Mod: KLR-Red Bull Dakar Design.. Done!

Finally,

From this...

To this...

(Click photo to zoom)

Pictures tell a thousand words...
(Click photo to zoom)

You may follow the design planning from here..

The hard work has been done by Korno and his colleague.. they've been working hard till 1 o'clock in the morning without having dinner before..

Thank you guys!! I really appreciate your commitment..




The final touch was done on the front suspension with Acerbis stickers..

Lovely..

Cyril Despres (Dakar Rally Winner)

HooRahh!!

ACERBIS Rally Handguards - Status

Heyya..

I checked US Postal Service website today to update the status of the Acerbis Handguards.. it says:

Class: Priority Mail International Parcels
Service(s): International Parcels
Status: Arrived Abroad


"Your item arrived in MALAYSIA at 8:33 AM on February 5, 2010. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later. "

Oh Hell to the YEAH!!

Anyway, it took the Americans to deliver within 8 working days internationally.. Mind you, their service is from the US to Malaysia (KLIA)... lets see what our Pos Laju can do any better domestically (from KLIA to Tmn Melawati)... hahaha LoL


--------------------------
*Latest Update @ 13.24pm

Class: Priority Mail International Parcels
Service(s): International Parcels

Status: Out of Foreign Customs

"Your item cleared customs in MALAYSIA at 11:00 AM on February 5, 2010. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later. "


HooRahh!!

ACERBIS Rally Profile Handguards..

Heyya..

I bought the Acerbis Rally Profile Handguards from Ebay.com for USD 90.00 (approx. RM310.00) including shipping charges.. it can be considered still cheap as there are certain shops selling for RM470.00 in KL.. what a rip off!

The seller sent the handguards via US Portal Service (USPS) on 26th January and today the shipping status:


Class: Priority Mail International Parcels
Service(s): International Parcels
Status: International Dispatch

"Your item left the United States from FOREIGN CENTERJERSEY CITY NJ 099 at 7:15 AM on February 1, 2010. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later. "

As what i've been reading the KLR 650 forum, changing the huge stock handguards to smaller handguards could improve the bike handling at high speed (less wind friction), i.e. reducing the wobble... i guess i should try this method..

Anyway, I'm hoping the handguards will arrive few days before my ride to Cambodia (11th February 2010)..

HooRahh!

Rear Shock Adjustment

Heyya guys..

Sorry for being quiet for almost 2 weeks... I've been very busy with work and didn't have the time to ride and write my blog..

Anyway, i wanna share with you how the KLR handles.. it seems the rear shock is pretty soft (Level 1) and i don't like how it handles especially when i take long corners on highway.. it seems the rear of the bike keeps bouncing away.. Mind you, the standard KLR 650 is at Level 1 setup (soft)..

Hence, i have adjusted the rear shock to the second hardest level (Level 4).. 

First, the adjustable bolt is located on the left side of the Rear Shock.. you'll find it at the top of the spring..

At first, there is a visible long line and it is stated "1".. it means the Rear Shock is at Level 1..

Use a 12mm T-Wrench and turn the 12mm bolt clockwise... you'll need to put an extra effort when turning the bolt..

Whilst turning the bolt, you'll see the Level 1 line moves upwards and there will be a shorter line beneath the Level 1.. the second line means the shock setting is at Level 2..

Keep on turning the bolt until it sets to fifth line, which means the shock setting is at Level 5, the hardest setup.. Also, the bike has raised 1.5 inches higher.. :happy:

If you keep on turning, the Rear Shock will jump back (reset) to Level 1...

I have tried riding the KLR at Level 5 shock stiffness but i found the bike gets very easy to wobble.. this is due to the setting is hard and the bike does not get to absorb the shocks enough.. hence i have reduced the stiffness to Level 4.. But i will try Level 3 setting (medium hard).. who knows it could be better in high speed handling and slightly more comfortable..


HooRahh!

This is my KLR (This is my rifle)..

This is my KLR...
There are many like it,  but this one is MINE...
My KLR is my best friend...  It is my life...
I must master it as I must master my life...
Without me,  my KLR is useless... 

Without my KLR,  I am useless...



HooRahh!

KLR-Red Bull Dakar Design

Heyya..

I have asked a friend of mine, Korno (Nornikman), to design my KLR 650 using stickers.. Why stickers?
because it's cheap.. Cheap is good but free is better... hehehe.. and this is his first attempt:

There are minor changes need to be done (on the head fairing and front mud guard).. So far, i'm very impressed!
HooRahh!

Trip to Cambodia..

Heyya..

Received 2 SMS a moment ago from a friend of mine, Zaini (RIDE ADVENTURE Kuala Lumpur).. 

"Prepare your bike.. Cambodia Adventure begins on 11th February 2010"...

"2 Kawasaki KLR650, 1 BMW GS, 1 Suzuki DR800.. All Dual-Purpose.. Budget +- RM3,000.00"...

I'd say... HooRahh!!

FMF PowerCore 4 Exhaust

Heyya..


i have decided FMF PowerCore 4 exhaust will be mounted on my KLR 650... previously, i was really into Two Brothers VALE M7 exhaust.. but it seems FMF specializes in Motocross and it has done a lot of R&D on specific bikes and sound it produces is not as loud as the Two Brothers' but FMF sounds deeper and they've been in the market since 1973..

FMF POWERCORE 4

"We developed the PowerCore 4 to increase the horsepower and torque throughout the entire power curve and give you a noticeable power increase that is very usable and beneficial, no matter what your riding style or ability is."

Space Age internal packing for maximum packing life.

Hi-Flo modular end cap.

Internal shape of core uses Hi-Flo technology.

Enhanced sonic evacuation provides for higher flow and increased power.

Removable spark arrestor included

The question is, when should i buy it? I need to have the Givi centre-box, ScottOiler and Acerbis handguards first.. 
those are the priorities.. 

HooRahh!

Maintenance: RJB1 2nd Service

Since i bought the KLR last December, I managed to clock 2,581 km on the KLR650 today.. therefore, i had to do the second service.. As usual, the procedures are the same as before by changing the Oil Filter and Engine Oil.. (remember the first service was at 348 km of mileage).. And my bad, i should have serviced it when it had 1,000 km of mileage.. huhuhu..

The Kawasaki Oil Filter costs RM14.90 a piece (now with a new box packaging, which costs RM0.40 more!) and 2.5 Litres of Silkolene Super 4-T Plus (20W-50, Mineral based) engine oil for RM23.00/litre.

The next service will be at 5,000 km... it could be done after i've come back from my Cambodian trip (tbc) on Chinese New Year... 






HooRahh!

427 km and still going???

Heyya...

Yesterday i rode to Lukut/Sepang.. Amazingly on the way back, the main fuel tank was empty when the distance mileage was at ~385km... then i switched to reserved fuel tank and rode for another ~42km till i stopped at Petronas petrol station.. when it was running on reserve, the speed was constantly between 95km/h - 115km/h..

this is wicked!!! i haven't reached above 400km on a full fuel tank before... i reckon it can go up to 460km of distance until the fuel is totally finished.. which means, i just need to refill once for KL-Dannok (Thailand) trip.. :-P

1 litre of fuel = 20~21km (average speed of ~130km/h)


I love the KLR!!! HooRahh!

Chinese New Year (14th February 2010)

yesterday, i was being asked from a friend of mine..


"Arif, do you wanna go to Chiang Mai for 1000 corners... or to Cambodia?"


I replied, "Oh Hell Yeah!! Definitely Cambodia!!!"...


so the journey will start on a day before CNY... there will be 3 dual-purpose riders.. 
Route will be KL - Chumpon - Aranyaprathet - (Cambo) Seam Rep - Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville - (Thai) Koh-Kong - Pattaya - Hua Hin - Hatyai/Danok - KL...


Approximately, it will be a 7-day adventure trip.. But, we haven't 100% confirmed the trip to Cambodia yet.. we might change the plan and ride to Chiang Mai for 1000 corners.. it's still fine for me..


HooRahh!

First Monday of 2010

Heyya..


It's the first Monday of 2010.. wish you Happy New Year and enjoy the video, ya'll.. 


HooRahh!!

Maintenance: RJB1 1st Service

Heyya..

I just did KLR650 first service at 348 km of mileage.. Bought an KLR650 Oil Filter for RM14.50 a piece and 3 Litres of Silkolene Super 4-T Plus (20W-50, Mineral based) engine oil for RM23.00/litre. Use a 17mm Torque Wrench and 8mm T-type socket wrench.

First, make sure the engine is warmed up for a while. Then loosen up the drain plug (17mm bolt) at bottom of engine using 17mm wrench. The standard/stock skid plate does not need to be removed.

Drain the engine oil. Clean some dirty bits at the drain plug.

Loosen up two 8mm bolts at oil filter cover using 8mm T-type socket wrench.

Take off the oil filter cover and oil filter. Clean the area with a clean towel. Insert / replace with a new oil filter. Then place the oil filter cap and tighten up the two 8mm bolts.

Tighten up the 17mm bolt using torque wrench at the bottom of the engine with 21 ft/lb..

Fill engine oil for ~2.5 litres at oil filler. Upright the bike for few minutes and close the engine oil filler cap. Start the engine for few minutes. Make sure there's no leakage at the oil filter cover and drain plug. Then fill few engine oil again until it reaches 2.5 litres of measurement.




