S1E1 | Black Hills BDRx - Was the KLR650 the right choice?

In this episode, join me as I go out to South Dakota and start section 1 of the Black Hills BDRx. Did I make the right choice by choosing the KLR650 to take me on this journey?

[@michaelbyrnes4936]

Lol that ride on the highway with the trailer !! Your eyes said it all. Glad you made it safe, As a KLR owner , really appreciate this content. Thank you

[@chrisphillips0000]

Took my KLR on the NMBDR and it did great.

[@AzMtnThumper]

Me too, and I rode 5 other BDRs on it and it did fine on those too.

[@RandomParrot]

I'm just sitting back counting the RPMs as he chugs along

[@blackhawkhockey]

I like your style LOTW! The KLR is a tractor and super reliable. I ride a KLX300. You have inspired me to ride the Black Hills BDRX this summer. Maybe I’ll see you out there!

[@mullins6429]

Cool video. Beautiful country. Shame about the Allen key!! Nice job on getting the repair done with your audience 👍🇦🇺

[@karlfonner7589]

Dude, we’ve all been there. That Allen key thing is what I’m talking about.

[@Ghostrider-71]

Wow, this looks like fun, I just bought a new 2023 KLR 650 adventure and am excited to see some countryside. Thank you for posting.

[@allanwyatt9683]

I just did the Black Hills BDR-X on a bone stock 1988, yes, you read that right, 1988 KLR650. Before the trip my buddy and I installed a new clutch kit, rebuilt the carb, new air filter, new tires and tubes,, Shinko 804 and 805 Adventures and new brakes. Bike was flawless. Could it use better suspension? Yes. Did the stock suspension work? Yes. Did the seat suck? Yes. I bought the bike for the trip for $1300 and spent another $800. All in, $2100. It was a Swiss Army knife of a bike. Did everything compentently, nothing excellenlty except putting a smile on my face. BTW, left my BMW R1150GS in the garage for this trip. THAT was a smart move....

[@mattbillenstein]

Good to do a shake-out ride before a big trip - get your boots/shifter, allen key, new tube/tire situation type of things sorted out beforehand hopefully. I rode this last month on a ktm 500 with just a backpack strapped to the tail - it's a fun and scenic route!

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Good call Matt, a shake down would have prevented most of the issues I ran into. How did you do on the KTM 500 with gas on section 3?

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

May have to ride this when I go to the get on adv next year. I packed half what you did for my 900+ mile ghost town adventure this last labor day weekend. Granted we had patches not new tubes cause tunes take up way more space than the patch kit. We wanted to be light because we knew there was gonna be some nasty roads/trails we have to ride. Good job on the video and good luck with your channel seems like you're having a better start to yours and I have.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Absolutely! It's a great route especially if you'll be out there.

[@LeroyJenkins-ul1kb]

Do patches work well most of the time?

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

@LeroyJenkins-ul1kb depending on the puncture,small nail or thorn can be easily patched but if the tube gets torn by anything patches are very questionable.

[@LeroyJenkins-ul1kb]

@@MontanaDirtRoads thanks for this!

[@chiptaxfree]

Great stuff! So many people on bikes and don't even ride them. Nice to see you getting after it.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Thanks for the comment Chip! Doesn't matter what it is, getting out and riding is medicine. Hope you're getting out a lot this year!

[@dw5523]

Thank you. I never would have thought about packing latex gloves to keep cow poop off my hands. Grease I don't mind, but poop is where I draw the line.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Funny you mention that, I've now added some latex gloves to my pack. I'll be prepared next time

[@tmurrayis]

In a few weeks I am headed to Tuktoyaktuk on my KLR and I am dreading having to deal with a flat in the middle of nowhere. You have shown that it can be done with the right tools and a spare tube. If you can do it....... Oh, and sorry for the smoke, that wasn't very neighbourly.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

That ride sounds like a blast! Don't let tire changing worry you, just be prepared with the right tools and all will be well. Enjoy!

