KLR upgrades for using the bike off road
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- čas přidán 12. 01. 2017
- Here are upgrades I have done to the KLR. Its not really strong enough or set up for off roading off the show room floor. It had some major issues that will need addressing before you can rely on it.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
![KAWASAKI KLR 650 UPGRADES AND MODS [Part 2]](/img/n.gif)
That's a good looking KLR
I love the idea of an extra clutch cable ready in place to swap out. Excellent! I'll follow your lead on the new Himalayan. 👍
BEST mods i've ever seen... CONGRATS !!
Bike looks great - I've done quite a bit to mine but seeing your video made me realize I have a ways to go. First off will be to remove that rear sub-funder and mount the plate up higher like you have. Love the camo!
Awesome set up 👍 I like it a lot!
Beautifull bike JJ!
Hi JJ. Thanks for spending time sharing your bike and gear you have put on to make it better
Stay safe cheers
No problem..
Beautiful bike!
Great video, looks like I've got a few things to work on, thanks for sharing!
Great video to base an upgrade program on, informed by lots of offroad experience. Thanks.
Thanks for the comments.. I try to make the info as accurate as I can from my experience, then others can take it for what it is, and use it themselves.
Wao those Dunlop d606 looks soo sick!
Awesome looking bike for sure. I've had 2 in the last 8 years all done up similar to yours. Only failure I have had with mine was the rack and sub frame failure. 2 times my sub frame had welds crack. Because of the excess vibration of a hard box and riding endlessly on bumpy forest service roads. For anyone looking at such a luggage box. Yes they are handy but if doing a lot of forest roads, go soft bags. Its not if it happens it is guaranteed to happen sooner of later.
I like the camo graphics.
Wao that KLR looks sick!
i love my klr. 32-34L safari tank. easy 650ks between fill ups travelling around australia was flawless single up. 14t and 17t front sprockets can take you anywhere.
Damn, That is a nice bike.
Great presentation big thumbs up
Great video and it looks like you’ve made some great mods to your bike !
digging that top box case!
Cheers, cheap, rugged and reliable.
Nice, I just bought the same Camo KLR 2 days ago.
You will have a lot of fun riding and modifying it.
Great idea on the rack
I must say, your bike looks great. Always been a fan of the digital camo! I have a 08 red silver n black with just under 40,000 miles here in Pa, US. Has been reliable as a hammer! Ive watched your build since you got your bike and you have the most tricked out klr ive ever seen, nice! Also, ive had my lexx for 8 years and maybe 30,000 miles and she is still black and never did a repack! Maybe just got lucky! Lol Happy adventures!
One thing i have never done yet is the suspension. I find it OK. I would like an adjustable spring/shock on the back for when you carry a load.
@@jjsadv Gotcha! Ive been wanting to put progressive fork springs in since i bought the bike but must not be too soft cause ive had the bike for 9 years! Lol
excellent the best motorcycle to travel
I’ve been riding drs for about 16 years and looking at the klr, you have great mods but you must have done the suspension anyway thanks for the vid 👍😎
I havent touched the suspension. the 2016 onwards has a lot better suspension than the prior years. Once its worn out I will look at it if I still have this bike
Tks for video. Just got a 2018. Looking to run it down in Busso region. Will get it broken in over the next weeks then throw on the mods. Seems engine guard is item one for most riders
About the end of your video. I had a flat on my Triumph Tiger 1050 and had only a BMW tool kit. Everything in there worked on the Triumph. I had to check the kit to be sure and BMW was written all over it like a kids back pack and lunch box with an over protective mom.
Probly run bike hard like it... just bought 2011 klr650 2,000 km I’ll be riding her hard too I’m bc not the Australia out back would be epic !
Thanks for the advice
thanks for this video. I really like the spare clutch cable idea.
I'm still pissed off by your Kawasaki dealer!
Steve yeh, but now I fixed it all myself I have confidence in the bike. Before I didn't know what would fall off next. I haven't been back in their store.
Was it the Kawasaki dealer in Midland mate?
Great idea threading an additional clutch cable through , incase yours breaks. I agree with the other comment that cleated foot pegs are essential upgrade......l and I also put a tusk gear shifter on, which is 10 mm longer and has a retractable peg incase the bike goes down. The additional 10 mm makes shifting much more comfortable.
