TCAT Trip Maintenance on the KLR 650 | Masons ADV |

[@DH-tp9ns]

Love the maintenance video. Gives me more confidence to do more myself. Got my KLR back from the dealer for the first service this week...0 degrees C, 50 kms, in the dark no less. I really could have used the heated hand grips! At least its home, I was afraid it was going to have to bunk at the dealer all winter.

[@masonsadv]

Yeah, that sounds like a cold run. Always nice to get them home :) Cheers!

[@ArcticJeff]

Do you balance your tires too? I never used to on my dirt bikes, but I find the back one usually needs a few weights on the opposite side of the rim lock to even things out. I like to use the spoke weights that snug to the base of the spoke with an allen screw. The rear wheel mounted in the swing arm without the chain or brakes hooked up makes for a good way to check for the heavy spots.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Masons ADV, thanks for the amazing videos. You, Scratch Babble, and Swanky Cat are the main reasons ( HamOnTheCob pushed me over the edge with speculation... pinkster just can't accept the Versys platform as a KLR replacement.) I just bought a 2018 KLR 650, in yellow. In fact, I had already ordered the Doohickey and spring kits, next up the sub-frame bolts, then I'll work about the ergo and tires. Thanks again, I haven't ridden a dual sport in three decades but the KLR will be joining my 02 ZZR1200 and 17 H-D Ultra Classic on adventures.

[@masonsadv]

Well, thanks for watching :) Sounds like your going about the build in a good order. I think the subframe bolt is a must do for those of us that camp off the bike. The yellow is a sharp look. Cheers Pinkie!

[@BOC_Adventures]

The yellow KLR is the fastest...…. good choice.

[@cschueren]

Sounds like a good plan. Working the things with my buddies.

[@masonsadv]

Cheers D&C :)

[@Melon-gb5vd]

My YZ was neglected by the previous owner and sure enough the rear suspension linkage was seized and rusted to the point of having to replace all the bearings. If they were checked and lubed regularly they would have been fine. Suspension is so important on a motorcycle to ensure proper handling characteristics, braking and acceleration.

[@masonsadv]

Agreed Melon. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way :)

[@Peeohtrek]

Good luck on your trip and post videos of the TCAT.

[@masonsadv]

Thank you! The videos of the trip should be coming out in the new year. Cheers :)

[@jrdepew]

The TKC’s looked like they still had some life in them. Guess you wanted new tread for the trip.

[@masonsadv]

Exactly! 😁👍

[@stevebrinkert8339]

👍 I like wrenching on my bike almost has much as riding it. Thanks enjoyed the video.

[@masonsadv]

I agree :) Cheers Steve!

[@clivegreenall309]

Hi Mason I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your bike maintenance and how your trip went. Ride Safe Regards Clive

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Clive :)

[@mattadv7821]

Watched the video and greased my suspension. Thanks for the motivation. Can't wait to see the video of the trip.

[@masonsadv]

Nice! They do need to be done. Thanks for watching Matt. Cheers :)

[@azdesertdog]

Last time I did the suspension on the WR I had needle bearings all over the garage floor.

[@masonsadv]

Oh yeah, That can happen quickly haha, I've had the same experience before AZ. lol. Cheers!

[@NoComment1973]

Well my maintenance list just got longer 🤨....thanks Mason 🤣 great job as always! A good manual is worth its weight in farkles 💪🏼

[@masonsadv]

Haha, Sorry man. Cheers!

[@rontimber8566]

Mine is an 08, that I've had for a year and a half. I guess that means my rear suspension linkage will be on my winter list. I'm looking forward to seeing your trip and which section of the TCAT you do. I've been on a bit of it by Ottawa and really enjoyed it.

[@masonsadv]

We started in the Ottawa area and worked our way back to Huntsville. It was a fantastic section. Cheers Ron :)

[@ianferrier235]

Nice mason 👍 definitely need to check mine this spring. Don't have a shop to do it in winter😭

[@masonsadv]

Not a great time to be doing it outside Ian. Definitely a spring job :)

[@aaronwaderides7209]

Awesome like always things to note while doing my own maintenance work to my KLR .😀

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Aaron :)

[@aaronwaderides7209]

@@masonsadv I think all your videos are awesome you do a great job , question you never show your face how come ?

