Mermite Can for panniers

Been doing alot of research as to what I should buy for panniers. I wanted the age old look of creativity; Something that stood out amongst that stealthy look of my black ops Kawasaki KLR650.

I could have gone with the expensive cases or pelican cases, but none of that caught my eye. Until I ran across a post on advrider describing the use of mermite cans for panniers.  If your reading this you've probley searched Google for some info about them.

I found a guy selling a pair over on klr650.net for a decent price and I jumped on the opertunity. I will post more about them later on so check back.



Be sure to bookmark this page because I will be posting up a video of them and a the mounting system I will use.

Packrat Adventures 08 Touring Rack

After getting my KLR and doing all the research I could on pannier mounting system I had already made my mind up that I wanted to have a rack from Packrat Adventures.

I've been the type to fab up most of my mods on my Jeep and  I seriously thought about building my own rack sytem, but came across and opportunity to pick this up off of Craig's list not a bad rack! Very good reports on it and the price was right.

http://www.packratadventuregear.com/

Acerbis locking Gas Cap

Ok so after a few times of laying the bike down and the old cap spilling gas out I decided to purchase one of these and its a great product. Although I haven't laid it down since its still nice not to have that vent hose.

KLR Radiator Guard

Forgot to add that I installed a radiator guard will post up pictures later.

Pro-Grip Superbike 699 Series Grips

 Great grips so far in the 100 plus weather held up just fine and now that were in winter so fa so good.

Moos Racing handguards

Nice addition with guards in place.

IMS 6.6 Gal fuel tank

Provides more radiator protection, no more dints or rust so now you can get lost easier.

Uni Filter

 Running this filter. On my most recent trip to EA headquarters I was able to get 52.3mpg and flipped over to reserve at 319 miles on my IMS tank.

Aerostich Sheepskin Seat Cover

This is a nice addition to the stock KLR seat. Padding is comfortable and it doesn't move around on the bike.

Here are some features:

Features:

•  Non skid backing
•  Comfortable for long rides
•  Eight bungee attachment points
• Cord and no-scratch hooks included
• Warm when cool
• Cool when warm

Galfer SS Brake Lines

Kawasaki KLR650 Galfer SS Brake Lines : "

All Galfer Brake Lines are made with Dupont Teflon Steel braided cable.

Features:

• 16 braided lines of steel around the inner section, making the line expansion close to zero under all conditions.
• Galfer lines require less pressure at the brake lever to stop the bike, allowing the rider to stop faster with less force.
• Galfer brake lines are coated the entire length, to protect the bike from scratches and the brake fluid from humidity.

Having this line in the rear has made quite a difference. I can tell that I need less pedal pressure to achieve stoping distance.

320mm Brake Rotor

KLR650.com-Oversized Floating Brake Rotor: 320mm Oversize Floating Brake Rotor

• 18% more stopping power compared to regular stainless steel
• Rolled Billet steel

Rotor Comes Complete With:

1. 320mm Floating Brake Rotor
2. Billet CNC Caliper Relocation Bracket
3. High Grade Bolts

After doing some research I have found that KLR650 buys these from EBC as no name rotor which is great b/c it save me some cash that can go toward other mods. I have read post where owners have combined this 320mm rotor with the SS front brake lines and report back that its really a bit sensitive.

Happy Trails K-9 Fork Brace

Kawasaki KLR650 K-9 Fork Brace :

K9 Fork Brace KLR650A
SKU HTP4-1-9

As good as the KLR650 is, it comes up short in key areas. The K-9 Fork Brace ends the commonly experienced brake pull and general feeling of instability in the KLR. Easily installed, custom made for the KLR.

KLR650 LED Tail Light Conversion Kit

KLR650 LED Tail Light Conversion Kit: "This kit is easy to install, doesn't require any cutting or splicing, and will fit all KLR 650's and Afrika singles from 1987 thru current.

The light isn't just a straight up conversion either. You also get the ability to pulse 8 different ways to help grab peoples attention.

An added bonus to this tail light is it frees up some of those electrons flowing through your stock wiring. Check out the power consumption comparison below.
Stock : 5 Watts in running light mode and 21 Watts when the brakes are applied.
LED : 0.6 Watts in running light mode and 4 Watts when the brakes are applied.
Complete kit includes:

28 high-power red LEDs
8-function brake light modulator
All necessary installation hardware
Easy plug-in electrical connection, with 1157 bulb-style plug
Detailed installation instructions
NOTE:These lights are not D.O.T. Approved."

Battery Tender Quick Connect (Deltran)

Battery Tender Quick Connect (Deltran) - KLR650

I got to used this a few days ago. Phil left my key on and ran the battery down. The ability to just plug in and charge battery with out taking the seat off was great. This is a good mod to do asap.

Monitor your charging voltage - KLR650

Monitor your charging voltage - KLR650
This works well. Not sure if its my bike but at idle its red and when it revs it will go green. The PO put this on and I will say it could have been a cleaner install but all in all it works great.

MSR Folding Shift Lever

MSR Folding Shift Lever

This came on the bike when I bought it so far I haven't had to uses its features yet. I know the day will come that I will but as of right now its works just fine.

