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Seems like I’ve seen a lot of talk around CA lately about KLR’s and people getting them, so I thought we should have our own thread. So here’s a start. If you want anything added to the OP, I have PM’s or post in this thread. %20C.JPG) What is a KLR? In Kawasakispeak it is something like this: Whether your path takes you through urban chaos, mountain serenity or desert enchantment, the Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle is the platform world travelers have chosen for over 21 years. With its legendary reliability, long distance fuel efficiency, usable performance and startlingly low price tag, the Kawasaki KLR650 is simply a smart choice for today’s rider. I’ve had one for about a year, and for me, it works as a daily commuter. I like the seating position, the size of the bike, and it seems like I never have to put gas in it. So far, it has been simple to do maintenance on as well. The brakes don’t impress me. Over the years it hasn’t changed much, but there are a few of models. (descriptions from Wikipedia) (If you have a hard-on to know more than you can ever use, go here: http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Kawasaki_KL650A#2008_KLR650 KLR650-A: The "A" model was introduced in 1987, based on its KLR600 predecessor (1984 to 1986). The "A" model remained nearly unchanged until the introduction of the 2008 model in USA, Canada and Europe Jabs has one now:  Click here for the full 800x600 image. KLR650-B or Tengai: The Tengai got Adventure/Dakar styling, a full fairing blending into the tank, different sidepanels, and an unsprung front mudguard. It was sold in the USA starting 1990 and in other countries for several years afterward – this could be classified as a separate model in it’s own right as the others are more trail bike orientated  Click here for the full 800x600 image. KLR650-C: The “C” model gets completely new bodywork and is a more dirt-oriented motorcycle fitted with stiffer 41 mm (1.6 in) front forks, improved brakes, tubular engine guard, smaller 14 l (3.1 imp gal; 3.7 US gal) fuel tank, and steel wheel rims. Lacking a temperature gauge, it has an over-heat lamp. KLR650-E: 2008 was the second major redesign of the KLR650. The primary changes include upgraded 41 mm (1.6 in) forks, a new D-section swingarm, dual beam headlight, dual-piston rear brake caliper, upgraded cooling system, 4 mm spokes, cowling and fairing redesign as well as various redesigned parts.  The U.S. Military has KLR650s modified by Hayes Diversified Technologies to burn military-spec fuels including diesel. (M1030M1) All-new engines were designed to replace the 4-stroke gasoline engines.[2] The new engines employ the original unit-construction main cases and transmission, but with new piston, cylinder, and other components. The balancing system that is used in the gasoline KLR650 engines (to reduce engine vibration) was removed from the military diesel KLR engines. Some components of the military diesel version can be applied to "civilian" KLR650 models, such as the nonspillable absorbed glass mat battery which offers several advantages over the conventional unsealed KLR batteries. Specs from Kawasaki on 08+ models:  The poo poo That Goes Right Sounds like a tractor or corn meal grinder. You sit up high so you can see everything. The poo poo That Goes Wrong The Doohickey (I haven’t done this yet ☹) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26oSOrvv_e8 http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdo...d_Doohickey.pdf Subframe bolt upgrade: http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdo...20walkthru.html Resources http://www.klr650.marknet.us/brakepads.html : Change your brake pads. http://www.klr650.net/ : KLR650 Forums. I don’t visit this often because it seems to be organized a bit poorly. http://www.advrider.com/ : Lots of KLR’s on advrider http://www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html : A KLR650 FAQ some guy made. A lot of this seems outdated (tires), but there is still good info on there. Alternator mod: http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/KLRalternator.html LED Aux lights: http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdo...y%20Lights.html LED Taillight: http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdo...d%20review.html SuperSlant6 posted:These companies I have ordered from and would order from again: Retarded Pimp posted:Eagle Mike's the man when it comes to KLRs. Hell Yeah I can’t do this yet. . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnvm5HTprCg Jump https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1roEfBZ18E What this thread needs: 1. Ermy from Mail Call’s Discussion of the military KLR on the History Channel. I can’t find that clip and it is awesome. Ha, found it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtcd1kSdlQY 2. Probably a lot of other poo poo. So has anyone here done the doohickey thing? It looks like a real pain in the rear end. * I've done it now, and it was actually fairly easy. (Make sure your gaskets seal before you ride somewhere, duh. NEW 2011 KLRS WOOT (More of the same unless you like black engines and maybe an orange fairing.): http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3318009&userid=0&perpage=40&pagenumber=8#post382953148 Edit: Added 6-14-11 shim calc: http://klr650.carguy.org/shims.html Darth Llama fucked around with this message at 00:00 on Jun 15, 2011 |
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Jun 18, 2010 03:40
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oh hey the thread for me, I was thinking of making a KLR thread, but never got around to it. Take klr650.com out of the op, terrible parts terrible company. I don't have time right now to round up information and such, but I will be adding to this thread in the future.
