Best products from r/klr650

Yeah it was a blast! Although there were definitely low points as well. I was 26/27 for the trip, currently 30. It was about 3 months on the road, but I also skipped almost all of N. America. Figured I can do that later, but South and Central America is changing daily. I think I did 12,000 miles total. I think I spent about 11k for the whole thing, 2500 for bike ('02 KLR, garage kept with only 3,000 miles) another 2000 for mods and equipment, and the rest on the road. You could do it cheaper if you wanted I ended up staying in hotels more often than camping, although the hotels were only about $10-15 a night so even that wasn't too much. Biggest expense ends up being fuel and paying for entry visas, insurance etc. Also I was originally planning on selling my bike at the end but got too attached and shipped it home, so that added another $900. I did go over budget but not by too much fortunately, my girlfriend helped me a little towards the end to finish up (which is why I had no hesitation to make her my wife)
As far as equipment, the most important thing is a bike (obviously!) that you feel comfortable on, you'll be spending a lot of time together. Otherwise I feel my best money spent was on a very good set of panniers. Also good country by country GPS databases were invaluable, but you can get those for free online. I'm a big fan of paper maps, but I have to say the GPS was a lifesaver. There's so much to talk about regarding what to get, and what NOT to bring, it's easy to pack too much. For now I'd focus on getting a good bike and in the mean time I highly recommend this book it's fairly general at times, but is a great place to start planning. I read it front to cover.

Anyway good luck and feel free to stay in touch, especially if you decide to go for it!

Height should be your biggest concern.

I'm 5'11", with kinda short legs, too. I couldn't ride this bike if it were any higher. You can get lowering links, and a different seat, and you should be OK - right about where I'm at, but it may never be "like a glove" comfortable.

It will totally get the city job done. Little box on the back, and you're good to go. When they hit potholes, and nearly lose it, you'll float over like nothing. Mine is a daily commuter and a weekend warrior. There is nothing this bike won't do "pretty ok".

Riding is riding. Unless you're trying to keep up with people doing 80+, you'll be just fine. The bike is as much fun as any other bike on the street at <60mph. I've ridden with groups of guys on harleys, groups of older guys on Can-Am and Goldwing trikes, adventure bike groups, groups of kids on dirtbikes, families on atvs, and in giant packs of streetbikes on weekend evenings.

Travelling far distance ... don't do it unless you're comfortable on a bike already. Riding for hours on end can play tricks with your concentration and whatnot. If you must, and you're not that experienced, plan on a 15-20 minute break for every hour riding. Just do it.

Here's some shit that I learned the hard way:

Change the oil/filters before you go, and check the plug. Check your air filter after 1000 miles of highway/trail. Plan your trip to avoid interstate. You will be much more relaxed on smaller highways, and you won't have as many trucks and their drafts to contend with. Calculate your gas mileage at every fillup. Little problems can show up as dropping mileage before they become big problems. Put some flat stop in your tubes. Give the tires a push check before starting every time. Bring rain riding gear, and hope you don't need it. Get a throttle lock. Either a good one or a cheap one. The KLR will vibrate your hands numb, you will need to get your hand off the bars for a bit. Wear a camelback water bag. A good GPS/phone mount that offers visibility without having to look away from the road is really nice when going through unfamiliar towns. Make sure you have a usb charger if you don't have a 12v socket. for your gps/phone on the bike. Carry extra cheap eye protection. One of those ATV seat pads can help if you get a sore ass easily. Don't beeline it to your destination - make a point to include a side-trip up a mountain or something as often as you can.

I think you'll end up liking the bike, and you'll end up going on that "adventure" ride sooner than you think :)

Lanesplitting is as easy as you want it to be, with no panniers. It starts to get hairy above 60, because after that the KLR just doesn't have the instant go that you need to zip through smaller spaces. So at those speeds, you're more like a cruiser bike. But at city speeds, once you've been in the saddle a few months, it feels really small in traffic.

I just made my first camping long road trip(1000miles) in march and had a great time. First let me say that nothing about a motot trip is comfortable. I have modded my KLR every which way and while it helped a lot it was still miserable at times. That being said I cant WAIT to do it again. SO WORTH IT.
This is in no way an official list, this is just MY list:

• TOOLS - Along with the KLR tool kit bring a socket for every major bolt as well as allen keys and Channel lock pliers big and small(imo)
  
• If you dont know how to remove\change a tire LEARN BEFORE YOU LEAVE
  
• Seat. I have a bony butt and have problems with long hours on the flat KLR seat. I tried several seats and ended up keeping the SeatConcepts commuter. The pan offered a variety of positions that would change pressure points and i stayed on the bike all day.
  
