Dead River Den, SASS#915 Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 Check out aerostitch located in minn, they are online as well as a mailorder catalog, they cater to dual sport riding, make a fantatistic jacket and pants, and a great dual sport riding boot plus many other adventure gear, couple of good series to watch to get your excitement up are the long way down and the long way around, take care, stay safe drd
Dorado Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 On 2/18/2018 at 9:40 PM, Major Art Tillery said: Like I need another hobby... But I have been getting interested in Dual Sport bikes and Adventure Riding. Maybe I am just a point in life that I want to go and explore and do something a little crazy outside my comfort zone. Going places I normally would not venture, seeing places most folks miss out on. Sure looks like a hoot... Any other folks on the wire do any adventure riding? If so, got any tips? Places to go? Looking at getting a KLR 650, a tried a true design... It has a great price and quite the following for being a great bike Anybody else drive one? Good mods? I've ridden one a few times. Suspension is too soft. The ThermoBob, dohicky, 21 cent, and through bolt mods are highly recommended. Get a Seat Concepts seat.
Major Art Tillery Posted February 21, 2018 Author Posted February 21, 2018 4 hours ago, Dead River Den, SASS#915 said: Check out aerostitch located in minn, they are online as well as a mailorder catalog, they cater to dual sport riding, make a fantatistic jacket and pants, and a great dual sport riding boot plus many other adventure gear, couple of good series to watch to get your excitement up are the long way down and the long way around, take care, stay safe drd Awesome, I will check those out.
Major Art Tillery Posted February 21, 2018 Author Posted February 21, 2018 2 hours ago, Dorado said: I've ridden one a few times. Suspension is too soft. The ThermoBob, dohicky, 21 cent, and through bolt mods are highly recommended. Get a Seat Concepts seat. Not familiar with the 21cent... What is that? The others I know about.
Major Art Tillery Posted February 21, 2018 Author Posted February 21, 2018 11 hours ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said: I do. Much better than black. I chose the chartreuse/day-glow yellow because I ride in the rain, in the dark, pretty much anytime there isn’t ice involved. The gray / silver catches the eye as well, I think. That jacket gets good reviews. I would bet though it’s not a cool jacket on a hot day even with the liner removed. I also own a summer mesh / leather jacket that has CE armor but it’s got a lot of black materiel on the back. Stupid design. Gets hot in the sun at low speed and when stopped. That is something else to keep in mind. We aren’t always going fast. Thanks for the tips pard!
Major Art Tillery Posted February 21, 2018 Author Posted February 21, 2018 13 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said: First advice I got was that there were two kinds of Motorcycle riders. Those that have have went down and those that will do it again. Take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course. Helps on insurance and you learn a lot. Second good advice I got was to budget at least two thousand dollars for gear per rider for the first year. On second thought make it three if you plan to ride all three seasons or take long multi day trips. I spent almost 6K for the wife and I the first 12 months I owned the bike. Sounds like a lot and it was but all that gear except the helmets is still serviceable 12 years later. Helmets have a fixed life span. Once their time is up use them for target practice and buy a new one. Once it has protected your head retire it and get a new one. Helmets are one time use only. Good Motorcycle specific clothing is worth every penny. I have 2 leather jackets with removable liners and extra padding where it counts. Fit like crap when walking around but when I sit on a bike with my hands on the controls they fit perfectly. Paid north of $500 for them and never regretted it. Also have a quality textile jacket for warm weather that is properly padded and reinforced with Kevlar. Same advice for chaps, buy good heavy ones. In addition to road rash they protect your shins and kneecaps from rocks and other things that the vehicles throw up. Mine have a few scars from rocks that trucks have thrown at me. Again not comfortable to walk around in but great when riding. I have a pair of heavy leather leg gators that I bought for hot weather riding. They are tall enough to cover the kneecap. I'll try to remember to look and see who the maker was. Took me a year of looking to find ones that tall. I believe they were made here in TX. Kevlar reinforced jeans made for motorcycle riding will help tame road rash. Getting rocks picked out of you hide hurts a lot more than the cost of quality clothing that will last you a long time. If you are thinking of riding in cooler weather heated hand grips are worth it. Probably the best accessory I put on my bike. Heated gloves are not worth the money. A heated vest or jacket liner is