KLR 650 Modifications

[rick danger]

2

[VascoMerlin]

I smile every time I see a picture of that bike,
What make are the wheels and the front forks, how did you do it?

[rick danger]

Originally Posted by KLRific

I smile every time I see a picture of that bike,
What make are the wheels and the front forks, how did you do it?

The forks are stock. Just painted em'. The rims are Sun, laced up to stock hubs by Motostrano

[R_W]

Originally Posted by KLRific

I smile every time I see a picture of that bike

+1

[Kbetts]

I did Fred's #1 combo

An order of Guards (HT Rad/Tank and Utah Skid)
LR Progressive
The DOO
LP drain plug
subframe grade 12
Twin Air filter
JC Whitney tail trunk
Tractor Supply Panniers (they work I wouldn't buy them again)
Adjustable pilot (still figuring out why this is not doing what I expected)

Lots of tunning like desnorkle looking for max performance and gas milage.

I really need to do the switch bypass and the folding shifter so I don't punch another hole in a side case when it throws me off it next time....

I spend about $100 a month on motorcycles one way or another..
I bought used and I'm at $4300 with mods for an '05...that leaves plenty left over to spend on my other bikes......

[GB]

Originally Posted by KLRific

Thank you for the picture gadget boy!!!!!
How do you like the highway pegs on the the engine guard?
Do you find yourself using them often?

I like them a lot when doing some slabbing.. it gives me a place to stretch out a bit, although you do feel the vibes there more than you do at the footpegs.. Plus, when I'm blowing by a cruiser guy with his legs way out on his highway pegs, I can show him how I too can do it on my KLR chick magnet!

I used to have the pd nerf bars when I had the stock tank on there, but found that the plastic tank works even better off road.. no dings or rust to worry about.. and it holds a total of 27.5 liters.

[orklr]

I just purchased my '07 and plan to ride it year-round (as much as possible). I have the following mods "in the works":


Bentspoke's wiring upgrade (fuse block and relay) and Mini-dash (I received them today!! way cool!!)
Rear brake pedal/Rear master cylinder mount
Rear Master Cylinder Guard
Carb t-mod
Kawasaki KLR650 PD (Paris Dakar) Nerf Bars
Frame Bolt Upgrade kit
Moose Wheel Bearing Kit
Balancer Idle Lever and Spring Upgrade - DOOHICKEY
Balancer Idler Lever Install Kit

End of money.....must wait for next pay day.

....then:

Magnetic Drain Plug
Oil Screen Cleaning @ 1-2K miles
Swing arm lubrication and Zerk fitting upgrade
Gafer SS brake lines
320mm front rotor
Heavy duty shifter
Replace stock KLR swich/choke/mirror mount
Progressive fork springs
Progressive rear shock
Upgrade stock stator to the Electrosport 400w stator & regulator
Wire in a set of PIAA 510s
Moose skid plate


What's the word on the 400w Electrosport stator and regulator? Has anyone bought the combo?

Also, are there any other thingies I should change for riding in the rain? I've been using http://www.multisurfacemotorcycling.com/klr650_page.htm
for many of my planned changes.

[AKDuc]

Originally Posted by cobalt60

Ok, yes a KLR will cost you less....but ther are so many accessories and extras it will potentially cost you more...So Why a KLR?? In my experiences most KLR riders are cheap, but are also tinkerers and do it your selfers. Yes you could buy a KTM adventure, but you would have no money left over for extras like luggage, pipes, guards, etc....

A KLR rider buys the KLR, can afford the initial price or payment, but will...over time...accumulate aftermarket parts and occupy his or her spare time modifying or installing the items. This activity is a stress reliever and emotionally satisfying to the typical KLR owner. Much like Harley riders constantly install new parts and gadgets, KLR riders constantly buy new parts and accessories to suit their riding styles. We are enthusiasts, just on a budget and can't afford it all at one time!! It is fun getting to know your motorcycle on an intimate basis. KLRs allow the fun of Harley accessorizing, the thrill of BMW adventure touring and the youthfullness of dirtbiking all in one bike. At least thats why I have mine!!

Dang Cobalt, Such eloquence! I'm considering my first dual sport and after reading this post and all these pages I'm even more enclined to join the KLR brethren! Good posting, guys. Mark H.

[nooner818]

Originally Posted by KLRific

Did you put the nerf bars on as well?
Any problems to report with them?

I was so busy with my calculator, I forgot to tell you my feelings about the "best mod" I have so far.

That would have to be the PD bars from HT. They bolted right on without too much fanfare. And, I've "tested" their durability on several occasions. Very strong construction and I think they've saved me their cost in other body parts (radiator, fan, etc.).

I did have one lower mounting tab break where they attach to the highway bars. Like I said, I've used 'em! Happy Trails paid for shipping to and from their shop and had them back to me in a few days - no charge. They advised that in the future, I shouldn't torque down the mounting bolts on the highway bars. Just tighten them down until they are flush. The nylock nuts should keep them from backing out. Following their directions, I've had no more problems despite continued "durability testing" on my part.

I'd get 'em off the garage floor and onto your bike. You know, just in case?

[nooner818]

Oh yeah, my second favorite mod...

Have to be the TKC-80 tires. They are real confidence builders when you get offroad. And, the best part is they work really well on pavement too.

They are a little pricey and from what I read they don't last as long as other tires. But, I've got about 2000 miles on them so far and I think they should go for another 1500-2000 miles. I'll buy them again when the time comes for new rubber.

Others like the D-606's, but I haven't tried them. I figure I'm happy with what I've got, why experiment further?

[escuchamente]

mods:
Rotated handle bar forward for more comfort (it's nearly perpandicular to the ground)
moved controls on the handle bar 5/8ths" inboard to accomodate progrip enduro grips &
Maier aluminum handguards and plastic brush deflectors.
{these fixes of the uncomfortable positioning of the bar/controls and tiny OEM grips made the bike suitable as a daily rider. Nearly everything else I've done is fluff}
Dual star windshield. Makes travel between 55 and 75 mph much more comfortable.
Dual star heatshield.
Moved the license plate up 6"
Fieldsheer tank bag w/raincover (been through much rain back in Jan/feb/march and never had any wet gear inside)
Wolfman Expedition Large Rear Bag
Alaska Leather seat mat (will try it tomorrow, but works great on easy chair)
[after900 miles in two days the stock seat doesn't cut it anymore]
decals:
pulled off the decals on the rad guards, will do the tank and others later.
That's all I can think of. I'm not buying another thing until I've got another 5k on my bike. Plus I think prices will go down once it gets cold. It might just be me but I think once May rolled around, everybody marked up their prices 10%.
Escuch

[RideAbout]

Originally Posted by 805gregg

I did eveything listed and more, it was still a POS so I sold it.

What is POS???...

Pile
Of
Suzuki ?!

Pathetic
Orange
Scooter?!

[KLM]

POS

Piece Of Shit

[VascoMerlin]

What is the general consensus on corbin seats. I just put a flat on this weekend and haven't been able to do a trip with it yet, but it feels very firm!? is this a good thing?

[R_W]

Originally Posted by KLRific

What is the general consensus on corbin seats. I just put a flat on this weekend and haven't been able to do a trip with it yet, but it feels very firm!? is this a good thing?

Once the callouses build up on your arse, you'll be fine.