7 Year KLR build. Am I done?

[@IslandADV]

Your KLR has been the benchmark for so many of us as we all build our own adventure machines. Thanks so much for sharing you build and inspiring me and so many others. I'm SO excited for the next chapter man. That bike looks amazing. Congrats Mason.

[@realgagnon1203]

Ha! I LOVE this pale horse. Wow, what a beauty! Congrats on your new purchase Mason. This video made me want to buy your older Gen 2 KLR.

[@scudrunneradv3269]

Congrats on 7 years and your new bike. You make me miss my KLR. Wish I never sold it.

[@Surly1966]

So surprised that a guy who loves to do his own upgrades to make the perfect bike and lives by the motto “ carry all the tools you need to fix anything with you” would buy a bike that is considered unfriendly to user maintenance. I looked at the Desext X and was asking about Maintenance manuals and intervals. To my surprise I was told any maintenance MUST be done at the dealership. (500+) miles from me. I don’t mean big things like the apporx. 19k valve adjustment( understandable) but air filters, oil changes and chain adjustments. I was told point blank I will void my warranty. To be honest I love the Desert X it’s fast, handles great and is a beast off road. The only thing I didn’t like was the seat height and within the time of a test ride found the seat uncomfortable. I asked about aftermarket add ons and was actually told they could void warranty( does apple own Ducati) it really didn’t matter because I couldn’t find any Desert X accessories anyway. I actually bought my last bike based on your mastery of the KLR. As you I have it where I love it. I’m gonna ride it for a while before I get a new one but I admit,like you, I’ve been looking for a new project. Sadly I found the fact that Ducati won’t sell a maintence manual ( I was told that I might be able to get a shop to sell one for 6-800$) because that’s what they are charged for a new one. However, they will only sell one or two to mechanics they know. These days that crazy. Congratulations on the new bike I’m hoping you prove me wrong. Not sure I’ll stay subscribed. But I am curious how you get around the unfriendly Ducati attitude that users should pay to have all maintenance done at a shop. Me thinks young Mason won’t like it either. Especially things like removing the tank to get at the Air filter or voiding warranty by changing the oil. Let’s hope your dealer doesn’t feel that way. Or you’d better get a Ducati mechanic to ride with you… good luck.

[@FrancoisTX1974]

Amazing special effect at the end….Love it..

[@coachp7486]

Haha ! Love the ending !! Congrats on the new bike ! Thx for the 7 yr review. This and all the rest of your videos are truly inspirational for us KLR owners and adv riders in general. Looking forward to another 7 yrs ! 👍🏽

[@masonsadv]

Much appreciated, Coach! Cheers and here's to another 7 🍻

[@shawngreenwood7288]

Hi Mason, never seen this one coming. 😄 look forward to the touring, moding, and other tinkering this off season on the desserts x.

[@Thejohnmullen]

And the plot thickens

[@masonsadv]

It does :) Cheers John.

[@stevebrinkert3649]

☕️ Good morning. The best KLR build on KZbin! It's been fun and informative. Looking forward to new adventures with the new bike. Loved how you introduced it. 👍

[@masonsadv]

Good morning, Steve. ☕ Thank you. I have really enjoyed the build and I'm excited to see what the Ducati can do :)

[@advphilnb]

Yessir!!! Firstly, congrats on 7 years, and helping myself and many others discover the KLR, mods, builds, and adventure. It’s been a blast watching your weekly vids. Thank you. Secondly, WOWZERS!! Man I’m so happy for you, congrats on the new Desert X, can’t wait to learn more about it. Sweet ‘new bike’ intro. I think I’m still in a bit of shock, lol. Thanks for taking us along for the rides, looking forward to the next adventures. Cheers!

[@MVMike62]

Mason, Got me with the ending !! Kinda jerked my heart strings around. Have thoroughly enjoyed the last couple years of following you on the KLR. I'm totally excited for you on your new ride and congratulations!! But on the down side I'll miss new adventures and mods on the KLR. Thanks for 7 years worth of archive video we have to go back and tap into. Take care and ride on !!

[@hdan1867]

Happy 7 year anniversary 🎂 Really enjoying your vids since some time now and looking forward for the next 7 years... PS: indeed love the ending here....Cheers, H.

