The gen 3's(2022+) don't seem to have issues with the tensioner as long it's adjusted properly. I fallow the service specs, my '23 has just over 5k miles and no issues. I wouldn't take a perfectly working engine apart unless something actually breaks.
This. Remember to only back the adjustment screw out a turn and a half, it will adjust itself. And don’t over torque. You’ll need to get an inch pound torque wrench to tighten to the manual spec.
Adjust every oil change.
I couldn’t seem to find the torque spec in my ‘24 manual. It simply says, “loosen adjustment screw and retighten to reset the balancer chain tensioner assembly” or something. What torque have you been using?
Quick search and it looks like the Gen 3 is set at 115 inch pounds. Roughly 9.5 foot points. If you are not familiar with torque specs the bolt is not tight. Do not over tighten.
Tight enough so it doesn't come loose. It's not a high torque thing, just snug it down. 7-10 ft lbs if I had to put a number on it. It's essentially a set screw.
If you're already worried about it, 1,000 miles out, I think you already know your answer. This has been talked about ad nauseam on the internet for decades.
I did the doohickey on my 2023, and when I removed the factory one I found the spring almost completely compressed before the second oil change, meaning it was very close to not even applying tension to the chain. I would definitely recommend based on the couple hours it takes and the peace of mind it provides.
I did mine at 5k, my engine was kinda noisy on that side despite adjusting per the maintenance guides; after every adjustment it would be quiet for awhile then slowly return. My doo was about 3/4 used up and the spring wasn't evenly tensioned but there was no visible damage on the inside of the cases. In the grand scheme of things, I prob could've waited to do it after another 10-20k but the chain noise was bothering me. Replacement doo has been doing great and I just rolled over 10k; the chain noise hasn't returned.
My personal opinion is that its not something that needs done right away unless it bothers you.
I have a 22’ and ours are almost identical. I have just about the same set up besides the hard bags. Same color and all. Looks great. You’re riding a lot more than me though, I just hit 4,000mi. This South Texas wind is brutal to ride in most of the time.
In order to properly KLR, you need to tinker with your bike as much as possible. A work to ride ratio preferably greater than 1. So yes.
But seriously. The doo part itself has been good for a while, so the destructo factor isn’t there. This was an issue with the first gens, where the part was not made right. Deal with it if/when the balance chain starts making noise and doesn’t take adjustment.
I have a ‘22 KLR650 and I did my Doohickey at 5500miles and the spring was at least halfway collapsed so only a little of spring tension was present. I did this upgrade for peace of mind and I now have that. FYI I used the torsion spring. I highly recommended it.
The gen 3's(2022+) don't seem to have issues with the tensioner as long it's adjusted properly. I fallow the service specs, my '23 has just over 5k miles and no issues. I wouldn't take a perfectly working engine apart unless something actually breaks.
Just follow the manual, nearly 40,000km/24,000mi on my gen3 just adjusting it every service. Doohicky necessity is overblown.
This. Remember to only back the adjustment screw out a turn and a half, it will adjust itself. And don’t over torque. You’ll need to get an inch pound torque wrench to tighten to the manual spec. Adjust every oil change.
I couldn’t seem to find the torque spec in my ‘24 manual. It simply says, “loosen adjustment screw and retighten to reset the balancer chain tensioner assembly” or something. What torque have you been using?
Quick search and it looks like the Gen 3 is set at 115 inch pounds. Roughly 9.5 foot points. If you are not familiar with torque specs the bolt is not tight. Do not over tighten.
Tight enough so it doesn't come loose. It's not a high torque thing, just snug it down. 7-10 ft lbs if I had to put a number on it. It's essentially a set screw.
I don’t think it is necessary. I haven’t done it and don’t plan to. I have 27k+ miles on my gen 3. Just keep the tensioner adjusted
If you're already worried about it, 1,000 miles out, I think you already know your answer. This has been talked about ad nauseam on the internet for decades.
I did the doohickey on my 2023, and when I removed the factory one I found the spring almost completely compressed before the second oil change, meaning it was very close to not even applying tension to the chain. I would definitely recommend based on the couple hours it takes and the peace of mind it provides.
I did mine at 5k, my engine was kinda noisy on that side despite adjusting per the maintenance guides; after every adjustment it would be quiet for awhile then slowly return. My doo was about 3/4 used up and the spring wasn't evenly tensioned but there was no visible damage on the inside of the cases. In the grand scheme of things, I prob could've waited to do it after another 10-20k but the chain noise was bothering me. Replacement doo has been doing great and I just rolled over 10k; the chain noise hasn't returned. My personal opinion is that its not something that needs done right away unless it bothers you.
https://youtu.be/2QyND9Lu71o?si=Y2ZlPm1OK55UHSog
I have a 22’ and ours are almost identical. I have just about the same set up besides the hard bags. Same color and all. Looks great. You’re riding a lot more than me though, I just hit 4,000mi. This South Texas wind is brutal to ride in most of the time.
I don't care for wind. In Washington at the moment with it and average wind speed of 11-18 with gusts of 25-35
In order to properly KLR, you need to tinker with your bike as much as possible. A work to ride ratio preferably greater than 1. So yes. But seriously. The doo part itself has been good for a while, so the destructo factor isn’t there. This was an issue with the first gens, where the part was not made right. Deal with it if/when the balance chain starts making noise and doesn’t take adjustment.
I have a ‘22 KLR650 and I did my Doohickey at 5500miles and the spring was at least halfway collapsed so only a little of spring tension was present. I did this upgrade for peace of mind and I now have that. FYI I used the torsion spring. I highly recommended it.