-3 and riding the new KLR

[Rrarthur]

I picked up a new lime green KLR. I had to go up to Mora Minnesota to get it. they were very nice. I trailer-ed it home, that was scary, I had never trailer-ed a bike before. I got it home, backed the trailer up to a snow bank and unloaded it. I couldn't resist and took it for a quick little ride, rode it around the house, then pulled it into the basement. I sure hope the FJR doesn't get jealous.

If you guys have any advice for a new KLR owner (besides get rid of it

) fire away.

I have crash bars coming.

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.klr650.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36 Subscribe to Kawasaki KLR 650 Forum, a ton of great information there. My 2006 KLR took me to the Yukon, Mexico's Copper Canyon twice and numerous treks down the Baja California Peninsula. Great machines, not much power but they will run forever! JSNS, Very Reliable!

Only drawback to the KLR is it's speed out on the open road, you'll not be able to keep up with your other off road friends riding Yamaha Tenere's or BMW GS's. This photo below is of AZ Beemers riding to Barrancas del Cobre in 2009, Mis Amigos like to ride their Beemers at 80 mph and a KLR is comfortable at 70 mph.

 

[jayke]

I have an '09. Fun bike and a great complement to my FJR.

The stock tires suck even on gravel. I run Continental TKC-80's on mine, get 4K out of a rear, 7-8K out of the Front, about 80% street miles.

The windshield was too low for me even with the Kawasaki touring screen so I bought a KLRDash risers for mine. It puts the windshield more upright like a KTM.

https://klrdash.com/HOME.html

 

[beemerdons]

I have an '09. Fun bike and a great complement to my FJR.

The stock tires suck even on gravel. I run Continental TKC-80's on mine, get 4K out of a rear, 7-8K out of the Front, about 80% street miles.

The windshield was too low for me even with the Kawasaki touring screen so I bought a KLRDash risers for mine. It puts the windshield more upright like a KTM.

https://klrdash.com/HOME.html

+1, Gunny; jayke is right on about the Continental TKC-80's (pictured in my photo above), also my touring screen was aftermarket. In the right hands a KLR can be ridden fast off road, FJR Forum Member rushes is REALLY quick in the dirt with his KLR. jes' sayin' and nuff said, quick for an Arkansas Goober that is!

From Billy Fitz - yamafitter: "Don got this shot of our token hillbilly, Russ…"

 

[rushes]

*snip*If you guys have any advice for a new KLR owner (besides get rid of it

) fire away.

Put it back on the trailer and find a warmer place to ride.

Biggest bang for my buck was a suspension upgrade. https://www.motocd.com/mc/index.php/suspension-products/91-klr-650-moab-shock

Just ride it and have fun...

 

[rushes]

From Billy Fitz - yamafitter: "Don got this shot of our token hillbilly, Russ…"

I didn't inhale....

 

[Rrarthur]

I can't wait for the temps to hit 40. by then I'll have the crash guards on. it will be a nice compliment to the FJR. My wife is now scared she'll never see me again, she may be right, it just looks like too much fun. Thanks for the advice guys. One question, I hear the footpegs are slick if they get wet. is that true from your experiences.

 

[FJRay]

I can't wait for the temps to hit 40. by then I'll have the crash guards on. it will be a nice compliment to the FJR. My wife is now scared she'll never see me again, she may be right, it just looks like too much fun. Thanks for the advice guys. One question, I hear the footpegs are slick if they get wet. is that true from your experiences.

Yes they are. Get some with teeth.

 

[Rrarthur]

any recommendations for any good pegs. I bought the SWMotech, they are on back order so I would still have time to cancel if I see something I like better.

 

[HotRodZilla]

When I had my '05, I bought some cheap Chinese eBay pegs. Good finish, fit perfectly, and if I had broken one, I wouldn't have cared. They were wide,comfortable and cheap. Perfect for a KLR.

 

[rushes]

Yup. Cheap Chinese ebay pegs for me too. I think I paid around $15 shipped. I ordered 2 sets and keep a spare set in the tool bag just in case. (along with a spare shifter, clutch lever and brake lever)

 

[HotRodZilla]

Rushes, those look just like the ones I had. Loved them!

 

[rushes]

And if I remember correctly, if you ebay search for KLR650 pegs, the same ones were $65.

I'm not sure if the newer KLR's are different, but on my 06 aftermarket pegs for a Honda XR50 are the same and priced much lower.

Question:

What's the cheapest thing on a KLR?

Answer:

The rider....

 

[mcatrophy]

And if I remember correctly, if you ebay search for KLR650 pegs, the same ones were $65.I'm not sure if the newer KLR's are different, but on my 06 aftermarket pegs for a Honda XR50 are the same and priced much lower.

Question:

What's the cheapest thing on a KLR?

Answer:

The rider....

Hmm. According to cadavarforsale.com, my dead body is worth:

How expensive are KLR bits?

 

[rushes]

Hmm. According to cadavarforsale.com, my dead body is worth:

How expensive are KLR bits?

You lost me there.

Are you saying if you ride a KLR you'll die?

If you bolt on parts from China you'll die?

If you spend more money you won't die?

?

*edit*

And if that was British humor, I missed it. I'm kinda slow. I'm sorry.

Love Benny Hill tho....

If you're saying the Chinese parts being sold as KLR as opposed to XR50 are different, I can assure you they're not.

 

[mcatrophy]

Hmm. According to cadavarforsale.com, my dead body is worth:

How expensive are KLR bits?

You lost me there.

Are you saying if you ride a KLR you'll die?

If you bolt on parts from China you'll die?

If you spend more money you won't die?

?

*edit*

And if that was British humor, I missed it. I'm kinda slow. I'm sorry.

Love Benny Hill tho....

If you're saying the Chinese parts being sold as KLR as opposed to XR50 are different, I can assure you they're not.

Nothing clever (nor British - not necessarily mutually exclusive

), simply disagreeing with your answer, and using a somewhat morbid evaluation as an example (well, it's Friday tomorrow).

Anything is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it; the rider, even when dead, is worth more than some of the bits on the KLM, Chinese or not.

As for the rider's worth when alive, what's your life insurance policy value? Or, how much would your dependents have to invest in order to get the same income that they get from you?

Now, back to your scheduled programme ...

 

[rushes]

Edit..

Ok, I got it. lol

I told you I was slow...

 

[Rexford]

I'm also looking at adding a KLR to the garage...... Was just afraid to bring it up, glad someone else did though. Wanting something for light dirt duty ie: Gravel/Dirt roads.. maybe some two track? If I drop it, oh well....! Seems to be pretty competent if you remember what it is and what it is not (if that makes sense)..! Good luck with the KLR and keep this thread going so others can follow.

Rexford

 

[gclarkx]

Interesting thread since I've been thinking whether my VStrom is really the best 'second bike' for my FJR. The VStrom is better than a KLR if you need to do a long street ride to where you will ride off-road. Although it is comfortable up to 75 and pushed at 80+mph really. But when you get there it is really only good for like gravel forest roads and not really dirt or single track. Ok I've done it, but it is really big and heavy when you need to pick the frickin' thing up. That kinda takes the fun out of it for me because I spend all my time trying to make sure I don't drop it. I think the same thing about Tenere, GS...... And for street use like commuting, I can use the FJR instead and could maybe like a KLR or even a dual sport like a DR650 as a second bike. I can get an old DR650 and beat the crap out of it for almost free. Many options and a KLR is one of the good ones.......