WD40 o.k. for cleaning chain?/KLR250 offer?

[SIKLR250]

I ran out of spray chain cleaner (Bel Ray) and my local Kawasaki dealer claims that he's not familiar with any products of this variety (?!). Will using WD40 to clean off any gunk before hitting it with chain lube damage the o-rings?

The same dealer also has a new 2005 KLR250 sitting in the show room (it's been there for about a year) - it's dusty and kind of sad just sitting there. I was thinking about making an offer for it (get that low-rate financing and pay it off quickly). What do you guys think would be a reasonable offer? If I remember correctly, the list price was $4200. Since the KLX250 is now available and assuming that noone else wants the KLR, I was thinking $3500 out the door. What do you think?

[Marty]

Per your avatar, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse!"

Hey, I like it. However I don't know if a dealer will listen to the kind of logic that we're espousing. They still have the invoice that they paid for to get the bike in the first place. While I have bought high and sold low, most dealers don't like to do that.

You might go in, sit down with him - or even better yet, invite him out for a few adult beverages and then do a bit of business dealings with him. Tell him that the KLX has superceded the KLR250, it has electric start, the KLR250 does not. It has lots better suspension than the KLR250 has and is so much more competent off road than the KLR250 is that he should almost be paying you to take that lowly KLR250 off of your hands.

Then spring your offer on him. Make sure he's had more than his share of adult beverages prior to doing that.

Let us know how it works out.

Many people here have used WD-40 for many years of successful chain lubrication. Works good, lasts long time.

[dietcokeking]

I used to use WD-40 to clean chains. I found that the oil-based foaming chain lubes I was using then didn't adhere well afterwards, and fling-off was a problem. I started using kerosene for cleaning instead. It's cheaper, and works very well. Now, I use Maxima chain wax. No fling-off!

[SIKLR250]

Hmmm...

The KLR250 owner's manual calls for kerosene for cleaning the chain. Does it evaporate quickly? Is it easy to remove with a rag? How long do you wait before applying the wax or lubricant?

Thanks.

[Moat]

Yeah, kerosene is the most recommended by bike and chain manufactures, and works very well. It dries off fairly quickly (not as fast as more volatile hydrocarbon solvents, but far easier on the O-rings) - I like to wipe off what I can after cleaning, and let it dry overnight before lubing.

I think I remember seeing some new KLR250's on Cycletrader.com about a year ago, advertised at $2995... might even have been one or two for $2795 (??). Plus the regular setup fees, shipping, etc..., I'd guess $3500 OTD would be about right, for a good deal.

[SIKLR250]

I decided to pass on that new 250 (I don't really *need* it) and save my pennies for a bigger bike (probably a Suzuki DR650SE).