KAWASAKI KLR 650 UPGRADES AND MODS [Part 1]

[@saintsfisherman]

You are 'the guy' I tell people about when they ask me why I chose the KLR. I tell them about your trip from Alaska to Argentina and then say, If the older version of this bike could take him that far then it will never never fail me. Thanks for being the motivation!

[@mmm4638]

That 2x4 stand deserves more global attention 😂🍻🍻

[@DanielMores]

Everyone ... you *need* to see the 500 day video. It's the greatest motorcycle video on the planet!

[@hammer1212]

so far.....

[@WatchmakerErik]

I've never heard someone say Pelican cases are cheap! And having the pelican up there with the handle means you can pull a skier :)

[@_BAD_MERC_]

Great info!!! On my 2004 KLR I had the taller and wider windshield from dual-star.net and could actually use a cell phone while riding. I found the stock front springs to be a little soft too and replaced them w/ spacers. Plus replaced the brake lines with Galfer braided steel and made a HUGE improvement. I had the skid plate, water pump guard, radiator guard, caliper guard, and headlight protector. I always found the KLR needed a 6th gear and the charging system was fragile and under powered. Electrex made a killer stator to alleviate that. The Big Gun pipe on mine was LOUD but looked cool. Love your expedition videos!!

[@sachsgs2509]

You can change the front sprocket and you can do 70 mph on 4500 rpm instead of 5000. It really helps👌

[@SamuelVella1995]

The day I got my license I took my Honda CB500x for three weeks through south and east Australia. I build some panniers out of bunnings tool boxes and some laser cut sheet metal I designed up.

[@Ramoa111]

l would disagree on the windshield on two points: 1. If it's cold you do not wanna have direct wind on you 2. It really helps with the wind noise. Wind turbulence can greatly contribute to the stress at the end of the day since it can get really loud despite the helmet. A windshield of the right size could help reduce the noise to the point you could even listen to music with almost no wind interference

[@lvasquez1123]

this is inspiring and helpful. I just got a klr last month. felt some regret bc I didn't think I could go on tours with it.

[@AlexChacon]

it's all about the personal experience , don't think too much of "getting out there"

[@TitanFlare]

Awesome, finally a video that doesn’t involve spending $700 on SW motech and eagle mike right off the bat. These tips and mods were actually useful, especially that center stand and the tool tube, I’ll definitely probably be adding that to me everyday ride

[@pmwill7117]

Like your ' piece of wood ', that is amazing not because of it cheap but it is so creative.

[@desitrackriders3381]

Drain pipe is a great idea... love watching these vids all have very handy info..

[@troy9er]

I like the pelican case used as a trunk. What a great idea!! They can be cheep compared to actual motorcycle gear.

[@Msvikrant1]

And the wooden box that you use as a sadle stand that was best thing in video :-D . . Thanks for advice

[@1stofer]

Still great advice for a new KLR owner , thanks !

[@rushi0079]

You opened my eyes.. alex.. surely.. i will be travelling my nation with my honda 150cc.. you are an inspiration of whole lot of people who travel aroind the world.. thank u a lot

[@josechimal1358]

100% agreed!

[@SouthWestIron]

Thanks for the 2x4 tip, going to use this right away!

[@didaqueministries]

Alex-thanks for getting back to making "home" videos like this one. This is the reason I got hooked on you years ago.

[@zealotbat]

Great ideas...have not seen anywhere else 👍🏻👍🏻 subscribed.

[@speacock320]

I just bought a 2012 klr down in Austin low miles Im looking to deck this bike out

[@jlacerda14]

Hey, Alex! Amazing video! Just came back from a 2,000 km trip in Perú with my dad. We have a XR250 (2011) and a KLR (2014), both are great bags. As you said, you do not need to expend tons of money for the equipment. We might use some of your ideas! Regards!

[@avinjung3624]

bro you made my night now i can sleep well and saves a lot money while touring!!

