Lowered KLR - Any Experiences?
 

G'day,

I know the "how-to-lower" question has been asked a million times; what I'm trying to find out is how big an impact lowering has upon the bike's utility for adventure-touring (I'm planning on going through Sth. & Central America). I'm seriously considering swapping my F650 for a KLR650, but on a KLR I'm limited to my toes when touching the ground (both feet simultaneously), which I find unnerving.

What are your experiences with using a lowered (dogbones/seat/suspension etc.) KLR650 for the big trip?

What's the change in handling?
Is the reduced clearance/suspension-travel a problem?
Does the suspension require modification if lowered? (The front seemed very soft.)
Any problems with after-market seat comfort?
The suspension should settle a bit with gear (say, a couple of 40l alu. boxes worth of standard stuff) - is it enough to make a difference?
Anything else...?

Thanks heaps,

I'm touching with my toes on my KLR as well, but I figure when the bike is loaded down with gear, it should be just about right. I dont think I would lower a KLR that is going to be used with panniers and other heavy goodies strapped to the back, but thats just me. Anybody else???

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Brett - 1999 KLR650
http://www.ridefar.com

I've lowered my KLR with the doglegs.
and dropped the forks a bit through the tubes
It handles better and there should be enough clearance. (you should move the number plate up onto the rear fender though)
The angle of the shock is slightly altered so it seems a bit softer. Maybe need a beefier one. Front springs should be replaced with Progressive
I can get my feet on the ground now.
Instaed of th elowering links ,there was also a shorter shock on either the KLRdigest/Dualsport News or Dual-Star.com.

dave

Thanks all - after much indecision I've taken the plunge and now have a shiny new KLR to go head-to-head with my F650. The next few months will decide which goes to Ushuia and which goes to the local dealer.

James Courtier.

I'm planning a RTW and thinking of using a KLR but I have Two concearns.
a) I'll be two up - is there enough space / comfort etc for two people. and
b) I'm around 5feet 7inches (don't know what that is in cms) - I like to be able to get both feet on the deck (being two up) Is this going to be a problem?

Chris,

Check out the 'Which Bike' group for the 'R1150GS vs KLR650?' thread which answers your two-up question. I'm just over 5'7" myself (172cm, I think) and I can get both feet down on tippy-toes on the KLR. But, you may have longer legs than me, so head off to a dealer and find out for sure.

James Courtier.