[@LeroyJenkins-ul1kb]

I like your style videos. Thanks for letting us hear the bike rather than some dumb music👍

[@JoeImburgia]

Great video. I like your authenticity and creative editing. Ride safe 👌🏼

[@RamblingRuters]

Just seeing your channel for the first time & awesome job just getting out there and making it happen & having fun, what it's all about brother. I'm a retired Army veteran here in Arizona with an Aprilia Tuareg and have definitely felt the frustrations with new setups (boots, gear etc). I had to adjust my shifter up a little as my Alpinestars Tech 7 boots were much different then my daily Adv boots. Just recommend that if you're able to, always do a shake down run on everything a few days prior as it really helps eliminate any deficiencies and time to make any adjustments if necessary. I always do take aways/lessons learned from any time I ride, great experience and thanks for sharing your adventures. On a side note, what recording gear are you using? I have an Insta360 One RS & haven't figured out a good setup for recording audio, thanks

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

First off thanks for your service and sacrifices. My recording gear on this ride: Sony ZV-E1, Sony ZV1mkii, (2) Osmo Action 4, DJI Mini 3 Pro. For audio, I used the DJI Wireless Mics.

[@tonyvandyke7588]

Did you ever adjust your shift lever? I wear the tech 7 enduros and a buddy told me about rotating the shifter one spline and it was the perfect adjustment.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Yes, I actually installed a lowering kit for my pegs. Much better now!

[@AzMtnThumper]

I am constantly dropping stuff in my KLR skid plate. Looking forward to more videos.

[@prozcrito]

Great video! Seems like a great adventure so far. Do you have a list of what was in your tire repair pack? Thanks!

[@onerider808]

2:17 the only ‘complaint’ I have about the KLR is that it is terrifying to ride fully loaded, in high winds.

[@willardtk]

cross winds, head winds, or tail winds?

[@wadehampton1737]

I think all motorcycles are terrifying in high winds.

[@kawabungah20]

This is a nice video. Thank you for sharing your adventure and the unusual puncture predicament. If you wrench enough you eventually learn to locate whatever part or tool you drop or lose while working - right down to the tiniest screw. (Don't ask me how I know.) ;-)

[@jamesrussell8278]

Nice video. I just rode the twat last week. Might be looking at this route for next year. I'll be watching the rest of your videos of that trip 👍

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Awesome thanks for watching James! The twat is on my list!

[@danagerds]

Hello, forgive my ignorance but what is the twat again?

[@rroe86]

What's the twat?

[@garypic4083]

Watching this through windscreen is a PITA

[@tl3192]

Thanks for the ride and the tips

[@hvymax]

You didn't find any 10mm sockets with that Allen Key did you?

[@senorboardhead]

I feel like the small wind screen blocks where my eye naturally want to look. Good video of a cool trip, though.

[@poweredbyrice5708]

I agree and tinted at that I don't get having a tinted windshield visor yeah but windshield makes no sense

[@wildboby1]

Your dash! I could stare at it for hours! Please tell me what setup you ot going. And your phone is mounted in the perfect location! Nice! What mount is it? Thank you brother.

[@kurtleifken7708]

Perfect trailer

[@pilgrimtiger2023]

Just discovered your channel. Enjoyed the Vid for sure. I have a 2016 KLR myself. Pretty impressed with that trailer you have. What make and model is that? Thanks.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The trailer is an Intech Explore, works great to live out of for moto adventures.

[@pilgrimtiger2023]

@@LostOnTwoWheels Awesome. Thanks for the reply.

[@vincenttarquini4235]

New sub from Sioux Falls here, but have ridden to the Black Hills and have a close friend in Custer. Thankfully you didn't piss off a bear or mountain lion. There are a lot of gnarly critters out there!

[@GaryShellberg]

There are no bears in the Black Hills , but there are lots of cougars.