[@JedETaleon]

noticed the Vulcan S in the back.. started riding last year and my Vulcan S is my first bike, i love it! although, Im planning on transitioning my life to travel and escape the "social norm" of having a 9-5 and working all the time... so, im thinking of eventually trading her in for a KLR 650 and travel like what you did, thanks for the videos!

[@loumitchells73]

Bro, you did a great job. Like the way you modified your bike. Who needs a fancy 25k bike with all the gimmicks when you can do it much cheaper. Great work.

[@Scorge120]

Dude that plank of wood center stand is freaking genius

[@makk3374]

dude this has me so excited! got into riding last year on a Vstar 650 but had to sell it due to covid takin a fat dump on my bank account :?( but I'm getting back into riding and boy you have set off a spark inside of me! KLR and trip round Australia is on the cards! beast

[@goneballistic]

awesome and well thought through gear choices, from someone with hard won experience.

[@ericlitalien6139]

hi alex you are the mother of all motor cyclist!! many thanks for sharing all your vids hope to meet you on a trip sometime

[@kevinlam7947]

This man has done more with his life them most people, I wish I was him

[@tomingle683]

GREAT INFO. RED KLR BACKGROUND LOOKS LIKE EL PASO, TEXAS

[@mynamesrob]

I love it!! I see all the KLR owners immediately start adding a ton of crap to their bike with less than 100 miles on it. Psh. Ride it first and see what works for you, not what people say you should do!

[@nathanielcarter453]

Rob Pratten I completely agree with you. My bike is completely stock and I road 1500 ks without any problems

[@ralphwatten2426]

CeeBaileys makes a taller windscreen that you can look over. They come in a couple of different heights and are aircraft quality plastic. I really like mine. Thanks for the wood center stand tip Alex Chacon. Makes good sense.

[@gurahamu4718]

Thanks Alex - reminded me of the web page you have with the shopping basket 'tip' on it? The bit of wood is a great tip - I've been using a similar piece of wood to prop up my rear wheel for chain cleaning n lube too, it has the words 'Very Important Motorcycle Tool' written on it to make sure no one throws it out.

[@AlexChacon]

love it! You can check out part II here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHq9eJquabusoNk

[@happycamper4429]

No Pebble Mine!!! Best sticker ya got.

[@bbgregory1884]

Thank you for your insight s and tips, your enthusiasm is contagious...

[@ziruk-king4466]

Good stuff--that is not a 2x4

[@Swazi1337]

thanks for the tip with the wood block. I've been thinking about getting a stand to lube my chain and now I'll just use the piece of wood so the rear tire can spin freely.

[@AlexChacon]

it's certainly a cheap solution

[@arkansastrey9694]

I bet its truly is an adventure to go on a 500 day ride. One day i hope to experience it myself : )

[@AIRMotovlogs]

That's so much helpful as am planning long trip this winter..Delhi to Kolkata...

[@Wanderer1]

Well well well, nice to see you here aswell :P

[@AIRMotovlogs]

+Wanderer am a fan-follower of Alex Chacon....☺

[@DustlessMirror]

Thanks for the vids. I just got my 2016 KLR a few months ago, and a GoPro4 also. I am learning all about them both and videos like yours are helping me along. I am learning about shooting video, editing it, getting footage across platforms (youtube, instagram, iphone etc ) I am also planning my first short trip.

[@zed4900]

It was very constructive. Thanks for sharing Alex and ride safe.

[@AlexChacon]

thanks for watching!

[@dlwang2382]

Commentary is very good.

[@BrianMDIY]

Fellow KLR owner here. Great advice Alex.

[@AlexChacon]

thanks for watching!

[@tinmisuun]

I would totally do the front fender mod to the 2022 model!

[@streetgangtm]

Eagle mike subframe drill through man, a must have.

