2004 Kawasaki KLR650
Fellow motorcyclists know this phenomena, a new bike is just a blank slate to begin tweaking to your own "mission profile" and personal preferences. The mission profile I've identified for the KLR is "Adventure Touring Lite". The idea is to keep it light for optimum handling, used for extended day trips. I therefore don't plan to add hard bags planned or some of the things folks add for extended adventure touring. Knowing it's a heavy underpowered bike to start with I want to do what I can to perk up the power and handling so I can optimize it for speedy transit of dirt roads and trails.
With this mission in mind below is my plan I've detailed the mods I've made.
Done:
- Generally cleaned and checked all maintenance items including adjusted valves (X needed adjusting), oil/filter change, clean lube chain, ?
- Relocated license plate to outer fender below tail slight, eliminated most of former inner fender
- Eliminated kickstand ignition cutout switch
Planned:
- Cam chain tensioner upgrade (aka "doohickey") using the torsion spring
- Install tapered steering head bearings (All Balls)
- Install rear subframe upgrade kit
- Aluminum skid plate
- Magetic drain plug
- Footpegs
- Pro Taper SE "KX High" handlebars with gel grips
- Maier ATV Pro handguards
- Jetting
- Uni air filter
- NGK Iridum spark plug
- Tires: planning on Metzeler Sahara 3s or Continental TKC80 TwinDuros
- Brakes: planning on a full front/rear Galfer kit including their new wave rotors
- Suspension: planning on a Cogent rear shock, fork springs, cartridge emulators
- GPS: Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx, RAM mount, hardwired to bike power
- Light duty luggage: Wolfman Enduro tank bag, 1.5 gallon fuel jug strapped on rear rack
- Schnitz Racing 685cc kit
- Exhaust: Leo Vince slip-on or FMF Q4 with header
- ?
Maintenance:
Chain: http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/dupont-teflon-chain-lube.htm
Engine oil: