newer model klr

[bryanonfire]

Hi, I'm now the proud half-owner of a KLR in the Czech Republic. I plan to ride it in Europe a few weeks every summer and store it with a friend, who is the co-owner/rider the rest of the time. It is very low mileage, 1500, and looks brand new, so I'm guessing someone bought it for a big adventure that they had to abandon. The photos show the newer model body work: the new fairing, twin headlights, new front fender, etc. In the back, the muffler looks different from the older version and there is a wider luggage rack. Other small details from the A model that jump out are a different kick-stand geometry and the seat looks a bit different as well. On the other hand, the data plate says it was manufactured in 05-07. I couldn't make out all of the serial number. So my main question is, did Kawasaki release the new model in 07 but call it the 08 (like some car makers do) or do I have some varient in between? Anyway, I'm going to assume by the different body work that it is the modern version, or E model, unless I hear different. What issues do I need to look out for? (My USA KLR is an 03) If you have an early E model, do you have any suggestions? I've heard they burn more oil. Is the doohicky better, or is replacement still advised? I'm planning to take my soft saddlebags over. On my 03 KLR I put Happy Trails racks on to keep them clear of the muffler and locked down solid for off road. There isn't going to be much off road in Europe, and it looks like the muffler is screened better by the body work on the new model. Is it feasible to run soft saddle bags with two straps over the seat, no side racks, without melting them on the muffler? If not, does anyone with such a set-up know of a cheaper rack than the HT SL rack? I'll have up to 50 pounds of camping gear and food in the bags. I plan to take a magnetic drain plug, maybe luggage racks, but that's about it. I'll buy tools over there. I don't know if standard replacement stuff is available there, so I might take an extra air filter and oil filter. What is the group opinion on re-useable oil filters, such as the PC Racing Flo Stainless filter? And if you've ridden in Europe, I'd love to hear any advice! Thanks in advance, Bryan

[josephgrove42]

Has anyone here tried pulling an Eaglemate trailer with a KLR and if so, what was your impression? Joe Grove

[Jud]

Never pulled a trailer behind a KLR, or any motorcycle, for that matter. My impression is that anybody pulling a trailer behind a motorcycle is carrying way more crap than he needs. The exception (there's always an exception) would be the guy who pulls his KTM enduro bike behind his F650. That allows him to leave home on Friday, do a dual sport ride on Saturday and race on Sunday.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "josephgrove42" wrote: > > Has anyone here tried pulling an Eaglemate trailer with a KLR and if so, what was your impression? > > Joe Grove >

[Mike Huber]

Joe... I was thinking about the EagleMate before I saw these.... http://www.moto-mule.com/trailers.html I'm thinking this would be a neat setup for extended camping trips ...I like getting away from it all and I like to be comfortable when I do it.... Last year when I rode to Moab I packed alot of gear on my KLR and thought It would have been alot more fun to get some of that weight off the bike .... Mike Huber Carlsbad, NM To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com From: judjonzz@... Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2012 03:17:55 +0000 Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: Eaglemate motorcycle trailer Never pulled a trailer behind a KLR, or any motorcycle, for that matter. My impression is that anybody pulling a trailer behind a motorcycle is carrying way more crap than he needs. The exception (there's always an exception) would be the guy who pulls his KTM enduro bike behind his F650. That allows him to leave home on Friday, do a dual sport ride on Saturday and race on Sunday.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "josephgrove42" wrote: > > Has anyone here tried pulling an Eaglemate trailer with a KLR and if so, what was your impression? > > Joe Grove > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[D Critchley]

In keeping with the theme of this letter, "I never skied in my life, and know nothing about it, but I do have a well-thought out strong opinion against it". I bought a little single-wheeled trailer called a " Trail-Tail", made for cross-country stuff. I installed lights, Licence Plate, and an aluminium Stake Body. It attaches to the bike by using an extended axle. The problems that I have had are minimal. If the trailer is not correctly balanced it will wobble at speeds over 110 km/hr, and backing up is sometimes awkward. Just as an aside, the stuff being trailered has an effective weight of 50% of the stuff on the bike, worth considering. I just returned from a Regimental Reunion, and because the trip is 1200 km each way I had a lot of tools. I would have been happier with all that metal in the trailer. If towing a trailer floats your boat, it is a viable option to overloading the bikes rear end, but if you don't want to tow one, Just Say No to trailers. Keep the rubber side down, DC DC

On 03/07/2012 21:17, Jud wrote: > Never pulled a trailer behind a KLR, or any motorcycle, for that matter. My impression is that anybody pulling a trailer behind a motorcycle is carrying way more crap than he needs. >