Once upon a time a young man spotted a beautiful KLR 250...

[nomorotors]

I've been browsing this site over the past week or so and have been impressed with the information.

I live in town and work about 4 miles from home. I have been looking for a KLR 250 in order to have some fun and save a few $$ on gas.

I made a 4 hour trip yesterday to look at a Ninja 250 that didn't tun out too well. My wife's Grandfather lived another 2 hours away, so instead of wasting a trip we decided to drop on down and go out to lunch with him. While in town I spotted a KLR 250 out at the road for sale. Turnes out it's a stock '05 with 2200 miles on for $2500. Red/black, "never off road" and I couldn't tell it from a new one. The original owner wanted a cruiser, so he had this for sale. I was 6 hours away from home, but I purchased it anyway.

I've never rode a KLR before and before I left town my butt was beginning to hurt! About 30 minutes later I could see we were heading into some pretty serious storm clouds and all I had was a heavy leather, (not motorcycle) jacket. The rain came and the winds blew on that 2 lane highway, speed limit 65, winding through the Ozark Mountains, water standing in the road with semis thundering past!! My coat was soaked through in about 15 minutes and I was serious fighting that bike at 60-65 mph. I seriously thought I was going to get killed. I've never prayed so much in my life! The rain stopped the last 2 hours of the trip, the sun was out, I took off my jacket and totally dried out and I was able to enjoy the rest of the trip. I found out my butt will only get so sore!! I drove the remaining trip at 80-85, (according to the inaccurate speedo, I'm sure) and safely aririved home, (seriously thanking God) about 10PM with my wife following behind in the van.

Questions:
1- Did I pay too much for my KLR? I don't see them for sale enough to know.
2- After that kind of trip, what kind of attention does my nike need? I'm sure it didn't like being ran down the highway at 8k rpm!

I know I'm an idiot for doing that and had I known what was going to happen I would have passed on the bike, even if I knew I would arrive home safely!!

Thoughts on anything, (other than my stupidity)?

~Jason

[nomorotors]

I did a search and couldn't find what grade of fuel to use. I hear a knocking/pinging at higher RPM.

Thanks!
~Jason

[mcvst1]

$2500 for a like-new lil' KLR isn't a bad deal. I paid that for a lower mileage '02 with some extras.

Hopefully you asked about the valve check/adjustment which should have been done pretty early. Otherwise, the usual fluid checks/changes. The little motor can spin pretty high without too much complaint. I'm impressed you got it up over 80 on the speedo!

I don't think you'll regret it, especially if you want to rip down some dirt roads. Just don't ride more than a tankfull without a break for your backside.

As for fuel, I use premium in the carbureted bike, especially since I live at high elevation, but you should probably use at least mid-grade. Thumpers have pretty high compression ratios, and can be prone to detonation. You might also check your plug, and maybe timing, if it keeps up.

-Mark

[4wheeldog]

Great price, at least in my part of the world.
I bet the gas was old. 2200 miles on a almost 3 year old bike.......When do you think he last filled it? Put premium in it for a tank or two, then try mid grade. It ought to work out for you. Change the oil, adjust the valves and ride. Good Luck!

[nomorotors]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldog

Great price, at least in my part of the world.
I bet the gas was old. 2200 miles on a almost 3 year old bike.......When do you think he last filled it? Put premium in it for a tank or two, then try mid grade. It ought to work out for you. Change the oil, adjust the valves and ride. Good Luck!

Old fuel?! It took 3 tanks to get me home and I did run 87 each time. Today I put 89 in and we'll see how it does. I got 57 mpg on my trip and that was in the pouring rain with heavy winds and they weren't behind me!!

Any "how to's" for valve adjustment? I'm going to treat it like this bike hasn't been serviced.

I really appreciate the advise!

~Jason

[4wheeldog]

Go here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~klr250inf...ge/toolkit.htm

About halfway down the page is valve adjustment. There is plenty of other good info on that sight if you wander around. Good Luck!

[nomorotors]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldog

Go here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~klr250inf...ge/toolkit.htm

About halfway down the page is valve adjustment. There is plenty of other good info on that sight if you wander around. Good Luck!

I'll do it! Thanks so much!!

[Jdcooper]

I think you're gonna like this bike. Don't be in too much of a hurry and you'll be in the heart of it's design envelope (key to the enjoyment of a bike). See the minimalist touring thread at Advrider.com : lots of serious riding goin' on out there on this humble thumper.
My suggestions ? In this order..
Oil level
Valve clearances
Locktite on all non-engine case fasteners.

Then kick-er up and ride 'snot outta her !

[nomorotors]

The guy is supposed to mail me the title and manuals, so until then, I have nothing.

Is the oil container on the side of the bike for the engine oil level? Is that when you mean by "oil level"? If so...it's full!

I'll get on the other items quickly. I'll have to wash the bike first. I did some trail riding yesterday and it's extremely muddy!!

[Scottosphere]

Hi Jason:

Until you get the manual, know that it states the minimum Antiknock Index is 87, but the Research Octane Number (RON) is 91 (p. 29). Where I live, 87, 89, and 93 are the only RONs available. I fill up on 93.

I'm trying to make my KLR 250 a bit more comfortable on the road, so I've decided to get a windshield. klr-250.com has a nice looking one.

Happy riding!

[mcfear]

i am paying off my mate for his 94 klr 250. im getting te bike for 600 aussie bucks. its running and its alrady at my place because he was keeping it here anyway.

so i like that deal. what do you think.

[aguyfrmtx]

When I saw the title of this thread I thought it was:
"Lord of the Rings part IV - Gandalf gets a KLR"

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a young lad spied the most beautiful Kawasaki in all the land...