Lowering Links to get flat footed on KLR650, YAY or NAY?

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sneakybc

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I just got my new bike. What are your thoughts on this as I am comfortable with being on the balls of my feet on the pavement but I don't think I would feel too comfortable on the trails that way in slow difficult situations.

Lowering Links? Good or bad idea?

The glass is missing out of my tach, any suggestions for a good fix?

I have it taped over with clear packing tape for now to keep the rain out!

Merry Christmas,

Sneaky :shock:
 
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Kuzzy

Member
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Hey sneaky.

I don't mean to scew up Tashs' sale as in the other thread but I would say no. I tried a lowered klr for a short distance on a mid to rough single track and I was knocking on the skid plate quit easily. I'm 6' and 180. I can't flat foot it either and only have a couple years on a dualsport without to many problems. For the weight of the bike you definately need the clearance. I don't know for sure but I've heard a coban seat is wider so you might have a harder time touching the ground with one. It's all in the technique. Wait till you get on a ride with Pirate and you'll see what I mean.

Red Green ( my hero) would say to use duct tape for your tach but what does he know.

You can't ask for a better all round bike than a klr. I'm sure you'll have a blast.

That's my two cents.

ps. If you want a sharp learning curve try following TG6 for a while.
 
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TG6

Member
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Hey Sneaky,

I would not suggest lowering your ride. You will get used to it and you'll need the clearance when you get into the bush... If the ground is too far down when you are in the bush... don't stop!!! Drop mea line if you are up for a ride as I am not too far from you. I'll be on mine later today cause the sun is out and I need some wind on my face...

P.S. Congrats on your new bike. You are going to have a great time on it...
 
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Leon V.

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Hi Sneaky, lowering links work fine as long as you never go on rock or log infested trails. You will even find the to-soft stock springs ok for a while. As an added bonus, the KLR prefers a low rear ride height if you do a lot of flat tracking on easy trails. See old pic of Kenny Roberts for how flat tracking is meant to look. If you have an old ratty KLR don`t bother running any gauges. If you have to have a spotless bike, try to find a used set and keep the orig. one for spares that you`ll never need. By the way, KLRs sure like the Kawasaki synthetic oil. Bye, Leon:ss:
 
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leadsled

Member
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Kuzzy wrote:
Hey sneaky.

I don't mean to scew up Tashs' sale as in the other thread but I would say no. I tried a klr for a short distance on a mid to rough single track and I was knocking on the skid plate quit easily. I'm 6' and 180. I can't flat foot it either and only have a couple years on a dualsport without to many problems. For the weight of the bike you definately need the clearance. I don't know for sure but I've heard a coban seat is wider so you might have a harder time touching the ground with one. It's all in the technique. Wait till you get on a ride with Pirate and you'll see what I mean.

Red Green ( my hero) would say to use duct tape for your tach but what does he know.

You can't ask for a better all round bike than a klr. I'm sure you'll have a blast.

That's my two cents.

ps. If you want a sharp learning curve try following TG6 for a while.
Click to expand...
I beleive that's a Corbin Seat...they are kinda like adding a couch to your ride
 
scotty905

scotty905

Member
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When I bought myKLR 650 it came lowered. The first time I took it off road I didn't like it ( the ride position and bottoming it out) so I installed the original links. A way better ride. I'm 5' 9" and about 160 and I touch the ground on my tip toes. If your going off road leave it stock.
 
VIMike

VIMike

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Hello Sneaky. I too have a lowered KLR, and have often experienced bottoming out when on the trials, and even on logging roads that have trenchs that run across them. Now I am one of the few that actually wantsit lower, but I pay a price for it. So as you can hear from the other guys, and if you don't have badly damagedackelestendons like some of us then stick with it on the taller side. You can always change it later. Congrats on your KLR.

VIMike
 
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sneakybc

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Right on guys, thanks for all of the input and appreciate it very much.

Sounds like I'll be leaving her high for now. I'll try to get as much ride time in as I can with work permitting and I'll be looking forward to some rides with you guys after I get a chance to get used to her as it has been a while since I had a bike. Let me know if anyone is feeling the urge for a not too crazy ride and I'll try and jump in.

You guys are a great community and I'll have the great fortune to ride with some of you island guys before I move to the Shuswap in March. I am looking for some smart, affordable riding gear right now, so any input there is definately welcome.

Cheers all and Merry Christmas and I'll be around,

Sneaky:tup:
 
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tashunka

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I'm a newb too Sneaky... I've only had 3 off road rides thus far, since getting the KLR anyway.... first bike I've owned in about 12 years. The other guys have been pretty easy on me so far, except that snow trek a couple weeks ago... but it's all about learning, so what the hay!

Maybe we can organize a ride so the up island and south island guys can ride together this weekend? See what the weather's like I guess. 40 minutes at highway speed can be pretty damn bone chilling about now......

As I posted in the christmas lights thread... I have the Moose Expedition gear and love it. About $300 for pants and coat. Fully waterproof, jacket is just a liner and there's no armor built in but it's good stuff. I like.
 
VIMike

VIMike

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Sorry to hear that you will be leaving us in March, but it is really nice where you are going and ample places to ride.

Remeber to spread the word in your new area, so you can get your owngroup going. Happy trails.

:hb:

VIMike
 
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sneakybc

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I'm in the exact same boat Tashunka!

As far as moving in a couple of months, it would appear that there are many brothers over there as well which is great.

I'm gonna start looking around for gear while I Christmas shop and we'll have to get out for a ride(no snow! LOL!)

Cheers buddy:D
 
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tashunka

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No worries Scotty.... just razzin'. It was definitely an adventure and I learned much about balance and countersteering!!! It's all good.
 
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