• Highway pegs to go with the seat.
  
• A proper windshield - I bought the KLRDash(love it, im 6'3") to mount charger and phone and it works really well with my medium Kawasaki windshield i got from the dealer
  
• Throttle lock - i have this and with a zip-tie it works great
  
• Some way to charge your stuff(i have a usb plug wired to my batt)
  
• Phone mount for gps
  
• Tank Bag- map, microfiber, chargers, snacks, knife, firearm(with proper licensing) ect..ect..
  
• I bought tusk panniers but there are a hundred ways to pack gear that don't require purchases
  
• A long cord lock of some sort to secure your gear. Sometimes you'll leave your bike and you cant bring all your stuff with you. i use a Walmart bike lock and honestly surprised i haven't lost any gear lol
  
• EAR PLUGS - Headphones are nice, helmet Bluetooth is better but there are just some times when NO noise is the best noise
  
• Prepare for colder temperatures than you're expecting. I've only had to make this mistake once lol
  
• bring a qt of oil and check your levels OFTEN.
  
  Nice-to-haves:
  
• 16t front sprocket
  
• Proper tires for terrain you expect to encounter
  
• lowered pegs(if needed)
  
• handlebar risers(if needed)

Found some old BMW touring boots at a second-hand leather place for $40 a couple years ago. That was total luck so not helpful to you. But off-roading proved it was a matter of time before the bike landed on my feet somehow, so I went and ordered these Forma Adventure boots. Love 'em. Great protection and comfort, and super well made. Had ordered some MX boots prior but I felt like I was ready for space missions with those.

Gloves, try them on if you can. If not, maybe order a few pair at a time 'til you find a winner. I have some winter Triumph gloves that get me through the cold months.

For your neck, as stated already, a thin balaclava is the best option. It works.

I'm not very mechanically inclined myself so I had a friend do it with me, but we simply laid the bike on it's side and used a good sized power drill. I'm confident you could perform this wherever your bike is currently and with a powerful enough drill (maybe rent one?) and a tap and die tool. There are some really good videos out there to help. I like this one

Definitely look into what size threads you currently have before ordering a kit, they are specific to the size plug you currently have and I believe the thread pitch. If it helps, the kit I have is this

I have the kawasaki / KLR650 specific tank bag - this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-KLR650-Tank-Bag-Black/dp/B00G3EZWIM

I know people make fun of OEM bags but honestly I like it because it fits the bike perfectly. It's very easy to attach (uses clips), fits around the gas lid so you can refill without removing it, can be expanded to fit a ton of stuff or kept smaller for lighter loads, has a map pocket on top (I prefer a paper map to a GPS for riding so I actually do like this), a few little internal compartments, etc.

The only thing bad about it is that I can't really stand on the pegs when it is fitted because it is a bit wide and interferes with my legs. I mean, I can stand up, but not the way I normally would. Good for long distance highway travel or exploring on pavement and gravel; not so good for pretending I'm on a dirt bike and hitting the trails.

That color is eye popping...in a good way. Beautiful! When it comes time to add the milk crate I highly recommend this one from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078Z3KG6V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really like that it folds down so it is less conspicuous and less wind resistance when you don't need to carry anything. Also makes a very sizable flat surface which you can set your helmet and gloves on safely. Pair it with a good elastic cargo net and you can easily carry two full bags of groceries in it and more. They make an even larger size but this one has been quite adequate for me. I use it pretty much every day for errands and grocery shopping around town.

I've mounted mine in a way that is quite secure but the crate can be removed in about two minutes and replaced with something more suitable for off road, when that is necessary.

I may catch some flak for posting one this cheap, but I bought it and it's done a good job so far (granted it's only been a little over a month). It's kept the bike clean and dry through a handful of thunderstorms and some crazy wind including a few tornado warnings (in the area, I didn't get hit but the sirens were going off and the wind/rain was crazy). The cover kept it dry, and sees to do a good job protecting the bike from the sun (again only time will tell).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FS33C3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It remains to be seen how well it will hold up long term but for the price I'm willing to give it a shot. Very impressed it didn't rip anywhere during those high winds. Fits the bike very well!

Hey, congrats on the new bike! I've got a 2014 as well, and this is the case I have on mine. It's lockable and big enough to fit a jacket, groceries, tools, etc. Once unlocked and you are home, it comes off the back easily to be carried inside. You'll have to drill some holes to mount the base, but it's not that big of a deal. Good luck, brother!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SGZ93D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SREP4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Did this to mine last month, worked great. Don't forget red loctite on the helicoils

Edit: and a 21/64" drill bit to clean out the old threads

Shoutout to /u/MetaKLR for telling me about this

Sure thing, here ya go.

