Welcome to the forum & your new KLR650.I'm Oskar, originally from Czechoslovakia and currently based in Santa Cruz, California. Happy to join the forum!
I got a 2022 KLR a month ago and already pimping it up with upgrades 🤩
History: I've been cycling my whole life, and more seriously riding both MTB and road for the past 15 years. In 2014 I discovered how fun motorbikes are thanks to riding scooters in Bali. Last year I finally made things official by doing the M1 and getting a 2018 Himalayan. I had a blast riding and working on it but craved more power, so here we go
Thanks for the welcome @PeteK. We have had a few. Some past bikes include the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, KTM 1190 Adventure, Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200, Triumph Tiger 800 XC, BMW F800GS, BMW G650GS, Husqvarna Terra 650, KTM 450 EXC-F.
Welcome. Be sure to check out this thread:
www.klrforum.com
I did already give that thread a scan, but I will give it a more in-depth re-read. So far, I have been pouring through threads trying to find answers to an occasional slow speed wobble issue I noticed on the way home with it. I will experiment with tire pressure and suspension tomorrow and see if I can't solve it.Welcome. Be sure to check out this thread:
Common new KLR owner mistakes to avoid
Here is my list of "common new KLR owner mistakes to avoid" 1) Oil drain plug overtightening: it is relatively common for people to overtighten the oil drain plug.....usually to stop a leak after the gasket/washer has inadvertently fallen into the used oil or left stuck to the bottom of the...
You might be underwhelmed comparing the KLR to others in your stable, as it does everything “good enough” and nothing (except longevity) great. But it’s a blast to ride! But beware, you just might find that it becomes your favorite steed
www.klrforum.com
You’ll love it then! Especially as a pack mule to use to motocamp! I too wanted to like the RE Himalayan and it’s kinda old school goofy looks, but I’m tall and the KLR fits me way better. I also don’t like a front fender so close to the tire on an off-road bike, as on the REH.I did already give that thread a scan, but I will give it a more in-depth re-read. So far, I have been pouring through threads trying to find answers to an occasional slow speed wobble issue I noticed on the way home with it. I will experiment with tire pressure and suspension tomorrow and see if I can't solve it.
Reading the threads, this sounds a lot like what I am experiencing...
2023 base model steering issues
180 miles on a new base model and I have a steering question. First, yes, I'm still on the stock tires. At slow speeds, neighborhood speeds 15-20 MPH, the bike needs a push to get it to turn in. It feels like there's a catch in the steering head bearing. At a stop, it all feels and turns...
I found it kind of fun on the ride home yesterday. Only 18 miles, but I got a kick out of it. I was trying to think about whether I had owned a bike with as little hp before. My first bike was a 2007 Bonneville T100 and that had 67hp. Then I remembered the KTM 450 E-XCF. That was 42hp, though weighed 100lbs less than the KLR.
But, I did buy it with a purpose in mind of having a dependable, tractable, low-cost, Swiss army knife type bike to muck around, commute with and have some fun with and I think it will fit the bill nicely.
A buddy of mine who owns a RE Himalayan, kept trying to convince me to buy one as well to do some motorcycle camping, etc., but as much as I love the looks of those, I just couldn't see myself buying one.
Another buddy who is on KLR #6, suggested I look at the KLR instead. I took a look, saw that Kawasaki was currently offering $1000 off, took one for a test ride and rode it home
Though I have to admit, the initial test ride didn't go so well. I asked the dealer to move the shift lever up one spline to occomodate my boots. Seemed like it was going to work well until the first time I tried to shift from 1st to 2nd and it wouldn't shift past Neutral. Apparently, the shifter hits the case if you do this. Need to also find out if there are any aftermarket shifters that don't do this
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I’m 6’4” with a 35” inseam. I flat foot the KLR easily, and had to add lowering peg mounts and bar risers to be able to stand off road comfortably. With my Tillamook dry bag as a backrest, I can ride all day. My knees are the only thing that bother me occasionally, but that’s age and mileage🥴😉.
Yes, it has my tire tools, front and rear tubes, talcum powder and a patch kit. It stays on the bike. I want to get the Possibles with the First aid cross on it, for my first aid kit I carry on trips, that way it can stay on the bike as well.Luckily I can flat foot it as well. My wife not so much. She is definitely on the balls of her feet, but she is fine with that. It's about the same with her Africa Twin.
I will have to work out the ergonomics as I get some miles on it, but those bouncy rubber mounted pegs need to go ASAP
That's a nice Giant Loop Setup! Is that the "possibles" bags in the front?
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I was thinking about those Dirtracks bars as well as the Tusk. I do like the slimmer and more minimal look of the Tusk, but I do wonder if it is too minimal. It doesn't really look like it would protect the leading edge of the plastics and not as usable for mounting bags or lights.I highly recommend the Fandango from GL. I’ll keep an eye out for your review of the air compressor.
Regarding crash bars, my Dirtracks took some hits on my recent trip and never budged. I know other brands are good to, just my personal experience was they are great. There’s a YouTube video of them rolling a bike with no rider on asphalt and letting it drop. It sold me
turkanagear.com