[@Jk-vc1cn]

Nice job. Do you like your trailer enough to recommend it

[@Strippz]

FUN FACT..more people are killed by cows then sharks per year. Something to keep in mind..but they are naturally curious and good natured most times. Great Vid..TY!

[@D.E.X]

Amazing what you can do on a 8" clearance 8" suspension travel motorcycle. No need for a better 10" clearance, 10" suspension travel motorcycle that is 80 pounds lighter. The rider makes the bike. I'd give it a shot on a DL1000XAL8.

[@stevehicks616]

I bet you could put 1000 Alan keys on your skid plate and that wouldn’t happen again, good old Murphy’s law

[@DadventureMoto]

How do you like that Voyager?

[@SoundMindADV]

Nice video. I have the same motoglamper camper 😀

[@VagaBumAdventures]

KLRs go everywhere on the planet, man. 😂

[@knowone6214]

first thing i would do if it were mine is get rid of that smoked windshield and that KLR sounds like a thrash machine.....DOO HICKEY problems????

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

That rattle was a loose bolt on the exhaust guard. You have some good antennas!

[@lloyddubose4814]

Slow down a bit. Ive ridden with people before that do the same. Not fun, for me anyway. Talking about beautiful country, but your not seeing much, as moving so fast takes more attention away from surroundings. Also leads to more serious predicaments. Slow the roll, enjoy the outdoors.

[@leescheeler1503]

Klr is a peice of.......work isnt good offroad too heavey only good for commuting handles like my goldwing off road though get an xr or dr much better for the dirt

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

The KLR completed the route! Don't have a ton of complaints actually for how I treated it and loaded it down. The only complaint I had was the shifter. I would enter a Rally Race with it but for this type of riding it was actually pretty comfy!

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

*wouldn't enter a Rally Race with it

[@onthethrottle7104]

leescheeler, I rode a KLR for about 4 years and took it to many places most people wouldn't dream of taking it. That bike got an A+ rating from me, I've been off road riding for 4 decades. Everyday when I got off work I would jump on that machine and test it's limits, it would never let me down. The engine was not a speed killer but I routinely got second gear wheelies and could go through third and hit fourth gear. It held the front end up good for me. It's all in the rider and as long as the machine holds up the rider can do great things. So the KLR is not a heavy weight offload racer for sure but that's not what's it's for. It's made for exactly what this guy is using it for in this video. You can ride on the road all day and you can hit some pretty nasty dirt road and trails it will take you to some cool places. They are very comfortable machines as well. I've taken mine up nasty hills, super nasty sand river beds and way way out into the desert where no one has ever been to camp out. I never ever had to worry about my KLR letting me down. Great bike is an understatement! And by the way, I have owned two Honda XR's and they are great bikes too and you can't compare these machines because they are completely different in what they are designed to do. Keep it on two wheels my friend.

[@tahoehiker]

It's way too heavy.

[@zrx1100zz]

Just remember nobody ever said "gee I wish I would have brought more crap"..... Said the guy on the DRZ400 😁🥃🛵☁️☁️☁️

[@joellikness2121]

The cows keeping you company while changing the tube is the best part by far. 😂 Great video, the cows earned you a new subscriber.

[@garydoyle5755]

I heard you say you put a new tube in the rear tire. FYI I have put dozens of patches on motorcycles and have never had a patch be the cause of a subsequent leak or failure. I think I had up to 5 or 6 on a tube once. I also carry a spare tube but it is the 2nd choice. I don't understand why some people are loathe to use patches.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

I attempted to patch the tube that night (next episode) and it was so shredded from the allen key I wasn't able to make it work without a slow leak. It was a pretty decent tear in the tube where it initially went in that required 3 patches right next to each other and a couple other punctures. I bring patches with as well sometimes it's just easier to throw a new tube in and patch the tube when you get time, at least from my experience. But I agree with you, definitely not against using a patch.

[@dwightrhodes2051]

You are right. Its not a KTM. Its a fraction of the price.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

You got that right!

[@peterfecteau6428]

We can’t all be fortunate enough to afford a KTM!

