Should I change plans???? May-Jul Mexico/Central America/South America

[bmorales]

Hello all,

I am new to adventure riding and starting to find out the hard way about things before i even get on the road. First, I just reviewed some of the weather advice on Mexico, Central, and South America during these months and they just look rainy and miserable. Has anyone had any different expieriences? Number two: Does anyone know of a way to lower the seat height on a 2005 KLR 650. I'm 5'9" and I'm on my tippy toes!!!!!!! I think I shouldn't have bought it but the price was unbelievable. I know....I'm such an idiot.

Bryan

[AndyT]

First, you are talking about a huge region, and rainy seasons vary quite a bit locally. My experience with Latin America in general during the rainy season is that you wake up to fog and drizzle, by 9 am it burns off and is sunny. It clouds up in the afternoon, and may start raining by 3 or 4. You can't hit the good weather everywhere, just go, it will work out.

BTW, I am 5'10" and have not lowered my KLR, nor am I tempted to. Spend some time getting used to it before you start modding it.

[sssuzy]

Bryan,
I am 5'11" and also have a KLR. There are several Lowering kits available to lower your bike, but note that it does change the way your bike rides and handles.( the suspension is very soft) My advice is to ride a while and see if you really need to make the changes.
Suzy

[MikeyMoto]

Hello Bryan,

I am little shorter than you and I ride a 2008 KLR. When I first tried it for size at the dealership my first thought was that this is way too tall for me, so I had it lowered before I took delivery. This meant I needed to buy a shortened kickstand, as I soon discovered when I went to the gas station and the stock kickstand would not fully extend. After a few months of riding I had the bike returned to its original height and found I now had no problem with the height. Also bear in mind that when you load it up for your trip, with the suspension adjusted, the bike will sit lower. My feet are nearly flat on the ground when I have all my gear on. I could not imagine what it would be like if it was still lowered.

Mike

[Bush Pilot]

Originally Posted by bmorales

. I know....I'm such an idiot.

Bryan

Not really, KLR's are plenty sensible machines.
There's a ton you can do to alter that ride height if you choose to.
I got used to mine
I'm 5'10" and when the bike is unloaded I'm on my tippy toes too. But when the bike is loaded up pretty much flat foot.

Unloaded the bike feels so light it's not really and issue.
At stop lights you just let the bike lean slightly to one side so you can flat foot it on that side. No biggie, the bike does handle better on the stock tall setting.
I really like that sitting tall in the saddle feeling. You can see over the roofs of most cars.

[Dr. Benny]

Weather
You'll be going through Mexico and Central America during the rainy season. Like AndyT said, you can still ride during these months. The rains are mostly predictable. Remember, that area is HUGE. Elevation and latitude will play a major factor in the weather.

KLR Height
Ride your bike at home as much as you can. Get accustomed to it. Unless you plan on doing some gnarly off-roading you'll be fine. If you're concerned about the lowering links for the KLR perhaps try a lowered Corbin seat. It's lowered in the front so you can slide forward when stopping and reach your feet to the ground.

Most importantly, have fun!

[kapenagary]

I would hesitate lowering a bike if you're going to be riding through Mexico. The topes (speed bumps, sleeping policeman) are real killers.

Try lowering the seat and/or add thicker soles to your shoes.

[dKw1]

I own a GS1200 and after adding a Russell seat was on my toes also. After lots of research I bought a set of Wilbers shocks from Ted at the Beemer Shop and lowered the bike 3/4". Made a big difference and the Wilbers are made for my weight/bike and riding style So much better than the stock shocks. I ride a lot in Mexico and don't have any problems with clearance. Good luck.