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Jun 18, 2010 03:50
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SuperSlant6 posted:oh hey the thread for me, I was thinking of making a KLR thread, but never got around to it. Ok, took it out. Any parts companies you can think of?
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Jun 18, 2010 04:07
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Darth Llama posted:So has anyone here done the doohickey thing? It looks like a real pain in the rear end. Its honestly not that bad, except for the torsion spring if you opt to use it. I gave up after bashing my knuckles a few times, and went with an old-style spring.
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Jun 18, 2010 04:08
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Darth Llama posted:Ok, took it out. Any parts companies you can think of? http://www.happy-trail.com/ Everything I've ordered from them has shipped quickly and is high quality. Seriously great place to get parts.
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Jun 18, 2010 04:09
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I have a tengai, it owns. Wish it was diesel tho.
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Jun 18, 2010 06:51
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Darth Llama posted:Ok, took it out. Any parts companies you can think of? http://www.dual-star.com/index2/ http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/ http://www.happy-trail.com/
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Jun 18, 2010 18:38
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The doohickey is - well, I would say it was one of the easiest things you can do that still requires you to open up part of the engine, but it does also need a couple of specialized tools to pull the stator. Or was it the rotor? Anyway it's a pretty simple procedure, and even the torsion spring is doable (though not fun). The most time-consuming part for me was stripping off the old gasket material.
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Jun 18, 2010 18:49
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Eagle Mike's the man when it comes to KLRs. http://www.eagle-m-e.com/ These guys deal in older UJM parts, but some of the old KZ 1000 & 1100s use the same 29mm valve shims, for about $5/ea, a lot less than Kawasakis $14. http://www.z1enterprises.com/default.aspx Speaking of shims, a shim calculator. http://klr650.carguy.org/shims.html More misc info. http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Kawasaki_KL650A#2008_KLR650 Wiring diagram. http://www.bigcee.com/faq/KLR650-color-wiring-diagram.gif The rubber wellnuts holding the windshield on 08s tend to dryrot in no time. Ducati uses the same size, M5. These guys have them for 60 cents. They also have Stainless steel screw upgrade kits fot the KLR. http://www.desmoparts.com/products/parts-catalog/ktm/m5-wellnuts
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Jun 18, 2010 19:07
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How tall do I have to be to comfortably ride one of these guys? I'm around 5'7'', can put around half a foot down on both sides of an SV650.
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Jun 18, 2010 19:36
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King of all Machines Operate posted:How tall do I have to be to comfortably ride one of these guys? I'm around 5'7'', can put around half a foot down on both sides of an SV650. I am 5'10" with an inseam of about 32 inches, and I can only barely flatfoot both feet while wearing boots with a heal. That said, I have no problem with comfort or shifting a bit to get a foot down easily. It took me about a week to get used to it. Retarded Pimp: poo poo yeah those links are awesome. For some reason I am overjoyed to find replacement windshield grommets. Superslant6: Got yours added as well. Phy posted:The doohickey is - well, I would say it was one of the easiest things you can do that still requires you to open up part of the engine, but it does also need a couple of specialized tools to pull the stator. Or was it the rotor? Anyway it's a pretty simple procedure, and even the torsion spring is doable (though not fun). The most time-consuming part for me was stripping off the old gasket material. Well that is fairly encouraging. Do you remember if these were common tools, or are they a custom job/homemade/rare? Darth Llama fucked around with this message at 20:09 on Jun 18, 2010 |
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Jun 18, 2010 19:48
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They're not common. There's a specialized bolt to pull the rotor bolt (it's an odd thread or something like that), and a big wrench with a dog-leg in it to sneak around the lip of the rotor and hold it steady at the center. However, Eagle Mike sells them, and if you're near a larger city, chances are someone who posts on ADV or KLR650.net will be happy to loan you a set.