though. The key to staying warm is to keep your core warm. On the subject of warm always always carry a windproof jacket. A summer rain shower can soak you the bone. Then the wind from riding will cause evaporative cooling that can make you really cold in a hurry. I have seen people shivering in 100 degree heat because they got soaked and kept riding. I also carried 4 or 5 packs of those large Hot Hands chemical warmers. Put a couple next to you kidneys and they will keep you warm in an emergency. On group trips I gave away a lot of them to people that failed to be prepared for lower than forecast temps.. Every brand of MC helmet is made to fit a different shape of head. Some are round, some small oval and some large oval. Find the brand that fits you. When you try on a helmet wear it for at least 30 minutes before you decide it fits. Pressure points take time to get your attention. My favorite full face came from a company called G-Max. Only modular I could find that didn't sit too close to my chin. If you don't find a brightly colored jacket wear a bright reflective vest. Be sure it has good closures and will not fly up and over your face when riding. Speaking of that be very wary of ponchos. Know more than one rider that had one cover their face while riding because the wind got under it. I found Web Bike World useful for reviews of MC gear. Their Ultimate Motorcycle Helmet Buyer’s Guide: is a must read in my opinion. I will check into some of that info pard.. thank you for the tips! Appreciate it.
Pat Riot Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 Major, not sure if you are aware of this but right now 2017 KLR 650 models have $500 off. Also, ask your dealer about a touring package on the KLR. If offered it doubles the warranty from 1 to 2 years. Also, their extended warranties are very reasonable and can be purchased at any time before the end of the existing warranty. Often you can get discounts on Kawasaki accessories at the time of purchase. If you wish to add lights, saddlebags, etc the dealer will install them for free with the purchase of the bike. Also, there is a bunch of info out there on the “Doohickey Mod”. I would read up on it before spending money on it. A lot depends on how long you would keep the bike. It may no longer be necessary if buying a new bike.
Dorado Posted February 21, 2018 Posted February 21, 2018 6 hours ago, Major Art Tillery said: Not familiar with the 21cent... What is that? The others I know about. You expand a hole in the carb and change couple of small parts to make it run better.
Major Art Tillery Posted February 22, 2018 Author Posted February 22, 2018 5 hours ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said: Major, not sure if you are aware of this but right now 2017 KLR 650 models have $500 off. Also, ask your dealer about a touring package on the KLR. If offered it doubles the warranty from 1 to 2 years. Also, their extended warranties are very reasonable and can be purchased at any time before the end of the existing warranty. Often you can get discounts on Kawasaki accessories at the time of purchase. If you wish to add lights, saddlebags, etc the dealer will install them for free with the purchase of the bike. Also, there is a bunch of info out there on the “Doohickey Mod”. I would read up on it before spending money on it. A lot depends on how long you would keep the bike. It may no longer be necessary if buying a new bike. I did know about the rebate and actually took advantage of it and took deliver yesterday of a new 2017 KLR. With the $500 rebate, deliver of the bike and some riding gear I thought they made me a good offer I couldn't refuse! I think I posted a picture of it earlier on here. Pretty excited to get in some riding, even if it just around town here. (small town of like 350 or so people). Doing some research on some of those motorcycle classes, if it makes me a better rider and gets me a discount on insurance I am all for it! Also trying to get some other riding gear figured out, gloves, boots and such. I sure appreciate your help... maybe I get this adventure bike figured out we can get together and do some riding sometime.
Pat Riot Posted February 22, 2018 Posted February 22, 2018 11 minutes ago, Major Art Tillery said: I did know about the rebate and actually took advantage of it and took deliver yesterday of a new 2017 KLR. With the $500 rebate, deliver of the bike and some riding gear I thought they made me a good offer I couldn't refuse! I think I posted a picture of it earlier on here. Pretty excited to get in some riding, even if it just around town here. (small town of like 350 or so people). Doing some research on some of those motorcycle classes, if it makes me a better rider and gets me a discount on insurance I am all for it! Also trying to get some other riding gear figured out, gloves, boots and such. I sure appreciate your help... maybe I get this adventure bike figured out we can get together and do some riding sometime. That is great...and would be great. Love to go for a long ride. Holy cow! How did I miss the picture of your bike?... It looks sharp. I like it!
