An unexpected trade

[GS1150Pilot]

My brother was recently sharing how much he likes my Beemer, which while a fine machine, does not see nearly as much riding as it deserves; so, I offered to give it to him as a combined retirement and birthday gift. He was pretty amazed at the gesture, but it was clear that he would accept the offer. I felt great about it and left the topic for some planning and logistics to come in the near future.

Two days later, he offers me his 2005 KLR650. I've wanted a dual-sport for quite awhile now, but didn't expect to be getting one just yet, as I am planning to sell the Sportster and buy an older Road King.

Of course I accepted his offer, and I've spent the past two days reacquainting myself with upgrade options and customization details of the Gen 1 KLR.

Serendipity is real.

[marvinsc]

Great bike, a good year model Gen 1 as well. I have a 2001 and a 2002. 01 set up for the street and the 02 for not street. If yours doesn't have an upgraded skid plate and crash bars get them if you plan to go off road at all. Most wait one several hundred dollar drop too long. If you go off road the odds are high you will have a drop or three.........

[GS1150Pilot]

I have a list of off-road upgrades, as this bike will see a good deal of forest road and jeep road riding.

[Big Block]

I've been considering one. I try to like the V-stroms but just can't.

[GS1150Pilot]

I feel the same way. When I look at higher tech, more complicated dual-sports, inevitably I end up thinking, "what happens when I drop it?"

[LAB3]

I've certainly looked over the dual sport offerings and have to admit that my GS450T with dual sport tires on it did everything I wanted off road. As mentioned, keep it simple!

[GS1150Pilot]

After adding a bit of crash protection, I'll rework the suspension and front brake, add D606 tires and just enjoy the beast.

[trevor]

After adding a bit of crash protection, I'll rework the suspension and front brake, add D606 tires and just enjoy the beast.

Congrats Mason.....If I make a suggestion about tires....I use the 606s on my DR650 and they are great...but I will be going with a Pirelli MT21 up front next tire change....the mt21 is a better tire up front for handling and it's what is recommneded most on dual sport forums....cheers

[GS1150Pilot]

Awesome, Trev. I will add that to the list as I start buying things! Thank you, sir!

[Big T]

Does it have the Doohickey upgrade?

[GS1150Pilot]

Does it have the Doohickey upgrade?

Yeppers. It was already done by the original owner.

[bwringer]

I, for one, fully support and approve of this trade.

Honestly, dual-sporting and general bad-road-blatting-around on a KLR is ridiculous fun, and great for your overall skills.

And with all the armored bits (skid plate, crash bars and handguards, plus a few other odds and ends) KLRs can take more of a beating than the rider, that's for sure. The first-generation models (2007 and earlier) are definitely a bit more off-road worthy.

Also, the Eagle Mike big bore 685 kit is VERY worthwhile. No, it doesn't make the bike a wheelie monster or anything, but it does move it from "somewhat anemic" to "mostly adequate". The lighter piston really reduces vibration, the improved piston rings are a lot more durable long-term, and the added pop of torque makes the bike a lot more pleasant to ride and more capable off-pavement.

I'd also call the Thermo-Bob a mandatory upgrade as well for long-term durability.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

For the KLR ignorant among us, anyone care to clarify the "Thermo-Bob" or "Doohickey" upgrade?

[marvinsc]

For the KLR ignorant among us, anyone care to clarify the "Thermo-Bob" or "Doohickey" upgrade?

The Thermo-Bob stabilizes coolant temperature more fully and at a higher temperature tan the stock cooling system

Both generations of the Kawasaki KLR 650 have had a serious issue with the counter-balancing chain adjustment mechanism, or as most call it, a “doohickey”. Basically the doohickey tensions the counter-balancing chain and this helps neutralize engine shake and vibration, which makes for a smoother running engine.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Thank you. Much appreciated.