KAWASAKI KLR 650 UPGRADES AND MODS [Part 2]
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- A Trip Around the World or a Weekend Warrior, there are upgrades you will need to do on your Kawasaki KLR 650 before you take off on your adventure of a lifetime.
See PART 1 of this Tutorial here: • KAWASAKI KLR 650 UPGRA...
I'll take you through my own personal upgrades and modifications on my 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 and a 2007 KLR 650 to help prepare you for a small or big trip.
Video Mentioned: 500 Days Alaska to Argentina - The Modern Motorcycle Diaries - • 500 Days Alaska to Arg...
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(See Gear List Below)
As I have always said to everyone, you don't need an expensive bike, expensive upgrades or gear to travel or have an amazing adventure, it takes ingenuity, creativity, courage, and the will to make your dreams and goals come true regardless of the challenges, hardships or struggles you will and could potentially face. These suggestions and examples of upgrades and modifications are obviously optional, not mandatory , and should not stop you from just jumping on your motorcycle and taking off. Remember I traveled around the entire USA with a camping backpack and no upgrades, I've traveled across Nepal on a rented 200cc Bajaj Pulsar in a shirt and backpack, and Egypt on a 150cc scooter with nothing but my sense of adventure, and so can you!
[Upgrades for 2015 KLR 650]
GPS/Cell Phone Mount - amzn.to/2bkVbQV
Crash Bars - amzn.to/2aLEziX
Center Stand - amzn.to/2aLOibE
Handguards - amzn.to/2aLFnV7
Drybag 60 Liter - amzn.to/2aLFzn4
Drybag 35 Liter - amzn.to/2aX5RiV
On-Road-/Off Road Footpegs - amzn.to/2b6n91y
Highway Pegs (Not exact but good alternative) - amzn.to/2b8WHTR
Side Racks Quick-Lock "EVO" - amzn.to/2aKjkL3
Side Aluminum Panniers -amzn.to/2bCTD0L
Top Box - amzn.to/2bu6N41
Top Rack - amzn.to/2b6oGnZ
Tank Bag - amzn.to/2aSoTLj
Skid Plate - amzn.to/2aLOLuE
Windshield Dark Smoke - amzn.to/2bfF9mP
Exhaust - amzn.to/2b8wZvv
[Upgrades for 2007 KLR 650]
Old KLR Panniers(The ones I have are a discontinued model but here's a cheap alternative) - amzn.to/2ba9GW6
KLR Tall Windshield - amzn.to/2bfGHNB
Saddle Bags (from my 2005 KLR first trip ) amzn.to/2bd56pO
[My Travel and Film Gear]
DJI Phantom 4 Drone - amzn.to/2aEvNQN
Drone Backpack - amzn.to/2bahya6
Canon 80D DLSR - amzn.to/2aVPgNu
Bendy Tripod - amzn.to/2bahAPd
Ball Head you'll need for Bendy Tripod - amzn.to/2aZaLiJ
Canon EF-S 10-22mm - amzn.to/2b6jVLa
Rode Video Microphone - amzn.to/2b6jTD6
(Backup Camera) Canon 7gx - amzn.to/2bdWHU6
GoPro Hero 4 Silver - amzn.to/2b6kpkN
GoPro 3+ Black - amzn.to/2aY58AV
Microphone for GoPro - amzn.to/2ba6tFN
Sena 20S Bluetooth - amzn.to/2bfdGDe
Sena Prism Bluetooth Camera(Head Cam Audio Recording) - amzn.to/2aSldsT
[Editing Software]
Adobe Premier Pro - amzn.to/2aYoQKH
I know everyone has their opinions but I have to say that the rear spring upgrade on my KLR650 was the best upgrade of all. On trails I used to bottom out a lot even with the pre-load on 5. I put a weighted spring in for my weight and haven't bottomed out since and it doesn't wash out in the front when riding on dirt because more of the weight is shifted toward the front with the heavier spring. It's about a $100 upgrade to do the spring.