Major Art Tillery Posted March 3, 2018 Author Posted March 3, 2018 Super excited, just got back from the DMV... I aced my written and skill test for a motorcycle! Yeah! Finally got to take the new bike out for a nice ride. Sure is going to be fun ! 
Dantankerous Posted March 3, 2018 Posted March 3, 2018 Do NOT run into livestock. Your bike will lose that battle.
TJ Law Dog Posted March 3, 2018 Posted March 3, 2018 Great buy . If you need some gear I have some I'd be willing to part with . It is great shape and will give you a good price. PM me for a detailed list . I have gloves ,boots ,over pants ,seat pad ,tank bag and a jacket . Retired from riding last year . I had a KLR and a Suzuki V-Strom Adventure .
Major Art Tillery Posted March 4, 2018 Author Posted March 4, 2018 13 hours ago, Dantankerous said: Do NOT run into livestock. Your bike will lose that battle. Copy that big brother! I have had my share try and take me out over the years. Got 45 Bulls come to the clinic this week... At a ton each makes a man with a sorting stick feel mighty small.
Major Art Tillery Posted March 26, 2018 Author Posted March 26, 2018 Weather has been a little chilly lately here in Kansas, but with the few nice days that we have had I managed to get 200miles on the new KLR. I am really enjoying it and can not wait for warmer weather for some longer adventure rides! Still looking around for mod options and such... So many options available for the KLR. Kind of like the Jeep of the dual sport world!
Pat Riot Posted March 26, 2018 Posted March 26, 2018 Even at 200 miles I am jealous. I am glad you like your KLR. And you are right, there are a lot of cool accessories for them. Did you look into additional lights for the front end? I can’t remember if you said you had. One thing you might want to check out is a power port for charging or using electronics. Also, maybe a camera, not so much for showing off but for recording rides and in case you need video evidence in case of an accident. I just installed a led a cell phone mount on my Versys but haven’t had the chance to use it. I will let you know how it works out but it’s not very rugged looking. It only cost me $15 on Amazon and looks like it will work for street riding but perhaps not for trails or bumpy / bouncy roads. I just got my walking boot brace off last Weds and I promised my wife I wouldn’t ride my bike for at least a week. The weather is cooperating in my promise...it’s been raining and cold since the afternoon I got my boot off. No temptation to ride...well, maybe a little.
Too Tall Bob Posted March 27, 2018 Posted March 27, 2018 I have put many many miles on a KLR. If nothing else add these three things: 1. skid plate.- nothing worse than back roading it and puncturing the lower case on a rock 2. electrical port - charge your phone or plug in that electric vest and/or gloves on a cold day 3. driving lights - these can save your bacon in bad weather. Not only can you see better but oncoming traffic can SEE YOU better. Have fun on your adventures and be safe.
