DaKLR: My 08 KLR 650 build thread

[rattle&thump]

This is my first bike, of any sort. Always wanted one, but just never did it till last spring, bought the Kawi, did the MSF course, got my license, and had a blast riding it last summer.

Here's what I've done to it so far...

SW Motech crash guards:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v196/15/35/537117024/n537117024_987509_6144.jpg

Laminar Lip windshield extension (mine is on the right in this pic, obviously)
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v282/15/35/537117024/n537117024_1454902_7155.jpg

RAM GPS holder, heated grips (little red microswitch on left side of cluster)
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v252/15/35/537117024/n537117024_1328028_8597.jpg

Aluminum skidplate
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v252/15/35/537117024/n537117024_1328033_48.jpg

12V socket for GPS and mini-compressor (managed to find a place where it could sit, held by its plastic jam nut, but without having to make a hole)
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v252/15/35/537117024/n537117024_1328029_8898.jpg

Also added a Wolfman Explorer tankbag, and swapped the worn out stock tires to Avon Gripsters. They may be called "slipsters" in some circles, but they are very predictable for the fireroads I frequent. For the muddy stuff I'll be in the truck anyways!

Not sure what the next mod will be? Would like to add aluminum panniers, but the truck has taken all my mod money this year. Maybe over the winter?

[TACODOC]

Nice KLR!

Welcome to the club! :sombrero:

[805gregg]

You do know the new KLR lost 2" of ground clearance and gained 100 lbs? Almost the same weight as a V-Strom 650 with about 30 less HP.

[rattle&thump]

You do know the new KLR lost 2" of ground clearance and gained 100 lbs? Almost the same weight as a V-Strom 650 with about 30 less HP.

Gained 100lbs? Not according to the manufacturer. The Vee is 100lbs more than the 08, which manuf's specs say is 48lbs more than the previous version (I read of a guy who weighed the different models and found the difference wasn't even that much).

As far as the suspension, the sag of the previous model made up that 2".

I like the V, but for my purposes, the KLR was better suited.