[@UnaRutaPorDia]

Great! I've made myself a center stand for my 2012 KLR, it works great, and is very useful (I was tired of using the wood.. jaja.. What I will copy from you, is the tool box. Thanks for sharing!

[@AlexChacon]

thanks for watching

[@igorlandaeta]

Great dude! I travel a lot by bicycle and I'm started changing my mind (move to motorcycles) because of your travels. Thanks for sharing that with us. PS: Next year I'll cross USA, mostly based on your videos

[@RedAceplayer]

Nice to see some focus on the machines that carried you around!

[@cdoria4588]

Best motorcycle KZbinr in the KZbin World

[@AlexChacon]

thanks Carlos!

[@cdoria4588]

Alex Chacon Your Welcome your videos are great and idk why but they're satisfying to watch.

[@cdoria4588]

Alex Chacon I'm 12 by the way and I enjoy riding too. HAVE A GOOD SUMMER 😀

[@canadajointops]

Hey Carlos what location is in your profile picture

[@maxpain5543]

Thank you Alex, this is a huge help! I am planning a trip, and your advice is always much appreciated!

[@mayurkulkarni1990]

thanks man, not gonna buy fancy CNC milled stand to lube my chain now :)

[@MumbikerNikhil]

Great advice alex 😁

[@AlexChacon]

thanks man! continue enjoying your travels!

[@shivaram.m6119]

wtf youre here

[@sachsgs2509]

What an awesome video!!👌👌👌

[@miguelmiranda9122]

Wow Alex, thanks for posting this vid. i have been wanting to take a good look at that bike since i saw your blogs. That bike right there is legendary. Glad to see you keep faithful to the KLR. Best bike in the world for me. cheer once again and reeber Baja awaits you. Team KLR Baja sends their love.. Thank for this vid can't wait to see part 2. By the way great stickers you've got there, You should do one vid behind the story of every sticker, that would be VERY interesting. cheers y saludos.God Bless.

[@AlexChacon]

thanks for the suggestion. Here's part II - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHq9eJquabusoNk

[@oscarmoran1761]

A very helpful video, and a great way to encourage people, thank you!

[@RE5H1]

I think this guy did a trip across United States :)

[@AlexChacon]

Yes I did

[@thespankdmonkey]

Great video that shows that you can do it if you want to!

[@keepitroosting]

Haha dude!! I'm that guy from Santa Teresa motorsports!, I do remember you man. I was already subscribed

[@AlexChacon]

Hey Nick! nice to see you yesterday and thanks for that tire change! LOL I'm honored you were already subscribed. Remember if you want to come by and see all the mods I have on the bike let me know, I'm around the corner

[@Cyndertruly]

i happen to have some amazing hearing and this video has a few multi tone high pitched sounds that are consistent with the video.

[@Cyndertruly]

still like the video and watching without sound.

[@lammy2k211]

As always. Great video. Finally subscribed.

[@stevebrinkert8339]

Great video, been waiting to see how your bikes are set up. Thanks

[@AlexChacon]

thanks for watching

[@mastertweeker]

Top tips mate and very well documented. Just what I was after. Thanks a real lot :)

[@treszce13]

I agree with you on the piece of wood to repair the rear tire, but how about the front tire?

[@AlexChacon]

use the same piece of wood to prop up the front

[@natachatumadre9684]

Just install a center stand. I did

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

I've been watching 4x4 overland videos and they spend more on slide out refrigerators and storage drawers then you did on your bike. Less is more, I like it. One question. How much would you spend on saving weight? Ti vs. steel? It can get expensive I know. I have traveling on a KLX300 with bicycle panniers, camping gear and so on. It turns into handling like a mini van real fast. Once again, great work.

