awesome story im glad you finally listened to me and rode that thing.and yes the brakes really do suck.thanks for the nice words on riding skill.means alot.your friend jeff
I have a 2003 that I’ve had since brand new. I’ve ridden across the US on it, and to Alaska, and ridden some of the most difficult of Colorado’s mountain passes. I upgraded to Progressive springs in the forks, and changed to EBC pads with Tusk brake rotors. I mechanically maintain it meticulously, and it’s still going strong at 60,000 miles. I recommend getting rid of the high fender and putting a UFO low fender on it. That reduces getting pushed around on the highway by wind. I’ll never sell this bike! It’s like a tank:it’s not the fastest thing on wheels, but if the operator has the right skills, it’ll get you where you want to go!
I have a Honda XR150L Bone stock, even the tires. I love it for our gravel roads which is about as much adventure as my soon to be 62 year old self wants. Considered a KLR but I'm not sure if I really need one. Great video.
I’d rather spend that kind of money on a KLR than 10k on a new Dual Sport. With little to no experience off roading, it just makes more sense. At least to me. The KLR seems to be the go to bike for folks like myself precisely because of how welcoming and forgiving it can be. Great video! Happy New Year! 🎉
I too bought a cheap Klr in 2017 for $1,700. A 2006 that had 14,100 miles on it at the time. I have done every upgrade that is known to the Klr, including racks, crash bars, etc. and army ammo cans for panniers. I figure I have probably spent around $2,500 on the upgrades, so that makes the total about $4,200. I have put over 21,000 miles on it on parts of the TAT, going back and forth to Colorado trout fishing and riding around out there and camping on the various creeks. All that said, that’s pretty cheap entertainment if you ask me.
Im in the same boat as well. I got more money in parts and mods than what I paid for the bike. This winters project has been a custom front rally fairing and rebuilding / upgrading the suspension. Tinkering on it and keeping this thing running has taught me so much about working on bikes. When it dies I'll just swap the parts onto the next Gen 1 I can get my hands on.
Great riding! There is a dude somewhere here on YT who has helmet cam footage of him racing his Gen1 KLR off road. He flies past guys on modern dirt bikes. It really is the rider more than the bike.....So I'm slow on anything lol.
The big brake kit is an essential mod IMO, one of the first things i did like 20 years ago. It's a bigger rotor and adapter, uses the stock caliper and lets you modulate right up to full lock with one finger. The tiny stock rotor is a joke.
Hell yeah. I'm currently piloting a 3rd gen KLR. I had a 2012 and 2018 before. Selling them was a hufe mistake. My goal is to do over 100,000 miles on my 2024 and get it on video
Just bought my klr 650C ( Europe only) for 1300€ , plus some more for parts. I want to do what you're doing, but European style ! Keep up the nice content. Cheers from Greece.
Yep,as us archers say, "It's never the bow, it's always the archer." Likewise, it's never the bike, it's always the rider. The KLR is, has been ans always will be a great ADV bike to those who know how to ride it.
20% bike 80% rider. Cheap bikes are waaay more fun than a shiny new one. No worries if you drop it and you feel quite smug even hanging with a new bike let alone doing more : )
I had a 01 KLR650 I did 50k miles on it in 2 yrs and I have a 1994 KLX650c I just did a top end on with 52k miles on it.. They do get the job done and they don't let you down....
My pannier bags are just $25 dry bags that are attached with Rok straps. Actually a really good setup and fully water proof. Hurts a lot less when you crash and wreck one.
@trekandthrottle i got a yamaha xt660x with 50/50 tyres. soft used givibags and a duffelbag on top Diy footpegs and skidplate Cost me about 2800 dollar
awesome story im glad you finally listened to me and rode that thing.and yes the brakes really do suck.thanks for the nice words on riding skill.means alot.your friend jeff
I have a 2003 that I’ve had since brand new. I’ve ridden across the US on it, and to Alaska, and ridden some of the most difficult of Colorado’s mountain passes. I upgraded to Progressive springs in the forks, and changed to EBC pads with Tusk brake rotors. I mechanically maintain it meticulously, and it’s still going strong at 60,000 miles. I recommend getting rid of the high fender and putting a UFO low fender on it. That reduces getting pushed around on the highway by wind. I’ll never sell this bike! It’s like a tank:it’s not the fastest thing on wheels, but if the operator has the right skills, it’ll get you where you want to go!
Well said! You nailed it on all fronts! Your end statement really captures the essence of the KLR..."simplicity really is the key to adventure."
I bought a new KLR650S in 2023 and I love it of course. I have an 1100 V-Star also, but I spend most of my time on my KLR. I enjoyed your video.
Yea my KLR is definitely the daily driver. There's just something about these bikes.
Really great video. Love my KLR as well. I love your footage and your take on in. Thanks for sharing.
The KLR is a total Legend. I might just get another one. Cheers!
