Today was the day and a few "glamor shots"

Doug 64082, PhilW...THANKS.
I appreciate that.

Hvymax, sadly, I am the PO AND the one who let her sit on the lift for, uhhhh, years.
I said out the drive with 204 but it was 240 on odo...some dyslexic typing I guess.

Back in 2016, got all suited up and went out..no start...I think it was the californification issue and related to the vacuum line on petcock.
Which as I understand is/was an issue on those models (having read posts on this very site regarding same).
During my mods and farkles this past winter, I deleted that entire system and used that blank off kit for the stock petcock.
She started on the third attempt and has been A OK.
Along with the new pipe, I went for the EM KLX jet kit and did the snorkle-ectomy..no holes in box (as yet), seems to be ok with just that. Plus a UNI filter.
All this info from threads from this site...a wealth of info for KLR owners.

Back in the day, cash flow was steady, and I had read that the mighty KLR was going to be no more.
Knowing it is a 30 plus year model run I wanted one before they were gone.
But I was also smitten with another Kawa that came out around that time, the Z900RS Cafe.
Always heavily lusting for an inline 4, I had to have it. And became a focus...I will get to that KLR (I said to myself soon).
Well, as the old saying goes...TIME FLIES...and as I get older, how so true. But, this past winter, I said. DO IT.
And my adventure of KLR wrenching and mods began.

I have followed this site for years and credit the forum and the many talented folks who have worked out the "bugs" and fixes for same regarding the KLR.
Not having to re-invent or discover "the hard way" wrenching methods and mods was / is a godsend I think.

I will say, the KLR (for me) has been the most labor intensive and modified bike I have ever owned.
But I think she is good to go with some proper preventive maint for a long while.
The mods I chose, were, in my mind the reliability mods and fixes for the shortcomings from the mfg.
The doo, the Thermo Bob, the heat shields mainly.

Now, if can just save up for the overrsized front brake rotor and suspension stuff.... ")

Johnkmass, ahha, sorry if got you riled up as it were
And congrats on your new bike, the mighty KLR.

I am 5.6 & one half inches with same inseam as you.

For sure the low seat has helped me, it is the Corbin low version for the KLR...I have other bikes and am using Seat Concepts comfort lows on them as well.
Both brands are comfortable in my experience, with the Corbin maybe a bit firmer.

I don't know how much in inches really, I think it depends on some factors like the suspension set up (I currently have stock for that year model).
And if you have lowering links. I had them and yes it gets that foot lower but after reading many threads on this site, decided to go (back) with the stock links (dog bones) on the rear.

I can say, for me, the low seat has helped big time.
If I can get on a bike, regardless of how tall, I can ride it...but stopping and foot down is the thing, right?

What I have done / do;

- Use the off center method, errrr sliding one cheek off seat or near off, get up forward as much as possible and "in the lowest part of seat"
-wear boots that have a thicker sole when possible
-when possible, preparing to stop and get off, look for curb or if on dirt, raised area to get foot down

I think the high Tank position, esp. when topped off, compounds the matter, all that weight up high.... I got it out in the yard, engine not running and just tipped it left and right, feeling for that "point of no return"...so when riding and esp at the traffic light, can feel if getting close

the issue I most have is getting the kick stand DOWN...I feel OK stopping and using those methods, but for me at least..it is super hard to balance it on right foot and use left to reach and deploy the side stand...mostly on un-level ground. Other bikes I own have some type of "post" or wire bracket gizmo attached so one can "catch it" with boot and pull it forward. Maybe the 22 has it. So, I quickly reach that tip point leaning the bike RIGHT whilst attempting to pull the stand down with LEFT foot...damn irritating..

I just had a local welder shorten the stand and weld a larger "pad" on bottom as well. Have yet to install but hoping that cures that issue.

The lowering links WILL get it down, if used, you will have to modify your kick stand (shorten) or get a another shorter one. I am of the mind to use other means and methods first and the lowering links are a last resort. Iff you read into this site or search that...will find most or the majority of folks would not advise.

But they prob all are 6ft 7 or something and can flat foot the might KLR...so I get it...

Try some of those methods as noted and see if it works for you.

Also some videos out on the www about same subject which might be of help..

Get comfy with the KLR..I switch up on bikes and am still learning it's "personality"...just my two cents...if ANY bike is intimidating, it won't be as fun..mod it to fit you and learn it's little quirks...they all have them

RIDE SAFE and tame that KLR!

here is some motivation for us, damn neat stuff