[@AlexChacon]

I don't really have an answer to your question, sorry

[@aracnoteia]

Another great video Alex, tanks for sharing. Hugs

[@BigbangBiker]

This video will certainly help me in my future plans of doing long distance riding, thanks :)

[@phoneone1371]

I put power windows on mine and air conditioning couldnt tell wheight difference

[@divyankarvikramsingh]

u r awesome Alex..all the best for ur future rides.. 😊

[@aminelhirech2788]

klr650 are eternal... Just like Doom

[@sutcliffedavid]

Thanks Alex!

[@mainulahammad9321]

Very helpful advice...... Thanks Alex

[@breadave]

Hi Alex, I just bought a brand-new KLR in part thanks to you. I'm loving it so far. I was wondering since you have been on such long stretches of highway if you ever change the gearing on your bike or if you have always gone stock?

[@hascg1]

Excelente una gran moto, no hay duda de eso, saludos desde paraguay

[@Tiger-df6up]

its all about willingness to travel

[@jeremyoleary8708]

Just discovered your channel, quite impressed! Beautiful editing and production. I also own a KLR 650 and would love to go on long trips 500-1000 mile (which is probably not considered long for you) But I would like to ride 2 up with my wife and some gear. Do you think the KLR would handle it at interstate speeds? Or would it be better sticking to slower roads?

[@AlexChacon]

Thanks Jeremy! a KLR is very versatile , so yes it can handle it, not as good as a 1200 bigger bike but good enough in my opinion

[@jeremyoleary8708]

Great, thanks for the swift response! keep up the amazing videos and continue your adventures!

[@AlexChacon]

thanks!

[@longranger5226]

Great vid. Like your approach, bruh.

[@OtterPup_]

Enjoyed it !

[@markheather1488]

Cool video

[@mikhailkalashnik0v]

Very very informative!! World traveler/rider starter kit ;)

[@Ashwanikumar-le5wp]

nice vedio i'm fan of your when i starting watching vedios of yours do it best of luck

[@AlexChacon]

thanks for watching!

[@scottb.innovations4386]

first its a 1x4 and if you found it on the side of the road, who did you give the dollar too

[@Sawar72]

you are too smart mate, too good tips

[@cwqrpportable]

Great video man.........thanks

[@saintsfisherman]

wonderful videos. I watched part one and two but I was wondering if you could tell me where you got these. The metal ones. These are the ones that I want.

[@notafraid06]

I thought my biking days were over. Ive owned 3 bikes 89 gsxr 750 (never should have sold) 82 cb750 and 01 gsxr 1k. Im really wanting to get a klr

[@renegade1987]

Another great video, thanks for sharing Alex! :-)

[@indypup2003]

Nice looking bike!

[@crocky4938]

Kawasaki is the best

[@paradisecityashram5240]

Love the vids Alex. You inspired me to plan and go. I'm new to the game and just got a KLR. In Oz the KLR's are really slow they are regulated for learner riders. Many guys change pipe and have it re-jetted and remove the snorkel. Is this something you do?

[@carlosparodiretail]

Awesome Video, what do you recommend to pit on those side bags?

[@DavidJames-ev9qo]

Is that tool tube 3"PVC pipe ?

[@danilocapellan1316]

Cool motorcycle 👍🏽😎

[@eliofall]

hey cool video. what about all the maintenance your always doing to you r bike in your videos? i dont mean make videos of the maintenance but rather list how much you did what on your 500 day trip

[@motomookie8032]

Awesome!

[@swaroopvengali]

Awesome! You are my inspiration :)

[@davidthelander1299]

Can’t believe I never thought of the 2 x 4 trick. :/

[@texaslonestarrider]

Great Info! Keep It Simple!

[@AlanTrades]

Nice, but that 2x4 could be unstable. Especially when changing a tire

[@akosbugar8097]

Great video as allways. Guys, which GPS application do you recommend, if im using only mobilephone on the road (because i have allways overheating problems).

[@johngiordano7356]

Would you suggest large or medium Tusk panniers?.... 25l or 37l?

[@donniewiggs8749]

U look like a tourist.lol. I just got a klr 650 I love it