Kawasaki KLR-650

This was a new 2004 bike purchased in 2005, as a trade from my ZX-6R.

I went with a KLR for a number of reasons. I've done many other kinds of riding and am ready to settle back into something easier, more relaxed, and less costly. The KLR promises to be reliable, cheap to own and operate, and is already proving to be very fun to ride. And, with this "all-terrain vehicle bike", I'm also looking forward to going down all those poor-quality gravel roads that I have been passing, and that have been too intimidating for the Concours or the '6R.

Modifications

Having had quite a few bikes before this one, I've developed some habits and preferences on modifications I like to make on bikes. The poor KLR fell prey to tinkering and mods as soon as I brought it home. Here are some of the things I've done:

		Givi top box mounting plate, allowing a Givi bag to be used as a top box.
		Givi panniers, mounted on a Happy Trails SU-rack.
		Relocate helmet lock to rear of bike.
		HotGrips heated handgrips.
		Dashboard instruments and heat controls.
		ScottOiler automatic chain oiler.

Maintenance

This section probably won't get filled out until late in the riding season, as I start to do some of the routine maintenance and collect photos.