[@RaptorPackAdventures]

Will say, you absolutely have the best channel for us KLR owners in the USA and Canada. Wish I had the time expertise

[@ericsheckton9915]

Maybe time for a 22 model eh? I rode my GEN 1 for 70K miles. Finally got a 22 Adventure model last October. Love it. Still have my 2005. Just can’t part with it. 70K trouble free miles and still runs like a champ. Thanks for this👍

[@masonsadv]

Ha, I know the feeling! My Gen 2 will be around for a long time I'm sure ;) Cheers!

[@brettw1518]

I’m still building my KLR 650 to how I like it, I don’t think I could get rid of it, it would be in my will, and probably swapped to an electric motor in 2060

[@rayweeks1056]

Ducati Desert X…!!! 😳😳😳 A good friend of mine has one and it is an absolute beast…!!!!

[@masonsadv]

It certainly has been a fun couple of weeks ;) Cheers, Ray!

[@ryandickinson2091]

Wow! Nice job on the intro at the end. Made me back up and review again. Congrats on the new bike!

[@tombrewer144]

Love your channel. It's nice to see someone that loves the bike and has modded it to make it perfect for you. I'm in my fifties and just getting back into motorcycling after a 30 year hiatus. As a matter of fact, I take my MSF course this week so I can get my motorcycle endorsement on my license. Then it will be time for a 2023 KLR and the beginning of my own build and adventures!

[@masonsadv]

Right on! I have a feeling that I would be on the Gen 3 if I was starting now too. There is something special about the KLR that's difficult to explain to someone that hasn't ridden one. Good luck with the course and enjoy the build! Cheers :)

[@JebusFinklestein]

And now start all over again$$$. Nice bike!

[@frank_jk]

Well played sir!

[@masonsadv]

Thank you ;) hehe

[@kyledocherty4967]

At 53yr I Finally got my motorcycle licence 5 months ago and bought a 2017 KLR. You are an inspiration, thank you so much for sharing your journey with the KLR. The new bike looks cool. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@masonsadv]

Hey Kyle. Nice! I have several friends that have decided to start their motorcycle journey in the last few years too and I can tell you that it's never too late :) Enjoy the KLR. Lots of fun to be had there :) Cheers.

[@haveyounoticedtheshieldsar3467]

Kawi owners are never done 💪 on n' off road

[@masonsadv]

Ride on! Cheers :)

[@hansverhoeven5156]

I loved to see you with the KLR, I think we see you again on your 7 years old bike

[@MHix63]

Nice. I've been watching your vids on and off since 2016, and was a big part of me getting a Gen1 KLR. Love the ending...definitely made me do a double-take.

[@506motoadv]

Can’t wait to see how the DesertX treats you. 🔥

[@masonsadv]

Break in is almost done. First service this week, then I'll let you know ;)

[@lewdis]

you found sixth gear!

[@masonsadv]

Yes, yes I did :)

[@Melon-gb5vd]

Hahaha best comment

[@tigercoward]

Thanks for taking us through your upgrades! I agree with you on the grip on the TKC tires! I had them on my Tiger 1200 only because I couldn't find other tires in during the pandemic. They were amazing in dirt and sand. The only downside is that when riding 2UP, Tiger Barb found them very loud between 80 and 100km/h. This of course is the speed where I do most of my riding so I went with the more road oriented Anakee Adventure. I got 8,000km on the TKCs and got 18,000km on the Anakees. Thanks again for another great video. See you next Sunday. Dave "Tiger Coward"

[@masonsadv]

Wow, great mileage on the Anakee's. I may try them out on the new bike ;) Cheers!

[@davidcoward4067]

@@masonsadv The Anakees are amazing. They still have lots of tread on the tires after 18,000 km but the back tire is really squared off. The Tiger 1200 is a heavy bike and I did mostly pavement with about 500 km of dirt on and around the Trans Labrador Highway. They performed well on gravel and surprisingly well on some muddy mining and logging roads even when 2UP. I would rather use the more aggressive TKCs on real off road trips but the Tiger 1200 is a bit heavy for that. I ran about 15,000 on the Metzler Tourance but the front tire started cupping after about 10,000. I rode the Sultan Highway on those and they were fine but the Anakee is the tire for my riding. Stay awesome and I look forward to seeing the new sled!