[@rodolfodominguez3930]

hey Mason, you are just amazing, thanks for your videos, and all the information!!! byeee im from Uruguay

[@masonsadv]

Hello Uruguay! Thanks for watching :) Cheers!

[@Biglug8888]

Enjoyed the video. Good luck on your trip, stay safe!

[@masonsadv]

Cheers Louis :)

[@LoganJonesJ]

How did you get the swing arm back in? I can't get it to slide into the channel to put the pivot bolt back in.

[@cliffspicer6555]

Can you tell me more about the small tool bags you’ve connected to the crash bars on the bike. I’m trying to figure out how to carry my tools and I would prefer not to use a PVC tube. Thanks

[@masonsadv]

Sure Cliff, They are Moose racing fender bags and they fit perfectly on the SW Motech crash bars.

[@cliffspicer6555]

Tha is so much

[@brandoncumbie6866]

Great video. Now I got to check the rear suspension on mine, thanks for that. What auxiliary light bracket are using? I used the JNS bracket but they are still to tall to put my lights on top and I have to put the lights under the bracket to fit. Good luck with the trip, look forward to seeing the videos from that.

[@masonsadv]

It's a Denali light bracket. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5qVeIqMfJqXpNk Hope that helps Fred. Cheers!

[@BOC_Adventures]

Now I know what I need to do this winter. Good stuff Mason. On my old Harley V-Rod I used to pull the axle like that and instead of grease I used never seize on it. It seemed to withstand the heat a bit better and seemed less likely to dry out. Where did you get that muffler guard? I like it.

[@masonsadv]

Good call on the axle. The one I greased was the main Unilink bolt for the rear suspension so no heat there. I built the muffler guard out of some scrap stainless I had kicking around lol. I could have sold a couple of them now ;) Cheers BoC!

[@BOC_Adventures]

Ahh. See I haven't had her long enough to break it down like that. I will definitely do this procedure over the winter.... after all what else am I going to do.... Thanks Mason!

[@Colburrito213]

Love the content buddy. I have an 05 and since hearing about the cancellation of the klr i have wanted to pick up an 07 or later!

[@masonsadv]

Nice, see If you can find a 2015 or later. The seat and suspension changes are nice ;) Cheers!

[@radconsuperan]

Great video.... what bags are attached to the crash bars for your tools and tubes? Also, how are you running a tubeless tire?

[@masonsadv]

Thanks Alan. The bags are Moose racing fender bags. I just clip off the tabs and they work perfectly. The tubeless tire was all I could get but it still has a tube in it. Works fine but a stiffer sidewall so it's a bit more of a struggle to install. Cheers!

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Coppercoat not the silver antiseize on the long bolt that goes through the engine case will eliminate corrosion issues the problem is common anytime steel and aluminum meet the copper works better at neutralizing the reaction I also like to put a drop of motor oil on the front and rear axle bolts everytime I remove them never had corrosion issues

[@masonsadv]

Great tip! Cheers :)

[@masonsadv]

I have coppercoat on the shelf but haven't used it in that application because of the bearings but now that I think about it, it won't hurt because they aren't rotational bearings. Great idea. Thanks.

[@stuglenn1112]

I am surprised you didn't check the bungee cord's that hold on the milk crate, you're suppose to replace them every 3000 miles.

[@masonsadv]

Bungee cords? Well aren't you high tech. I use old shoelaces :) Cheers Stu

[@motomookie8032]

You make it look so easy. I just fought with my rear tire for 3 hours. Bastards sent me a TL tire instead of TT. You didn’t want to take off the swing arm?

[@masonsadv]

Funny thing is I always end up with a TL tire due to stock issues when I order lol. So I feel your pain. I did the swing arm in the spring so I skipped it this time. Cheers :)

[@Ron_C]

Well maintained motorcycles will last a long time! You def have the maintenance under control! Talk to me about that rear axle pin mod you have there. Did you have to mod the cotter pin hole int he axle bolt/shaft?

