Kawasaki KLR 650 in South America
 

I was wondering how easy it is to find KLR part in South America? Like brakes, cables, sprockets, chain ect. Things like that, that will eventually break. Any information would be great.
Thanks

All major cities will have a Kawasaki dealer. They will also have 1 000 000 little motorcycle shops that can help with tires, tubes, chains and other little stuff. The dealership will probably not have stock, so you will have to wait in some beautiful, colonial city for a few days and pay upwards of $0.25 to use the bus' to get around.

Not so bad, eh?

I've found it nigh on impossible to find KLR-specific parts ready-stocked in South America. I have had sprockets and brake pads made with varying results. Chains, bearings, cables and anything non-specifically KLR/Kawasaki are readily available in the cities.

Nice, Just the answer I was looking for. I am going to change the chain and sprockets, and lube swing arm, and all bearings before I go. Do you think an upgraded spring for the rear is sufficient? or should I get a new shock as well? Any other advice would be great too.

Cruthas,

Where are you planning on going to, how far will you be travelling and for how long?

I am going to TRD, I will be taking a year or longer to do it. I have plenty to explore!

David,

This model, Kawasaki KLR 650, we don´t have it in Brazil!!!

Best wishes,
Reginaldo Rohden.

What he said
 

Damn right Rohden!!

And with that in mind. I'd takes a spare sprocket and chain set, spare brake/clutch lever and fit a second clutch cable in place before you go.

Well no one said it wouldnt be an adventure :biggrin3: I am bringing spare parts. I was hoping I could save the cash but in the end I believe it will pay off.

Klr650
 

Hi Mate,

I am currently riding down to TDF on a 2008 KLR. The bike is in NIca while I have flown back to the US to catch up with some friends & family. Definately change the stock springs on the bike as it is not strong enough, as for the shock I have had no problems with it.

hat year is your bike & what kind of luggage are you planning on? I have a list of kit that I took for my trip & a list of things that I should have!! Mail me & would be happy t share it all with you.

Happy planning & safe trip. Cheers Mojo.

KLR650 trip to Latin america
 

Here in costa rica the dealer does not have parts in stock, nor sell anymore KLR´s. You can improvise with other stuff, like Yamaha relays and brake master piston, genereric clutch cables etc. Only when we talk about the inside of the engine will you need genuine parts. did you doo the doohickey? Recently I hit a pothole, and had to change the rear rim. In a village somewhere I managed to get a second hand rim for a hundred bucks, and here we go. The trip to the Kawasaki dealer was fruitless.
Does anyone know where to get original Kawasaki parts on line, to pay with credit card? Jake.

I've heard good things about Arrowhead Motorsports http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com/ shipping internationally, but have not used them outside the USA myself. Ron Ayers Motorsports - Motorcycle, ATV, Jet Ski and Generators Parts and Accessories is where I buy my Kawasaki parts from in the US, but I don't think they ship internationally.

Parts for KLR
 

Thanks Andy, yes Arrowhead will ship internationally, I had good service for a while, and then there was a glitz I did not have time for, so I ordered the IMS tank somewhere else, and the Russell progressive spring and oversized brakerotor from PTI. On this Horizons site I found Cycle parts.com, for if I need real Kawasaki parts.
Bob from PTI is a nice guy, and Fred Hink from Arrowhead (Moabmc@citlink.net) knows all there is to know about KLR´s and then some. Fred also has a FAQ site, and a daily chat site, and if you need instructions for your valve adjustment or your doohickey change, there is Marknet.
With great pictures. If you own a KLR650, not an 08 model, and you have not changed the doohickey spring and lever, you must. So they say, the people that know, if it breaks it could ruin your engine and at least leave you in the middle of nowhere. So, dont worry about sprockets, chains, relays, brake pads, it could take some, but you´ll get them. The OEM parts you really might need are not available from dealers, that´s a joke. But you will not need any, if your bike is under 40K miles. Just make sure the valves and the doo are ok. Carry a carpenters C-clamp for tire fixing, it makes all the difference. Jake, who has been there, and has suffered! glad to give more info.

KLR650 travel
 

Another thing that comes to mind is to install heavy duty tubes, and carry Slime, no not that, the one you buy and carry with you for instant tire repair.
The rear shock is OK if the bike is new, after four years of trashing, I needed a new shock. the front suspension can be improved by adding a heavier oil, 15 instead of 10.
To me, it is OK, I even lowered the front 15 mm into the triple clamps. Also, you can handpump a bit of air into them. No need to change any hardware there. Beware of bolts rattling loose. I would recommend a new bike for this kind of adventure. The engine won´t fail, but everything else will, or might. I think this kind of trip should be only performed only by very experienced people, but then, if you are that wise, you probably won´t go in the first place, so, be young and foolish, enjoy, and make all your own mistakes. LOL! Jake.

Thanks for the info guys. Great thread!

My girlfriend and will be landing in South America in October, both on KLR's. Her's a 2005, mine 2003. And yes, Jake, we're definitely doing it the young and foolish way, but if I end up with a bike that's worth nothing but scrap and riding on the back of truck, then so be it as long as I enjoy the journey!

I'd be really interested in a suggested list of spare parts to take if someone has one.