[@mikemills5144]

Haha, you got me! I had to rewind it a bit as I didn't remember the white part on the bike. Looking forward to next Sunday ;)

[@marcclarke01]

Thanks!

[@masonsadv]

Thank you! Cheers Marc :)

[@TheJumpn]

Wow, now that’s a change !! Congratulations!

[@masonsadv]

May as well own both ends of the same spectrum ;) Cheers!

[@brucegerken1063]

Goodmoring great video thank you very well done both the klr and videos. My klr is a lot like yours and island rider thanks for what works this year's trip to the smokey mountain 500 was great thanks to all the upgrades congrats on 7 years .thanks again cheers to ya.

[@masonsadv]

Thanks Bruce :) Sure makes a huge difference when you get your build close! My KLR is a pleasure to ride and never gives any problems. Solid bike :)

[@pinkiewerewolf]

333rd like. I’m a lil devil. 👿 7 years with the Mighty KLR, that’s like getting vested in a pension. 😂 You e had some great rides and how to videos along the way.

[@jasonclarke283]

Congrats on the new bike.

[@leonardosandoval6288]

Great video! you should be in "KLR hall of fame"... definitely inspired a lot of us to get the most out of our KLRs

[@franciscoguevara6106]

Amazing machine

[@brettw1518]

Always loved seeing your KLR content, I suppose this is the end of a chapter. I would come here for the relaxing rides, and sanity check when considering pricy upgrades for my own machine. I live an hour away from cogent so one day I’ll pull that trigger too! Beautiful motorcycle in the end; I hope you make many memories!

[@ScratchBabble]

Well done. Awesome!

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Jim! :)

[@spacetruckin6555]

I'm dying for some new SB content!

[@chrisparsons3141]

I could feel it all video but I really thought it was going to be the T7! I have a 2015 Gen 2 also and have enjoyed watching your build out over the years. My next bike will be the T7 when the kiddos get a little older and I get some more time. Cheers from Alberta.

[@masonsadv]

Well, honestly it could have been a T7 for sure. I have put alot of thought into this and the lack of cruise control ultimately pushed the T7 out. Funny eh? It was considered, but had to have cruise this time ;) Cheers Chris!

[@NuTsi33]

lol sneaky sneaky nice one.

[@mkramsauer]

I've loved watching all your videos. So informative and really made it easy to setup my KLR. Nice ending to btw fels like a reveal coming soon

[@masonsadv]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mike. Cheers :)

[@davidgriffiths1516]

Luv the vids certainly had been an adventure. I heard you say you get approximately 6000 klm out of the rear tyre what you get out of the front.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Awesome build and the KLR and really cool next chapter coming. I can't wait!

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Ben :) Much appreciated!!

[@TKRYST1]

From one of the the simplest bike to a Ducati! You’re a brave man. Can wait to see your videos on this. Love your videos. Keep up the good work!!

[@masonsadv]

Both ends of the same spectrum! Haha. Loving it. Cheers :)

[@rontimber8566]

Not as many mods, but I love my gen two. Next thing for me will probably be rear suspension. It's done everything I've asked of it from single track to highway at a fraction of the price of the new stuff.

[@andronuss]

Here's to another 7years of fantastic adventure and new bike excitement I'm only 1year into my KLR build so still got time before a change lol

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Andro! You sure do :)

[@saltedcashews269]

I can agree to your testimony on the tkc80s i run them on my 92 and they are PHENOMINAL. I also have the trail tech vapor gage cluster due to my original cluster taking a huge internal poop on itself. Fantastic quality products for sure. Cant wait to look at my gen1 one day and say "yep. Its perfect"

[@masonsadv]

That day will sneak up on you :) I had that moment on this years trip and knew it was time to add a second project. Cheers!

[@broadwayklrguy7725]

Congrats on the new bike Mason. I'm looking forward to see your new build. If you still keep the KLR I would love to see you add a 42mm Mikuni Flat slide cab. Would really like to hear your opinion on it. Congrats again and have fun with the new chapter.

