Originally Posted by
ackattacker
Great bike, and timeless. Dirt simple maintenance. Only real weak spot is the "doohickey" (chain balancer idler lever). Hopefully that's not the cause of your non-running condition because when it fails it can seize the engine, but it should be replaced regardless with an upgraded part and the bolt torque set with an accurate inch-pound torque wrench. Google "KLR650 doohickey" and you'll get a lot of info.
I knocked the Do out about 10 years ago at a group "Do fix" day. Some were pristine but most (mine included) were damaged. Eagle Mike hooked me up.
The worst thing I did to my bike was not ride it for 5 years with gas in the tank. Fuel selector dry rot let fuel run down to the carb which was gummed up enough to fill everything past it with fuel...including the cylinder, air box and (most unfortunately) the breather line. End result was an engine full of gas. I cleaned it and replaced everything rubber in the fuel system so it seems ok. It just needs work because everything is suffering from age and neglect.
Dash8 wants me to make it road (+trail) worthy to recreate our old college days. I'm working on it, buddy.
Now back to your regularly scheduled poop fight.