Motorcycle

That’s all the motorcycle is, a system of concepts worked out in steel. ~Robert M. Pirsig

I’ve chosen a fairly well modified 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 as my motorbike for this trip. The KLR is a dual-sport design, meaning it has the ability to travel both on highway and off-road.  Kawasaki started making the KLR in 1984 and honestly, not a tremendous amount has changed since then.  The KLR is known as the workhorse of the dual-sport world, frequently being described as a bike that can do pretty much anything, but at the same time a bike that won’t do anything particularly well.

The big advantage of the KLR is its simple design.  There are no computer chips or fancy components to melt down.  The engine has a single cylinder with a carburetor and most of the components are as accessible as on a old tractor.  In the event of a mechanical problem, a novice mechanic like myself runs a much better chance of fixing the issue than I would with some of the more modern designs.  Even better though, when properly maintained, the KLR is known as dependable “bullet proof” machine.  Enough so that the USMC also uses a version of the bike.

As one can imagine, the disadvantages of the KLR are its simple design.  The machine doesn’t have EFI, anti-lock brakes or benefit from some of the more modern engine, transmission and cartridge type front suspension designs.  However, compared to the $12,000+ price tag of KTM and BMW’s dual-sport bikes, the KLR is priced well within bargain territory.

To make up for some of its shortcomings, I’ve made the following modifications to the bike:

Body and Frame:
- SW Motech crash bar, skid plate and center-stand
- Happy Trail fork brace
- EM drill-through sub-frame bolt upgrade
- ProTaper SE ATV Mid handlebar and SW Motech handlebar risers
- Bark Buster hand guards
- Super Stock metal foot pegs
- KTM supermoto front fender
- Cut down rear fender
- Zero Gravity Double Bubble windshield
- Desmo Parts stainless steel bolt kit
- Caribou Luggage Systems rear rack and panniers
- Wolfman tank bag
- Tool tube installed forward of skid plate
- 3M reflective tape all over the bike
- Sargent flat seat

Electrical:
- Eastern Beaver accessory wiring harness
- Symtech heated grips
- SW Motech 12v plug
- Arowhead fuse relocation kit
- Superbright headlights (non-HID)
- Odyssey PC545 battery
- Electrical Connection LED motorcycle battery voltage monitor
- Stebel Nautilus air horn

Brake and Suspension:
- Upgraded rear brake pedal mount and rear brake reservoir guard
- Stainless steel brake lines
- Galfer brake pads
- Pulsating LED tail light / brake light
- Ricor Intiminators front shock cartridge emulator
- Ricor IAS rear shock

Engine System:
- EM Doohickey (thanks Wyman)
- Thermobob radiator bypass device (thanks Wyman)
- $0.22 mod (thanks Wyman)
- Koubalink extended fuel screw (thanks Wyman)
- UNI Air Filter
- EM prevailing torque nut for counter sprocket (thanks Wyman)

Other:
- Blue Loctite on everything that hasn’t already fallen off
- Clymers manual consulted for pretty much everything
- Mefo Explorer tires