Thanks
Patrick Stancil thanks. I fitted pivot pegs a few months ago. Didn’t have an issue with the factory ones, but the pivot pegs seem ok.
Just beautiful. I ride a KTM 640 but the KLR tickles me fancy. This is a good example of what i have in mind for a future bike.
Its simple and robust, but nothing like a KTM. You really need about 5 bikes to cover the range of riding available.. I am working on the Mrs to fill in the blanks, but not getting to far.. Every time I buy a bike it costs me a new kitchen, or bathroom or something..
Bad ass bike Mate! Watch out for those funnel spiders hiding in your riding gear!
haha, they are only in Sydney :)
nice machine man
Thanks heaps
Nice group of upgrades, I would make a priority of changing the factory foot pegs out for some heavy duty metal cleats, other than that you look set to go. I wonder what your bike weighs with a tank of petrol?
nivek663 will change them out one day. Never had an issue with the factory ones. Weighs a lot loaded up for camping etc. with rider probably 300kgs but when just around town or day trips it's just close to stock weight.
Nice bike , one thing I’d change is the foot pegs , the rubber ones are awful when wet.
Aussie engineering, Nuthin beats it! Nice mods mate👍
except kiwi engineering
I keep coming back to this video for more ideas for my KLR!! I think you said in a later video that you are running standard jetting - so rather than a 150 main you would be running a 145? Im currently running a 145 and you always get the feeling the bike is running borderline too lean.
I actually dont remember the size, but I am the same, I think its boarder line lean.
I love the klr. But it needs 10hp power more? Re-do for 2021
Thanks for the video. Just wondering if your barkbusters hit your front fairing and windscreen when you turn your handlebars all the way left or right. I am in the process of upgrading my bike for dirt and noticed a lot of people put on handle bar risers and a windshield uprighter to overcome this problem. Just wondering your thoughts. I just put on Zeta handguards and am having this issue.
dont have risers, and they do just hit, but it hasnt been an issue. If I had risers I think it would become an issue.
Hi JJ. Can you tel us what the side cases are? You mentioned that they were cheaper than Pelican and had a metal bar inside for mounting, but didn't say what they were. (And, forgive me if this is a question you've already answered.)
Your klr650 is awesome! I just got one 3 weeks ago. Getting the offroad stuff as we speak. Hopefully it looks as good as yours. Nice work! BTW ,what tires are you running? Those look good!
hey are the Dunlop D606. I have been all over outback Oz solo, and I trust them as much as you can trust a tyre. Wear pretty well. If you pump them up hard on the tar, they wear pretty well also.
Does the stock generator handle all those outlets? Or did you upgrade the power supply somehow?
Love your Bike, That's the Best Colour Combo in my opinion- I have the Old Tengai, Still Runs Well, Looks Sh#t though- Good Vid- -Cheers👍😀
Thanks, yep its a never ending work in progress.. labor of love..
@@jjsadv love of labour... diy... cheers from kiwi land
Did the Gibb River Road with dome mates a while back, I had a DR650 some of the guys had KLRs they had issues with the radiator breaking pipes onto the rad. Heard of that?
Benny Fitz with the standard radiator yes I have heard of issues. Mainly with bad corrugations . An aftermarket radiator fixes the issue.
My same fuel filter just like that caused more problems than it solved, just my two cents. Are you considering putting a 320 mm FRONT BRAKE (EBC) w E. MIKE's caliber relocator.. I can't say enough, yes you need to relearn to even use less front brake. Along with Stainless Steal
I know about the perceived or real issues with a fuel filter. I havent seen any of these at this time, but I do carry a hose to remove the filter if I have to. I have had more issues with sand getting into the carby, caused me trouble half way across the desert to Ayres Rock. I added a filter to the slide breather as well. The hose that is under the seat.
The KLR brakes are only just good enough, but they work. I know about the upgrades, and some people like them, others dont think the trouble is worth it. I guess you dont know until you try it.
What are the grip covers called? Also I noticed my hands are still vibrating after I shut the bike off because I have no bar end weights. How well do those bar end weights perform?
Its just cricket bat handle rubber off ebay. I didnt have Bar ends on for ages, after I put the bark busters on. I cant really say there is a big difference with them or not. I have a lot of things bolted to the bars, I think they might soak up a lot of the vibrations.
Hey mate
Just a question about your pelican case. Where did you buy it and how much was it. Cheers ken
It was from the local hardware store (Bunnings), they were around $40 Australian each. The brand was "Craftsman" from memory.
