I love my KTM but as my RA has progressed, it has forced me to find a bike that doesn't transmit as much shock and vibration to the rider. After hours of research and test rides, I chose the KLR650. The downside to the KLR is at 430 pounds, I have yet to pick it up, and after the RA hit me I have lost muscle and strength. My RA also limits milage when I do get out to ride, so I am hoping with a plusher ride that I can extend my milage without any additional pain afterwards. The KTM and KLR are like night and day but I love them both. However the KLR is going to have to undergo some changes if it stays in my shop. Below it sits in stock form before the transformation begins.

Tires: The stock tire is on the left while a new Dunlop 606 sits next to it. I like the 606's on my KTM so that is what I will start with on the KLR. I run a 130/90-17 on back while a 90/90-21 handles the front end of the bike. I ride about 75/25 dirt to asphalt so I went with a true knobby tire over a dual sport tire. I was surprised at how different the 606 felt on paved road versus the stock, didn't expect to lose that much by swapping tires, but since I don't ride much asphalt I'm still good with them.



Rear Fender: I removed the rear fender extension and relocated the license plate to the rear fender. I bought a $3 utility light from Advance Auto Parts and used the bracket from the stock license plate light to shed some light on the license plate at night. After mounting the light on the bracket, I sealed it up with some Big Blue gasket maker to waterproof it. I don't know that the light was a necessity but I do not want to give the police any reason to pull me over.

Engine: I replaced the stock exhaust with an FMF Powercore 4 slip on. I modified the air box by drilling three 1" holes in the top of the box. If I ever decide to put the stock exhaust back on, I can just pick up some 1" plugs at Lowes to reseal the airbox back up. I also installed a stage 1 jetting kit in the carb and a magnetic drain plug for the engine.

Controls: I have left the stock bars alone for now (I may add some Flexx bars at a later time due to my RA), am using standard Barkbusters with Fastway shields on them. I have serious damage in my hands from RA and finally found the ProGrip 793 EVO. They are a triple density grip that have a spongy feel yet offer great grip and are very durable. I am running 2 (must have 2 mirrors in Oklahoma to be street legal) stock 6" round mirrors. The stock position of the bars was a little low for me so I am using a 1.3" Tusk bar riser. I added a bar mount Powerlet 12v lighter plug to run my GPS, charge my cellphone and I intend on picking up a small air compressor to use to air up tires.

Navigation: I am running a Garmin Nuvi 550 GPS unit. I like the larger screen of the 550, previously used a Garmin 60CSX. Just in case though, I always carry maps as a back up. An experienced dual sport riding buddy once told me, "you can never have too many maps". Besides, it's not a real ride until you get lost ... boy, I have been on a ton of real rides. I plan on buying a Spot Satellite Messenger soon since I do several solo rides. If you need to use the Spot just one time, it has more than paid for itself.

Chassis: I replaced the stock rear brake arm mount with a machined billet mount and added a rear master cylinder guard. Next, I yanked the stock rubber covered footpegs off and installed a pair of Moose Pro 1/2" offset pegs and removed the passenger pegs. I added a set of Paris Dakar Nerf Bars while underneath I bolted on a Happy Trails skid plate. I removed all graphics and left the stock tank 6.1 gallon tank alone. On top of the tank sits a Wolfman Enduro tank bag. I carry a back pack on most rides that always includes a CamelBak drink bladder, 2 PowerBars, 2 tubes, tire irons and an MSR tire inflation kit, a first aid kit, toilet paper, binoculars, maps, space blanket, foldable tree saw, 3 feet of tubing to transfer gas from one bike to another and an LED flash light. I am currently still using the stock tool pack that comes with the bike.