Done... HooRahh!!

Morning..

Every morning make a cup of coffee and sip in front of these 2 Beauties..

HooRahh!

HooRahh!!!

Hehehe.. ;-D

Just picked up the KLR650 from Chear Setapak.. managed to ride only 22 km today with my friend, Erry Fumi..

initially, i had troubles with the height due to its high seat, which is higher than my waist (see photo) and the handle-bar is even at my chest level..

but within 5 minutes, i've got used with it.. No problemo!  ;-)

Filled the tank to the max, almost 21 litres.. Amazingly, the bike didn't feel heavy after fueled up..

Thanks to Erry, he taught me the character of carburetor bike and fuel-cock usage when the engine is switched off.. had lunch then headed to Ukay Perdana and back to Taman Melawati..

So far, i'm 100% satisfied with KLR 650..

HooRahh!!!

JPJ (RTD) documents have arrived!

At last, after days of waiting and cursing, the bike registration card has finally arrived!

So now, the plan is to make a road tax for the bike and customize the number plate at bike shop. The road tax costs RM250.00 per year for 650cc bike.

But today is weekend and JPJ is closed.. I need to wait by Monday..

HooRahh!

Renewing Passport

Went to Immigration Department of Malaysia in late afternoon today to renew my passport.. I decided to go to the nearest office, which is at Sri Rampai..

Arrived at the immigration office and to my surprise, there were hundreds of customers.. went to the ticketing counter and was informed they had stopped processing passport applications for the day..

hence i need to return to the office tomorrow.. I really need to renew my passport as its expiry date will be in January 2010..

also, the bike documents have not arrived.. i hope they will arrive on Wednesday.. so No HooRahh.. :-(

waiting..

called JPJ Perlis (Road Transport Department) officer and they have sent the documents on Monday.. Yayyy!!!

Now,
i'm waiting.. waiting.. waiting for the postman to deliver the documents..

hmmmm...     :-(

Bought Scott Voltage X OTG

Heyya,

I have recently purchased a pair of Scott Voltage X OTG Goggles in Canary Yellow from ebay.com for USD 24.45 ... 

What a bargain!! 

It should be arrived in the next 10-14 days..

According to Scott, the Voltage X OTG will perfectly fit on my Arai Tour Cross II helmet.. the reason why i bought these goggles is because i use dark tinted visor on my helmet.. but once i ride in the dark, i need to use a clear visor.. for those who use Tour Cross II helmet, they know changing the visor is a pain in the arse.. With the goggles, i can simply switch/put them on without any difficulties.. in fact, any goggles would definitely look great on motocross helmet.. 

Oh by the way, OTG means Over-the-Glass.. they are designed for those who wear prescription glasses and these goggles fit nicely over the glasses.. there aren't many products selling the OTG in the market except Scott, Bolle, Spy and Oakley.

HooRahh!

Accessories to be bought soon..

ScottOiler Universal Kit (approx RM480.00)

The most popular of the Scottoiler kits gives a range of approximately 2,000 km between 
refills of the RMV (Reservoir Metering Valve), depending on the flow setting. The Universal Kit has a range of fittings suitable for most bikes, (non standard adapters are available FOC from Scottoiler), and includes a 500ml bottle of Scottoil, which should be enough for approximately 12,000 km of lubrication. The Universal Kit has had over the past year or so over 20 technical improvements, Dynojet T100 testing and extensive retooling, to ensure that it is the best it can be. 

Acerbis Rally Pro Handguards (approx RM300.00)

• The original Rally Pro handguards are equipped with an aluminum bar for the strongest protection available

• Aluminum guard for maximum strength

• Nylon composite material injection molded in and around the aluminum guard for increased protection
• Indexed steel bar-end insert mounts solid and will not allow guard to rotate in a crash
• Comes equipped with mounting kit to fit 7/8" steel and 7/8" aluminum handlebars
• Mounts to the handlebar by cutting off the end of each grip and the throttle tube to install bar inserts

Scott Voltage X OTG Goggles (approx RM100.00)

• The OTG model is designed to fit over-the-glasses

• Knowledge gained from the development process of the High Voltage, Voltage "R", the 89X, and the standard of the industry has been combined to develop the new Voltage X

• This goggle features the best helmet and face fit ever
• Back painted polyflex urethane frame with hydrophilic face foam
• Double buckle silicon lined woven strap
• Clear single anti-fog lens

HooRahh!

Bought new Kawasaki KLR650 (2009)

Finally after 1 year of waiting, i've successfully paid the new Kawasaki KLR 650.. it's Year 2009 model and in Fast Blue colour..

