New KLR owner in Florida

I'm still looking for my 1st gen, welcome aboard

welcome you will find good company here. i really like mechanical resurrection.

First, why do you think it needs top end work?

If it does, it will cost you a bit more in shipping, but you should send your head and cylinder to Eagle Mike for the big bore and head refreshing. He and his subbed machine shop do this more than anyone else, provides the best quality job, is reasonably priced, and provides quick customer service. You'll spend more on gasoline driving around locally to find a shop to do the work, and then not be sure what quality you will get.

Howdy from another central Florida rider! I’m in northern Seminole county. Ocala is one of my favorite places to ride! Plenty of hard dirt roads, and plenty of sand too!

PeteK said:

First, why do you think it needs top end work?

If it does, it will cost you a bit more in shipping, but you should send your head and cylinder to Eagle Mike for the big bore and head refreshing. He and his subbed machine shop do this more than anyone else, provides the best quality job, is reasonably priced, and provides quick customer service. You'll spend more on gasoline driving around locally to find a shop to do the work, and then not be sure what quality you will get.

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The previous owner told me a mechanic had checked it and said it had burnt valves. I will do a leak down test to confirm before tearing into it.

Are you saying that only one person in the country should work on these bikes? That would make him a busy man. I am sure that there are many competent machinists out there. Someone who specialized in these bikes would have torque plates and any other tooling required to do the job right. I won't be just driving around looking for one, so gas savings isn't an issue. I do plan on using Eagle Mike's parts and haven't ruled out shipping my parts to him. I would like to support local businesses if there is one nearby.

ChaseAllGood said:

Howdy from another central Florida rider! I’m in northern Seminole county. Ocala is one of my favorite places to ride! Plenty of hard dirt roads, and plenty of sand too!

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I am in Ft McCoy and live on one of those dirt roads. Most of my friends say has too much sugar sand, but I like it. It will be different on a bike designed for these roads.

jmelin said:

The previous owner told me a mechanic had checked it and said it had burnt valves. I will do a leak down test to confirm before tearing into it.

Are you saying that only one person in the country should work on these bikes? That would make him a busy man. I am sure that there are many competent machinists out there. Someone who specialized in these bikes would have torque plates and any other tooling required to do the job right. I won't be just driving around looking for one, so gas savings isn't an issue. I do plan on using Eagle Mike's parts and haven't ruled out shipping my parts to him. I would like to support local businesses if there is one nearby.

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No, don't take my statement out of context and exaggerate it. There are some other competent shops who do KLR engines regularly. Another one would be Racing Dynamics, in Petaluma, CA. The problem for you will be finding one locally. I'm not aware of any of those shops in Florida, let alone north central Florida.

The shops that have done lots of KLRs have jigs and supplies (such as replacement Kawasaki valves and shims) ready to go. A general automotive machine shop won't have those and will have to order them after they figure out what new parts it needs. Another problem you may run into is how backlogged a local shop might be. In my area (PNW), there are fewer and fewer machine shops, and they are all backlogged with work for months. Maybe it's different where you are, but if you do select a local machine shop, be sure to ask that important question, or you may not get to ride it this summer.

Eagle Mike is a known good quantity with the most experience around for klr repairs and parts. you can absolutely trust what he says, sells and does.

PeteK said:

Another one would be Racing Dynamics, in Petaluma, CA.

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You mean "Engine Dynamics, in Petaluma, CA". They are the ONE that can install replaceable shell bearings into damaged camshaft bearing bores, as well as the other machine work.

Yes, "Engine Dynamics." Too many similar-sounding names.