Hello All,

I am new to the dual sport world (always been a crotch rocket rider) and wanted to see what the best heated handgrips are to get for the bike? I also have found it kind of difficult to upshift it, not sure if it's because I am an old man and can't flex my foot up enough or if there is an adjustment that I can make to help out.

Thanks,

James

Are you used to having a rearset shifter?

Common causes of difficulty upshifting are: you're too old, shifter is too high above boot, shifter is running into something, weld at the shaft pinch is cracked.

You're too old: Sorry, #metoo
Shifter too high above the boot: As a sport bike rider you may be using road boots. You may have bought a used KLR that was set up for heavy off-road boots. Move the shifter down.
Shifter is running into something: If the bike is used it may have been fitted with an extended lever, one inch longer than stock. That could be interfering with the alternator cover.
Weld at the shaft pinch is cracked: Works fine on down-shift because it is compressing into the crack, won't upshift well because, well, it's cracked.

There is a hairpin spring on the end of the shift lever inside the clutch cover that goes bad, too, but that usually affects both up and downshifting.

Forgot to add:

If you need to make an adjustment to the shifter lever there is a bolt at the pinch point that needs to be completely removed with a 10mm wrench. Then pull the shifter off of the splined shaft and re-orient it and replace the bolt. Make sure the bolt is tight enough to close the splined pinch fitting completely around the shaft and the lever is in no way loose on the shaft.

Don't overtighten the bolt because if the bolt breaks you'll be in a heck of a bind. That bolt takes 9ft-lb of torque. Don't go more.

A few KLR owners have had welding shops add a heel shifter onto the KLR pedal. But coming from Sport Bikes, you would have to 'think' about using it for awhile.

I'll ask if you wear any larger than USA size 10 boots? And how long Are Your legs, not your pant size (pants vary)?

Several people love these. Hey, they make 2 sizes now, KD Kawasaki KLR650 11-16 Menu
Notice that they not only drop down, but BACK also.

If some previous owner has added wide, toothed dirt pegs to your bike already, the forward added portion reduces the peg to pedal distance.
So have a look at these, may work best for size 13+ boots. 1987-2016 KLR650 Foot Peg Lowering Brackets

Sorry that I don't currently have much advice about hand heaters. Partly because we don't know what year of bike you are riding & what handlebars may be on it?

2007 & older Had open-ended hollow steel bars, one could install the Polly Heater inserts and use ANY handgrip of choice. Change grips anytime, no damage to heaters.

2008 & up Had threaded end-capped steel bars.

Many people install aluminum bars. Can't install the insert Polly Heaters. https://www.remotemoto.com/articles/...otorcycle-kit/

Some bikes have Bark-Buster style hand guards fitted.

I like Oxford

I put the Oxford heated grips on almost 3 months ago, and they are fantastic! They feel great, heat up fast, and if you forget to turn them off, they will shut off after 20 minutes. Fantastic and worth the $90.

Hi there,

I am 6'6" tall and have a size 12 boot. I currently have a pair of Alpinestars Corozal boots. My KLR is an 07.

I'd recommend relocating the pegs; JNS drop peg brackets or Knight Designs drop pegs. Adjust the shifter to suit and, if necessary, you can add a +1" longer shifter

Dave

I love my Oxfords but I find that when it's really really cold, my thumbs get real cold & the top of my hands get cold. They work great up to a point and then I break out the Gerbing heated gloves. They're bulky but much warmer.

Handlebar muffs help a lot too but I had a hard time fitting them on the KLR with the factory "hand-guards". I tried a few different brands. I think I ended up using Tusk brand on the KLR and cutting them a little to make them fit.

I use Oxford muffs on the Versys 1000. They're great but maybe small for a KLR.



Another great "add on" to your winter "wardrobe" is a pair of Gators!

There's nothing worse than cold hands and wet feet when riding.