One thing you missed. Gotta ditch those rubber foot pegs because they will get you hurt if wet.
It doesnt rain here.. its mainly desert :)
I havent had any trouble with them, but I am looking at changing them one day.
Rubber foot pegs? They'd be slippery as hell in wet or muddy terrain. Can also replace the stock gear shifter with the longer Tusk shifter, much easier to shift with boots.
I really want to pick up an adventure bike. But after watching a few of yall talk about your bikes. Im getting the vibe its a bottomless money pit. Especially on the mid sized adventures like the cb500x or klr. With the honda, its not really an adventure bike. But can be fixed with the rally raid upgrades. Well shit. Thats 3 grand without installation cost. By the time your done there you could have purchased an africa twin. Seems the same with the klr. Dohickey, crash bars, skid plates, better lighting, battery upgrade, new bolts. I dont know. I guess it comes with the territory.
Like a lot of things, you can buy a bike and ride it around, or you can make it a thing. and change everything known to man, and add every accessory..:)
I modified my KLR to be as reliable as possible as I ride solo and very remote at times. I wanted to take out as many weak points as possible.
@@jjsadv I hear you man. Thats why im leaning towards the klr over everything else. Im finding with other bikes, you have to throw a massive amount of money at them to get them anywhere near the starting point of the klr.
What bolt did you use to plug the holes after removing the carb heater?
I cant remember the exact size, but it was a common metric thread.
I have the same bike, I think off the showroom floor it was too basic, too many upgrades needed. too costly. It would have been cheaper and easier if I spent the money on a mistress.
Maybe, a mistress can get pretty expensive in Australia ;)
Just depends what kind of ride you’re after really.
Nothing wrong with basic! Thats why everyone likes them. Mines never been to the shop in the 9 years n 40,000 miles ive owned her, and as reliable as a hammer! I can work on it, cant say that for alot of other bikes!
Is it very top heavy? I say on a adventure bike (Aprillia I think, maybe a Suzuki) it was pretty large, a 650.
Stuff stuff and More stuff not if you pack it correctly, I would put the Heavy stuff in the panniers that are lower. . I sometime put fuel on top of the tail box if I don't have the panniers on, this will make it more top Heavy. You just have to ride appropriately.
JJ thanks for the reply. And good to know
How about the front and rear shocks? Thx Tony
I have found the 2016 OK as far as that goes, but they will be upgraded once they need work on them.
You've probably been asked this a bunch of times but what are your thoughts on needing the doohickey done on the new KLR's? Needed or no?
I think on the older ones it was a issue. But the newer ones have a better doohicky. I have seen quite a few posts where the torsion spring breaks as well.
I havent changed mine, and I havent had any issues so far.
@@jjsadv That's great to hear. How many miles/kilometers are on your bike now? Safe riding! Cheers from Idaho!
What about suspension ?
Front sw motech bags were did you get them from a swell as front fender bag bike looks sick
They are SW Motech as well. Picked them up at a Bike Accessories shop locally.
@@jjsadv can you recommend bike shop around about how much please
I can remember how much I paid, but I got them from here in Perth
www.motorradgarage.com.au/
@@jjsadv thanks heaps
have you considered boring it out to a 705 or 719 to add some extra power to help it in the sand? Personally I'm eying up a larger piston to help it in the soft stuff
Nah, maybe when its worn out. It has enough power. I need range more than anything else, so economy is paramount. There isnt a lot of fuel in out back Australia.
Fair enough, I've got my KLR in peru and I'm getting her geared up for Bolivia with the same problem (rarely any fuel stops) but that mid-range to upper end for me needs a bit more ooomph... otherwise perfect bike for me
JJ what's your jetting setup after you changed it back?
Pilot Jet a #40
main Jet a #150
my stock jets were 145 main and 40 pilot. I used to average about 330-360kms before flipping to reserve. I recently put it in to have a jet kit installed and they gave it back spluttering from 1200rpm to 3000rpm. I suspected the pilot jet they put in wasnt suitable and they tried saying it was the derestricted slide that was the cause. I took it back to them and told them to fix it now I'm getting 90kms out of $10 petrol which is woeful. I'll prolly got an eagle mike klx needle I hear good results from those for both a power bump and economy. The retards at the bike shop put some Factory Pro kit in (I've never heard of them)
I'm gonna order that Pelican case on the top rack. Is yours a 20 or 22? It appears to be the perfect size. Model # would be great, thanks.
