KLR 650 Modifications - Page 249

DirtyDog · 10-15-2012, 08:09 AM

FWIW, my pegs have been welded dince 2008 and I have done major service on both sides of the motor with only minor clearance issues. There is one bolt on the clutch side by the peg that took some creativity to remove. That's it.

RustySpokes · 10-15-2012, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyDog

FWIW, my pegs have been welded dince 2008 and I have done major service on both sides of the motor with only minor clearance issues. There is one bolt on the clutch side by the peg that took some creativity to remove. That's it.

Do you know if you can still get the engine out if needed?

TengaiJohn · 10-15-2012, 08:37 AM

My pegs are welded and I can get the engine in and out of the frame.

GAS GUY · 10-15-2012, 10:15 AM

Today, 12:13 PM
#1

GAS GUY
Beastly Adventurer

Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Garden city, Michigan
Oddometer: 1,637

KLR Seat Concepts install
I ordered a Seat concepts seat kit for my 2008 KLR in the firmer than standard foam.So I figured I would share some pics and info in case anyone is interested.

The new foam is much much nicer.It is not only wider but much denser and of high quality.

After removing the 70 or so staples and removing the old cover and foam you want to smooth any sharp edges on the pan.
I also smoothed all the little dimples from the old staples.
Now is also a good time to check your pan for any clearace issues against your tank,especially if you have a aftermarket tank.
I have a IMS 10 gallon tank and the left side is tight so I shaved a little off of the pan on that side which helps on installing the seat because the 2008 also has the little bolt on the tongue of the seat.

Then I used a little 3m adhesive spray in a few areas to hold the foam on the pan before stapling on the cover.
Here are a few shots of the foam on the pan before I put on the cover.

I followed the instructions and stapled the cover on.It is kind of hard to get all the wrinkles out of the front area.Even after I get them out ,a few seem to come back after sitting on the seat.But overall I am happy with it for my first time .

I chose the EMBOSSED cover with the small dimpling in it.

Then I put the alaskan leather sheepskin over it.

In the instructions they tell you they use a staple gun from Harbor freight tools.So I went and bought one on sale for $21.99
and let me tell you It works nicely.
It is the small body 20 gauge wide crown gun and it shoots the arrow T50 staples just like the traditional silver hand stapler.

You go to Home Depot to buy the staples.I used 1/4 inch staples for most of it and 5/16 in a few areas where the material overlapped.

I have only went for a short ride so far but am impressed with the seat.
It is the same shape and angle as stock but wider and firmer and that is what they advertise.It is a huge improvement over stock,but I think they should also offer a FLAT seat option also.
I prefer a flat seat and in the future I may take the cover off and take a taper cut off of the seat to flatten it more but for now I am going to ride it as is .
I hope this helps anyone interested in this seat.
__________________

RustySpokes · 10-15-2012, 10:52 AM

Thanks! My seat concepts kit is supposed to arrive tomorrow...

DirtyDog · 10-15-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustySpokes

Do you know if you can still get the engine out if needed?

I don't know first-hand, but I'd think yes. There is clearance at the top side of the motor. Only the aft motor mount is a flush one with a through-bolt. The top and front mounts are offset. I think it can be done.

...

Where has Willys been lately?

GAS GUY · 10-15-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyDog

I don't know first-hand, but I'd think yes. There is clearance at the top side of the motor. Only the aft motor mount is a flush one with a through-bolt. The top and front mounts are offset. I think it can be done.

...

Where has Willys been lately?

He is prolly tired of youse guys always chewin on his ass.

Myfuture_yourdebt · 10-15-2012, 01:46 PM

I'm experimenting with a pre cold start sump heater and lower radiator hose heater on my KLR650 over this winter and will report back with results and my impressions.

SkiBumBrian · 10-15-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAS GUY

Today, 12:13 PM
#1

GAS GUY
Beastly Adventurer

Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Garden city, Michigan
Oddometer: 1,637

KLR Seat Concepts install
I ordered a Seat concepts seat kit for my 2008 KLR in the firmer than standard foam.So I figured I would share some pics and info in case anyone is interested.

The new foam is much much nicer.It is not only wider but much denser and of high quality.

After removing the 70 or so staples and removing the old cover and foam you want to smooth any sharp edges on the pan.
I also smoothed all the little dimples from the old staples.
Now is also a good time to check your pan for any clearace issues against your tank,especially if you have a aftermarket tank.
I have a IMS 10 gallon tank and the left side is tight so I shaved a little off of the pan on that side which helps on installing the seat because the 2008 also has the little bolt on the tongue of the seat.

Then I used a little 3m adhesive spray in a few areas to hold the foam on the pan before stapling on the cover.
Here are a few shots of the foam on the pan before I put on the cover.

I followed the instructions and stapled the cover on.It is kind of hard to get all the wrinkles out of the front area.Even after I get them out ,a few seem to come back after sitting on the seat.But overall I am happy with it for my first time .

I chose the EMBOSSED cover with the small dimpling in it.

Then I put the alaskan leather sheepskin over it.

In the instructions they tell you they use a staple gun from Harbor freight tools.So I went and bought one on sale for $21.99
and let me tell you It works nicely.
It is the small body 20 gauge wide crown gun and it shoots the arrow T50 staples just like the traditional silver hand stapler.

You go to Home Depot to buy the staples.I used 1/4 inch staples for most of it and 5/16 in a few areas where the material overlapped.

I have only went for a short ride so far but am impressed with the seat.
It is the same shape and angle as stock but wider and firmer and that is what they advertise.It is a huge improvement over stock,but I think they should also offer a FLAT seat option also.
I prefer a flat seat and in the future I may take the cover off and take a taper cut off of the seat to flatten it more but for now I am going to ride it as is .
I hope this helps anyone interested in this seat.
__________________

Those few wrinkles will come out in time as the cover settles and shrinks, mine did. You did a great job!

Aron31 · 10-15-2012, 05:38 PM

Who out there has thoroughly tested their crash bars? Just wondering what everyone's experiences have been. Seems like the 2 big ones are the sw motechs and the happy trails pd kit. I think givi also released some as well. They all look great brand new but what about after a couple offs? Any bending? Tweaking? Fitment issues? I just don't want to waste the money on something that's going to go to crap the first nap it takes.

lexluther11 · 10-15-2012, 05:48 PM

As much as I try I can't seem to damage my KLR......the SW Motech crash bars work very good.

RandoCommando · 10-15-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aron31

Who out there has thoroughly tested their crash bars? Just wondering what everyone's experiences have been. Seems like the 2 big ones are the sw motechs and the happy trails pd kit. I think givi also released some as well. They all look great brand new but what about after a couple offs? Any bending? Tweaking? Fitment issues? I just don't want to waste the money on something that's going to go to crap the first nap it takes.

I can verify that my HT PD Nerf Bars work.
I went down in WV and the highway bar bent but my bike was spared major damage.
My leg is another story.
I fractured my distal fibula.

doogiepooch · 10-15-2012, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aron31

Who out there has thoroughly tested their crash bars? Just wondering what everyone's experiences have been. Seems like the 2 big ones are the sw motechs and the happy trails pd kit. I think givi also released some as well. They all look great brand new but what about after a couple offs? Any bending? Tweaking? Fitment issues? I just don't want to waste the money on something that's going to go to crap the first nap it takes.

Had SW's on my 2 KLR's. My 88 my rear tried to pass my front on some loose gravel in a sharp turn I over corrected and face planted (hard) into the pavement at about 30 mph. Slight scrape on the bars and a broken mirror are all that happened. No deflection or bending. Some touch up paint and it was good as new. My 2012 has fallen over twice, one on each side on pavement, no attempt to catch it. I have a hair scratch on one side of the bars, the other side I can't even find a scratch. I can't comment on the Happy Trails bars, I've seen some youtube videos after drops and wrecks and guys seem to be happy with how they've held up. I have read of some slight fitment isses on the HT bars but nothing some pulling and tugging wouldn't fix. I think between the 2 it's really a style preference. My personal thoughts are the SW's are way sexier. The Givi's just don't protect enough for my taste, I've heard other mirror that. Just do one thing, don't fall for the $100 hwy pegs from SW. I bought them for my 88' and they sucked. On my 2012 I ordered some $7 folding foot pegs and they worked perfect. SW's all the way.

lexluther11 · 10-15-2012, 06:13 PM

Just had Hot Cams installed and I'm liking the increase in power. I haven't had a chance to really try them out because of all the rain we are getting but I do notice the torque and lower rpm at cruise. Will let you know more once I give them a good workout.

Jettn Jim · 10-15-2012, 06:46 PM

Hey Gas Guy... nice job, I think your gonna find that your new SC is more comfy WITHOUT your Alaska Leather sheepskin... Yea I know doesn't add up but on a little 4,500mi hop down to FLA this past February that's what I found out.
Then told Oldstove over at KLRWorld and after testing it out on his he said hmmmm no kidd'n yer right.
Check it out and get back to me... it's weird!

As for the SC I'll prob sell mine when I get back from the ride I'm currently on, since it just sits gathering dust in the shop anyhow....
Foam weighs a ton and I like my RM betta.

As for welding the pegs.... not for me since I swap engines more than most guy's swap tires.
I need it to be as smooooth as possible when I've gotta 120lbs hang'n on on my finger tips.
But I understand some doin' it.

Peace,
JJ

10-15-2012, 08:09 AM	#3721
DirtyDog Lust for dust... Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Tulsa... it's OK Oddometer: 6,121	FWIW, my pegs have been welded dince 2008 and I have done major service on both sides of the motor with only minor clearance issues. There is one bolt on the clutch side by the peg that took some creativity to remove. That's it. __________________ ... grease, grit, and mud are runnin' in my blood.

10-15-2012, 08:37 AM	#3723
TengaiJohn Beastly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Tappan, NY Oddometer: 3,108	My pegs are welded and I can get the engine in and out of the frame. __________________ 1990 Kawasaki Tengai KLR650B2 (parting out)

10-15-2012, 10:52 AM	#3725
RustySpokes Two-bit throttle bum Joined: May 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Oddometer: 772	Thanks! My seat concepts kit is supposed to arrive tomorrow... __________________ "The secret to getting what you want is to simply be willing to blow your budget out of the water..." Pete Z.

10-15-2012, 05:38 PM	#3730
Aron31 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2010 Location: Western Chicago Il Oddometer: 111	Who out there has thoroughly tested their crash bars? Just wondering what everyone's experiences have been. Seems like the 2 big ones are the sw motechs and the happy trails pd kit. I think givi also released some as well. They all look great brand new but what about after a couple offs? Any bending? Tweaking? Fitment issues? I just don't want to waste the money on something that's going to go to crap the first nap it takes. __________________ My 2008 Klr 650 (orange) Wife's 2008 Klr 650 (red)

10-15-2012, 06:13 PM	#3734
lexluther11 Ride,Eat,Rest-Repeat Joined: Feb 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Oddometer: 688	Hot Cams Just had Hot Cams installed and I'm liking the increase in power. I haven't had a chance to really try them out because of all the rain we are getting but I do notice the torque and lower rpm at cruise. Will let you know more once I give them a good workout.

10-15-2012, 01:46 PM	#3728
Myfuture_yourdebt Banned Joined: Jun 2011 Location: Front Range, CO Oddometer: 372	I'm experimenting with a pre cold start sump heater and lower radiator hose heater on my KLR650 over this winter and will report back with results and my impressions.

10-15-2012, 05:48 PM	#3731
lexluther11 Ride,Eat,Rest-Repeat Joined: Feb 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Oddometer: 688	As much as I try I can't seem to damage my KLR......the SW Motech crash bars work very good.

10-15-2012, 06:46 PM	#3735
Jettn Jim This is Liv'n!!! Joined: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast PA, Some... On HIGH ADVENTURE Most! Oddometer: 1,259	Hey Gas Guy... nice job, I think your gonna find that your new SC is more comfy WITHOUT your Alaska Leather sheepskin... Yea I know doesn't add up but on a little 4,500mi hop down to FLA this past February that's what I found out. Then told Oldstove over at KLRWorld and after testing it out on his he said hmmmm no kidd'n yer right. Check it out and get back to me... it's weird! As for the SC I'll prob sell mine when I get back from the ride I'm currently on, since it just sits gathering dust in the shop anyhow.... Foam weighs a ton and I like my RM betta. As for welding the pegs.... not for me since I swap engines more than most guy's swap tires. I need it to be as smooooth as possible when I've gotta 120lbs hang'n on on my finger tips. But I understand some doin' it. Peace, JJ __________________ Britannia Composites Carls Cycle Klim USA Warp9 Wheels Trail Tech ADVstuff Here: HEL USA/moto-heaven Highway Dirtbikes

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