The hand guards or "barkbusters" are essential for bush riding. Hitting a branch at speed on your hand is a whole new level of pain
try having arthritis and getting your hand hit. there is a whole new way to know pain.
One of the first things I did was swap out the brake lines for braided steel lines. Made a big difference
I like what you did with the front wheel fender, looks slick.
1 addition to my klr I really liked was some small wolfman panniers on the front crash bars by the gas tank. They hold my water bottle, extra oil ( yeah, it's an 08) portable air compressor ( which is a must have for changing tire pressures) and other miscellaneous items. That helps with keeping some weight forward as well as the added bonus of acting as a shield to keep rain and Saskatchewan grasshoppers off your legs.
You're a great inspiration, Alex!
you should make a video on what tool you carry on your bike to do most your maintenance. it will help out many of us including me. you have the experience to make the video.
Generally for any made in Japan vehicle you will need millimeter tools. Allens usually 3 4 5mm but check out the bikes bolts, take inventory of all the nuts and bolts. you wanna be efficient. Don't buy cheap tools. only made in USA or not made in China by no names. You want carbon steel tools period. Like best ones are Mac, Matco and of curse Snap On (king)
but general tools needed is
allens 3mm to 12mm sockets, the one pce conventionals kind, and long handled one's.
Ratchet sockets: (3/8") Short socket, long socket, 6mm 7mm (x2) 8mm (x2) 10mm lol 12mm 14mm 17mm 19mm. A QUALITY 3/4" wrench. preferably 3/4" and ¹/4" with adopters to half inch (incase you'd need to borrow from tool buckets)
Ratchet extensions: round heads for socket to angle and non round, to get firm torq across, (snap has locking ones. get your short extension with pin lock, sometimes its needed sometimes you can't use it, short with pin and mid regular. Both make a long one (together they long)
Cutter. Pliers.
Screw driver two extra short two regulars, billet with metal on the back to smack (if you crash and bolts get scraped only way to get them to open its hammer and screwdriver with sharp solid carbon steel edges. small hammer. That's basically it. But best is to get inventory of exact ones. Wrenches 8 10 12mm must have always.
I have finally found someone that has more miles than me. Congratulations Alex. I love your wealth of information.
thanks John!
Love this guy! Sold I’m buying a 2004 klR tomorrow and I’m planning on hitting the road to discover eastern Canada.
Worth pointing out my friend. If you change mufflers you need (want) to adjust your jet. Best done by a mechanic since the plug to the adjustment screw needs to be drilled out and then lightly "tuned" I have ridden super bikes for years and when removing the catalytic converter (usually the mid pipe) you now have to much airflow for the bikes oem tune. Usually a download for the ECU is needed. Since the kid is carborated and the change is small you just need to adjust for a bit more fuel being sprayed through the jets. If you get a full system with header and pipe/muffler now you need a new jet kit for the carb. I am new to KLR but learned this when asking my mechanic about a muffler change. Cheers brother.
Do you have a recommendation on tires? With as many miles as you have traveled, what do you recommend? Thanks for the videos. You are truly inspiring.
Hey Alex, great vid as always, and I have a suggestion for you. I know how big a deal water is, I've been in the Army for 28 years. I'm not sure if you use them or know about them, but you didn't mention them so, get a Camelbak. No, that's not a typo, that's how they spell it. You could slip a bladder into your tank bag and wear one on your back. The US Military has been using them since the late 90's and they're awesome. I just thought I'd offer the suggestion. By the way, you have the best job in the world, I'm jealous! Stay safe.
Cool video I loved my 08 KLR when I had it. I travelled around the eastern Canada and USA great inexpensive bike and parts are easy to find here in North America.
I did the same thing to my gen 1 front fender area. I also got the same front fender. I love the look. Cheers!
Great pointers most people wouldnt get to the experience level, thanks for passing it on.
Super information on a great motorcycle. Thank You now Let the mods begin.
lol. I like how in Part I the center stand was a nice-to-have and in part 2 it's an absolute essential :)
I did mention you can do it both ways and the struggles of each :)
Doohickey is the balance shaft chain tightener..has nothing to do with the clutch. See Eagle Mike. Otherwise great vid.
showing the part, I don't even see it and its the clutch arm so I'm gonna call it ciarm. This isn't just great "vid" this is king of adventure riding in my book one in a billion.