Its not a pelican brand, so I am not sure what those numbers represent? Inches across?
@@jjsadv Yeah that would be of great help. Across and heigth if you could. I really appreciate it. Your bike is done perfectly.
@@christian1127 www.ebay.com.au/itm/Craftright-515-x-435-x-225mm-Large-Safe-Case-/291989929595
Thank you for taking the time to show me.
@@jjsadv what size are the panniers please?
really nice bike, but how much does it cost to make it like this? all these stuffs seems to be expensive as hell
Capote Fond De i don't keep a tally. I do as much as I can myself. I guess a few 1000 all up. But if you got a dealer to do it you could x 5
JJ in my country, the gps + your luggage worth a good thousand
Capote Fond De i made both the gps and the luggage myself. I only bought the frames. The boxes cost $40 each.
The gps was made out of surplus display I had from work. Yes others may have to buy a cheap tablet. I bought the mapping software. It cost $40 aud.
JJ I m not even mad, that's amazing! you got some serious skills man
What kind of side pannier system is that?
Its SW Motech bars and the rest is home brew Pelican style cases.
What racking system did you use and where did you get the mounting brackets for the cases?
The only thing I bought was the SW-Motech frames. I likes them as with a few 1/4 turn fasteners you can remove them. The rest I made myself.
But you have to strengthen the rack at the rear. Its pathetically weak. I wouldn't take a KLR anywhere remote without doing this.
@@jjsadv have you thought about doing tutorials? Not from scratch because you've already done it but pull things apart and explain how you did it step by step and what tools you used etc? I think quite a few people would be interested in that.
@@MASTURBIKER If you look through the channel I have videoed quite a few of the mods. I dont do it step by step, i presume that viewers have some level of mechanical ability. If I had to do it step by step it would take a lot longer.
From stock to your version, how much did all the upgrades end up costing?
Steve Boyle I didn't keep a tally, but I did most of it myself, and sourced what I could from things I had. I would say 3k Australian for the parts. No labour or time in that. It would cost a lot more than that if you bought everything normal price and paid someone to do it. Maybe 10k if you did it this way.
Thanks for the quick response. I'm thinking about buying a dual sport bike (my first of any kind) and the KLR seems to be about the right size and have the potential to do anything I'm currently considering.
Steve Boyle the KLR is the best off the floor. The DR is also good but you have to spend more money. I did more than probably what is required for normal off road riding. I set it up for extreme/remote off road. Ie across Australia via the centre. I just couldn't have any issues. Been a good bike, except the issue I had after the dealer got hold of it.
I see the Trimble Ready sticker, what is that for?
It’s just a sticker.
@@jjsadv i work for Trimble so I am happy to see it :)
Have you ever dropped the bike? If so how did the hard cases hold up? Have you thought about top loading cases on the sides, why did you pick the side loading cases? I've just bought a 2019 KLR and have so many questions hahaha
Yes, dropped it plenty. Didnt harm the cases, just a few scuff marks. Yes thought about top loading cases, but this is what the hardware shop had, they were a good price, given i expect to break a few and need to replace them. Keep asking questions, I have done most things 3 times now getting to what is the best for me..
From stock the sub frame and the rear rack is to up to the task. The bolts on the rack would break if you sneezed on them. I rebuilt mine with bigger high tensile bolts all round, drilled what I could right through and used bolts and nuts, and replaced all the plastic in the rack with 3/8 inch alloy. Never broken a thing since. Before that I would break a bolt of 2 every ride, even when I didnt drop it.
@@jjsadv it's great that you finally got it right and can pass on your wisdom! Thanks for sharing mate, appreciate it!
@@MASTURBIKER Haha you never get it right.. There is always something to do better.. Half the fun of a bike like the KLR, its always a work in progress..
I would like to change out the front screen, to a more upright one. And the mirrors to the double take ones made with Ram mounts.
@@jjsadv I've seen those ram mount ones, apparently they are pretty good! There's a sight I think it's called KLRDASH they make an upright mount for tall windscreens and a dash piece that fits above the standard dash that you can add switches, recharge points, gauges etc..
