Building a 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 for Overland Travel!
- Thread starter Dave Bennett
- Start date
Curtis in Texas
Adventurer
My KLR on the same CDR Trail, only a week ahead of Coop. (I think)
This was about 15 miles south of the Canadian Border.
My office, keeping up with the Ride Report uploads. Powered by my bikes battery!
Here's what it look like packed up. I carried only what I needed, nothing more. Wasn't realy happy with the size of the sleeping bag on the back. (big yellow bag)
I think I'm going to get a Big Agnes sleeping bag before my next big trip.
It doesn't look like it but my KLR was the lightest KLR on the ride. The guys I rode with boxed up a lot of stuff and shipped it home once we reached Canada. I just need to get some more compact stuff like the BA sleeping bag.
Spent 4 weeks on the saddle and had a blast. Wish I could have kept going.
This was about 15 miles south of the Canadian Border.
My office, keeping up with the Ride Report uploads. Powered by my bikes battery!
Here's what it look like packed up. I carried only what I needed, nothing more. Wasn't realy happy with the size of the sleeping bag on the back. (big yellow bag)
I think I'm going to get a Big Agnes sleeping bag before my next big trip.
It doesn't look like it but my KLR was the lightest KLR on the ride. The guys I rode with boxed up a lot of stuff and shipped it home once we reached Canada. I just need to get some more compact stuff like the BA sleeping bag.
Spent 4 weeks on the saddle and had a blast. Wish I could have kept going.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Nice trip! I know that feeling of wanting to just keep going... man I know that lust for the open road! :bike_rider:
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Yes indeed. :roost:
My KLR on the same CDR Trail, only a week ahead of Coop. (I think)
This was about 15 miles south of the Canadian Border.
My office, keeping up with the Ride Report uploads. Powered by my bikes battery!
Here's what it look like packed up. I carried only what I needed, nothing more. Wasn't realy happy with the size of the sleeping bag on the back. (big yellow bag)
I think I'm going to get a Big Agnes sleeping bag before my next big trip.
It doesn't look like it but my KLR was the lightest KLR on the ride. The guys I rode with boxed up a lot of stuff and shipped it home once we reached Canada. I just need to get some more compact stuff like the BA sleeping bag.
Spent 4 weeks on the saddle and had a blast. Wish I could have kept going.
With the lariat all set for some calf roping to boot.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Rode the KLR down the 15 and across the 79/371/74 up to Toro Peak on 7S02 last weekend - nothing better than a nice all day ride. Crappy iPhone pic
HMR
Rendezvous Conspiracy
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
AFSOC
Explorer
TACODOC, it was great reviewing your thread again. I'm glad you're still enjoying your KLR. I am in love with my gen II as well. That thing does everything I ask of it. I especially get a kick out of the detracters who criticize the "plastic" or the supposed heaviness compared to Gen 1s. When you continue to talk to them you'll find that most have never owned a KLR and few have ridden with them.
On Fathers Day I installed risers and a Zero Gravity doublebubble windshield from KLRDASH on my 2009. OMG, what a transformation. I commuted four days last week and was very pleased but reserved judgement until I spent some time on the highway. On Sunday I did a 140 miler on the highway...it's confirmed, this was the best addition I've made to the bike so far. Cut buffeting way way down. It doesnt create a pocket like a Goldwing but it does do a remarkable job of managing the air. The wind now hits me above the eyebrow level. I am not as tall as you and I ride a Corbin Dual so YMMV.
On Fathers Day I installed risers and a Zero Gravity doublebubble windshield from KLRDASH on my 2009. OMG, what a transformation. I commuted four days last week and was very pleased but reserved judgement until I spent some time on the highway. On Sunday I did a 140 miler on the highway...it's confirmed, this was the best addition I've made to the bike so far. Cut buffeting way way down. It doesnt create a pocket like a Goldwing but it does do a remarkable job of managing the air. The wind now hits me above the eyebrow level. I am not as tall as you and I ride a Corbin Dual so YMMV.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
What risers did you install? That's next on my list along with tires, I'm really liking the Mefo Explorers
AFSOC
Explorer
I got the risers from KLRDASH.com. I see that HT has released a version that they developed too but I have never seen them up close. I guess I am the typical stingey KLR owner because the Happy Trails riser, though fairly priced, was a little too rich for my blood compared to Lonny's risers at KLRDASH. From what I can tell from photos, I honestly prefer the KLRDASH riser design from a utility standpoint over the tubular HT design. My risers create a nice shelf for carrying my lunch or stuffing my gloves. From an appearance standpoint, the installed KLRDASH risers create a sort of rallye appearence where the HT risers almost mimic the look of a BMW GS.
To each his own but I couldn't more strongly endorse the KLRDASH riser. It is remarkable what a change it made to the bike's manners. I really think Kawasaki is missing the boat by not making some angular updates to the Gen2 fairing. It is still a new configuration to me, I haven't used it in every condition. I'll report pros and cons as they reveal themselves over time. I don't anticipate any negative results off road. The ZG windshield is just 2 inches taller than stock and the riser tips the top of the windscreen forward so it's actually further away from the rider's face. I did get a "light smoke" colored screen which may hinder my vision on technical trails (which I very seldom attempt).
WU7X
Snow on the Roof
Tires
I have several friends that have switched to the new Heidenau K60 scouts. They really like them. The sidewalls are very stiff, like my Michelin T-63's, so can be a pain in the ******** to pull in the field. Mileage is supposed to be exceptional with the K60's.
I had heard rumors that MEFOs were having problems with the tread spalling off the carcuss (sp?). Is there any truth to them?
I have several friends that have switched to the new Heidenau K60 scouts. They really like them. The sidewalls are very stiff, like my Michelin T-63's, so can be a pain in the ******** to pull in the field. Mileage is supposed to be exceptional with the K60's.
I had heard rumors that MEFOs were having problems with the tread spalling off the carcuss (sp?). Is there any truth to them?
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Good info, never heard of the Heidenau brand. After some searching I see a thread on ADV about the Mefo's... no bueno.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
My rear tire is getting pretty worn... any other KLR riders have any suggested tires not mentioned here already?
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
I am having good luck with the Shinko 700 series tires
I probably have 1000 miles on mine now. At this point I will be replacing them with the same. A little slippery in the deep mud, but what isn't? At least they were not scary. Road manners are very good. They seem to be wearing evenly. Price is very good.
I probably have 1000 miles on mine now. At this point I will be replacing them with the same. A little slippery in the deep mud, but what isn't? At least they were not scary. Road manners are very good. They seem to be wearing evenly. Price is very good.