Major Art Tillery Posted March 29, 2018 Author Posted March 29, 2018 On 3/26/2018 at 6:44 AM, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said: Even at 200 miles I am jealous. I am glad you like your KLR. And you are right, there are a lot of cool accessories for them. Did you look into additional lights for the front end? I can’t remember if you said you had. One thing you might want to check out is a power port for charging or using electronics. Also, maybe a camera, not so much for showing off but for recording rides and in case you need video evidence in case of an accident. I just installed a led a cell phone mount on my Versys but haven’t had the chance to use it. I will let you know how it works out but it’s not very rugged looking. It only cost me $15 on Amazon and looks like it will work for street riding but perhaps not for trails or bumpy / bouncy roads. I just got my walking boot brace off last Weds and I promised my wife I wouldn’t ride my bike for at least a week. The weather is cooperating in my promise...it’s been raining and cold since the afternoon I got my boot off. No temptation to ride...well, maybe a little. I have not added any mods yet.. maybe more this Summer. Mostly working up to getting more riding gear first. But additional lights are on the list, I have many websites sites saved on my computer for a "wish list" of sorts. And yes a charging port will be handy for sure, always seems like my cell phone is close to being dead. Looks like 65 Friday, so maybe get it out for a drive again soon! I do like the idea of the camera... Good brand? Mounts? Glad you got that brace off your foot, that had to be a pain! Hope you get to go riding again soon. Major
Major Art Tillery Posted March 29, 2018 Author Posted March 29, 2018 On 3/26/2018 at 8:42 PM, Too Tall Bob said: I have put many many miles on a KLR. If nothing else add these three things: 1. skid plate.- nothing worse than back roading it and puncturing the lower case on a rock 2. electrical port - charge your phone or plug in that electric vest and/or gloves on a cold day 3. driving lights - these can save your bacon in bad weather. Not only can you see better but oncoming traffic can SEE YOU better. Have fun on your adventures and be safe. Yep they are all on the list... It is getting to be a BIG list.
Pat Riot Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 39 minutes ago, Major Art Tillery said: Glad you got that brace off your foot, that had to be a pain! Hope you get to go riding again soon. Thank you. I rode my bike this afternoon and I am riding to work tomorrow. The sun finally decided to come out today! I am very happy about that! This is the camera system I am thinking about. It’s a Innovv K1 2 camera system. https://www.innovv.com/product-page/innovv-k1-moto-recording-system I am still not sold on it yet but it interests me the most. Regarding Mods to your bike. I recommend that you go easy and really think about what you plan to do with the bike. It’s easy to get carried away. Believe me, I know... Also, Amazon and EBay are great resources and the reviews really help.
Dantankerous Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 Ditto what Pat said about modding your bike. There are as many modifications that can be made to your KLR as there are a Harley-Davidson or an AR-15. I would do safety modifications first. And by these I mean a better headlight if needed and possibly a flashing LED tail light. KLRs of the past also had a notoriously squishy front fork springs and in my opinion a front brake rotor that was too small. When I had my bike I changed those out and noticed a lot more response in the bike when I wanted it to do something. Safety items on the bike and safety items for your person including good riding gloves, a riding jacket, a good quality helmet, perhaps some riding pants, and maybe some rain gear although it's doubtful we will ever get rain Kansas again. But a KLR is a fantastic bike on which to enjoy global warming and Global drying. ATTATT All the gear all the time.
Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 Been dual sport riding since the mid 60's, current DS rides are a BMW F650gs and a Yamaha XT225. You get to see a lot of cool things, living in the Black Hils of SD has lots of opportunities to go trail riding. Being 70 I don't do nearly as tough rides as I did 50 years ago. If someone has not mentioned it. Adventure Rider is an excellent site for this sort of thing. http://advrider.com/index.php Keep the shiny side up.
Pat Riot Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 6 hours ago, Dantankerous said: ATTATT All the gear all the time. ATGATT Not At-At
Dantankerous Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 4 minutes ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said: ATGATT Oh yeah. Durn spelling stuff. Thanks!
Pat Riot Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 Just now, Dantankerous said: Oh yeah. Durn spelling stuff. Thanks! I edited...
Pat Riot Posted March 29, 2018 Posted March 29, 2018 Major, just curious. Does your bike have tension adjustable front forks? The comment Dantankerous made about the front forks made me wonder. My Versys has adjustable front and rear suspension, which is pretty cool once you figure it out. My Old Yamaha does not. Here’s where my Mods comment comes in. I was all set to by new progressive front springs for this bike. It’s s Virago 535. That would have run me $100-200 depending on spring selection. The bike has just over 10K miles on it. The springs should not be worn out but it is a 97. So, I am going to replace the rubber seals, $20 and put some 15 weight oil in the forks. That might give me less dive in hard braking. If not, THEN I will look at new springs. Had I listened to the parts (sales) guy at Yamaha I would be out $200 for springs I may not need. That’s Why forums like the one Bob mentioned are valuable. Learn from other’s mistakes...
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