We all have our peculiarities; being moto-monogamous must be part of my religious beliefs. I've only put significant miles on three motorcycles: A Suzuki Water Buffalo, a BMW airhead and my present KLR. I want to try something else before I get too old. I can't stand to look at a motorcycle that isn't being ridden; what's more, I only have room for one ride.
So, the time has arrived to part with my old friend. However, it's not a simple matter of listing on Craigslist. A 95 KLR that has logged 88k miles is not worth much to most – even if everything on it is in working order and it still runs and handles well - as mine does. I do regular rides into the mountains; Last summer, the old beast took me from Colorado to Florida and back – treating me royally from start to finish.
Who would value this particular example of our beloved ride ? I believe it would be someone who would understand the nature of the modifications imparted to this motorcycle and their cost in money and time. Some of these mods are rare, even unique. I thought of doing a ground up restoration; my bike would be an ideal candidate. Some of you have done this bit by bit- others all at once. You know, a top end engine rebuild, tranny and clutch inspection, brake and carb go-over, maybe powder coat the frame, possibly improve the lights and whatever else would come to mind. The result, I'm convinced, would be far superior to a brand new model – great for a trip to Alaska or Tierra del Fuego. Unfortunately, this is something I'm not able to undertake. Maybe someone else will.
Modifications ( Items described as custom were designed by me and made with the help of my machinist friend.)
Unique to Rare:
Lower first gear from a KLR 600 – after change, it would be hard to live without it.
Petcock modified for 1 1/2 gal. of reserve – very helpful for Western States and Baja. Custom
IMS gas cap modified to metal horizontal vent – necessary if you want to put a tank bag over it. Custom
Mounting system for mirrors that separates them from braking, throttle and electrical functions – after a fall in Tampico, Mexico messed up my mirror and stuff around it, I didn't want to risk being stranded. Custom
Protection around kill switch – Twice, in the mountains of Colorado and in Creel, Mexico, my tank bag ripped out the kill switch; ever try to put those pieces back together ? Custom
Mounting to extend turn signals behind the Give bags. No brainer, who wants his signals hidden by the bags. Custom
Common Modifications:
IMS 7 gallon tank, white
Braking Systems larger front rotor
Acerbis lower front fender – I didn't like what the sail did to high speed handling. Guess what, going through an ocean of wet clay with the Acerbis, didn't stop the wheel from turning.
Steel braided brake lines, front and rear
Moose hand guards
Slipstream handle bar wind shield – tour with the wind protection of a Goldwing
Gel bladder buried in the seat which is cut down
Givi 36 Lt. bags – mounted on a dual sport so they're scraped but in fine working order
Center stand, German 5 Star
Air screw adjustment by hand mod
Kill Tweety exhaust mod, designed by Elden Carl
I'm sure I've forgotten some mods. I don't know what the old girl is worth. It's not that I'll insist on fair monetary compensation. It's not possible to quantify whatever that would mean. I just can't see the ride that has taken me all over the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico, ending up in a scrap yard. I don't have the room to store it. I'm writing to see what interest there is in this bike. I prefer not to part out. The motorcycle is in Colorado Springs, CO. If someone would want to talk by phone, they are welcome to email for contact info.
Bogdan