Kawasaki KLR650 Off Road Adventure Motorcycle Suspension

Tough and reliable, the killer KLR is built like the pyramids. But that is also part of its problem, because those good old, reliable damper rod forks are very last century. They can be made to feel a whole lot more stable and gentle on the arms.

The Kawasaki KLR650 has a proven track history, having only a few changes since 1986. We're not sure why they aren't more popular really, they are quite cost effective and comfy. While a Suzuki DR650 can be bought cheaper, most people then have to go get a bunch of aftermarket bits to make it more useful, but not so with the KLR. The headlight is properly bright (no DR candlelight). There's a windscreen already there, and being factory, it actually works! Quietly too, no squeaks or wind-noise, without buffeting a peaked helmet. Nice big fuel tank. Good handguards too. Blinkers that drivers can see. It's all very well thought out and works harmoniously, not just thrown together like a meccano set.

If you do want to accessorize though (and plenty do), here's a couple of tips:

Racks and other accessories can be found at Adventure Moto in Sydney NSW.
While quite a popular mod, we don't actually recommend larger fuel tanks. One, the stock tank is already quite large, about 300kms large. Two, it's just more weight over the front and over those poor old damper rod forks. It reduces the handling further, increasing understeer. Three, do you really want to adventure in so many places where there isn't a petrol station for more than 300kms? For most people it's overkill and your money is better spent elsewhere, in our humble opinion.
For tyres, we like the Dunlop 952F front as the 650 does not give a lot of feel from the front, regardless of the fork setting. Dunlop D606 is the best all round rear. The Michelin HP4 is also a great front but not road legal, the T63 is a great rear choice too.

In Stock

KLR650 Suspension Upgrade - Stage 1

Upgrade Fork & Upgrade Standard Shock(SKU: 13-KLR650-STG1)

$1,395.00

In Stock

KLR650 Suspension Upgrade - Stage 2

Upgrade Fork & TFX Shock(SKU: 13-KLR650-STG2)

$1,698.40

Kawasaki KLR650 Forks

Up to 2007, the forks were a very small 38mm diameter, which from 2008 onwards saw an increase to 41mm. Both were Damper Rod Forks, which don't give any speed-sensitive damping, unlike more modern cartridge fork designs. One of the simplest solutions, without resorting to the huge cost and difficulty of grafting in cartridge forks, is to install what Kawasaki themselves used to call "Travel Control Valves" (they have also been called Gold Valves, PD Valves, Emulator Valves and a bunch of other stuff). We call them V4S Valves, and they help give damper rod forks some much needed speed sensitive damping.

The earlier and smaller forks use 19-058 Series Fork Springs, whereas the later larger-diameter forks run 19-080 Series Fork Springs.

In Stock

Motorcycle Fork Service

(SKU: 13-008-00)

$252.45

13 In Stock

HiCalibre Fork Springs 34 x 443 Common Fitment Hon

Proudly made in the USA(SKU: 19-080)

From $245.00

Special Order

HiCalibre Fork Springs 30 x 550 Common Fitment Kaw

Proudly made in the USA(SKU: 19-058)

From $295.00

Kawasaki KLR650 Shock

From the factory, the 40mm KYB Shock is lightly damped and under-sprung, making for some trouble if you are heavy or intend to carry any gear.

While it doesn't sound as amazing as an adjustable replacement coilover shock, once we have gone through your old KYB shock with new parts and custom set the valving to suit you and your riding, the end result is a spectacular improvement for a much cheaper price. You will want a stiffer rear spring too - there are heaps of rates available in our 20-038 Series Shock Springs.