Hi. Hello. I am new to the KLR world, and have been doing my research. I'm considering getting one of these things, so I joined the forum anyway.
A long time ago, I sold my large "adventure" bike and it has left a black hole in my soul. I replaced it with a cruiser, because I thought I needed to look cool, or something. I cannot stop thinking about how much I miss the dual-sport.
(I guess "dual-sport" is different from "adventure bike", but I don't know the difference. DS's are smaller? I don't know, so forgive my ignorance. I will just use the term, "apocalyptic" from now on.)
I've only owned the one apocalyptic bike so far, but I ventured off-road every chance I could. My driveway is "off-road" now, all gravel and uneven. The other day, I bottomed out on my cruiser, merely pulling into my driveway. That is when the black hole in my soul began to grow and overtake my entire processes.
I don't have my KLR yet, but I already need to do the doo-hickey, something about some sub-frame bolts, different tires, juice up the electrical system, relocate my rear turn signals, find some hard luggage and mounts, get a beefier skid plate, change out the seat, glue the rubber pucks that will fall out when I lift my tank, shorten the kickstand, get some engine guards and maybe mount some highway pegs to them, and maybe change the sproket, but I've never ridden a KLR, so I don't know how I'll feel about it's gearing.
My footpeg bolts will strip out, so I better be ready for that. The bike may or may not eat oil, so a 685 kit might need to be equated. I might need to get a different windshield. I should probably add a 12v outlet. SS brake lines seem to be all the rage to improve the front brake some.
Whew! Then, I'll have to drill out the cover on the carb adjustment screw. Fit some washers somewhere in the carb and maybe some other tinkering.
I'm hoping my stock exhaust doesn't develop the "chirping" sound after a while, but I'm thinking about what to do about that.
I'm going to remove all the decals (I hope it's all stickers) and murder out the all black motiff even more.
A fresh, off the showroom floor, project bike. That just sounds crazy to me, but I'm going to do it. Because it will be FUN. I fit the mold. I actually WANT to do all that stuff, but thanks to these forums, I'm aware of what I'm getting myself into. Thanks.
A couple grand more, at least - for all the farkles, mods, and upgrades. It almost brings the cost up to other bikes.
I hope I like it. I think I will. I know I do. I've never even sat on one, but it's the only (and cheapest, still) bike out there that really speaks to me.
A long time ago, I sold my large "adventure" bike and it has left a black hole in my soul. I replaced it with a cruiser, because I thought I needed to look cool, or something. I cannot stop thinking about how much I miss the dual-sport.
(I guess "dual-sport" is different from "adventure bike", but I don't know the difference. DS's are smaller? I don't know, so forgive my ignorance. I will just use the term, "apocalyptic" from now on.)
I've only owned the one apocalyptic bike so far, but I ventured off-road every chance I could. My driveway is "off-road" now, all gravel and uneven. The other day, I bottomed out on my cruiser, merely pulling into my driveway. That is when the black hole in my soul began to grow and overtake my entire processes.
I don't have my KLR yet, but I already need to do the doo-hickey, something about some sub-frame bolts, different tires, juice up the electrical system, relocate my rear turn signals, find some hard luggage and mounts, get a beefier skid plate, change out the seat, glue the rubber pucks that will fall out when I lift my tank, shorten the kickstand, get some engine guards and maybe mount some highway pegs to them, and maybe change the sproket, but I've never ridden a KLR, so I don't know how I'll feel about it's gearing.
My footpeg bolts will strip out, so I better be ready for that. The bike may or may not eat oil, so a 685 kit might need to be equated. I might need to get a different windshield. I should probably add a 12v outlet. SS brake lines seem to be all the rage to improve the front brake some.
Whew! Then, I'll have to drill out the cover on the carb adjustment screw. Fit some washers somewhere in the carb and maybe some other tinkering.
I'm hoping my stock exhaust doesn't develop the "chirping" sound after a while, but I'm thinking about what to do about that.
I'm going to remove all the decals (I hope it's all stickers) and murder out the all black motiff even more.
A fresh, off the showroom floor, project bike. That just sounds crazy to me, but I'm going to do it. Because it will be FUN. I fit the mold. I actually WANT to do all that stuff, but thanks to these forums, I'm aware of what I'm getting myself into. Thanks.
A couple grand more, at least - for all the farkles, mods, and upgrades. It almost brings the cost up to other bikes.
I hope I like it. I think I will. I know I do. I've never even sat on one, but it's the only (and cheapest, still) bike out there that really speaks to me.