On my '93 rear rack, two of the holes lined up perfectly – I only had to drill two more to get it mounted securely.

I can't say for sure but it looks like the standard ATV one that a lot of us have. ~$20 on Amazon. It improves my comfort for sure, but it's still not a great solution if you're uncomfortable on the stock seat.

MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JMK7N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NfUqDbWACFVJA

If you want something cheap, my KLR came with this when I had it. It's not 100% waterproof but can survive downpoors pretty well.

Dude these are what I got, and they are SWEET.
http://www.amazon.com/IMS-293116-4-Black-Foot-Pegs/dp/B007S12QDS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464560603&sr=8-1&keywords=klr650+ims+pegs

I would call them a SUPERIOR product. I'm a complete cheap-skate too and I do not regret the purchase at all. They are sturdy as fuck.

I've been moto-camping for awhile with some pretty good/compact gear. I got [this](https://ironhorsegear.com/products/2-tent) tent because it packs down to a little bigger than a football (7"x7"x14.5") and weighs approx 6.5 lbs. The tent poles are all strung together (the rain fly pole attaches to the top) and it is really easy to set up. I love that I can pull back the rainfly as far as I want and "sleep under the stars".

[This](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFGX6D8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) sleeping bag packs down to about the same size as the tent and only weight 3.5 lbs!

I also have a [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4B3ZVS/ref=twister_B07P6WY3MH?_encoding=UTF8&th=1) sleeping pad because the bag is not too fluffy.

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[Here's](https://imgur.com/RbWhdPU) a pic of my big bike loaded up for a week long trip thru the Blue Ridge/Smokies and Appalachians, notice my buddies Harley, while I got room for a rider or cooler if necessary.

[Here's](https://imgur.com/GC04eLO) the tent with the rain fly pulled back, that's my KLR in the background.

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The bag is rated to 25F but I've only used for fall/spring riding in the Southeast and winter in Florida.

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Edit: What happened to hiding the links?!

I have the MadDog GearComfort seat protector
Did 10 hours straight and my legs more sore than arse. Also did a few weeks in the Australian outback with it. It is great, and hasn't been removed since. My bike is ridden hard and put away wet regularly, so far it hasn't got any tears or started fraying. It also doesn't hold to much moisture which surprised me, that said you will end with a slightly wet pants if get rained on... but the KLR is an adventure bike after all.

https://www.amazon.com.au/MadDog-GearComfort-Ride-Seat-Protector/dp/B006JMK7N8

This also looks the same thing just with a different name
https://aussieoutdoorgear.com.au/coleman-atv-quad-bike-seat-protector/

A guy on here told me about it https://www.amazon.com/Emgo-72-32440-Travel-Trunk/dp/B000GVD0VE $65 locks to the bike plenty of room I love it

https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-atvmotorcycle-lift-60536.html

Totally worth the money, wish I wouldn't of waited so long to get it.

Here's the fork springs I got https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-11-1506-Polished-Spring/dp/B000GUWOGM

I’ve had pretty good luck with this atv seat cover:
https://www.amazon.com/MadDog-GearComfort-Ride-Seat-Protector/dp/B006JMK7N8/ref=asc_df_B006JMK7N8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167152578177&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11427560211102240151&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001928&hvtargid=pla-305855884069&psc=1

The straps required a bit of easy modification to negotiate the plastics on my gen 2. Iirc, I had to cut the buckles off the middle straps and use a bit of cord to lash then together under the seat. It ends up not being a 2 second take on/off thing like I imagined it would be, but I don’t mind leaving it on all the time.

I’ve also found that what I’m wearing makes a huge difference comfort-wise... any seam stitched into the ass of your pants, you’re going to feel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GUWOGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_1h3FANq7EfKtB


Instructions are unclear on most places, but if you cut the spacer tubes to 2.5-3" and put 12-13 oz of 15wt fork oil it works great.

Here yah go it's not gel but it helps. MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JMK7N8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W6RTzb2T7HNJT

Does that rear stand lift the rear wheel? Which one do you have? I've been looking for one for me 06.

Edit:

• You should get some new foot pegs if you're going to take it off road. The stock one become too slippery when you're wet and muddy. These should fit. http://www.amazon.com/IMS-293116-4-Black-Foot-Pegs/dp/B007S12QDS/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t
  

Reduces vibration and increases firmness and comfort imo

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006JMK7N8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492037816&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=motorcycle+seat+pad&dpPl=1&dpID=41RtB1TR07L&ref=plSrch

This one?

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Comfort-Ride-Seat-Protector/dp/B006JMK7N8