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Jun 18, 2010 20:24
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I wonder what it'd be like to pass sportbikes on one of these? Just needs some bullet boxes.
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Jun 19, 2010 03:20
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That is the most CA KLR. I love the bash plate. Looks like a cake pan.
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Jun 19, 2010 03:26
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Actually it is according to the owner. Iirc someone on supermotojunkie asked him if it was a paint tray to which he replied "it could be used for that too". 
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Jun 19, 2010 05:20
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This is my 2009 KLR, had it for 8 months and love the poo poo out of riding it. Usually commute to work on it about three days a week and have taken it on a number of 500 km+ rides and it hasn't missed a beat, all I've done to it is a few oil changes and regular cleaning and oiling of the chain, great bike  
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Jun 19, 2010 05:41
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Awesome. I have a '04 that I bought used in '06 -- love the bike. It's got it's quirks, but it is a blast to ride and super easy to work on. So far I've done: -Doohicky replacement -Metal skidplate -SS front brake line -New Dunlop 606s -Smaller KTM front fender (cracked the old one in a dump) -New shift lever -Adjusted valve clearances -14T sprocket -Radiator bars -Prolly a bunch of other stuff I'm forgetting I'm about to crack 5K miles on mine. I recently rattle-can painted it black since the stock red plastics started to look more pink than red. I think it came out pretty drat good. To me the beauty of this bike is the wealth of info/parts on the web and on ebay. I take it on some offroad trails that I probably shouldn't and get myself in to trouble sometimes. It's nice to know that I can get new plastics on ebay for cheap if/when I dump it.
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Jun 19, 2010 05:46
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I've had my KLR for about 8 months now and it's been a great bike. One of the POs basically cleared out the I really wish it had another gear though, riding it on the freeway blows. redscare fucked around with this message at 03:20 on Jun 20, 2010 |
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Jun 19, 2010 08:08
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More links, these are from the adv hall of wisdom. Alternator mod http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/KLRalternator.html LED Aux lights http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/KLR650%20DIY%20LED%20Auxiliary%20Lights.html Doo mod http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/Damned_Doohickey.pdf LED Taillight http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/KLR650%20LED%20tail%20light%20system%20install%20and%20review.html Subframe bolt upgrade http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/KLR650%20Subframe%20drill%20thru%20step%20by%20step%20walkthru.html
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Jun 19, 2010 10:18
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Retarded Pimp posted:Subframe bolt upgrade Looks like the drill-thru has the same effect on the older frame as it does on the 08+ bikes. The part that you're drilling through is a round bar that's welded into the frame tube, but its diameter narrows down to almost that of the largest drill bit supplied, where you can't see it unless you rotate the subframe all the way back. What that means is that if you do the drill-thru upgrade, you're going to completely drill out the middle of that bar, and the way the bolted connection works, you're now squeezing the frame tube with nothing to resist that compression except the frame tube's own strength and the way the other frame members are welded to it, just ahead of the bolts. I backed off from doing the drill-thru upgrade once I saw that; however lots of people have done it and I'm not aware of any complaints, so it's probably still ok. Also, the upper bolts on the second-gen bikes are M10 size, so they're already stronger than the M8 bolts on the original. It's still a good idea to install grade 12.9 bolts. Phy fucked around with this message at 14:34 on Jun 19, 2010 |
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Jun 19, 2010 14:32
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That's good to know, thanks.
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Jun 19, 2010 14:39
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I rant about it a little every time it gets brought up, but I spent way too much time agonizing about whether or not to do it once I got a good look up the frame tube. This should be the last time though  I love that sumo'd KLR
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Jun 19, 2010 14:52
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Gnaghi posted:I wonder what it'd be like to pass sportbikes on one of these? Just needs some bullet boxes. Riding a KLR and supporting slavery all at the same time. Edit: Or huge Dukes of Hazzard fan. FuzzyWuzzyBear fucked around with this message at 15:36 on Jun 19, 2010 |
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Jun 19, 2010 15:32
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Here's mine, it's an '06 with a bunch of mods done by the PO, doo, subframe bolt (I think), wider bars, 6-7+ gallon tank (350 mile range), raising links (yep, on a KLR), bark busters, aluminum skidplate, choke relocated, wider/lowered pegs, extended kickstand, and the slide drilled/needle shimmed (which I did). For a while, I considered getting rid of it and just riding street, but every time I ride it, I'm really glad I didn't. 
