but still enjoy watching videos about them. I’m embarrassed to say that in the 6 years I owned it I was extremely neglectful of it. I would fix things when they broke but, for example, I never once cleaned the chain. I’ve become much more meticulous with my new bike even keeping a log of all the work done to it and maintenance performed. I like the idea of having a checklist to refer to though. I’ve gone from not touching my old chain once to oiling it after every ride and cleaning it once a week. It’s actually kind of therapeutic. Good video, thanks for sharing. I see now I’m not the only overly obsessive person out there.

[@IslandADV]

I agree, working on the bike like this checking it over is therapeutic for sure. As long as everything goes back together right lol. I've been better with my chain this year too. It's paid off. The whole chain sprocket set is in great shape. Thanks for watching.

[@kentuckyadv]

Thank you for this video. I just bought a used '17 KLR a few days ago, with about 2600 miles. Now I have a bi-weekly routine to help keep things in check. Again, thank you.

[@IslandADV]

That's great! Congrats on the new bike. I hope it leads you to many adventures. I'm excited for you brother.

[@EndOfTrail]

Great video. I would add the air filter to that list. That’s a biggie that a lot of people neglect on their bikes.

[@IslandADV]

@EndOfTrail good idea. Which reminds me it's pretty much time to get mine cleaned up.

[@frank_jk]

I just picked up a gently used 2015 KLR with ~20k Km, and I used your checklist to help make a confident purchasing decision. Thanks for all the great KLR content you're putting out. I'll be referencing your videos in the near future. Cheers, Frank

[@IslandADV]

Congrats on the new bike!! I'm sure it will take you on some amazing adventures. I'm really glad this little video was able to help. Ride safe brother.

[@dblf619]

I know this was from a few years ago but I just got myself a KLR and wanted to say hello to a fellow East Coaster (assuming due to the Alpine flags). Thanks for the vid!

[@IslandADV]

Hey there, congrats on the new bike! Most definitely an east coaster. I got that flag way back when they first started making the camo cans for hunting season. I hope you have a ton of great adventures on the new bike.

[@CanadianMang]

The cleanliness of your bike makes me feel like a slacker!

[@IslandADV]

You're fine, lol. The cleanliness of my bike makes me feel like I have too much time on my hands.

[@edfeten4724]

Great video! Regarding the engine oil, check it after every ride and keep it at the very top of the sight glass. KLRs will use oil. Also, keep a close eye on the clutch cable. My original cable broke at about 13000 miles. It broke at the engine. Every time you check your oil check the cable condition at the engine. A new cable is only $12.00. Maybe just replace it at 15000 miles.

[@IslandADV]

Thanks, this is great advice. I'll keep an eye on those and keep that oil up too. Cheers brother.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Huh... I usually just wait until something breaks ha-ha. I really like the sheet you put together, pretty slick. I'll have to try the screwdriver trick on my Tenere, never heard of that. Those sub frame bolts were loose on my KLR when I first got it, so much so that the subframe was sliding around on them and squeaking ha-ha. Good video!

[@IslandADV]

Yes I've heard crazy things about the sub-frame bolt which is why it's at the top of my irrational thoughts list, lol. The spoke trick came from my motorcycle safety instructor. Thanks for watching brother.

[@arkansastrey9694]

Thats a big 10-4 on these bikes rattling bolts off , my kickstand went bouncing down the road the other day , i guess i should've did my pre trip inspection.

[@IslandADV]

I believe it! Even my buddies DR650 routinely tries to disassemble itself. On our last big trip, he lost something like three bolts on his rear fairing. Had to dial up some zip ties to save it, lol.

[@gilbertreeves2084]

My KLR is a 1990 that ive done 10k miles on.Mostly freeway 70mph , 500 mile trips.It died on me on a long desert stretch after i switched to reserve at 270 miles.Would not start...so I pulled the plug and let it dry...it had swallowed water from the bottom of the tank where it collects. Needless to say it started right up..lesson learned....use reserve more frequently to clear the bottom of the tank.This will also keep the tank from rusting prematurely at the bottom. The other problem i had was with a chain that broke close to home..but this was my fault for buying a cheap chain..dont do it!...Lube throttle and clutch cables and keep spares in a trunk that is easy and cheap to mount on the rear rack ..all youve done is fine.Cheers.!