Yeap, Blue is fast.. not red! hahaha

Came back from Kawa Dealer along Jalan Setapak and i was given a stack of original AP, Customs, Puspakom Inspection documents.. These documents will be sent to JPJ Perlis on Friday morning as the bike will be registered with tendered Perlis number plate RJ131, which turns out to be RJB1.. hehehe..  
so watch out for this bike, bitchessss!  ;-P

Unfortunately JPJ Perlis will be closed on Friday for the weekend but will be operating on Sunday.. hoping they will (they should!) return the documents along with bike registration card asap (by monday) as i could not wait to ride to neighbouring countries again.. hehehe

The Adventure Starts Right Here...  HooRahh!

KLR 650 Facts

I am still waiting for JPJ Perlis to return Registration Card, Road Tax and the stack of original documents.. without them, i am not allowed to ride my KLR650.. Meanwhile, i wanna share history and facts of Kawasaki KLR 650 (from Wikipedia)..

The Kawasaki KLR650 is a dual-purpose intended for use on both paved and unpaved roads. It has been a long-standing model in Kawasaki's lineup, having been introduced in 1987 and remaining almost unchanged through the 2007 model. The 2008 model was the first significant redesign of the KLR650 since its inception.

The KLR650 is heavier than specialized off-road dirt bikes, but it can handle most conditions when ridden carefully by a skilled rider. Its 4-stroke DOHC dual-counter balanced, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine develops a claimed 44 hp at the crank; typical measurements at the rear wheel are 35 horsepower. Typical fuel economy is 5.2–3.9 L/100 km. It has a claimed 22.1 liter fuel tank. The KLR is widely used as an inexpensive adventure/touring bike. The addition of luggage and personalized modifications (GPS, heated handgrips, larger windscreens) make it more functional on long trips.. also the dry weight is 337 lb (153 kg)..

Changes on 2008+ Model:

New fairing design, new instrument panel, redesigned handlebar control switches, new bar-end weights, revised powerband, revised suspension has reduced travel but with less static sag, new rear swingarm, new turn signals, larger petal-style vented brake rotors, new twin-piston rear brake caliper, increased radiator capacity, fork diameter increased from 38 to 41 mm, new headlight similar to that used on the Kawasaki Ninja 650R, larger luggage rack, firmer seat, larger-diameter wheel spokes. Stator "alternator" upgraded to 17 A output, providing an additional 36 watt capacity.

2009: New piston rings are thinner and have more tension, resulting in a significant reduction in oil consumption. Back to single-piston rear brake caliper. 

The KLR 650 has been used by the US Marine Corps (USMC) since 1999. If the Marine uses the KLR650, there's nothing can go wrong with it..

HooRahh!!!

My Previous Bikes

My first bike was Yamaha YZF-R6.. it was my first bike (600cc, in-line 4).. i could not believe to own it as i never owned a bike until the R6 was the first.. bought the blue R6 in year 2000 when i was studying at Sussex University, UK.. i was only 19 years of age that time and i had a tough time to insure the bike as in UK, to own a superbike must be 21 years old and above.. there were few insurance companies would insure me but it came with a huge price tag for 3rd Party coverage (fooken GBP 2,100.00 !!!)

I sold the bike in 2002 as it was not safe for me to keep it.. the place where i was staying in Brighton, didn't have a proper parking place and the bike was exposed to be stolen.. there was a night when my Leo Vince titanium slip-on exhaust was stolen.. the next day, i noticed someone even tried to cut the chain lock.. finally, i decided to sell the bike rather than losing it..

My second bike was Honda RC51 aka SP1.. i bought it in 2005.. it's powered by 1000cc V-Twin HRC engine.. RC51 is such a torquey bike! it's a rare bike and won WSBK (ridden by Colin Edwards) and AMA Superbike (ridden by Nicky Hayden), that's how it became famous.. I loved the RC51 so much but i had to sell her after 2 years of riding it as i was starting up my own business..

The RC51 was fully modified and loaded with Akrapovic Titanium Full-Exhaust System, Ohlins front suspension, Ohlins steering damper, Ohlins rear shock, Brembo front brake pump, full light-weight carbon fibre fairing, etc...

My third bike was Aprilia Pegaso Strada (650cc, Single-cylinder).. bought in September 2008 but used it for less than 2 months!! sold it as i got fooken furious with local Aprilia management (Motomilia).. also, the quality of the bike is absolutely POOR (broken exhaust pipe after 1800km on mileage, problem with front tank compartment, inaccurate speedo/mileage, high fuel consumption, etc) !! BOOOO!!

And soon, Kawasaki KLR 650 will be my fourth bike.. HooRahh!!!