I think I probably need counseling - looking for a bike again: 1986 KLR600

[Black-ZRX]

I drained the coffee latte that the PO apparently used as a coolant today.


I flushed eight times already and slowly the water gets almost clear. I will continue tomorrow.
Now the wife and I will go out on a steak diner date.

[BG Wells]

I drained the coffee latte that the PO apparently used as a coolant today.

I flushed eight times already and slowly the water gets almost clear....

That looks horrible Heino.!!

Another bike getting "rescued"...

[Red Rex II]

I had a white one new in the day and sold it in 1989 and wish I would of kept it. The bike was jetted with a K&N in air box plus a Supertrap slip on and ran like a much stronger than 600 machine. I owner a 2003 KLR650 that was set up the same but ran way less stronger. The 600 bikes were very good running bikes. Good luck and great choice. I found one for sale but the price was more than I was willing to give.

[ZRXFriedrich]

No such thing as too many motorcycles...not enough room, yup, too many bikes, nope

[Black-ZRX]

That looks horrible Heino.!!

Another bike getting "rescued"...

The basis to work on is way better than it was with the Gipsy, Brian. Mainly it's catching up with some maintenance neglects and fighting some rusty brackets, frame joints, paint chips, and such over winter. Also the wire harness will need some love, but it will be no complete restore like your epic works my friend.

I had a white one new in the day and sold it in 1989 and wish I would of kept it. The bike was jetted with a K&N in air box plus a Supertrap slip on and ran like a much stronger than 600 machine. I owner a 2003 KLR650 that was set up the same but ran way less stronger. The 600 bikes were very good running bikes. Good luck and great choice. I found one for sale but the price was more than I was willing to give.

It does run very strong. It is kind of a Frankenstein engine though. The crankcase is the original 600 but someone mounted the 650 engine covers and the barrel and head of the 650. maybe there was an issue with the original piston and barrel and somebody took the chance to upgrade on displacement like I did with my Rex and the 1200 engine.
The big KLRs are notorious for their oil consumption due to ovaled barrels but I have ridden the Thumper for a couple hundred kms now and noticed only minor consumption, so that is on the plus side too.
I am still more than happy with my spontaneous decision to pull the trigger on that bike.

No such thing as too many motorcycles...not enough room, yup, too many bikes, nope

The garage directly facing mine is for rent right now.

[Red Rex II]

No such thing as too many motorcycles...not enough room, yup, too many bikes, nope

You bet. I just added an SRT8 to the already cramped garage space. No good meals in my future for latest purchase!

[Red Rex II]

The basis to work on is way better than it was with the Gipsy, Brian. Mainly it's catching up with some maintenance neglects and fighting some rusty brackets, frame joints, paint chips, and such over winter. Also the wire harness will need some love, but it will be no complete restore like your epic works my friend.


It does run very strong. It is kind of a Frankenstein engine though. The crankcase is the original 600 but someone mounted the 650 engine covers and the barrel and head of the 650. maybe there was an issue with the original piston and barrel and somebody took the chance to upgrade on displacement like I did with my Rex and the 1200 engine.
The big KLRs are notorious for their oil consumption due to ovaled barrels but I have ridden the Thumper for a couple hundred kms now and noticed only minor consumption, so that is on the plus side too.
I am still more than happy with my spontaneous decision to pull the trigger on that bike.


The garage directly facing mine is for rent right now.

The 600 I had would stand up on the rear wheel in first three gears with ease. Looking back I made a terrible mistake selling it.