Dave Bennett
Adventurist
First post updated with links and tech info!
Building a 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 for Overland Travel!
- Thread starter Dave Bennett
- Start date
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
In high winds the OEM front fender "beak" really catches wind... considering doing the KTM fender swap as well as an Eagle Mike fork brace.
Here's a good comparo of the fenders:
http://www.klr650.net/forums/showpost.php?p=1020656&postcount=20
Eagle Mike:
http://www.eaglemike.com/KLR650-2008-and-later_c3.htm
Here's a good comparo of the fenders:
http://www.klr650.net/forums/showpost.php?p=1020656&postcount=20
Eagle Mike:
http://www.eaglemike.com/KLR650-2008-and-later_c3.htm
Curtis in Texas
Adventurer
Doc, I put the Acerbis front fender (a KTM Copy) on my KLR and have the Eagle Mike fork brace on it as well. They made a lot of difference in the stability.
I'm happy with my suspension.
The progressive front springs, emulators and fork brace really changed the bikes handeling.
It has a 450 lb rear spring upgrade for the expedition loads I strap on it. The rear shock is still OEM. My last long 6 week trip to Canada was a great test trip for it.
My 06 KLR is my favorite bike because of all the changes I've been able to do to it. Some you can see in this picture. It won't run up front with the fast pack, but it will get me there in a reasonable time frame.
Oh, and I have had to rebuild the carb on the side of a mountain trail in Arkansas a few years back. (Silt sand in the fuel) Can't do that on a FE engine!
I've made a new taller tinted front windscreen for it since this picture and it really makes for a comfortable ride. Very little buffetting.
Been following your build since the beginning! Finally I have something to add.
Curt
I'm happy with my suspension.
The progressive front springs, emulators and fork brace really changed the bikes handeling.
It has a 450 lb rear spring upgrade for the expedition loads I strap on it. The rear shock is still OEM. My last long 6 week trip to Canada was a great test trip for it.
My 06 KLR is my favorite bike because of all the changes I've been able to do to it. Some you can see in this picture. It won't run up front with the fast pack, but it will get me there in a reasonable time frame.
Oh, and I have had to rebuild the carb on the side of a mountain trail in Arkansas a few years back. (Silt sand in the fuel) Can't do that on a FE engine!
I've made a new taller tinted front windscreen for it since this picture and it really makes for a comfortable ride. Very little buffetting.
Been following your build since the beginning! Finally I have something to add.
Curt
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Great looking KLR Curtis! Thanks for the feedback. Which coil springs did you use to upgrade the front and rear?
Curtis in Texas
Adventurer
The rear coil I used came from these guys!
http://www.hypercoils.com/
The part # for my 06 shock was 189A0450
It’s rated at 450 lbs and is a direct replacement for the earlier OEM Coils.
For the front forks I used the Progressive Fork Springs like these!
http://www.happy-trail.com/KLR650E/Progressive_Fork_Springs/KLR650E.aspx
Added the Gold Race Emulators to the springs
http://www.racetech.com/HTML_FILES/EMULATORGV.HTML
Had to cut the spacer down to work with the Emulators to this much.
It’s not a Motocross bike, but it soaks up the bumps like a higher end bike.
I can hit speed bumps without slowing down and barely know they are there.
Loaded or empty! Super comfortable on long rides.
Our ride on the Continental Divide Trail this time last summer I was the only one not complaining about the rough trails we were on.
http://www.hypercoils.com/
The part # for my 06 shock was 189A0450
It’s rated at 450 lbs and is a direct replacement for the earlier OEM Coils.
For the front forks I used the Progressive Fork Springs like these!
http://www.happy-trail.com/KLR650E/Progressive_Fork_Springs/KLR650E.aspx
Added the Gold Race Emulators to the springs
http://www.racetech.com/HTML_FILES/EMULATORGV.HTML
Had to cut the spacer down to work with the Emulators to this much.
It’s not a Motocross bike, but it soaks up the bumps like a higher end bike.
I can hit speed bumps without slowing down and barely know they are there.
Loaded or empty! Super comfortable on long rides.
Our ride on the Continental Divide Trail this time last summer I was the only one not complaining about the rough trails we were on.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Thanks!!! :drool:
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
3,500 mile report
Just a note about oil usage, some have complained of this on varying years of KLR's when used commuting on the super slab at speeds of 70+.
