Winter ride on KLR 685

[mycirus]

This morning it was nice out tempurature wise so I decided to try out my new 685 kit in my KLR. The power felt smooth and doesnt lug like it used to. I am really liking it. I got 77 miles in going around Wachusett reservoir and then back towards Webster and then back home. Even though the roads were wet there wasnt much sand. I had an enjoyable ride. I saw one other rider out there on a Goldwing.

[schleppy]

Who did all of the work? What was the total cost?

I am still considering the KLR, and the 685 kit seems like the only way to keep it from burning oil.

[mycirus]

Putnam Kawasaki did the work under warranty. Only cost me 212 because I had to pay for the bore and a couple of other small expenses. The Kit was about 260 bucks. http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/ca...showprevnext=1

So just under 500 bucks but it was worth it in my opinion.

[zombie]

how do you like the KLR overall bruce
and do you think you would do a month on it travelling?
cheers mick

[mycirus]

how do you like the KLR overall bruce
and do you think you would do a month on it travelling?
cheers mick

I did almost 3 weeks on it this summer. http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...ight=8500+cali

Without the upgrade you would need to bring oil. Some say they dont burn but most do. The 685 should have taken care of that. Overall I liked traveling with it and will likely do more this summer. Its not the best at highway speeds, in a headwind you will notice that but it would get the job done. A new seat is a must have. Overall its a fun bike that does whats asked of it. And the mileage is good on it.

[breakdirt916]

that's awesome, I've been dying to get out

and that KLR looks pretty slick

I can't tell from the pics; are you running enduro tires?

did you have any problem with traction today?

[mycirus]

No traction problems. I have a Metzler tourance on rear and a michelin anakee in the front. I wasnt in any sand, just wet pavement.

[sandman]

how do you like the KLR overall bruce
and do you think you would do a month on it travelling?
cheers mick

dont do it mick!

stick with the tiger.

i did a season on a klr and just finished my first tiger season and there's no way i'd doo any heavy traveling on a klr.

imho: there a great around town or all back roads/dirt roads bike.

[RandyO]

I just got back from a ride on the Kanc.. about 225 miles for the day

tried doing the Kanc on Christmas day but too much ice, today was bare but wet

[gregp]

I was unaware that the new KLR's burned oil. My old '84 KLR 600 did not burn any oil and was very reliable. Is there a noticeable power increase with the 685 kit? I really like the look of the new bikes.

[mycirus]

In 08 they redesigned the rings and they burn some at higher rpm. The 685 takes care of it. The power is noticable. Higher speeds and less vibration at lower rpms and less downshifting required. Its nice. I like it.

[Karaya One]

Did about 10 miles on the Strom today. Went to NAPA to get some Stabil, filled up the bike, changed the oil, pulled the battery. Bring on Spring!