Trevor's KLR Mods
Updated 12/28/05
Ok, so most of these aren't really "mods", they're more like additions. Check 'em out:
Super Incredible KLR Dash Modification
Timex watch: $20, Velcro with sticky back: $3.00, knowing how late I am for work: crappy.
BagMan Saddle Bags no longer on bike
eBay is as addicting as it is fun, practical and useless. Got these BagMan bags for about $20 I think. They have a little bag thing inside that's supposed to make them waterproof, but, well, they're not really waterproof. People have called them bowling bags. What, not enough fringe for ya?
Pelican Trunk
Teddy helped me out on this one. Got the case on eBay for $50. Teddy drilled into the stock rack and tapped the holes for screws. Put some holes in the case and viola! Great for commuting with the laptop, or holding whatever needs to be thrown in there. It also makes a good backrest when the ol' lady wants to go for a ride.
Seat Cover
I didn't like having Kaw logos all over my bike. I figure if a company wants me to advertise for them, they better make it worth my while. Needless to say, I didn't get THAT good of a deal on this bike. Anyway, went to the local fabric store and a little old lady who works there helped me find a perfect piece of vinyl on the remnants rack. You can't beat $1.88. Used Wes' hydraulic staple gun with pieces of leather to keep the staples from going through the vinyl.
Pirelli MT 21
What can I say? This is one badass tire. Will get you out of any mudhole, and makes a menacing moan when ridden on pavement.
Heated Grips no longer on bike
Again, Teddy helped with this one. Pretty simple set up. Got me through the Michigan winter (the coldest day I rode to work was -5 degrees F) So hot they melted my grips. I'll be updating this system next winter.
Shifter(hmm... little bit o'gunk there, eh?)
The stock shifter is notorious for breaking off. Mine was no different. I still have the original. Wes gave it a spot weld, and I keep it as a spare.
Map Case no longer on bike
The page says it all.
Bash Plate
Big, burly, chunky and tough. Ordered from Arrowhead.
Master Cylinder Guard
This was relatively cheap; about $13. Hopefully it'll keep me from spending a mint when I eat it in the woods.
Headlight Guard
Based on Wes'. You can spend up to $100 on one, or you can make one for less than five bucks.
Galfer Braided Brake Line
KLRs have some squishy brakes due to the rubber hose for the brake line. These babies make your braking quick and easy.
Plate
Attach it using the bottom holes on the plate and you won't lose it on the trail.
Billet Mirror Mount
I had to buy a replacement switch housing for about $90 when I ate it one day. If you get one of these, it'll save that switch housing. The mirror mount costs less than ten bucks.
Maier Brushguards
Again, from Fred. Now that I've started riding (and falling) on trails more often, these have come in handy. I tried to make the plastic stock guards fit over these, but they would have been shredded by the time I got through.
Rear Shock Mudflap
Simple, but fully functional
Garmin Etrex Legend GPS Unit
Cost around $200 and well worth it. It's a very fun toy and has actually helped me navigate a couple times too! It's secured to the handlebars with a mount from REI for about $18. It has held up perfectly over highways, mud, rocks and streams.
Bridgestone Trailwing 21 no longer on bike
This is a great rear tire if you ride on the street most of the time. It's rated at 50/50 I think. But, my experience with it was that it is excellent for highway riding and just barely adequate on the trail. I have gone back to the Pirelli MT21 on the rear, but kept a Trailwing on the front because it's held up decently enough.
Ortleib Dry Bag Saddle Bags
Got these for Christmas from my gal. She got them from the Aerostitch Catalog. These babies are 100% waterproof, and are big enough to hold a full face helmet and a bit more gear too.
UFO brushguards
They're big, they're bad, and they keep your hands relatively warm in the winter time. Yet again, ordered from Fred.
Progressive Springs
This is my favorite mod so far. These muthas VASTLY improved my ride, and there is no more fork sag at stop lights. Haven't gotten them out on the trail yet, so the jury's still out in that dept.
12 v. Adapter
Allows me to save my GPS batteries, as well as charge my phone while on the road. Now I just need that laptop adapter! :-P
IMS Superstock Footpegs
Oh man. These are GREAT. They allow zero foot slipage in the wettest/slimiest/muddiest situations. A must have.
Kenda 270s
I got these because they're cheaper. The Pirellis seem to give me about 3-4000 miles, and I've heard the Kendas last longer. I've learned how to put my own tires on with the help of Wes. These two kendas cost $94, including shipping.
The Kendas are ok, but they're a bit soft. Cornering on the street is a bit squishy. The Pirellis don't slip, slide or squish on the street. I'll be going back to those once these Kendas wear out.
Radiator Fan Switch
My fan started acting irratically one day, and then the wire going to the fan switch fell off because of corrosion. Borrowing from Wes' idea, I opted to not pay $77 for a new radiator fan switch, and put in a $3 manual switch.
Go back to Trevor's KLR page