KLR600 SM500 Postmortem

Last week I completed the three-day Smokey Mountain 500 that ran from Georgia to Tennessee to North Carolina and back to Georgia (See Smokey Mountain 500 Report). I'd spent a lot of time getting the 1985 KLR600 ready for the ride including a 400 mile trip looping Lake Okeechobee (See Okeechobee Loop). Nonetheless, there are things to do and things to fix.

A postmortem is simply a careful review of the performance of the bike, identification of issues and things that need fixing or adjustment and watch items following a significant ride. No, it's not necessary for newer bikes that have off-the-showroom-floor reliability/dependability, but the KLR is a 35 year old bike and I want to keep it performing and maintaining a good level of dependability.

I documented this postmortem in a video on my YouTube Channel, Peace Enduro SA.

The list coming out of the postmortem is as follows:

• Obtain and install a new Petcock.
• Obtain and perform Front Caliper Rebuild Kit
• Consider obtaining and installing a new Front Brake Master Cylinder
• Install rear Drum Brake Springs that have been on backorder
• Obtain and install new Clutch Perch
• Review and assess Clutch Safety Switch and Starter Motor Electronics and Operation
• Align the Front Headlight
• Troubleshoot non-operational Horn (previously replaced)
• Install a Drain Hose on the Float Bowl
• Obtain and install a new Signal Light Relay
• Repair the non-operational Helmet Lock
• Paint or etch the Chip on the Fuel Tank
• Obtain and apply Fuel Tank Coating Kit

That's seemingly a long list, but overall it's not too bad; plus I have lots of time to get all these things knocked out before the next major ride, which will be the TransFlorida Adventure Ride in mid-October organized by the CADS Group.