Granted 400 lbs is a *little* on the heavy side as Motards go, but has anyone given any thought to making their KLR into a Motard? I know Larryboy reduced his front wheel size, but he kept it a dual sport. I also recently saw an '05 KLR650 on Craig'slist that was successfully changed over, but the owner didn't say if the mod was a success or not.
(ie. did the bike's handling go down the tubes after the new wheels were installed).

I've heard all sorts of stories about how the bike would become unstable at speed or in the twisties one you reduced the rake by adding a smaller front wheel, but others have said that's bologna. Others still have said that the KLR's frame isn't stiff enough and that the bike doesn't have enough power to compete in the Motard world.

Anyway, I just wondered what you guys thought, or knew, about the mod.

-T

I run a Kenda K761 130/80x17" rear and a K761 120/90x17" front. I ride 99% pavement. The front end feels far more planted and predictable thru the twisties versus a 21" front. YMMV

Best mod I've ever done... granted it was also the single most expensive mod I've done to date. The bike is waaay better as a street bike now, and it's off road handling hasn't been affected, given the bike's weight and all.

I really want to motard my '06, but am not sure about what size rim(s) I should purchase. I had intended on leaving the stock rear rim alone and putting a 17" on the front. The problem is do I match the rear with a 2.50" wide rim or do I put a 3.50" which is normal for a super motard. If I had the cash, then I would probably just change out the front and the rear but I don't. Any suggestions .... thanks.