685 Update

[S/V Buddy]

Well, it's done. I didn't do it, but it's done, along with the Thermobob as all my learned colleauges here reccomended. I'm in the process of the new break in, and, again, following reccomendations suggested here. It's very gratifying to immediately notice a difference. Just as predicted, smoother, more responsive, and a little more "juice"! Of interest.... I always ran Rotella in the 650 and always, it immediately turned black, after only a few miles. Others here have written of similar experience and said that that's normal. Well, I changed the oil after the 20 mile ride home from the shop. Changed out to Rotella and 50 miles into it, the Rotella's just as clear and clean as when I put it in!!
For what it's worth, the old piston, with 10K miles on does have a bit of a black carbon buildup. I don't know if this is expected. And an interesting note, also, when I first rode this bike new, early in '09 ( it's an '08 leftover) I lugged it real bad, first time out. I hadn't been on a bike for 30 years and got confused as to upshifting and downshifting. So I upshifted when I thought I was down shifting and gave it the gas to get it going and when that didn't work I UPSHIFTED AGAIN and gassed it!! WHOMP WHOMP WHOMP before I realized what I was doing! This bike as a 650 did burn bout 300ml oil/1000 miles. Think this had any thing to do with the oil burning and the black Rotella?
Anyway, all's well so far! I'm doing all this cause I've decided that this bike is THE bike for me. No need to look further. I love the simplicity, economy, long range, and feel of it.
Thanks to all for thier help and input in this projects and others I've undertaken with the help of the forum.
gary

[S/V Buddy]

LOL, I thought the black Rotella oil mystery and my fessing up to lugging the s**t out of my bike would get some response! Not that I need the attention, just thought it would make for some interesting discussion. No?

[Evilnut]

I just got a 685 kit installed too. Did my first oil change right away & now I have another 500 miles on it since then. Oil is still golden in the sight glass. Used to be black after 20 miles or less before the 685 mod. Just goes to show you what a good piston/ring/bore combo should be like in the big thumper!

Love the work I had done, changed the KLR for the better so much I will have a very hard time justifying ever getting rid of it now! Just took it up to 6500 rpm on a 3 - 4 shift this morning on the way to work & I was amazed how hard it was still pulling!

[S/V Buddy]

Ya. The difference that that 35cc, and better fit between piston, rings, and cylinder does is truly AMAZING! It's a totally different bike. Like the difference between a big and bad housecat and a lynx. And yeah, 400miles into the last oil change..clear amber!
Best three things I've done with this bike, besides the required EM doo, of course:
#1 - 685, and ThermoBob ( they go hand in hand) hands down!
#2 - SW Motech engine/plastics guards....yeah a couple of 0mph tip overs.
#3- EM Fork Brace

#4- 16T countersproket
#5- Rick Mayer seat
#6- KTM smaller front fender.

OK, OK the SIX best things.

Lot's of other farkles, don't wanna bore you with a list.
Bottom line......this bike's a keeper for me.

[wymanwinn]

Originally Posted by S/V Buddy

Bottom line......this bike's a keeper for me.

Nice...

[Blackheart]

Originally Posted by S/V Buddy

Ya. Best three things I've done with this bike, besides the required EM doo, of course:
#1 - 685, and ThermoBob ( they go hand in hand) hands down!
#2 - SW Motech engine/plastics guards....yeah a couple of 0mph tip overs.
#3- EM Fork Brace

#4- 16T countersproket
#5- Rick Mayer seat
#6- KTM smaller front fender.

If you ride on anything other than smooth roads, do one of the suspension upgrades, and you'll swear you have a different bike all over again!

[S/V Buddy]

I've no doubt you're right on the money with the suspension upgrades. Lot's of bumpy roads here in southern New England due to freezing and thawing. This bike will be several years in the making..........if EVER finished. That's part of the fun of it!!
g

[bsheet2]

I got to do the 685. Been drooling over it for over a year now.

[S/V Buddy]

Pull the trigger! You WON'T regret it!
g

[bsheet2]

It prime riding time here in south Houston. Just starting to cool off. Today's ride was great! I think I will wait till January when it is cold and wet. We rarely see anything below about 38 degrees F.