12/012008
For a long time we’ve been preaching about spending your money wisely on aftermarket
items for the KLR650. We often find that owners are way too willing to fork-out big bucks
on parts that do nothing more than look good and often simply add unwanted extra
weight to the already heavy KLR. In fact, we’ve found that some of the added parts that
are suppose to protect vital areas in the “inevitable” fall down actually contribute to the
fall because of the added extra weight, especially up front.
Most KLR650 owners already know or soon realize that the rear suspension on the KLR
is very inadequate when it comes to doing the job. Replacing the shock with an
aftermarket unit is an expensive venture to say the least, with all too often disappointing
results. There are other more economical options available for improving the stock rear
shock.
The main weakness of the stock rear shock is the wimpy 5.05 kg spring. It won’t maintain
proper ride height (for most riders) and usually bottoms out when hitting even mediocre
dips and bumps. Add a passenger, a bag or two, tools, lowering links, and some un-
needed aftermarket items and now you