[@HaRLeYDvDsN1215]

Niiice!! Look forward to more brother

[@RogerAlcon]

Cool.

[@johntaylor4517]

I should have guessed since you were at apex! I hear that thing is an amazing piece of machinery. Congrats!

[@toby7504]

Time fly sir and a joy to follow you along ...first commen i can find from me are 4 years old👍🏻☕🇳🇴 A new bike was in the cards😄

[@masonsadv]

Hey Toby! That's a long time to be sure!! Cheers brother :)

[@CanadianMang]

Great video. I would love to put some TKC80s on my bike this season but they are out of stock all the time.

[@masonsadv]

Yeah, that's an issue here and the price has really gone up here in Canada.

[@ne-adv]

A Ducati Desert X maybe the upgrade you want. It's the same weight as the fat KLR, with 40% more horsepower, it has the suspension travel and ground clearance of a DR650, so it may be the more responsive upgrade, but I have to wonder, the DR650 is $9K USD including upgrades, the Desert X is $18K USD, with the farkles. Just the heated grips are $600 CA. I dunno, seems you are leaving the blue-collar working guys zone into the rich people motorcycle, if the X is really your next step and the cross-fade wasn't a joke.

[@masonsadv]

Hey NE-ADV! It really is the upgrade I wanted. It wasn't cheap to get the KLR where I have it but I loved the build and the Ducati falls right in line with the Triumph Tiger and is a bit less than the latest Africa twin for price so I didn't think it was too far out of line. Other than farkles I want to buy, the DX doesn't really need anything other than crash protection. However I do have a bit of a list of mods for it ;) Not trying to leave anyone behind, and there are much more expensive toys out there ;) Cheers and thanks for the comment!

[@ne-adv]

@@masonsadv I had forgotten that you had the KTM 790 and the tiger 900 in the group. Enjoy the new bike! Does that mean we'll see more family members riding, now you have a spare? And I'm wrong about the heated grips. Just over $300

[@bobrenk5518]

Free upgrade to consider is the MC mod when adjusting your valves next time. Developed by Eagle Mike and Mike Coe. All it is, is advancing the exhaust cam 1 tooth. Noticeable seat of the pants increase in power with no downside in mileage or response. Cheers.

[@masonsadv]

Yes, already done ;) another one of the fun mods! Cheers Bob.

[@ToriADVMoto]

I've always loved the channel.. best thing that happen to the channel you involving yourself in the videos 👍🏼 and I have built many including 685 (best mod ever) and I don't understand not getting rid of the exhaust weight.. cheers

[@alanbuller3371]

A Desert X long-term project would be awesome!

[@masonsadv]

I think I can make that happen ;) Cheers Alan

[@lunarluna]

Great build.............that bike is a keeper.

[@danmanthe9335]

Did you put a bigger piston in your bike? One of the best things I did to mine. Saving up for the Cogent shock right now. Glad to hear someone else likes theirs too. My buddy was telling me to get rid of it. I dunno about that...

[@stewtube1240]

Congrats ! I think you did the thermal bob and the doo-hicky also .

[@masonsadv]

Ha, thanks Stew. Yes I have done both :)

[@daxmonster3429]

I still can't believe you haven't gotten a taller wind screen.

[@Biglug8888]

Great video. Enjoy your trips and how to's. Just curious, I might have missed it but was wondering how many kilometers you've racked up on it?

[@masonsadv]

Just over 35000 kms now. Cheers Lou :)

[@FrancoisTX1974]

I just purchased a gen III because of you and the capability of the KLR. Little question, what is you height, because I’m a tall dude so I might need bars riser AND lowered foot peg

[@chrisunderhill8853]

Ruth roh!!

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Chris ;)

[@sanjosejeff]

one other comment. Even though I’m new to adventure riding, I’ve spent 30 years as a fireman/paramedic pulling helmets off dead guys in San Francisco Bay Area and sacramento and I’ve also just had a knee replacement 2 months ago..(work related) A complete high end PPE head to toe should be first. Arguably even before buying a bike. I will also never go on a serious ride again without knee braces. Your knees are just too vulnerable and once you lose one like me, it’s a massive eye opener to keep them as pristine as possible.