Fantastipotamus fucked around with this message at 21:02 on Jun 19, 2010 |
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Jun 19, 2010 21:00
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Ha, raising links? Was the PO 6'10"? Is it just an inch higher?
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Jun 19, 2010 22:41
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Darth Llama posted:Ha, raising links? Was the PO 6'10"?
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Jun 20, 2010 01:08
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I had no idea they made raising links for KLRs. Holy crap.
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Jun 20, 2010 03:21
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redscare posted:I had no idea they made raising links for KLRs. Holy crap. Anyone have a hard top case they particularly like? I'm a poor bastard until my new job starts in August, so I just have the ghetto-style Rubbermaid Actionpacker bolted to the rear platform. I'm trying to decide if it is worth replacing it in the future. The Actionpacker doesn't look that great, but it is very handy for only being $20.
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Jun 21, 2010 22:14
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Darth Llama posted:Yeah, you can get them from Eagle Mike, $70. I love my huge Givi but the things are like $200. Don't know if I'd spend that kind of money myself (it came with the bike).
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Jun 21, 2010 22:50
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Darth Llama posted:Yeah, you can get them from Eagle Mike, $70. Ah, a true KLR rider. I used to have a big Walmart cooler bolted to the rack, but that got all boogered up when I wrecked, now I have an Adlo 929. http://www.mutazu.com/products.php?cat_id=6&menu=Detachable%20Series&product_id=8&s=prod.php It's alright, but it's not a givi by any means.
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Jun 22, 2010 02:04
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I wish my flip video camera would mount up to my helmet or something, the handlebars are rather shaky. Also, Windows Movie Maker is a buggy piece of poo poo.. kept booting me out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1BBCuU-kd4
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Jun 22, 2010 02:48
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hell yes, lemon jelly
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Jun 22, 2010 02:57
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Retarded Pimp posted:Ah, a true KLR rider. I used to have a big Walmart cooler bolted to the rack, but that got all boogered up when I wrecked, now I have an Adlo 929. Sadly, the other option was a milk crate, so I guess I get some points for style. That's a pretty decent price though. I sort of want something that looks less. . . round. Is the soft tailbag from kawasaki any good? Doesn't seem all that big though. . .
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Jun 22, 2010 03:39
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Darth Llama posted:Is the soft tailbag from kawasaki any good? Doesn't seem all that big though. . . Mine came with the bike and i'm pretty happy with it, it actually has a zip underneath it that you can't see in the picture, that you can undo and it doubles the height of it. It's waterproof and has a few tie downs inside for securing important stuff like the two six packs and a bottle of wine I took to a party a few weeks back  I find it very handy and it secures down nicely whilst also being easy to take off in a minute or so, if I didn't get it with the bike I don't know if i'd pay the $212 they want for them down here in Aus though, seems a bit steep, I'd probably look for a good second hand one.
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Jun 22, 2010 06:43
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Darth Llama posted:I sort of want something that looks less. . . round. How about the 982, it's less round & a bit larger at 42L, what's there is probably a bit more useable since it's more sqare. http://www.mutazu.com/products.php?cat_id=6&menu=Detachable%20Series&product_id=31&s=prod.php
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Jun 22, 2010 18:21
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I was out riding the other day, and came to a point where I could turn right and continue on the tarmac, or go straight ahead down a typical 'city' dirt road. I went down the dirt road, but didn't feel very confident at all - I think I may have topped out at around 20 MPH in first gear (4k RPM) before I pussed out and turned around - by duckwalking. I was concerned (simultaneously, if you can believe it) that the front would wash out with no warning (as happened while going straight on my BMW last October), or that, if I turned and added gas, the back end would step out and I'd fall over. These aren't necessarily KLR-specific questions, but they're questions that KLR owners might have insight to (More than those silly DRZ owners might. :zing:) How do/have you guys transition(ed) to dirt/trail riding? What tires do you have mounted now? What have you had mounted in the past? How do you change your riding to account for the non-pavement surface? Any skill/confidence building exercises y'all might recommend? E: Also, we need more pictures. =) This is 7:00am in Arlington, TX, the morning after I picked the bike up from hayden. That's a Cortech 21 liter strap-mount tank bag, and a 30/39 liter Nelson Rigg CL-85 tailbag. 