Thanks for the videos Alex! Looking to upgrade my '17 KLR 650 and your videos are straight to the point. This is my first dual sport bike and so far I'm enjoying it. Looking forward to making a trip out of San Diego down to Cabo San Lucas.
best of luck antonio, I have a video coming out tomorrow on daily motorcycle maintenance you should check out for your next ride.
Great videos Alex, I would like to say that "doohickey" has nothing to do with a clutch being engaged or not. Doohickey is a timing chain tensioner.
true
harmonic balancer chain.
@@danwatson7174 Which is kind of important on a single cylinder engine
Very usefull video, very nice KLR. I will follow your recomendations in my KLR.
Im on my first KLR. New 2015! After your vid I will be getting panniers first. Thanks
good first choice!
I don't have panniers, and 3 main things I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to ride off-highway, that have proven to be very worthy are: 1) skid plate - protects engine from expensive repairs, i.e. oil pan screw broken off; 2) hand guards - protects control levers from braking off during impact; 3) crash guards - protects bikes sides from being ripped off, even in a slow speed crash.
I had a slow speed crash on dry mud recently ~30kmph/20mph and crash bars + hand guards took fair amount of impact + damage. Even at this speed crash bars took enough impact to leave marks on original plastic side... But I was able to ride farther without any issues.
that's some great info and suggestions, thanks for sharing
In the old klr you say no need Centers stand .
Now you recommend 🤓
He uses a piece of wood.
I have both a KLR and a DRZ. The KLR is much better street performer and has better low end in the dirt. I went up a tooth on the front sprocket at same time I put a FMF powercore 4. It’s amazing how much better overall that makes the bike. It still pulls like a tractor on slow trails but I can now run 65-70mph all day without sounding like motor is screaming. 65 is a comfy 4000 rpms. It’s like getting a 6 th gear. I’ve done a few other mods. Bought some Dunlop 606 s for dirt but may send back. Going to put a set of those on the DRZ and do more of a dirt build on that bike.
I’m going with soft luggage knobbies, 3x3 airbox mod and Re jet on that one. Both bikes great I live in east plan on doing TAT next year. I’m 59 so time running out.
So I just had to buy a Harley as my 1st and 2nd bike. At age 52 you would think I would know better if I wanted to travel the world on a bike. My 3rd bike is going to be a KLR Alex. Love your video buddy, wish you the best.
remember, any bike can be an adventure bike if you want it to be. Enjoy the road Trucker!
do a preferred gear vid please
Will do!
When ???
Oasis 88 exactly fuk this guy
My recommendation would be a low profile oil drain plug, preferably magnetic. It's a 4 to $5 modification that can potentially save your engine from a really bad bottom out On top of that it can also let you know if you're having excessive wear on your bearing material. The next modification I would propose is called a tank vest. It's basically a cloth covering for your fuel tank that allows you to use Molle based accessories wich include everything from water bottles to rifle scabbard Giving you a virtually infinite array of options for how to set up your storage on your bike.
Also do the do Hickey, it's not that hard of a job guys And if it's going to fail on your bike, it's going to fail at the worst possible time.
Great mods, especially the centre stand
Hey Alex, you said at the end of the video what people might want to see. Well I have a request of sorts :D
I'm a complete 'noobie' when it comes to bikes, and I would really like to see some sort of beginners guide to bike parts, what can break, what to do when it breaks, how to fix certain things efficiently. What to look for in terms of 'motorcycle specs' when buying a new bike to travel with, so like weight, its shape (i'm a tall guy, I wonder if I need to be careful with some bikes because they might not be all that comfortable for me(?))
