Klx 650 year?

[Mikearuba]

Hi people,
I just bought a klx 650 1998?
I'm not sure if it's a C or R? Any ideas how I can find this out?
Another question: I hardly can find anything about a klx 1998 on the web, were they made that year?
Maybe somebody can help me with this and help me reading the vin number?
Also any info about parts would be helpful ....... I am stuck on the Caribbean island Aruba, weather is great, but knowledge is very rare......
Thanks
Mike

[itsatdm]

If it has a kick start, it is an R model. In the US we got the C model dual sport 93-96. Not sure when R model production ended.

The C model had all the requirements to be street legal. The R is basically a dirt bike, but some markets got some street legal stuff.

The motors are different in that the R has lumpier intake cam. The CDI ignition advance is different to accomodate the cam. It has a nikisil cylinder bore integrated with the cylinder. The C is made of steel and is a liner.

Suspension on the R is adjustable, front and back. The swing arm is shorter and made of aluminum. It is also narrower to accomodate an 18" wheel that does not have a cushioned hub. The shock is shorter than a C. The suspension rocker and dogbones are different.

The C has non adjustable suspension front and back except for preload on the shock. You can switch parts back and forth, but the rear suspension requires changing all the bits either way including the rear wheel.

The fuel tank on the R is shorter than the C and its attachment points are different. Because of that the seats are different lenghs.

Other than that, they are the same.

Air and oil filters along with valve shims are the same as a KLR. Front sprockets for a KLR will also exchange.
Not sure about the rear. I think the transmission is the same as a KLR. If so, I suspect the clutch will be too.

I have not had a problem getting mechanical parts from a dealer. Plastics are getting problematic but some exchange with KLX250 models of certain years.