[@allanwyatt9683]

@@peterfecteau6428 KTM=K awasaki T raining M achine!!!!

[@WASTED__POTENTIAL]

I live just on the wyoming side of the border from there, and you weren't kidding about the smoke. It was crazy!

[@Zoofactory]

Nice job on the tire change, but you can do better than hot pockets my dude. 😂

[@Avensur]

Definitely she can go on BDR's,,, it's the bike that goes where NO OTHER bike has gone before 👍

[@D.E.X]

hmmm. XR650. DR650. Actually, the DR650 would also be better getting there. Great (better than KLR) on highway.

[@joebiker5992]

Great video! I live in Mn as well. Im going on a bike trip next weekend. I still have no idea where I'm going. I'm thinking I'll do northern mn this time. I LOVE my klr!

[@bumstead1383]

It’s easy to think “ never know I might need that” & then …🐷 , beautiful scenery man.

[@BMRTV]

22:22 It's always something man made 😞

[@spencervidal3168]

Hahahah I'm surprised the KLR made it.. That thing is an antiquated turd. Little more than a grocery getter. And a crappy one at that..

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

How dare you call it antiquated turd! 😆

[@paulangerhofer5035]

Damn skid plates!!! Sorry to say it was hilarious listening to the cows cheer you on while changing the tube. I'll be watching the rest in the series. But onto a real question. Listening to the sound of the exhaust, it sounded like you were stuck in the zone between 1st & 2nd, which was dictated by your speed. How do you feel about the gear height / spacing on the KLR. I've got street bikes and a Royal Enfield Himalayan as my ADV bike. With the exception of lack of power and lack of dealerships, I love the Himalayan but because of those two things am looking at the possibility of a KLR. I haven't even test ridden one but I'm constantly on the lookout for non-biased opinions.

[@onerider808]

Easy pickins for a KLR. PS the 5000 series of roads near Roubaix are motorcycle only and way more fun than the BDR-X roads...

[@rollingstone3017]

Oh my gosh. The allen wrench thing!! I was wondering how on earth you had a flat so soon.

[@justinlugo7535]

Great video! Cows were awesome lol. How did you get those logs under that swing arm? Is it all elbow grease?

[@alynnhiscox7303]

Nicely done video! You should be able to install a manual fan switch to help with events like sitting in traffic jams.

[@briancrn113]

Having done the DAKAL on a vstrom and a buddy on a KLR, the klr was fine. I feel an ideal bike for this since you have a nice camper and don't have to slab it home would be a KLX300

[@robkoons1891]

Im getting a klr 650 here in next month and i would really like to try a cost to coast run for the iron but series. Lesrned a few thinfs watvhing this video. Thanks

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks for sharing this video. I will always pack some nitrile gloves after seeing you change that tire.

[@mcnuggetapple]

I was just thinking that after seeing this lmaooi

[@brandon52491]

I haven't ridden a single cylinder bike in a long time... it sounds like that thing is going to stall every 15 seconds to my ear! haha

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

You're not wrong, I was lugging it quite a bit more than I usually do because the stock shifter was a nightmare with mx style boots on, I knew if I downshifted, I'd have to finagle my boot under the shifter to upshift again. This has since been remedied!

[@donbraham411]

Sounds like a VW bug

[@Chuck88vert]

For me I keep rpm up higher

[@cranedaddy678]

Cool video man, I'm jealous! Curious though, why did you go out by yourself? Seems like a unnecessary safety risk to me. Always good to have a buddy with you when you're out imo.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

The opportunity to take this trip came up with very little notice, so unfortunately, I had to go solo. But I agree, It's definitely nice to have someone with.

[@adammfharris]

I have the same problem. I would do so many more rides, but I haven’t even gotten one of the BDR rides ticked off because it seems like I am the only person who can actually afford to not be at work for long enough to complete these. So for me it’s going to be solo rides on the BDR routes.