[@IslandADV]

This is crucial information right here. I really need to use more of the fuel tank on my KLR. Thanks for sharing your story brother.

[@billbonu1639]

I check the usual stuff before I leave my house, oil, chain for tension, lube, rollers,spockets, tires, shake it for wheel bearings rear swing arm play, check my lights and blinkers and after riding for a while when I take a break I just stare at it and really look everything over good.

[@IslandADV]

Good point on the swing arm play. Another thing we when we're away on the bikes is a bit of a break camp inspection. When camping on trips, we usually pack up, then ride a ways out of camp and do a look. It's like a daily inspection during the trip. The short ride will wake up the gremlins, lol.

[@advphilnb]

Good tips! It's always a great piece of mind going on a ride after looking things over in a controlled environment. Thanks for sharing, and keep well!

[@IslandADV]

Hey thanks. Yes, its mostly for peace of mind. My mind wonders sometimes and I have to give my head a shake and think back to this often.

[@Ron_C]

Good stuff. Preventative Maintenance is a key ingredient to long lasting equipment. (military life taught me that a long time ago) Be safe!

[@IslandADV]

Thanks Ron. Its funny you mention Military. Way back when I first got the bike I originally got the idea to start doing this after doing army vehicle inspections. The method is similar and the inspection sheet uses a similar method too.

[@Ron_C]

@@IslandADV Tried and true my friend!

[@Makross1]

Brilliant, thank you. I just purchased my KLR as a first bike.

[@IslandADV]

Congrats! You must be so pumped. My KLR was my first bike too. It's a great choice as a starter bike. Ride safe and enjoy the adventures to come.

[@Makross1]

Thanks mate, i happy with my choice! it’s a great bike for tall blokes 👍🏻 again thanks for the vid, great for people like me getting to know their bike quickly

[@AdventureMotoADV]

Thanks for this. I'm driving my KLR to PEI next week!

[@IslandADV]

Very awesome. Ride safe on your adventure. Where are you coming from? Do you plan on doing any camping?

[@AdventureMotoADV]

@@IslandADV Yes camping for a week

[@IslandADV]

@@AdventureMotoADV wow awesome. Have fun brother. I might see you around!

[@AdventureMotoADV]

@@IslandADV Coming from Nova Scotia will be around Malpeque Bay

[@chadkline4268]

I think it is also good to give the wheels a spin and ensure they are spinning true. And every 12k miles, at least, ensure lubrication of all moving joints, including swingarm bolts, and put a straight edge on the forks, and change all oils including fork. And maybe at 24k, ensure all bearings are greased. They don't hold grease forever.

[@IslandADV]

That's great advice brother. Thanks for adding that. I love how the comments on this video have become a little maintenance guide on its own. Cheers.

[@chadkline4268]

And don't just run the gas tank down; every 2 years pull the petcock off and drain it. You may be very surprised how much rust and other debris collects at the bottom. That is a BMW recommendation.

[@edwinknox8269]

Thanks ….good checklist. I’ll run my 2008 through it! Worthwhile indeed!

[@IslandADV]

You are very welcome. I hope it helps out.

[@604Bluelight]

Good stuff. Great idea on the maintenance log and thanks for sharing it. I'll have to try it on my bike for next time., this way I don't miss anything. 👍👍

[@IslandADV]

Thanks. I hope you find it useful. Its worked well for me so far.

[@cyber_redneck8877]

Dude! I really appreciate this video. Thanks for making it.

[@IslandADV]

I hope it helps! Believe it or not, I still do this on the regular.

[@cyber_redneck8877]

@@IslandADV I just printed your checklist. I have a 2023 Adventure model that just broke 1000 miles. I will definitely utilize this.

[@renzodelaguilacanales3609]

Hola excelente video, consulta en la base de plástico lateral de la batería hay una manguera anclada pero queda libres los 2 extremos está bien o cuál es su función

[@werecow68]

Great video. Really appreciate you sharing the checklist. Safe travels

[@IslandADV]

Thank you. I hope you find It useful.

[@giggitygoobrick]

Absolutely brilliant. It's as if I paid for this to be made for me specifically, but I didn't pay anything at all 🤣

[@IslandADV]

Excellent! I too enjoy a good deal. It's a deal at twice the price, lol. Seriously though, I hope it helps you out. Cheers.