I have a Honda XR150L Bone stock, even the tires. I love it for our gravel roads which is about as much adventure as my soon to be 62 year old self wants. Considered a KLR but I'm not sure if I really need one. Great video.
My first bike was a Honda, never had to do any work on it. They make great bikes.
I’d rather spend that kind of money on a KLR than 10k on a new Dual Sport. With little to no experience off roading, it just makes more sense. At least to me. The KLR seems to be the go to bike for folks like myself precisely because of how welcoming and forgiving it can be. Great video! Happy New Year! 🎉
Great points, the love of old dual sports cannot be dimmed. Subbed to see what happens next!
I too bought a cheap Klr in 2017 for $1,700. A 2006 that had 14,100 miles on it at the time. I have done every upgrade that is known to the Klr, including racks, crash bars, etc. and army ammo cans for panniers. I figure I have probably spent around $2,500 on the upgrades, so that makes the total about $4,200. I have put over 21,000 miles on it on parts of the TAT, going back and forth to Colorado trout fishing and riding around out there and camping on the various creeks. All that said, that’s pretty cheap entertainment if you ask me.
Im in the same boat as well. I got more money in parts and mods than what I paid for the bike. This winters project has been a custom front rally fairing and rebuilding / upgrading the suspension. Tinkering on it and keeping this thing running has taught me so much about working on bikes. When it dies I'll just swap the parts onto the next Gen 1 I can get my hands on.
Great riding! There is a dude somewhere here on YT who has helmet cam footage of him racing his Gen1 KLR off road. He flies past guys on modern dirt bikes. It really is the rider more than the bike.....So I'm slow on anything lol.
The big brake kit is an essential mod IMO, one of the first things i did like 20 years ago. It's a bigger rotor and adapter, uses the stock caliper and lets you modulate right up to full lock with one finger. The tiny stock rotor is a joke.
Hell yeah. I'm currently piloting a 3rd gen KLR. I had a 2012 and 2018 before. Selling them was a hufe mistake. My goal is to do over 100,000 miles on my 2024 and get it on video
Why not 1 million?
@trekandthrottle that would be cool but I'm sure the next generation of KLR will be out way before then and I'll be wanting to try it
Great video and telling it the way it really is!
Nice roads. Good luck with the channel!!
Just bought my klr 650C ( Europe only) for 1300€ , plus some more for parts. I want to do what you're doing, but European style ! Keep up the nice content. Cheers from Greece.
Great video mate! I do have a hate/love relationship with mine. The fkn carburetor is hell. Besides that smooth sailing 😅
Weird I've never had any issues with mine. I did do the KLX needle swap and adjustable idle screw, maybe that has something to do with it.
Grab an mcp carb correction kit and follow the instructions. Bike will run better than ever
Ain't nothing wrong with the mighty KLR. I moved on to a T7, but there are days that I miss it.
Can't wait to get my hands on one, I really enjoyed the T7 the few times I've been able to ride one.
@@trekandthrottle My brother has his for sale. He can't ride anymore. Only 2500 miles on it.
Yep,as us archers say, "It's never the bow, it's always the archer." Likewise, it's never the bike, it's always the rider. The KLR is, has been ans always will be a great ADV bike to those who know how to ride it.
20% bike 80% rider. Cheap bikes are waaay more fun than a shiny new one. No worries if you drop it and you feel quite smug even hanging with a new bike let alone doing more : )
Yup, that being said I can't wait to get my hands on a second hand T7 one day.
Nice video love my KLR!!!
You sir, are doing it right
Great video
I wish Kawasaki still made the KLR like this one
The Gen 1 is the best KLR, less plastics to wreck.
KLX650c I'm selling on even better then the KLR....
I had a 01 KLR650 I did 50k miles on it in 2 yrs and I have a 1994 KLX650c I just did a top end on with 52k miles on it.. They do get the job done and they don't let you down....
The KLX is the hot rod KLR 🔥
The bad brakes are just off-road ABS.
Not gonna lie, they are ABS on pavement as well lol.
Nice to see someone that don't spend 20000 dollar on bike and luggage👍👍
My pannier bags are just $25 dry bags that are attached with Rok straps. Actually a really good setup and fully water proof. Hurts a lot less when you crash and wreck one.
@trekandthrottle i got a yamaha xt660x with 50/50 tyres. soft used givibags and a duffelbag on top
Diy footpegs and skidplate
Cost me about 2800 dollar
W vid
You dont have a spend big money on a bike to travel and have fun.
klr 🫡
#1 Trek and Throttle co star
Why kilometers! We don't live in china
Only one old broken country in the world does not use kilometres.
@robh3895 ha
Who's we???????
The very moment you said "kilometers", I clicked off.
No thanks
The American mind can't comprehend this
The American education system strikes again
Don't worry. Liberia and Myanmar still use miles for your adventuring pleasure, if it's a barrier.