[@masonsadv]

Hey Ron, No, I didn't have to make any mods to the axle pin hole. The new clip fit. It's something I have done on all my bikes over the years :) Cheers man!

[@Ron_C]

@@masonsadv Thanks....I gotta get one..I have them on the trailer ramp.

[@ADVNevada]

Great stuff, thanks!

[@masonsadv]

Thanks for watching :) Cheers man!

[@ralliart10006]

What manual do you have for maintenance???

[@neilwiddison6529]

Great work watching from the uk

[@masonsadv]

Thanks Neil! Cheers man :)

[@ScratchBabble]

I'd be afraid to do maintenance to that level and be confident that I got everything back and aligned right. Did you do maintenance on your previous bikes to this level or has the KLR been the first bike you've dug deeper into? Also wondering about your socket wrench. When I changed my sprocket I couldn't do it without a breaker bar and figured if I ever went on a trip I'd have to take it. Great video as always Mason!

[@Melon-gb5vd]

We’ve always worked on our own bikes. Before KZbin vids it was a manual or trial and error. With a car there are thousands of places to take it for repair, a motorcycle not so much so we just did that stuff ourselves. It’s very satisfying to do maintenance on your bike so be scared get into it!!!

[@ScratchBabble]

@@Melon-gb5vd Thanks Melon!

[@RedNeckBiker109]

Dude, with the clymer its pretty simple you almost cant mess it up. Plus were all only a phone call away to assist!

[@masonsadv]

Thanks, Scratch! Yeah, don't stress it, just have a go. I have always had to maintain the equipment and vehicles around here and have done most of the maintenance on my bikes over the years. This is the first bike that I have done valve checks on though but it is so easy to work on that you really can do it all. The rear axle bolt can be loosened by using the wrench in the kit plus the handle and the other wrench in the end of that one. 1+1+1 if that makes sense. that's what I use on the trail. hope that helps. Cheers man!

[@etsinko]

@Masons ADV Is this a manual/tool tube mounted under your rear left plastic cover? How did you mount it there?

[@masonsadv]

Yes it is, I built brackets and cut the plastic out of the side cover where the tube sits. Here is the vid I did on it but it's a bit old ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHOamXuVebN7esU Cheers :)

[@truckmanonfire]

This is the first riding season with my KLR and I am going to put a stiffer spring in the back and progressive springs in the front. so when I have the back apart I will definitely be re-lubeing the suspension components. When you did it the first time did you do the swing arm as well?

[@masonsadv]

Nice! It makes a big difference. Yes, I did the swing arm bolt as well.

[@ajscain500]

Would you recommend what crash bars to buy for the KLR650? Thanks.

[@masonsadv]

I have had great luck with the SW Motech bars and they have taken some serious abuse over the years. Heavy gauge steel helps out when the KLR is on it's side ;)

[@RedNeckBiker109]

Great tips and great video as always! Ride Safe!

[@masonsadv]

Thanks man, Cheers :)

[@shaymtbrider7244]

How offen u change the fork oil ? I just bought brand new 2018 1700 miles on it ?

[@masonsadv]

Unless you doing it to adjust your damping just follow the recommended service intervals in the manual. I went to a heavier weight oil and it made a difference. Cheers!

[@olneymaryland77]

Tell me about that ‘rear fork oil’ now again? Lol

[@masonsadv]

Rear fork oil? Did i say that! Haha

[@fredcollins2732]

Are your tires TT or TL type? I need some 50/50 TT for my Africa Twin and am worried about repairs to a TL with a tube on the side of a road. Is side wall to stiff?

[@masonsadv]

I run TL with a tube in it. The sidewall is stiffer for sure but I have always been able to get it done. It's not as soft as the TT though. Maybe that's a good thing? Don't know.

[@toby7504]

Is thar a k2 gsxr1000 fairing on the wall l see?! lovely bike. Looking forward to follow you on your trip...ride safe sir

[@Melon-gb5vd]

Haha yes it is!! There is a great story behind that unfortunate incident lol

[@Melon-gb5vd]

Oh and a GSXR 600 it was

[@toby7504]

@@Melon-gb5vd great bikes... Have owned quite a fewe gixxers in my time, never a 600, but all above. Is it heynes manuals you use?