[@dcijams]

I see, you got a little taste, of what us truck drivers do all day long. outbound for 5 to 7 weeks. driving every day. for 10.5 hours.

[@ScottChristensenabc]

I wonder what you’d get if you crossed a black Angus with a black Mule?

[@mike_sasky8500]

Awesome video thanks, the cows had me dying during the tire change lol. Camper looks like something I need as well! Cheers

[@klrshthead2906]

If you’re ever on the east coast hit me up 🤙

[@billmassey3458]

So was it the right choice? At least you found your Allen key 😳 Heck of a start to a ride…

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Bill the Allen key debacle blew my mind! It fell between the gas tank and radiator while installing the quad lock. I shook the bike a few times and couldn't get it to come out so I wrote it off! Well it's back in the tool roll! As far as the KLR there are some things that need changing for the upcoming trips but she made it through. The things that need changing would've been caught during a shorter shake down ride. Only got bucked off once which will be coming up in an upcoming video!

[@dantheman4life]

What are the odds man. So glad you had the tools and knowledge to fix it on the trail. Glad you are out riding the BDRX!

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

@dantheman4life thanks Dan really enjoy your videos!

[@dantheman4life]

@@LostOnTwoWheels Thanks man. I'm excited to see what adventure you get into.

[@45sethj]

What brand toyhauler is that? Very nice.

[@filippocorti6760]

Get the ecu flash for the fuel injection.

[@toslow9045]

Need to keep the RPM up a bit on the KLR.

[@summerman2]

That cow was the best when changing tire!

[@willardtk]

man, I was so confused when you had to pull over for your back tire. I rewound a few times, didn't see you go over any crazy rocks or anything, finally just let it play on...only to find out that it was an ALLEN WRENCH?! I've just been sitting here saying "a f**king allen wrench?!" for about 5 minutes.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Hahaha I was saying the same thing, just didn't include it in the video 😅

[@alpinereviews]

That trick with log as a jack is cool

[@frostbitevinnie]

Good job! Looking forward to future vids!

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Thanks Vinnie! Got a bunch more coming!!

[@frostbitevinnie]

@@LostOnTwoWheels I did 7 days from MN to tri state of SD and NE. Fun stuff! My series will be ongoing for a month or so more. Check it out!😁

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

@@frostbitevinnie I'll definitely swing over and check it out. Sounds like a fun trip!

[@frostbitevinnie]

@@LostOnTwoWheels I think I saw you are in St. Paul? I'm in Annandale just up the road a bit.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

@@frostbitevinnie Must've been a lookalike I haven't been in St.Paul for years.

[@frank09busa]

good video and I love S.D. only problem I have with this Vlog was, you looked so scared to ride the bike. you purchased the underpowered mule for all it's rpm so, why not use it? it's not fair to KLR if you are yelling it to climb when your prm gauge reading 2k. smh but good.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Thanks for the comment Frank. Yeah I was caught in the wrong gear on many, many occasions on this ride due to the shifter being in a nearly impossible location with the boots I was wearing. Sometimes all you can do is twist the throttle. The shifter and peg issue has since been remedied. Good observation 👍

[@jonr3891]

Nice one. subbed : )

[@iammattjones]

Those are girl cows man. 😂 Also, note to self: find that torx driver I dropped yesterday on the GS.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

🤣 Girl cows...noted! And yes find the torx or it will find you!

[@vnuk25]

Thanks for sharing the video. What GPS mounts are you using?

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

My main GPS is a Trail Tech Voyager Pro and I just mounted it to the KLR Dash with the stock mount plate that comes with it. The other GPS is on my phone mounted using a quad lock.

[@bcarlson86]

Duluthian here, subbing to watch your adventures.

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Thanks for the sub! I bet there is some good riding up there. I plan on making a trip up sometime

[@trashman4373]

Nice camper. What kind? Model?

[@LostOnTwoWheels]

Thanks, yeah its great! it's an Intech Explore. They make another size bigger called a Discover, but I like this smaller style for my needs.