I get that this might be a bit different from what you do usually, and that there certainly are extensive 'guides' for stuff like this to be found on the internet, but you have so much firsthand experience, and do explain things quite clearly, so I believe it could be a great video :). And no worries when you don't want to do this, i'll figure things out with enough determination :D
PS: You have a small typo in your description on this video: Tutotiral = tutorial* :)
thanks for the suggestion mastho, I"ll consider it. and thanks for catching that typo
Great tips, thanks! 2017 KLR
Thanks for sharing your setup Alex, really enjoyed your closing words :)
THanks for watching mate!
A truly EXCELLENT upgrade video! Thanks Alex!
thanks mate!
Great videos Alex, you are a good source of motivation to do trips and modifications to my KLR. Thanks
thanks for watching Michel!
These were GREAT mod Videos.
Definitely i want to watch your Videos!!!! I want to get klr 650. Your upgrades are great. Cant suggest you anything. Because you are way above others riders. You know whats good. Thanks for sharing your time and video....
thanks for watching, be sure to check out Part I with the minimal upgrades I suggest you have for any trip - th-cam.com/video/dohfESd_qio/w-d-xo.html
+Alex Chacon very useful sir. Thank you. Always pleasure to watch your videos!!!!!!!
+Slawomir Tecza i want to buy klr 650 becouse i watched your video from Argentina to Alaska👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 you better than long way round and long way down.... You just need to have camera crew. You should have your own motorcycle show on Discovery Chanel!!!!!! Hehe
I hope Discovery thinks the same. Thank you
Hi Alex, thanks a lot for the bike mods video, gettiing a KLR in the next few months to tour the South Island of NZ.
sounds like a blast! good luck, you'll love it!
A buddy of mine had a gen 2 KLR with those same crash guards, and his were beat up all to hell. He didn't usually ride with panniers though, so maybe that's why. The Doohickey job is something it seems that everybody says is a must-do, but if you can go all the way around the world without doing it and were just fine, then meh. It's a sharp looking bike though, man. Love what you did with it.
Thanks
No gas in Bolivia. I grew up there, yeah, it can be REMOTE. Buying a KLR tomorrow. Thanks for the video!
how is the klr
Thanks for the video Alex. One correction though. You state the Doohickey is connected to the clutch, it is not. The Doohickey is part of the engine not the transmission. The Doohickey exerts tension on the counter balancer chain. As the chain wears a clamping bolt needs to be loosened. The Doohickey can then move to take up the counter balancer chain slack. The clamp bolt is then retightened. The design of the Doohickey has evolved, old designs would break. The tensioner spring is an extension spring, a very poor design. Eagle Mike came up with a torsion spring design that is superior.
Hey man first of all!!! I'm big fan!!!
I want to do an around the world trip!!
I just bought a Triumph Tiger 800 XCX to do it, and yes, it is my baby so I spoiled it jajajaja I just put an extra crash bar on the tank etc.
I whatch your videos trying to learn from your experience, thanks a lot bro
Nice video :) let's not forget the sub-frame drilled-through bolt upgrade !
Check the IBR bikes to see how they carry water.... great video
One awesome machine it is...and now I also can relate,as to from where has Royal Enfield has taken its Design cues for their latest (and also my)motorcycle...the Himalayan.
great mods, nice videos mate, i would love to hear more about your trips
The older KLR looks way cooler imho.
It is worth doing the Doohickey mod on the KLR, because the stock spring snaps and part of it can end up in the sump, it's a weak part that Kawasaki could have avoided with a higher tensile spring as the original part.
I’ve never actually heard of that happening, especially on the Gen 2. The only reason so many people do it is because people on Reddit and TH-cam say so
My man! Thank you for the video. Loved it.
Hi Alex, I have subscribed to your channel sometime back and watching your videos and I am became your fan :) ... Your videos are good and informative i am also a biker and I have a Royal Enfield bike as of now I just have done some weekend rides only but I am looking forward for doing some good long rides.... Your videos are truly inspirational and helpful for beginners like me...
thanks for sticking around!
Interesting Video and aside from the few errors about the KLR facts I actually enjoyed it.
I've done many US Adventures on my 06 and planning on doing more.
The Moose Racing Bark Busters are a must have on any ADV bike.