How did you shorten the side stand
Just cut the foot off, cut some off and welded the foot back on. Have a look here czcams.com/video/UzDjYZXY0zU/video.html
2022 KLR ?
Suspensions mods/upgrades? Fork brace?
Keyboard Dancers no the suspension is factory. The later models are ok. Not perfect but good enough. I have never had any issues so far. But I will improved it when the time comes.
There's upgrades and then there's Aussie-level upgrades .
hello, what tyre size have you installed in the rear wheel??
Standard size
130/80-17
JJ hey thanks.... and what brand/model????
victor rolon Dunlop 606. They are knobby and last pretty well. Even on the Tarmac. The Pirelli MT21 is nearly identical. The Dunlop probably lasts a bit better but has slightly less grip on the tar.
JJ thanks for the info!!!
I’m about to buy a 2018 0km KLR650, is there anything I should be genuinely concerned about? Like the doohickey or burning an unhealthy amount of oil and such?
2018 will be fine. Most things are improved or fixed. never had any issues with mine. (so far) at 25,000 Kms
Why didn't you just get gel grips?
ConditionRed don't know? Didn't need them? Never seen a bike with them to know if I would like them. If they are squishy I don't think I would like them.
Will have to take a look at them.
JJ I saw someone on here that used them. Makes sense that gel reduces vibration. Even on a 30 minute ride my entire right hand would get sore! I've installed them but have yet to use them. They don't seem very squishy at all though
JJ they are called progrip 714 bk on amazon
Cool mods..make bike look nicer with camo..
Subscribe..
What model year is this KLR?
2016.
I've put 800km and that front tool tube would have been trashed 3 times.
Thought Challenger why?
@@jjsadv logs and a rock
@@keenanleetodd OK, never had an issue. PVC is pretty tough, and if I did break it, for a $1 I just replace it. Its a pretty common place to stick one.
Congrats, lotsa thoughtful mods, but....rubber pegs?.......really?.............
Rubber pegs got me every were I wanted to go. Just because you think metal pegs are cool, doesn’t mean rubber pegs stop working.
BTW. That were changed to pivot pegs years ago.
hows looks klr wich newer out from workshop.
All those mods and you didn't think it was necessary for fork tube brace taking it out back??? That's usually one of the first mods...
Dwight Bernheimer nope. Never had an issue. And I can’t see why it would be a first mod? I have thought about it, but wondered why when I have no issues.
@@jjsadv Fair Dinkum? every video I've ever seen where a guy took the KLR for some serious off-road at speed put some kind of brace you're the first guy I've heard of that never had a problem. Maybe cuz those other guys are running at higher speeds thanks a bunch I knew there had to be a reason. Cheers mate
Dwight Bernheimer I have only seen them fitted in images on the internet. I have ran into people way off road that don’t have them. I spend all my time very remote and hasn’t had an issue.
Not saying they wouldn’t help. Maybe I should get one??
@@jjsadv Thank you so much for getting back to me. General consensus is Fork tubes are a little weak, small on KLR I guess that's why they use a brace. At almost 80 years old I ride a smaller bike off road now Almost 3 a.m. Friday morning in Glendale Arizona I'm going to get some sleep. I'll be looking for your videos. Thank you
The later versions have bigger forks. But maybe not big enough.
What wrap did you put on the grips??? I couldn't understand what you said. Can you say it again in American? lol!
tomthomsen11 haha. Cricket bat handle covering. It's probably the same as base ball handle covering.
Wow, quick response! Okay, so over here, we wrap our bat handle area with friction tape. Looks like electrical tape but it's not shiny and it is sticky on both sides of the tape. I use it to wrap my clutch and brake levers (old motocross trick). Did you like the cricket bat covering?
tomthomsen11 worked well. It's still on there.
Okay good! Will try to find some online. You seem to be really cool and knowledgeable. If you make it to Southern California, you have a place to stay!
tomthomsen11 cheers. I travel to the us quite a bit for work. Mainly to Colorado, but the next trip I have Hawaii on the list as well.
The owner is long winded. Fix that too 🤣
If you call explaining what I have done, and giving that info away for free so others can use it, long winded.. I guess you're right. :)
To heavy for serious off road. Damn thing weighs 500 pounds!
mmm. I take mine off road all the time.. driven it across Australia and up to the north of Western Australia off road.. Ots not a skinny bike, never will be.. but its perfect for an off road tourer.
The best upgrade is a f800gs