Kenny Rogers fucked around with this message at 17:01 on Jun 23, 2010 |
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Jun 23, 2010 16:10
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Jabs posted:I was out riding the other day, and came to a point where I could turn right and continue on the tarmac, or go straight ahead down a typical 'city' dirt road. If you like you could join up with Sabrina and I as we do some 2up stuff one weekend. A lot of dirt confidence just comes from doing it right a few times, just like riding on the street. The easiest way to transition to dirt riding is to take a class, especially if you have a heavy dual sport like the KLR. The MSF has a basic dirt class, but here in CO there are a few additional dirt classes you can take. If you want to save money the best instruction DVD is http://dualsportriding.com/ Tire discussion is a lot like oil discussion, however out of the tires that I've worn down to the cords these are the ones that I like for dirt riding: Pirelli scorpion syncs: They're basically a super moto tire but they have enough grip to allow me to ride my street bike over gravely mountain passes two up and a fair speed. Metzler Tourances last longer but if I had to choose between the two I'd go with either these or Anakees for long distance tires. These edge out over the Anakees due to the fact that they're better when I'm on pavement. Metzler Sahara 3s: For an all rounder tire. Aired down they do pretty ok even in really loose stuff like mud, they're great on gravel and last about 7K for me. Continental TKC 80s: Awesome tire, grips great, usable in sand but only if you air them down, they have good road characteristics for a 50/50 knobby, and I like to look of the big square knobs. They only last about 3-4K before they're pretty shot, but you can still use them for commuting purposes for another 1K or so after that but your braking distance will increase. Pirelli MT-21: The only tire I've used that makes me feel somewhat comfortable in sand, they're not that awesome on the street and they're loud as hell. Freeway speeds destroy them in less than 2K miles. For reference I tend to keep my tries aired up in most off road conditions and I rarely exceed 50-60mph in the dirt. I've ridden with some riders that can ruin a MT-21 in a day and a TKC in a weekend, so how you ride plays a big part in how long the rubber will last. Currently I have a set of TKC 80s mounted that are shot to hell and have about 6K on them, I plan to replace them next week with a set of Sahara 3s that have about half their life left, when Sabrina and I leave to go south I think we'll mount a set of Sahara 3s to take us through to Panama City / Bogota and then mount a pair of TKCs or some other 50/50 knobby for Peru - Bolivia then get more roadish tires like a Tourance or an Anakee for Chile and Argentina. For a regular hard packed dirt road I don't change my riding style much other than I counterweight the bike rather than lean it into the turns. At speed every now and then I'll get a front end wobble from either ruts, or washboards and I'll stand up and give it some gas. Most other surfaces such as mud, sand etc all seem to have their own needs on a case by case basis. As a general rule when in the dirt a bit more speed seems to make things go easier. The Dualsportriding.com drills are good but body position plays a big part in off road confidence. Keep your feet on the outside of the pegs, knees slightly bent while standing and your elbows out. When the going gets bumpy stand up and allow your legs to asorb the shock, the bike will move around a bit beneath you but that's natural and normal. For drills I like to find an area that's slick like wet grass, or just a lose gravel road and do figure 8s counter weighting the bike. Also practicing climbing and descending is good with close attention to front brake control/finesse. Also if you can find a good newbie ride on the ADVrider regional forum that's not a bad place to start. They'll toss you in the deep end but odds are good that you won't break anything too valuable.
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Jun 23, 2010 16:55
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I have Metzler Sahara 3s on my KLR right now, if you want to take it for a spin sometime soon.
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Jun 24, 2010 01:01
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Since we need more pictures, here is the cheapo way to do a top case. 4 new bolts, washers, and a ugly box: Click here for the full 1024x768 image.
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Jun 25, 2010 02:07
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Jabs, how's the tire pressure in your front tire? Having high pressure (above 15psi) can take away pretty significantly from the offroad stability. My KLR felt like I was riding on marbles until I realized my front PSI was upwards of 30 (yeah). Also, some surfaces are just unfriendly, like loose, dry sand, whereas others are almost tar (packed dirt). Beyond that, it just takes practice, you cant expect it to feel like tar because it's not, the bikes going to move around a bit, but it'll come back most of the time..
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Jun 25, 2010 21:59
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