And it's obvious you are not a KLR Mechanic because the Doo Hickey is the counter balancer (engine vibration dampener) chain adjuster eccentric lever. (It has nothing to do with the clutch!) Usually either the tensioner spring breaks, or the Doo Hickey itself breaks at the pivot lever point. The maintenance procedure is to loosen the tensioner clamping bolt which allows the spring to pull tension of the counter balancer chain to take up the stretch of the C B chain via the pivoting eccentric sprocket.. Then the clamping bolt is tightened back down on the Doo Hickey lever and holds that tension on the chain.
I know because I've replaced over a 100. It's a crap shoot if it's going to break on you. But if it does break you can kiss your transmission goodbye. Not a good thing in Bolivia. I have a big tray full of broken ones. Most from 1st Gen 650 KLR's, but I do have some broken ones from the 2nd Gen 650 KLR's. So don't bet your life on the Factory DH. It may break and lock up your motor at speed. Replacing it with a Billet steel one from Eagle Mike is just good insurance.
Other than that the KLR, for what it is, is a great Adventure Bike for riders on a budget.
I have 3! My 06 has over 100,000 miles on it and still running strong. But it's far from showroom stock!
Looking forward to viewing the rest of you videos!
Cheers Curtis
Hi Alex: YOU are the PERFECT guy to ask these questions to: I own a 2016 KLR 650. I've had 4 of them now. Did you install a THERMOBOB thermostat replacement ? Also....did you notice that on both of your KLR's.....that the clutch cable was too long or stretched out so that the clutch catches high and it drives you nuts??? If so, how did you fix the issue?
Great video keep them coming
thanks for watching!
Beautiful KLR Alex; great tips man.. Thanks for sharing.. Saludos
thanks!
I may be wrrong, but considering all the miles you put on these engines, wouldn't be better with a 2/3/4 cilynder displacement?
saved a lot of money .....nice upgrade
Inspiring video! Just get out and adventure. At least that is what I get from the video.
That is most certainly the message!
Wow great video thanks alot from a new klr owner !!
thanks for watching!
Really want to buy a klr. Im just apprehensive as ive had too many close calls to count on my old liter bike. I envy you, ride safe.
Please tell more about your camping gear and planning trips!
P.S. Great videos! Thanks!
great suggestions, I'll be sure to do something to that
Awesome man thank you very nice videos
very good video I want to do it with my KLR thanks
Thanks for the video I'm building a bike for a South America trip (leaving from Ohio in a few weeks)...its REALLY hard not to go overboard...in my mind I can make a case for every upgrade! I just need to GO! LOL!
A video on where you get your gear? Websites, stores. Also one on tires.
thanks for the suggestion
Great Video Alex.
Cheap way to upgrade your rear suspension is to throw a stiffer coil on it. My 08 Klr was terrible when I loaded it up before, but it's pretty good now that I did that. You should also do the brake lines on these bikes I was coming down some mountain passes and the stock brake lines can get hot and swell causing your braking action to be really bad, not a good experience when you're going down a mountain.
also raising links are another option
inspired by you sir!! ride safe !!
Love the channel. Great content. Subscribed!
thanks!
Good going sir👌👍
Hey Alex- What would you say the most common mechanical issues you encountered with the klr during your travels? Also, where and when are you traveling next?
Oil changes and Tire changes
Don't forget to stop into the liard Hotsprings on the Alaska highway.
will do thanks!
Super. Saludos desde Patagonia Chile
I believe the fender is the Acerbis Supermoto 2040390001
Always love your vids - keep it up, brother!The fuel bottle and holder were NOT in your upgrades list - got a name or link?
Alex,
I love your adventures, attitude, and the mods on your bike! I have a 2009 with several mods. My question for you is in your part 1 video you add the FMF Exhaust but you don't talk about the jetting or carburetor change. Did you do that? Can I add a slip on exhaust with out modifying the carburetor? I see you are suggesting the Leo Vince on your 2015. Does't that require a carb modification?
David
David, I did not have to re-jet as it was a simple slip on Leo Vince, I believe it all depends on the slip on itself to whether or not you have to do it.