[@carvalhonj]

Wow, wow and wow…you are the men👌🏼amazing job

[@IslandADV]

Thanks so much!!

[@AdventureTomek]

Nice tip with dragging the screwdriver along the spokes, ill have to try that.

[@IslandADV]

Thanks. You can even do it with the key to your bike. Anything metal really. It's a good way to find bad spokes, but it also puts your eyes on the whole wheel in case some thing else is lurking as a problem.

[@BillDodge]

Great video. Thank you for the Maintenance Form.

[@IslandADV]

You are very welcome. I'll probably do up a couple more work instruction forms this winter for things like brake replacement and such. And some more videos like this as I wait out the winter.

[@BillDodge]

@@IslandADV I look forward to your videos.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Would you provide me with the link to purchase the handlebar pad you have. Thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos about the KLR

[@IslandADV]

Glad you liked the video. The handle bar pad is just some Piping insulation with digital camo duct tape wrapped around it. Super easy to make for low low cost of foam and duct tape.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

@@IslandADV thank you for the quick response. Keep producing more videos

[@joemiles822]

Great video for a new guy

[@IslandADV]

Thanks man. I hope it helps somebody someday.

[@edfeten4724]

A couple summers ago I was riding in 105°F weather. At a traffic light the temperature gage went to the red. My fan had stopped turning on. Turns out I blew a fuse. I don't think the fan is fused on the 2nd gen KLRs, 2008 and newer.

[@VEDADDY_OFFICIAL]

Thanks a lot for this video

[@IslandADV]

You are welcome. Hope it helps out.

[@brycehiigel235]

Thanks for instructions/inspection routine. Is there a place to order the forms you use? I just bought my motorcycle which happens to be the 2024 KLR 650 Adventure ABS.

[@IslandADV]

Congrats on the new bike. You must be pumped. The new 2024 KLR paint schemes are so sharp I love them. Here's a link to the form I use in this video. drive.google.com/file/d/1NEfLjLibGnw-JzyYI0q4Zf2A0gNKJ4J8/view?usp=sharing

[@edfeten4724]

Run your KLR regularly to keep the battery charged up.

[@Maritimer]

Nice video! allthough i dont have a KLR, all the checks are the same or me

[@IslandADV]

It's a good all around checklist that puts my mind at ease. I did it before I left for our trip and it paid off. Found an oil leak (fixed) and a burnt out headlight (also fixed, lol).

[@spacerconrad]

My '22's placard shows the chain slack for a bike resting on its side stand. Not sure how far off, or if at all, it'll be up on a jack.

[@IslandADV]

Off the ground the chain feels a bit more slack I find. I like this method because I can find the slackest point on the chain and adjust from that measurement. There are some cool tools for slack adjustment these days too. Lol, my buddy at the shop just wiggles it with his foot and knows right away.

[@everybodylancenow8580]

Not sure if this applies to your KLR, but I have a Gen3 and the manual specifies to inspect chain slack while on the side stand. I made the mistake of adjusting it the first time on a moto jack and as soon as I hit the road I could feel that it was super tight and was affecting my rear suspension travel causing a slight bit of rear wheel tracking and very poor offroad handling. Just food for thought. New subscriber and loving your videos so far. Keep it up!

[@IslandADV]

Hey there, glad to have you along for the adventures. That's good advice for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@My17A]

That is correct. All KLR's have their Chain Slack measured the same way. On the side stand, at the tightest point, not the slackest as he said in the video. The Gen 3's have a slightly tighter chain slack of 30 - 40 mm (1.2 - 1.6 inches). I think it is because of the longer swingarm. A very good video though.

[@edfeten4724]

My KLR is a 2006. Last fall on a ride a started smelling gas. Turns out the petcock went bad. I could see little spurts of gas shooting out of it. I replaced it with a non vacuum petcock.

[@IslandADV]

I've thought about replacing this. And replacing the choke too. These two parts worry me a bit. They would both be annoying trailside failures.

