Performance issues

[Waxman]

Just bought an 08 KLR 650 last weekend. Had 1200 miles on it. Drove it from Utah to Tucson Arizona and after about 500 miles, 5000rpm. 75-80mph it quit on me. Acted like it was out of gas or flooded. Let it sit for about 40 min and it started back up. It used about 3/4 of a quart of oil on a 630 mile trip as well. What’s got me worrying is the engine wanting to quit at freeway speed after a few minutes. At first it feels like wind buffeting, then I down shift and it sorts itself out. It won’t do it in any other gear at the same or more RPM just 4th and 5th. Tried to put it on reserve to see if there was a change and nothing. Just the same, bogging down. I had a tech remove all the emissions garbage and it still does it. Replaced the plug, changed the oil, adjusted the idle. Still lets me down.

Any recommendations? Or ready to sell blue 08 klr 650, 2200 miles, for $5500.00. Pristine except for the rack on the tail. Scuff marks from bungy cords. Never down and coddled up to this point.

[MFolks]

Fuel starvation? Is the spark o.k.? Air restriction/air filter clogged? Coils overheating? Odd that it sorts itself out after awhile. Maybe valves too tight from the factory. Did you try reving it in neutral to the same rpm and see if it stumbles?

[Waxman]

I had a tech check it out. I'm hoping he checked spark. I'm not much of a mechanic beyond oil changes. In any gear and neutral it does fine other than 5th. A down shift seems to get it back on track. it normally happens on the freeway after about 3 -5 min at speed (75-85) When I get closer to work I get on a side rode to try to duplicate and get nothing. Have not had the valves checked.

[Drifter]

If it does this again while riding, stop open the gas cap for a second close it and continue on. If this cures the problem the vent is the problem. Also the vac line to the petcock could be kinked not allowing the correct vac. which would lessen the amount of fuel getting to the carb. The oil thing....well some 08s are known to burn alot of oil. What is the build date of your bike?

[Waxman]

Originally Posted by MFolks

Fuel starvation? Is the spark o.k.? Air restriction/air filter clogged? Coils overheating? Odd that it sorts itself out after awhile. Maybe valves too tight from the factory. Did you try reving it in neutral to the same rpm and see if it stumbles?

Hey Buddy,

I took it to work today, had the same problem on freeway at 80mph 5000 rpm. I took it on some side roads ands got the same “bogging down” in third gear at 60 mph/5000rpm after about 2 min. Couldn’t get it to do it in neutral though at 5000 rpm. New suggestions?

[Waxman]

Where can I find the build date? I know, too stupid to live......

[Waxman]

Drifter,

If this is the problem, no kinked hoses what's next step?

[RCW]

I ran an 08 for over 30,000 miles and burned so much oil that I had it rebuilt three times, once under warranty, once was a good deal fix that did not work, and the last time I had the big bore kit installed. The first rebuild was an OEM waste of time that never did anything but cost me two weeks of down time; the second rebuild was with a half-baked higher tension ring solution recommended by Thumpertalk, and it worked about 6,000 miles then my bore was so tapered that it started burning oil again; the last rebuild was with the big name big bore, new cylinder, carburetor rejet, and head kit, and it stopped the oil consumption and made it run a lot smoother. But, by then I was gun shy of riding it south of the border - I hate walking!

The conking out mystery is probably the wiring harness pinch problem they all seem to have. There is an ECM failure problem that some seem to have that also just shuts them down for no apparent reason. The dealer will know about both problems, as they are very common and there are almost always bikes in the shop with one or both of the issues.

Take it back under the warranty and get it fixed.

The Kawasaki dealer I deal with is a real straight shooter, and he simply recommended I either find one of the Kawasaki 400 dual sports that were sold a few years back, or go to the Suzuki DR-Z400S as it is the same bike as what Kawasaki used to sell. I took his advice, and when Kawasaki fixes the KLR650 I will buy another. I really liked the flexibility of the bike and what it was capable of doing, but just could not deal with being broke down in Mexico on a ride.

I toyed with buying the Versys, but it is way too cramped for me, and is a design for street use not gravel and dirt.