Alex Chacon Thank you Alex. I will look into that. You have been very helpful! One more question if I may, did you change your sprocket from a 15 to a 16 tooth to drop the rpm?
what riding gear do you have? pants? boots? rain gear? that kinda stuff.
great info... but you forgot to mention tyre preferences. I'd really like to hear your opinion on the best tires for rtw motoring
center stand..crush bar..power adapter..is must..
in your ALASKA TO ARGENTINA videos it seems like your working on the bike every night and some times taking the engine completely apart. would you talk about the maintenance and repairs you did. like how often did you adjust the valves, change oil, lube chain, bleed/flush brakes,replace the fork seals, or anything else you had to do from time to time.
Hey Eliofall, these are questions that are easily answered with a little research or through your owners manual. I did the regular up keep on the bike, nothing special
That's not what the doohickey is. That thing has absolutely nothing to do with your clutch. It's the balancer chain tensioner lever. The factory ones have a poor fit and the springs have almost no tension on them because Kawasaki is I guess too lazy and cheap to implement a fix that has been around for years. I doubt Eagle Mike has a patent on torsion springs, but Kawasaki seems to refuse to update the KLR. Still a damn good machine though. Half the fun of owning one is in the wrenching.
Great video
Hook em, horns 🤘🏼
from the dynos i have seen you will actually loose a little bit of power off the top end. You will also have to repack them every now and then. However, they make your bike sound better so there is that...
Well Done!
That's amazing, thank you for your knowledge.
thanks for watching!
Please tell the names of products that work well from your experience
Your videos are great keep it up Alex
Gaspar Garcia 2017 klr
I'm surprised you didn't go with the IMS 10 gallon tank. That would definitely put the weight more forward, and you wouldn't have to carry additional fuel.
ALEX, LEARNING A LOT WITH U.... are from stgo, valpo,viña, antofa?????????
greeting from Calgary where I am preparing my first trip and klr 650, at 73,best for u
thanks Ceasar. never too late to start. I"m from the USA with Mexican roots
Thank You for the info!!! :-)
I LOLed every time you said do hickey
good informative vid, thanks for sharing your experince
thanks for watching!
Buenos videos! Saludos desde Peru con mi klr650!
hola ENrico!
Thank you!
So I just bought my first motorcycle, 2015 KLR as well, I took my motorcycle safety course, and can't wait to get my license next week. What you have done on your KLR blows my mind and I cannot wait to get out there and ride. What should be the most important things to cover before I take off on my first adventure?
YOu don't really need anything to start, most upgrades are optional , it's all about what comforts or luxuries you want
Of course, it's like backpacking. But since I'm a new rider, would you suggest that I wait until I've gotten some miles under my belt or should I just hop on and go? How do YOU decide where to go next?
great review. have you ever thought of or recommend doing is adding a big bore kit? i have seen videos where owners say that they like the extra HP and their KLRs don't use as much oil as it used to.
Not Alex, but the big bore kit is mostly for when you have an oil burning KLR. An extra 4 HP or so isn't really relevant.
I have seen two different dealers and they are dropping them by 2k from sticker. The good just got better.
What a great video. Nice job and I learned a lot. All good tips. I like the tool kit add on. Like you, I'd carry my chain lube in the tube.
Barry
thanks for watching Barry!
Just got my 2014 Klr and I am fan of you Alex. I learn alot with all your videos, Thank you so much. There is one think that I need for my bike and it is the highway pegs, where can I buy the exact same you have on your 2015?
thanks! check out the description I have links to everything there
Which size are your saddlebags? 37litres ?? Thanks good video
How did you do to bring the front fender down, where did you buy the parts??
Thank you
Used a fork brace to bring it down
I like watching your videos keep putting them up I like to see how you lower your fender also like I said before I have a KLR 650 2008 I was thinking of trying to get a new one but money is hard to come by. My friend and I are looking to take a trip to Alaska from concord California do you think I sure upgrade my bike my 08 only has 14,000 miles on it
Thank you
mike bianculli no. Go ride what you have.
What do you think about the Z650?