[@kellyr3913]

Very useful information thanks .do you have a link to the tires you used we have to change ours soon would like your opinion

[@IslandADV]

Sure thing. This is the rear - Shinko 805 fortnine.ca/en/shinko-e805-rear-tire And here's the front - Shinko 804 fortnine.ca/en/shinko-e804-front-tire I love these tires. They get me through the mud and they last a long time. My last set went for 11000 kilometers. They're also pretty easy on the wallet.

[@kellyr3913]

Thanks

[@coordenadasca]

La cadena se mide con la moto apoyada en el suelo.

[@IslandADV]

Makes sense.

[@adamP878]

Love the tshirt!

[@IslandADV]

Thanks! Me and Mrs. Dowski had some made up on teespring for fun.

[@darioyou1]

Hi Bro! Remember check refrigeration system!

[@IslandADV]

Yes! Very good point. I should really check the coolant and hoses more. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@alexmaccity]

I didn't do the 15,000mile check all the bolts check that's why I'm here

[@IslandADV]

That's a good one. I'm always looking for loose and lost bolts. This year I lost one on my kickstand. My buddy lost a couple on his rear mud guard too (DR650). These thumpers love to rattle themselves apart.

[@alexmaccity]

@@IslandADV it's in the the scheduled maintenance of the owners manual I think it recommends to do that every 15k or so

[@KOPRALOJERULUB]

Dream motor. Good too

[@IslandADV]

Thanks for watching!

[@stringsandthings511]

What jack are you using

[@IslandADV]

Using one from Canadian Tire. Here's a link: www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-complete-lift-motorcycle-atv-jack-w-removable-handle-1500-lb-0091015p.html?rq=Motorcycle+jack#srp

[@claywright2059]

Is there a link to the maintenance log?

[@IslandADV]

You can download a copy here brother. drive.google.com/file/d/1NEfLjLibGnw-JzyYI0q4Zf2A0gNKJ4J8/view

[@claywright2059]

@@IslandADV that is awesome! I have been a street rider for a long time but new to ADV - I will take all the advice I can get. My new 2022 KLR 650 is due in any day now! Again, thank you for this remarkably insightful and extremely valuable tutorial.

[@IslandADV]

@@claywright2059 oh wow! I'm really excited for you man. I know you're going to have a ton of adventures with that bike. Ride safe.

[@wine_country_moto]

Thanks for the video and the maintenance log download. The tire pressure is very subjective as you stated. A lot of the guys on the KLR Forum say they run into the low to mid 30’s on the street. I’ve found my Shinko 705’s do great on the twisty roads at 32 front 35 rear. Anything less they get squishy and don’t respond as well.

[@gilbertreeves2084]

Forgot..if the front sprocket is worn..replace the chain...you should know this.

[@IslandADV]

Hey there, thanks. I actually didn't know the two should be replaced at the same time. Makes sense though. Thanks for spotting that.

[@Ozn3C]

No check on coolant 😢

[@IslandADV]

Yeah that's a good point. A good addition to this. Easy to read too. There's a little notch out of the plastic on the front left side to see it.

[@arthurmvideos]

honestly just ride it and you'll be fine. its a klr... built to outvlive you

[@IslandADV]

I think it will for sure.

[@Rsoul461]

Lol... Paranoid much ?

[@IslandADV]

Paranoid like a fox...but yes, yes is the answer to that question, lol.

[@claywright2059]

@@IslandADV outstanding instructional video. How do I get my hands on a copy of the maintenance log? I did not see any links in the video and a quick Google search did not yield any results. Again, extremely valuable video.

[@IslandADV]

@@claywright2059 thanks. I hope it gives you some peace of mind on the road. Here's the link: drive.google.com/file/d/1NEfLjLibGnw-JzyYI0q4Zf2A0gNKJ4J8/view

[@paulsimard9543]

changed my oil and ran it a bit and noticed that the oil in the glass was full a week later ran the motor again and seems like the oil looks super low nearly empty but low leak marks at all, I put the bike straight and super low level could it be the new oil filter is filtering to much will not let oil throw?

[@IslandADV]

Yup, it's in the filter. Hidin', trying to trick ya. Two quarts and dream. That's all I do now. I put two in and run it down the road and back. Then I let chill, for a good long while, and check it before I ride again. Then I top up as needed. But check the oil when the engine is cold. If you feel nervous about it now. Drain out a bunch (a pain I know) and refill to just under the top line. Cheers. Happy Friday