Update on my work bike

Well, the WR-R made it through another 5 weeks of long, dusty days and heat.   

The right side fork seal is now leaking in spite of having gaiters fitted, but I'm happy to say the left one from Moose Racing is fine so far.

I've also discovered that, when exposed to long periods of hot weather, the fuel pump will fail at times even on a 2012 model bike. I've noticed a gradual degradation in power, and a greatly increased tendency to detonate as the fuel gets hotter and hotter during the day. Initially, for the first couple of thousand km, this didn't happen. Now it's got to the stage where the engine will cut out, and I have to wait in the shade until the pump cools. It will, however, still run all day when the weather is cooler. So I've bought a cheap Chinese replacement and will see how that goes when I get around to fitting it.

Other than that, this mighty little bike's engine stayed cool enough, and failed to boil even in 47deg C. The only drawback being elevated crankcase temperatures, which still are nowhere near as high as those in air-cooled bikes, I suspect.

Other than that, nothing much to report. The engine now has accumulated over 500 hours, and around 7500 km is on the clock. Not very much yet, but it's on its way.

I am one of those who is rough as heck on my bike as well. I have had one of the fork seals give way after 4 years of beating the heck out of it. I was advised by the service guy to make sure and bleed the air out of my forks more often, that this should help. That said, 4 years isn't too bad.
I've never had any hot weather problems, even at high altitudes above 6,000 feet. One of the things I always make sure of is to run premium fuel into my van (which carries the bike on it's rack) for about a gallon or so, before putting fuel into the bike (since the fuel hose and pump can hold up to a gallon of the previous customer's fuel selection in it).
With the tireballs in the tires this is hands down the most reliable bike I have ever owned... :)

4 years is pretty good! My first seal didn't even last 4 months due to a stone ding in the back of the fork leg.

We have a designated fuel pump from a premium-only fuel supply at work, since this is a work bike. Hours of slow operation in very hot weather is every bike's enemy, and the WR is no exception as far as heat-soaked fuel goes. Most of our bikes will actually start to boil the fuel when the levels get low on very hot afternoons, with all the resulting irritations that go with it. There is usually no fix for this, as we are in a remote area with no possibility of refuelling until returning to the homestead, or ute if we're leaving the bikes out on the property. Logistically it's too difficult to supply fuel depending on the type of work involved ie whether there is a ute following us to pick up weak animals. This is rare.

Ah, see here in Newport Beach, our only problem with fuel is that there's a blonde with giant tatas hogging both pumps with her Bentley. :)

Ha ha mate. Lucky you!!

GusinCA wrote:

I was advised by the service guy to make sure and bleed the air out of my forks more often, that this should help.

Hey, you were advised by ME!   

66T wrote:

Most of our bikes will actually start to boil the fuel when the levels get low on very hot afternoons

Can something be done to the gas tank? Insulate it?

I put the stock tank insulation blanket on my IMS 3 gal

gatorfan wrote:

GusinCA wrote:

I was advised by the service guy to make sure and bleed the air out of my forks more often, that this should help.

Hey, you were advised by ME!    

Haha! You're right! And by the service guy... :)

DPete wrote:

I put the stock tank insulation blanket on my IMS 3 gal

Good idea. I noticed you can buy insulation sheets on ebay. Might be good enough.

DPete wrote:

I put the stock tank insulation blanket on my IMS 3 gal

Ok can you give me some info about the IMS tank, because I want more fuel capacity.

What I want to know is, is it a direct replacement for the stock tank? Plastic covers all fit over it? Any issues at all with installing this tank?

Eastern Beaver wrote:

DPete wrote:

I put the stock tank insulation blanket on my IMS 3 gal

Ok can you give me some info about the IMS tank, because I want more fuel capacity.

What I want to know is, is it a direct replacement for the stock tank? Plastic covers all fit over it? Any issues at all with installing this tank?

Yes, Yes and the dealer installed it when the bike was new and had a line hooked up wrong, had to do with Cali. emission system, got it straightened out, no other issues. Very good fit, you would think it is factory to look at it

DPete wrote:

Eastern Beaver wrote:

DPete wrote:

I put the stock tank insulation blanket on my IMS 3 gal

Ok can you give me some info about the IMS tank, because I want more fuel capacity.

What I want to know is, is it a direct replacement for the stock tank? Plastic covers all fit over it? Any issues at all with installing this tank?

Yes, Yes and the dealer installed it when the bike was new and had a line hooked up wrong, had to do with Cali. emission system, got it straightened out, no other issues. Very good fit, you would think it is factory to look at it

Thank you, I'm going to get one, this stock tank is way too small.

Totally factory look. Had to do a double take to see where is the IMS he's talking about? Nice job!