[@masonsadv]

Sure need to do our best to protect the parts that are still functioning ;) We run ATGAT around here. Good advise Jeff.

[@crobx4]

Mason, just curious why you've never done LED headlights? With all your stuff that takes power, wouldn't that relieve a little stress on the charging system, not to mention better lighting?

[@guillermodanielkopelson]

tremendo... saludos de argentina

[@aaronwaderides7209]

Man I didn’t see that coming good for you wow !!!!!!

[@masonsadv]

Hey Aaron, haha. Neither did Missus Mason ;)

[@patrickcooper8923]

😁 Oops...Shape of things to come? Set it up the way you want it, and flog it like a rented mule! Ride on Brother!

[@masonsadv]

You know I will, Patrick :) Cheers!

[@brownharr1]

That was great. Your videos are some of the best and are about to get a little more rambunctious I'd say. Lol

[@masonsadv]

The break-in period is killing me... ;) Haha

[@brownharr1]

@@masonsadv I can only imagine. Absolutely fantastic choice too, by the way. Looking very forward to your take on it.

[@ianferrier235]

Well done Mason, but what the heck was that at the end ,I couldn't see any badging. Be watching

[@masonsadv]

Sorry Ian, I was a bit too sneaky ;) That was the new Ducati Desert X.

[@ianferrier235]

@@masonsadv awesome Mason. Can't wait for the build

[@sanjosejeff]

So you chose the Ducati huh? And here I was commenting about you still riding a klr😂 I’ve been wondering about this bike and thought about looking at it when considering the 890. Like I said before, I’m very new to adventure riding and will be watching your build closely even though I’ll be on the 23 KTM. Who knows, maybe I’ll switch in a couple years.

[@masonsadv]

Both great bikes! Actually, there are a bunch to choose from now. Much different landscape from 7 years ago in the ADV segment. Ride on and enjoy :)

[@OlmanEg]

Sounds like its time for a yamaha Tdub 200. Be a great cheap new project.

[@masonsadv]

There are a bunch of cool builds to do for sure. It's the lack of room in the stable that will be the problem 😂 Cheers!

[@CLP2102]

that ending tho......lol

[@pauldavison2116]

The contentious question... have you done the doohickey?

[@masonsadv]

Yes i did it at 12000 kms.

[@49Roadmaster]

@@masonsadv I have been following your build and recommendations after I bought my 2018 new in the spring of 2019. The bike has received almost all the same mods as your. Friends have laughed at how much I put into a brand new bike, but my reply has been that it is still cheaper than the list price of their bike and I keep up to them. At the 935 km first oil change I installed the EM rotary spring doohickey configuration and checked the valve clearances. The OEM doohickey fit sloppy on the shaft and the OEM linear spring had almost no tension in it, so glad I changed that out. ALL four valves were on their lower limits of clearance and had to be re-shimmed. I would be curious of your thoughts and impressions on swapping out to the MCP carb kit. After running the OEM carb, then converting to the KLX kit, then changing out to the MCP kit I was sold on the MCP kit. It delivered almost EFI throttle response. Again, great channel and build.

[@Melon-gb5vd]

Does this thing do willies or what?

[@miraclo3]

Awesome. :)

[@masonsadv]

Thanks, Nick :)

[@csiautodetail]

Are going to sell it to get a new project or keep it? Do you have a video where you install the USB port that you have on the bike now. Thanks

[@masonsadv]

The new bike is revealed at the end of the video ;) but I will be keeping the KLR. I don't have a specific video on the charging port but I used a handlebar USB adapter mount and bent it to fit ;)

[@csiautodetail]

@@masonsadv sorry didn't see the bike at the end, I am working and watching your videos at the same time. lol

[@D.E.X]

Ducati Desert X?

[@masonsadv]

Yep. Straight from the simplest to possibly the most complicated ;) Haha. no middle ground around here. lol. Cheers Dex :)

[@jimperry4420]

Was it peer pressure? Lol.

[@masonsadv]

Ha, no, but I have enjoyed riding the other bikes in the group ;) There is truly a bike for everyone now regardless of your riding style or budget. Cheers!

[@richardmiller8067]

MC MOD

[@seanhammon6639]

Ha! Excellent

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Sean :)