I'm at 3.5K on the odo (28AUG11) and the engine burns ZERO oil
Just a note about oil usage, some have complained of this on varying years of KLR's when used commuting on the super slab at speeds of 70+.
I'm at 3.5K on the odo (28AUG11) and the engine burns ZERO oil
Streakerfreak
Jan-Kee
In a year I will probably be upgrading to a larger bike. The KLR650 is on the top of my list.
Just read through your build for the first time and I trust your opinion on vehicles so now that you have had it for a few years what's your long term feeling about the bike? Very general question I know.
Just read through your build for the first time and I trust your opinion on vehicles so now that you have had it for a few years what's your long term feeling about the bike? Very general question I know.
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Dave Bennett
Adventurist
It's a great bike with unlimited potential, can go most anywhere and the only limitation I've found is my skill as a rider.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Rox bar risers and KTM Supermoto fender on the way! :box:
KTM part# 5030801020030
http://www.calmoto.com/SHOP/KTM/5030801020030.html
http://www.roxspeedfx.com/cgi-bin/cart/showitems.cgi?subcat_id=254
KTM part# 5030801020030
http://www.calmoto.com/SHOP/KTM/5030801020030.html
http://www.roxspeedfx.com/cgi-bin/cart/showitems.cgi?subcat_id=254
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
You are correct, because all I will have to do is pull my fuel rail, and clean the screens in each injector...lol.
FAW3
Adventurer
I think you will like the Kendas...I find them a great deal $ wise, long wearing, and easy to mount.
On the pavement I do similar pressures...handling is very good. Off road I drop down to about 20/20 and adjust - or + as needed.
Off road...in any form of mud or sand...you will appreciate the more aggressive tread design! I really thought the Kendas would be "overly knobby & too dirt" for my use...now I'm glad I went with the Kenda 270's even though my actual use is likely 60% street/ 40 trail at best.
On the pavement I do similar pressures...handling is very good. Off road I drop down to about 20/20 and adjust - or + as needed.
Off road...in any form of mud or sand...you will appreciate the more aggressive tread design! I really thought the Kendas would be "overly knobby & too dirt" for my use...now I'm glad I went with the Kenda 270's even though my actual use is likely 60% street/ 40 trail at best.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Yes, the Kendas have been great so far.
The risers made a HUGE difference in ergonomics/comfort for me (I'm 6'4) and are perfect for standing up with the stock handlebars. A major improvement.
The bike seemed more stable in the wind out on I-15 this morning at 80 mph with the KTM Supermoto fender cutting through the wind :bike_rider:
The risers made a HUGE difference in ergonomics/comfort for me (I'm 6'4) and are perfect for standing up with the stock handlebars. A major improvement.
The bike seemed more stable in the wind out on I-15 this morning at 80 mph with the KTM Supermoto fender cutting through the wind :bike_rider:
Curtis in Texas
Adventurer
My 06 KLR. Only 50 K Miles on it. I've been slacking this year.
And yes that is a Winchester in a Western Scabbard.
Getting ready for a little hunting trip.
I put 1 " bar risers on the triple tree and dropped the footpegs an inch and a half so I can stand or sit all day comfortably.
I repadded the seat so it's another 2 inches taller, plus the 450 lb rear spring really make the ride all loaded up easy.
I've done a lot of things to this bike over the years to get it tuned to fit me.
My favorite bike in the stable!
And yes that is a Winchester in a Western Scabbard.
Getting ready for a little hunting trip.
I put 1 " bar risers on the triple tree and dropped the footpegs an inch and a half so I can stand or sit all day comfortably.
I repadded the seat so it's another 2 inches taller, plus the 450 lb rear spring really make the ride all loaded up easy.
I've done a lot of things to this bike over the years to get it tuned to fit me.
My favorite bike in the stable!
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
That's a nice KLR! I never thought about dropping the footpegs, is there a kit for that?
Next up on my mod list is a Uni air filter and sub-frame bolt upgrade kit from Eagle Mike
:box:
Next up on my mod list is a Uni air filter and sub-frame bolt upgrade kit from Eagle Mike
:box: