KAWASAKI KLR 650 UPGRADES AND MODS [Part 1]

Рет қаралды 250,623

Күн бұрын

A Trip Around the World or a Weekend Warrior, there are upgrades you will need to do on your Kawasaki KLR 650 before you take off on your adventure of a lifetime.
I'll take you through my own personal upgrades and modifications on my 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 and a 2007 KLR 650 to help prepare you for a small or big trip.
Video Mentioned: 500 Days Alaska to Argentina - The Modern Motorcycle Diaries - • 500 Days Alaska to Arg...
Part II - Releases on Thursday August 18th ( Thanks for the wait)
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(See Gear List Below)
As I have always said to everyone, you don't need an expensive bike, expensive upgrades or gear to travel or have an amazing adventure, it takes ingenuity, creativity, courage, and the will to make your dreams and goals come true regardless of the challenges, hardships or struggles you will and could potentially face. These suggestions and examples of upgrades and modifications are obviously optional, not mandatory , and should not stop you from just jumping on your motorcycle and taking off. Remember I traveled around the entire USA with a camping backpack and no upgrades, I've traveled across Nepal on a rented 200cc Bajaj Pulsar in a shirt and backpack, and Egypt on a 150cc scooter with nothing but my sense of adventure, and so can you!
[Upgrades for 2007 KLR 650]
Old KLR Panniers(The ones I have are a discontinued model but here's a cheap alternative) - amzn.to/2ba9GW6
KLR Tall Windshield - amzn.to/2bfGHNB
Saddle Bags (from my 2005 KLR first trip ) amzn.to/2bd56pO
[Upgrades for 2015 KLR 650]
GPS/Cell Phone Mount - amzn.to/2bkVbQV
Windshield Dark Smoke - amzn.to/2bfF9mP
Crash Bars - amzn.to/2aLEziX
Center Stand - amzn.to/2aLOibE
Handguards - amzn.to/2aLFnV7
Drybag 60 Liter - amzn.to/2aLFzn4
Drybag 35 Liter - amzn.to/2aX5RiV
On-Road-/Off Road Footpegs - amzn.to/2b6n91y
Side Racks Quick-Lock "EVO" - amzn.to/2aKjkL3
Side Aluminum Panniers -amzn.to/2bCTD0L
Top Rack - amzn.to/2b6oGnZ
Tank Bag - amzn.to/2aSoTLj
Skid Plate - amzn.to/2aLOLuE
Exhaust - amzn.to/2b8wZvv
[My Travel and Film Gear]
DJI Phantom 4 Drone - amzn.to/2aEvNQN
Drone Backpack - amzn.to/2bahya6
Canon 80D DLSR - amzn.to/2aVPgNu
Bendy Tripod - amzn.to/2bahAPd
Ball Head you'll need for Bendy Tripod - amzn.to/2aZaLiJ
Canon EF-S 10-22mm - amzn.to/2b6jVLa
Rode Video Microphone - amzn.to/2b6jTD6
(Backup Camera) Canon 7gx - amzn.to/2bdWHU6
GoPro Hero 4 Silver - amzn.to/2b6kpkN
GoPro 3+ Black - amzn.to/2aY58AV
Microphone for GoPro - amzn.to/2ba6tFN
Sena 20S Bluetooth - amzn.to/2bfdGDe
Sena Prism Bluetooth Camera(Head Cam Audio Recording) - amzn.to/2aSldsT

Пікірлер: 218

@saintsfisherman 5 жыл бұрын

You are 'the guy' I tell people about when they ask me why I chose the KLR. I tell them about your trip from Alaska to Argentina and then say, If the older version of this bike could take him that far then it will never never fail me. Thanks for being the motivation!

@mmm4638 3 жыл бұрын

That 2x4 stand deserves more global attention 😂🍻🍻

@DanielMores 7 жыл бұрын

Everyone ... you *need* to see the 500 day video. It's the greatest motorcycle video on the planet!

@hammer1212 7 жыл бұрын

so far.....

@WatchmakerErik 6 жыл бұрын

I've never heard someone say Pelican cases are cheap! And having the pelican up there with the handle means you can pull a skier :)

@maxpain5543 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alex, this is a huge help! I am planning a trip, and your advice is always much appreciated!

@bbgregory1884 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your insight s and tips, your enthusiasm is contagious...

@_BAD_MERC_ 7 жыл бұрын

Great info!!! On my 2004 KLR I had the taller and wider windshield from dual-star.net and could actually use a cell phone while riding. I found the stock front springs to be a little soft too and replaced them w/ spacers. Plus replaced the brake lines with Galfer braided steel and made a HUGE improvement. I had the skid plate, water pump guard, radiator guard, caliper guard, and headlight protector. I always found the KLR needed a 6th gear and the charging system was fragile and under powered. Electrex made a killer stator to alleviate that. The Big Gun pipe on mine was LOUD but looked cool. Love your expedition videos!!

@sachsgs2509 2 жыл бұрын

You can change the front sprocket and you can do 70 mph on 4500 rpm instead of 5000. It really helps👌

@goneballistic 7 жыл бұрын

awesome and well thought through gear choices, from someone with hard won experience.

@rushi0079 5 жыл бұрын

You opened my eyes.. alex.. surely.. i will be travelling my nation with my honda 150cc.. you are an inspiration of whole lot of people who travel aroind the world.. thank u a lot

@josechimal1358 4 жыл бұрын

100% agreed!

@Msvikrant1 7 жыл бұрын

And the wooden box that you use as a sadle stand that was best thing in video :-D . . Thanks for advice

@igorlandaeta 7 жыл бұрын

Great dude! I travel a lot by bicycle and I'm started changing my mind (move to motorcycles) because of your travels. Thanks for sharing that with us. PS: Next year I'll cross USA, mostly based on your videos

@didaqueministries 7 жыл бұрын

Alex-thanks for getting back to making "home" videos like this one. This is the reason I got hooked on you years ago.

@pmwill7117 5 жыл бұрын

Like your ' piece of wood ', that is amazing not because of it cheap but it is so creative.

@Ralphsleep 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vids. I just got my 2016 KLR a few months ago, and a GoPro4 also. I am learning all about them both and videos like yours are helping me along. I am learning about shooting video, editing it, getting footage across platforms (youtube, instagram, iphone etc ) I am also planning my first short trip.

@Ramoa111 7 жыл бұрын

l would disagree on the windshield on two points: 1. If it's cold you do not wanna have direct wind on you 2. It really helps with the wind noise. Wind turbulence can greatly contribute to the stress at the end of the day since it can get really loud despite the helmet. A windshield of the right size could help reduce the noise to the point you could even listen to music with almost no wind interference

@lammy2k211 7 жыл бұрын

As always. Great video. Finally subscribed.

@aracnoteia 7 жыл бұрын

Another great video Alex, tanks for sharing. Hugs

@speacock320 7 жыл бұрын

I just bought a 2012 klr down in Austin low miles Im looking to deck this bike out

@lvasquez1123 7 жыл бұрын

this is inspiring and helpful. I just got a klr last month. felt some regret bc I didn't think I could go on tours with it.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

it's all about the personal experience , don't think too much of "getting out there"

@JedETaleon 6 жыл бұрын

noticed the Vulcan S in the back.. started riding last year and my Vulcan S is my first bike, i love it! although, Im planning on transitioning my life to travel and escape the "social norm" of having a 9-5 and working all the time... so, im thinking of eventually trading her in for a KLR 650 and travel like what you did, thanks for the videos!

@mastertweeker 6 жыл бұрын

Top tips mate and very well documented. Just what I was after. Thanks a real lot :)

@renegade1987 7 жыл бұрын

Another great video, thanks for sharing Alex! :-)

@SouthWestIron 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the 2x4 tip, going to use this right away!

@RedAceplayer 7 жыл бұрын

Nice to see some focus on the machines that carried you around!

@divyankarvikramsingh 7 жыл бұрын

u r awesome Alex..all the best for ur future rides.. 😊

@oscarmoran1761 6 жыл бұрын

A very helpful video, and a great way to encourage people, thank you!

@zealotbat 2 жыл бұрын

Great ideas...have not seen anywhere else 👍🏻👍🏻 subscribed.

@jlacerda14 7 жыл бұрын

Hey, Alex! Amazing video! Just came back from a 2,000 km trip in Perú with my dad. We have a XR250 (2011) and a KLR (2014), both are great bags. As you said, you do not need to expend tons of money for the equipment. We might use some of your ideas! Regards!

@SamuelVella1995 4 жыл бұрын

The day I got my license I took my Honda CB500x for three weeks through south and east Australia. I build some panniers out of bunnings tool boxes and some laser cut sheet metal I designed up.

@avinjung3624 7 жыл бұрын

bro you made my night now i can sleep well and saves a lot money while touring!!

@troy9er 7 жыл бұрын

I like the pelican case used as a trunk. What a great idea!! They can be cheep compared to actual motorcycle gear.

@UnaRutaPorDia 7 жыл бұрын

Great! I've made myself a center stand for my 2012 KLR, it works great, and is very useful (I was tired of using the wood.. jaja.. What I will copy from you, is the tool box. Thanks for sharing!

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching

@desitrackriders3381 3 жыл бұрын

Drain pipe is a great idea... love watching these vids all have very handy info..

@MumbikerNikhil 7 жыл бұрын

Great advice alex 😁

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks man! continue enjoying your travels!

@shivaram.m6119 5 жыл бұрын

wtf youre here

@loumitchells73 7 жыл бұрын

Bro, you did a great job. Like the way you modified your bike. Who needs a fancy 25k bike with all the gimmicks when you can do it much cheaper. Great work.

@TitanFlare 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, finally a video that doesn’t involve spending $700 on SW motech and eagle mike right off the bat. These tips and mods were actually useful, especially that center stand and the tool tube, I’ll definitely probably be adding that to me everyday ride

@miguelmiranda9122 7 жыл бұрын

Wow Alex, thanks for posting this vid. i have been wanting to take a good look at that bike since i saw your blogs. That bike right there is legendary. Glad to see you keep faithful to the KLR. Best bike in the world for me. cheer once again and reeber Baja awaits you. Team KLR Baja sends their love.. Thank for this vid can't wait to see part 2. By the way great stickers you've got there, You should do one vid behind the story of every sticker, that would be VERY interesting. cheers y saludos.God Bless.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for the suggestion. Here's part II - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mK-Kesqpmbzdmqs.html

@ericlitalien6139 7 жыл бұрын

hi alex you are the mother of all motor cyclist!! many thanks for sharing all your vids hope to meet you on a trip sometime

@zed4900 7 жыл бұрын

It was very constructive. Thanks for sharing Alex and ride safe.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching!

@stevebrinkert8339 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, been waiting to see how your bikes are set up. Thanks

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching

@sachsgs2509 2 жыл бұрын

What an awesome video!!👌👌👌

@gurahamu4718 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex - reminded me of the web page you have with the shopping basket 'tip' on it? The bit of wood is a great tip - I've been using a similar piece of wood to prop up my rear wheel for chain cleaning n lube too, it has the words 'Very Important Motorcycle Tool' written on it to make sure no one throws it out.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

love it! You can check out part II here : kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mK-Kesqpmbzdmqs.html

@OtterPup_ 7 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed it !

@longranger5226 7 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Like your approach, bruh.

@1stofer 2 жыл бұрын

Still great advice for a new KLR owner , thanks !

@breadave 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex, I just bought a brand-new KLR in part thanks to you. I'm loving it so far. I was wondering since you have been on such long stretches of highway if you ever change the gearing on your bike or if you have always gone stock?

@ralphwatten2426 7 жыл бұрын

CeeBaileys makes a taller windscreen that you can look over. They come in a couple of different heights and are aircraft quality plastic. I really like mine. Thanks for the wood center stand tip Alex Chacon. Makes good sense.

@thespankdmonkey 5 жыл бұрын

Great video that shows that you can do it if you want to!

@mainulahammad9321 7 жыл бұрын

Very helpful advice...... Thanks Alex

@Swazi1337 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for the tip with the wood block. I've been thinking about getting a stand to lube my chain and now I'll just use the piece of wood so the rear tire can spin freely.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

it's certainly a cheap solution

@makk3374 2 жыл бұрын

dude this has me so excited! got into riding last year on a Vstar 650 but had to sell it due to covid takin a fat dump on my bank account :?( but I'm getting back into riding and boy you have set off a spark inside of me! KLR and trip round Australia is on the cards! beast

@streetgangtm 7 жыл бұрын

Eagle mike subframe drill through man, a must have.

@swaroopvengali 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! You are my inspiration :)

@sutcliffedavid 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex!

@texaslonestarrider 7 жыл бұрын

Great Info! Keep It Simple!

@AIRMotovlogs 7 жыл бұрын

That's so much helpful as am planning long trip this winter..Delhi to Kolkata...

@Wanderer1 7 жыл бұрын

Well well well, nice to see you here aswell :P

@AIRMotovlogs 7 жыл бұрын

+Wanderer am a fan-follower of Alex Chacon....☺

@indypup2003 7 жыл бұрын

Nice looking bike!

@tomingle683 2 жыл бұрын

GREAT INFO. RED KLR BACKGROUND LOOKS LIKE EL PASO, TEXAS

@mikhailkalashnik0v 6 жыл бұрын

Very very informative!! World traveler/rider starter kit ;)

@paradisecityashram5240 7 жыл бұрын

Love the vids Alex. You inspired me to plan and go. I'm new to the game and just got a KLR. In Oz the KLR's are really slow they are regulated for learner riders. Many guys change pipe and have it re-jetted and remove the snorkel. Is this something you do?

@cwqrpportable 5 жыл бұрын

Great video man.........thanks

@ziruk-king4466 7 жыл бұрын

Good stuff--that is not a 2x4

@saintsfisherman 7 жыл бұрын

wonderful videos. I watched part one and two but I was wondering if you could tell me where you got these. The metal ones. These are the ones that I want.

@akosbugar8097 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as allways. Guys, which GPS application do you recommend, if im using only mobilephone on the road (because i have allways overheating problems).

@arkansastrey9694 2 жыл бұрын

I bet its truly is an adventure to go on a 500 day ride. One day i hope to experience it myself : )

@Scorge120 4 жыл бұрын

Dude that plank of wood center stand is freaking genius

@motomookie8032 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

@carlosparodiretail 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Video, what do you recommend to pit on those side bags?

@mayurkulkarni1990 7 жыл бұрын

thanks man, not gonna buy fancy CNC milled stand to lube my chain now :)

@eliofall 7 жыл бұрын

hey cool video. what about all the maintenance your always doing to you r bike in your videos? i dont mean make videos of the maintenance but rather list how much you did what on your 500 day trip

@markheather1488 4 жыл бұрын

Cool video

@ImanZ970 7 жыл бұрын

How about tires Alex?Have you tried other types of tires on your KLR?Thanks for the video

@dlwang2382 7 жыл бұрын

Commentary is very good.

@BrianMDIY 7 жыл бұрын

Fellow KLR owner here. Great advice Alex.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching!

@danilocapellan1316 6 жыл бұрын

Cool motorcycle 👍🏽😎

@tinmisuun 3 жыл бұрын

I would totally do the front fender mod to the 2022 model!

@Cyndertruly 5 жыл бұрын

i happen to have some amazing hearing and this video has a few multi tone high pitched sounds that are consistent with the video.

@Cyndertruly 5 жыл бұрын

still like the video and watching without sound.

@Ashwanikumar-le5wp 7 жыл бұрын

nice vedio i'm fan of your when i starting watching vedios of yours do it best of luck

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching!

@kevinlam7947 3 жыл бұрын

This man has done more with his life them most people, I wish I was him

@hascg1 5 жыл бұрын

Excelente una gran moto, no hay duda de eso, saludos desde paraguay

@happycamper4429 3 жыл бұрын

No Pebble Mine!!! Best sticker ya got.

@nicholasfrank4636 6 жыл бұрын

Haha dude!! I'm that guy from Santa Teresa motorsports!, I do remember you man. I was already subscribed

@AlexChacon 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Nick! nice to see you yesterday and thanks for that tire change! LOL I'm honored you were already subscribed. Remember if you want to come by and see all the mods I have on the bike let me know, I'm around the corner

@Sawar72 7 жыл бұрын

you are too smart mate, too good tips

@randykuklis8950 7 жыл бұрын

Great video and advice. Did you keep the stock seat or was it modified in any way?

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

stock all the way, modified seats are a bit expensive for my taste

@treszce13 7 жыл бұрын

I agree with you on the piece of wood to repair the rear tire, but how about the front tire?

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

use the same piece of wood to prop up the front

@natachatumadre9684 5 жыл бұрын

Just install a center stand. I did

@mynamesrob 7 жыл бұрын

I love it!! I see all the KLR owners immediately start adding a ton of crap to their bike with less than 100 miles on it. Psh. Ride it first and see what works for you, not what people say you should do!

@nathanielcarter453 6 жыл бұрын

Rob Pratten I completely agree with you. My bike is completely stock and I road 1500 ks without any problems

@badbl0k 7 жыл бұрын

thx man ))

@GaryBrubacher 7 жыл бұрын

Well done :

@danidani5613 6 жыл бұрын

great job! the front fender you made it yourself or is bought somewhere? Congratulations!

@AlexChacon 6 жыл бұрын

bought it. can't remember where. thanks for watching!

@TheNutzandBoltz 7 жыл бұрын

I've been watching 4x4 overland videos and they spend more on slide out refrigerators and storage drawers then you did on your bike. Less is more, I like it. One question. How much would you spend on saving weight? Ti vs. steel? It can get expensive I know. I have traveling on a KLX300 with bicycle panniers, camping gear and so on. It turns into handling like a mini van real fast. Once again, great work.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

I don't really have an answer to your question, sorry

@jorgepena5964 7 жыл бұрын

GREAT

@sixtysevenflh 7 жыл бұрын

inspiration! I am looking at this bike or similar. If you were to say, pack it up, add stuff Like a roll, tent etc.. where a passenger would go.. Can you lean back and put your feet on the hgwy pegs? I just did a 45 day thing on my springer and i needed that! I DO see I need a klr or something similar for my upcoming bigger excursion! I wonder if you can put pull back risers on foreign bikes? Any tips?

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

you can do almost anything to these bikes

@BigbangBiker 7 жыл бұрын

This video will certainly help me in my future plans of doing long distance riding, thanks :)

@ChrisMyers2000 7 жыл бұрын

Hey Alex, what are your thoughts on tires? Do you have a favorite or preference? I'm looking for something road worthy, but also does pretty well off-road.

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

Tires depend on what type of trip or terrain you are going through. I usually go with a 70/30 tire

@paddleboarderfun1 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Alex, I have a question, after a long tour, what do you do mechanically before and after, oil change, chain, sprockets ?

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

I change out what I need to according to the manufacture specifications

@jeremyoleary8708 7 жыл бұрын

Just discovered your channel, quite impressed! Beautiful editing and production. I also own a KLR 650 and would love to go on long trips 500-1000 mile (which is probably not considered long for you) But I would like to ride 2 up with my wife and some gear. Do you think the KLR would handle it at interstate speeds? Or would it be better sticking to slower roads?

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeremy! a KLR is very versatile , so yes it can handle it, not as good as a 1200 bigger bike but good enough in my opinion

@jeremyoleary8708 7 жыл бұрын

Great, thanks for the swift response! keep up the amazing videos and continue your adventures!

@AlexChacon 7 жыл бұрын

thanks!

@Asshole58 4 жыл бұрын

We are just getting into adventure riding. We currently ride all over Colorado and surrounding states on ninjas. I just got a versys and my boyfriend is getting a klr 650. I also got a GoPro hero 8. What is the setup to talk while riding?

@toby621 3 жыл бұрын

hi mate looks like you have done a few miles on a few klrs some home truths does the klr 650 need to have the doohickey spring up grade like a heap of videos state so what im asking have you ever done this to any of your klrs