KLR 650 Modifications

I maxed out the preload to lessen the amount of spring compression I'll need to remove the spring. Compress it some, release the preload and already have some initial wiggle room to remove the spring. Or at least that's the theory based off of watching YouTube videos.

Got the 450lb spring, I used to run stock spring at #3 preload

Yes they do make it look easy in the videos.

Hint: If the hooks on the spring compressors are too big they will dig into the shock body and black plastic cover. I tried to install my 9kg Eibach but the hobby shop I went to didn't have the right spring compressors so I used their tech shop and was charged $9.00 for the labor to use their hydraulic spring compressor.

Finished up this morning. Wrapped the coils in gorilla tape to protect the paint, then used 4 hose clamps to compress the spring. Probably not the safest but I still have all my fingers and eyesight so I'll call it good.
Initial ride impression, wth no preload...I should have done this 5 years ago. Rides nice.

I use s set of these from RMATV.



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I did a 600 in lb for mine.

So, I was wondering why I couldn't see SH** at night when riding my KLR, but after removing the fairing and having the headlight fall apart it was no longer a mystery.
Standby for the fix.......

Aouch ! :/

If you need a light in a good condition, I've one removed from a 99 KLR. (I can ship it, I'm from Montreal)

Thanks for the offer, but I've already done the deed & made an upgrade!

I managed to search & scrounge around & saw a few posts about LED headlights. Well, due to the condition of my headlight reflector, just a regular bulb was not gonna cut it! After a few wonderfully wasted hours, I found my replacement on flea-bay.

Nice LED headklight Smokediver3 !

While I'm in the area, I will share with you my modifs.
Here is my KLR 650 Gen1 "Rally"

















The job is not 100% percent terminated.
I'm still waiting for blinker and high beam dash indicator, my diy trip is still on development and I will upgrade the shock, but I had to reallocate the budget, so, no milestone planned yet.
And in the future, I want to make a paint job (certainly kawa green and purple), some decals for the tank and a new seat.

Then it was off to practice my very inadequate fabrication skills since this did not turn out to be a drop in proposition.

Nice build

But once it was fabbed up, it was a pretty easy install. Then putting the fairing back on, it fit just like it had to. I have plenty of light now. Even in the daytime I can see the light reflecting back from road signs. Night time riding has taken on a whole new "light"! (Insert rim shot & canned laughter here!)

Not a bad rig you got going on there yourself! I like the use of the fairing to hide the stuff you've added.

That's awesome. Mines starting to rust ever so slightly. Sent you a PM - would love to know the make/model of the LED light you used and where ya got it.

Thanks for sharing your upgrade!

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I got my 08 klr back in November, that had 26k miles on the clock. When I got it, all it had done was the doo and the carb. I am new to KLR's and ADV riding, but not new to motorcycles. Since I have gotten it, I have done:
progressive fork springs
EM fork brace
lowered and modified the stock fender
klr dash w/ taller windscreen
bar risers
tusk handguards
skid plate
pannier racks and panniers
rural king box that I screwed onto the factory rack
12v outlet
walmart seat cover
walmart tank bag
cramp buster
ims shifter
ebay foot pegs
PCV valve

still want:
crash bars and K60's would be nice.
I'm not entirely sure if I need a rear spring, but I'll probably get one eventually.

If anybody has any questions about the mods that I have done and wonder how well they work feel free to message me, and Ill tell you what I think.

Im looking at replacing the headlight and all that plastic on my 2008. I will be going with a Trail Tech Vapor for the dash portion of it. As far as lighting I was taking a look at the Cyclops Rally, heard good things about it and its halgenic performance. Then I ask do I need such a thing, although I do like it, probably not. I have now been looking at the JW Speaker 8700 Evo 2. This would give me enough money to purchase a center stand. However, has anybody done this. It looks like one of the best 7" out there even maybe a little better then Truck Lite and the price for one is decent. But, what bucket would be a good bucket to put it in on the KLR? I just don't know what bucket would be good, and do I stuff all the wires in the back? Im new to this.
This plasma money is burning a hole in my pocket...

Just askin': What's your impression of the effect of the PCV valve mod?

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