Gotta stop!

So the KLR needed rear breaks and for that I went to Arrow Head Motorsports . I picked up some Galfer Black organic pads for the rear.

Here are some specs:

• Great feel and modulation
• Long-lasting and very little rotor wear
• Good in all weather and terrain conditions
• Overall a very versatile compound for almost every need

G1054

The 1054 compound is the workhorse of our brake pad family. It offers progressive feel and feedback and is GG rated which makes it a great overall brake pad.  Use this compound if you ride light trails or woods or "just need some good brake pads". Good for all makes and models. 

I wanted a compound that was close to stock and I didn't want the stintered b/c of how ruff its is on the rotors and squealing. From what I've read these pads don't get as long as life as the O.E.M brand do, but are close. There's a diverse amount of information out there on this topic so I will report back as to how they hold up on street and off-Road to help in your decision. 

Duro Tires front and rear

These tire were put on by the PO and were just installed before I got it.

Duro HF904 Median Front Tire - 90/90-21 25-90321-90-TT

And for the rear:

Duro HF904 Median Rear Tire - 130/80-17 25-90417-130-TT

I will give a report as to how these wear and what the conditions were. At this point is only road wear to and from work.

Ok so I took the FirstGear Black/Grey back and got the Orange/Grey/Black Kathmandu

Here in Shreveport, LA its been in the triple digits the week of Jun 12th. With the vents in the First Gear Kathmandu Jacket its great as one cruses down the road. I don't think anyone can be cool no mater what in this hot weather unless your in a car with tinted windows; however this jacket does have enough ventilation to keep you cool.

The Orange/Grey/Black was a great choice I feel that I'm seen more.  I've  been observing drivers as I stop catching them looking at the jacket along with the Axis yellow helmet. I really don't think I can be miss I know Famous last words, but you get the point.

I'm not saying one will not sweat, but you will find that in the arms and middle back this will happen. 

The Hydration pack on the back is a great feature. The liquid will get warm as the sun beats down on your back so just put water in it. Even though its hot its good for you as one can get dehydrated fast in this hot weather. I will say wash the bladder b/c it will have that plastic sour taste so be sure to wash out well.

KAWASAKI TAIL TRUNK STORAGE BAG LUGGAGE

Using for now a genuine Kawasaki Storage bag.

Designed specifically with the KLR650 solo rider in mind, this large bag is perfect for those long rides. Main compartment measures 17" L x 11" W x 6" H and expands an extra 4" for additional carrying capacity.
• Two side compartments measure 14" L x 1 1/2" D x 4" H
• Mesh pocket on top of bag measures 12"
MSRP: $139.95

Shoei RF1100 AXIS YELLOW LARGE

Got this in the deal with the bike

Shoei RF1100

Features

Utilizing the AIM+ Shell construction the RF-1100 passes Snell's M2010 certification. The AIM+ shell is light weight (helmet weights in at 1370 grams - 100 grams lighter than the RF-1000) and provides a strong outer shell by using fiberglass and other organic fibers.

The RF-1100 has a few changes from the 1000 model. Most recognizable is the venting system. Opposed to having two exhaust holes at the back of the helmet, the RF-1100 has six exhaust holes in total, two at the mid-top of the helmet, two directly below those, as well as two at the neck area at the bottom of the helmet. Taking advantage of negative pressure, the helmet pulls expendable air out opposed to trying to focus on forcing fresh air in. (see the video at the bottom of the page for an animation example).

As in the previous version, the RF-1100 has two large flaps on both sides of the neck area that cover the chin straps to decrease low frequency 'booming' noise as well - leading to the reputation as one of the quietest helmets on the market.

Got a new Riding Jacket today.

By :FirstGear

My good friend Phil Golden just bought a Firstgear Killmanjaro jacket so I decided to take a look at them. I found from the Firstgear dealer site that G&C Honda here in Shreveport, LA was a dealer.

Going on record to say those guys are great at G&C good customer service and knowledgeable.

I went over and found that all there winter jackets were 40% off which included this one.

I couldn't pass this up. They didn't have any Hi viz in the store so I got this one.

Firstgear has some well made stuff.

Trip to get the KLR

Went to Bush Louisiana to get my new to me 04 Kawasaki KLR650 from a very nice guy named Buddy Weaver. The KLR was originally purchased by Mr. Weaver with 2 miles on it.

Since I was headed that way my girls took the trip with me and I took them to the beach for the first time. What a blast they enjoyed it so much.

As of today the KLR has about 25,000 miles.

Here are a list of Mods done by the PO.

320 rotor
doohicky mod done
progressive Front springs
new 08 shock
new 08 seat
heavy duty headlight harness
switches by passed clutch
IMS 6.6gal tank
led blinking tailight
new tires
new fluids
newish chain and sprockets 14 tooth installed have 15 tooth for hwy.
Renthal Handel Bars
Moose Racing Hand Gaurds
12volt accessory plug
12volt charger for battery tender or accesory
SS rear break line
Happy Trails K9 Fork Brace