[@Melon-gb5vd]

I have the Factory manual for the YZ I don’t have one for the Honda I haven’t got that deep into it yet. The torque specs in the owners manual is all I need. Clymer or Haines manuals are both good

[@toby7504]

@@Melon-gb5vd you went down on a 600:))) had a miss happening on a gixxer750 years ago..🤪

[@AltoPrado]

Hi Mason, what crash bar bags do you have with the SW Motec??? Looking for a set for my KLR... thanks! Enjoy the videos.

[@masonsadv]

I use Moose Racing fender bags. Cheers!

[@TheJumpn]

What did you soak your chain in? I apologize if I missed that.

[@masonsadv]

Hey Jim. I just use diesel fuel. Not sure if I mentioned that actually ;) Cheers.

[@dicungDon]

@@masonsadv Hi Mason, I never use diesel fuel for cleaning the chain before. Most of the time, I just use a degreaser solution. :-D Thank you so much.

[@masonsadv]

The Diesel loosens the crap and leaves an oil film. also, its gentle on the O rings. This is just my opinion though Jim. Make of it what you will :)

[@TheJumpn]

Masons ADV no problem from me. :)

[@cliffspicer6555]

Do you not balance the tires Mason ?

[@masonsadv]

Not on the KLR Cliff. Sure as heck did on the ZX1200R lol.

[@fernandoares158]

any usefull link to get the manual? i'm in a 5th world country and there's nowhere to get the info on spec tourques... :L

[@masonsadv]

Not for the manual but the forums will have all the torque specs. try KLR650.net

[@klr607]

Is that a clymer manual or the shop manual?

[@masonsadv]

I have the Clymer manual. It works well.

[@kkunkel8]

What torque wrench do you carry on your bike?

[@masonsadv]

I don't carry a torque wrench on the bike so anything I do on the trails is checked once I get home.

[@paulcondie2520]

Need to do my lube my rear suspension links, from 1 to 10 how hard is it in your eyes? Lol

[@Melon-gb5vd]

Pretty easy with the right tools, the hardest part is getting the wheels off the ground lol

[@masonsadv]

I agree with Melon, If you have a jack to hang the wheels it's quite simple. However, getting the Unitrak linkage out and back in can be a real struggle so if in doubt just pull the bolt and grease it without removing the linkage.

[@paulcondie2520]

Masons ADV thanks!

[@zieghaschel4497]

What Jack is that?

[@masonsadv]

I'm not sure but it's similar to this amzn.to/2UgLp4K

[@josephg4924]

👍🏻

[@masonsadv]

🙂👍

[@LTVoyager]

Rear fork oil?

[@Melon-gb5vd]

Oops he meant rear shock oil lol

[@masonsadv]

Haha, Yeah oops!

[@650thumper]

You can change that? I've changed the front fork oil in my 650GS and had the rear shock off in the fall to fix the preload adjuster but never thought to change the oil. I though those shocks are factory sealed.

[@masonsadv]

You release the nitrogen through the Schrader valve then remove the valve and pump the shock to force the oil out. The trick is finding a shop that can refill the nitrogen. I drove all over town trying to find a place to do it. In the end, I had to supply the shop with an extender to have it filled. Other than that it's not a bad job to do. I also used a heavier weight oil and it made quite a difference. Cheers!

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Go to watt-man.com he has a very detailed article complete with pictures on exactly where to drill and tap threads in all your suspension bushings to install grease serts I lube my rear suspension every oil change now and takes about 30 seconds

[@masonsadv]

Thanks, Yes I've read that article, It's something I may do in the future but for now it doesn't take me long and I get to inspect the bearings and shafts for wear. I passed on another Watt-man article earlier this week :) Lots of great stuff there! Cheers Kawadude!

[@chrisenduroadv1405]

I let my wife do all the cleaning stuff... so I do 2m a Season... RFOL

[@masonsadv]

Haha. Cheers Chris!