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First thing a KLR owner should do

Mechanical History of the KLR650

Known Issues

The "Thumbs up" and the "Thumbs down"
Accessory list 

KLR650 

Overview of the KLR650
by Webmaster Mark

Overall and despite its flaws, we feel the KLR650 is the best Multisurface Motorcycle in the Heavyweight class for the money. It represents a fairly good compromise between cost and performance. I have found the KLR650 to be very street worthy and better suited, than other Multisurface Motorcycles for commuting. The twin cam engine will out accelerate most cars & trucks. Also with a good set of DOT semiknobby tires it corners reasonably well and properly ridden will keep up or even outrun a few street only motorcycles. It is simple and in some cases smoother running than many multicylinder bikes (Especially certain British twins). In stock form and properly running, it can easily go over 200 miles on a tank of gas. It has a fairly narrow profile which can make lane splitting rather easy. As for reliability there have been a few that have completed 24hr/1000mi endurance runs and one has circumnavigated the globe.

On paper the KLR650 doesn't look so good, it has a rather dated suspension and is heavy when compared to other Multisurface Motorcycles in its class. Yet despite some of the negative reviews, the KLR650 has a bit of a cult following and a certain character that grows on you after awhile. The typical owner seems to fall into one of 2 groups, people who own them for a short time and get rid of them for various reasons and fanatics who put as much as 100,000 miles or more on them. So if your in the market, don't get hung up on the latest specs such as horsepower and suspension travel. Think about what you are really going do with the bike and you may find that the KLR650 fits your needs. 

First thing a KLR650 owner should do 
by Webmaster Mark

This is very subjective and there really is no right answer. Some suggest changing the front springs, brake lines, tires etc should be the first improvement. Although these areas need definite improvement, you may not notice these deficiencies right away (especially if you are a novice rider). Yet, as your riding ability improves you may find that these items will need upgrading. Basically most modifications depend on the riders skill and exactly what they want to do with his or her bike. However, we feel there are a few areas that could be improved right away to make owning a KLR650 a little more enjoyable. 

 

Training 

Of course the first thing any rider should do is get some training, so go check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Also buy a factory manual and learn your motorcycle inside and out. Check out the message board and other websites dedicated to this bike, but don't believe everything you read!

Riding Gear 

This is an area that most folks don't look at until after they've bought the bike. If you can't afford this most important motorcycle accessory then you shouldn't be buying a KLR650 or any motorcycle for that matter. Check out the article "Commuting on a KLR" for more info on this.

Mechanical modifications

Everyone has their own idea of what should be the first modification that the KLR owner should do. Below are are a couple of suggestions from a few of us here at Multisurface Motorcycling.com

Webmaster Mark's suggestions:

• Loctite^® fasteners such as the body panel screws and the chain adjuster nuts as these often come loose.
• Relocate the license plate before it gets snagged and bent by the rear tire.
• Install a magnetic drain plug to catch any particles that occur during breakin period.
• Vibration management (See Article), excessive vibration maybe just one reason many KLR650s are sold soon after the initial purchase. This will require a bit of investment, but feel it is well worth it.

Elden who builds his own KLRs from the ground up has his own ideas:

• First he would clean the oil screen and change the oil & filter.

• Check the valve clearances

• Fix the balancer mechanism

Mechanical History of the KLR
by Elden Carl

The KLR650 started out as the KLR600 way back in 1984 and has gone through a number of  improvements over the years. We have written up a very good timeline on the mechanical history of the KLR as well as some of the known issues through the years (Click here for more info)

Known Issues
by Webmaster Mark and Elden Carl

While many KLR650s have traveled great distances without any problems using  completely stock engines. There have been a few which been left stranded on the side of the road for various reasons. We have written up a list of some of the more common known issues with the KLR650 (Click here for more info)

The "Thumbs up" and the "Thumbs down" Accessory list 
by Webmaster Mark and Elden Carl

Note: This list will be updated occasionally and more categories will be added soon.

There are possibly more accessories available for the KLR than any other Multisurface Motorcycle. Some upgrades are beneficial and some are a complete waste of money. Adding accessories to your bike is very subjective and depends on many variables such as the riders skill level, what surface the bike will spend most of the time on, and the overall intended purpose. This could be anything from a commuter bike, pure off road use or a bike for traveling around the world. (Click on "Thumbs up" and the "Thumbs down" more info)

With the help of Elden Carl and a few of us a Multisurface Motorcyling.com, we have come up with a few procedures that will cover some of the basic maintenance operations and upgrades on the KLR. Our goal is to add a new one at every month. Currently we have come up with the following procedures plus plenty of photos to make things as clear as possible. 

(Click on the Procedure for more info) 

Basic Maintenance 

Balancer Chain Tension Adjustment   "Updated" !

Balancer System Upgrades  "Updated" !

Fuel System "NEW" !

Oil Change

Oil Screen Cleaning

Rim Lock Upgrade & Tire Changing    

Steering Head Bearing Adjustment

Swing arm lubrication and Zerk fitting upgrade

Valve Adjustment, Late Model (96 to present)

Vibration Management

Wheel Bearing Upgrade