Thx for sharing, Mason. Getting caught up with this vid. Missed it somehow ! Interesting lever option to consider. I remember the shortened DeHandlers (?) I use to use back in the day. Currently use a 16T on my 08. At 100 kph, I’m at about 4100 rpm’s. Oil burn is v low. The faster I go (v seldom tho), the more burn I will see. I keep a close eye on it tho. Every time I jump on, I do a quick check. As some have said, oil is cheap. As for chain maint, I’m trying the WD40 experiment that Watt-Man did. Seems to be working well. Thx again, Mason, for sharing ! 💪🏽🛵
Nice Coach! The Warp 9 levers are great and I have always used WD40 on my chain. I just hit it frequently and it helps wash out the sand and dirt ;) Oil usage for me is the same as you are seeing with the 15 tooth on my bike. I keep an eye on it now on the long highway days but it seems to be minimal ;) Cheers!
My 08 doesn't use a drop of oil but I went the other way with counter sprocket 16 tooth. But different tools for different jobs. I'm at 34,000 miles now and she has been as reliable as a hammer still! Love my klr. Checked valves finally around 31,000 and in spec also added eagle mike's doo finally but I think it would of been alright stock cause I still had adjustment but did it for peace of mind. Best all around bike I've ever owned
Awesome! I was hoping to catch this before heading to work. I've been thinking of getting new levers, but was unconvinced that they made a difference. Seeing these has convinced me for sure. Oh no, here I go spending money again. Thanks Mason. -Dowski.
Thanks Mason, I'm going to be checking fortnine for those levers.My 09 just turned over 41k and never skips a beat,and yes it does go thru a bit of oil but I don't mind,I run her hard. Looking forward to seeing your up coming videos, thanks again bud👍🏻👍🏻
Hey Mason. My Cub Cadet has a Kawasaki engine too! Hahaha. I went the other direction with the 16 tooth since I do more on road riding. No oil consumption issues here. It's brought my highway cruising up to an easy 70-75 mph sustained ride no problem. Everybody had different riding needs. Thanks for the update on the mods.
G.M. has a bulletin about righer engine speed and oil use. While some may argue that you are talking apples to oranges. I see pistons,cylinders, head, pcv same as a motorcycle just a different configuration. There standpoint is all engines use oil and it all depends on how the engine is used. Sounds like the klr experiences the same thing. My DRZ burned a 1/2 quart running around on the interstate at 75mph for about 150miles. It was almost full throttle the whole time. Thanks for sharing and hope ya made it out to ride!
Some nice information there Mason, its a shame about the oil issue, but from the sounds of things, it is worth it for the extra control on the trails, enjoy the rest of your weekend mate, it was chilly here this morning in Wales, but the sun is beating down now and I hear the Ninja calling, see you on the next one, keep well.
I had the same issue with my clutch lever, it was hitting, so I cut the ball off of the end, plus a half inch or so. I filed down the sharp edges and it has worked well. I looked at the Warp-9s, but I’m too cheap - lol
Was just heading out for a rip but a thunder storm rolled in. Came back in and your vid was up, lol. Funny how my 1290 doesn't really wake up till 5K RPM. Oil is cheap, ride on.
Hello Mathew, I used 2 pieces of threaded rod connected with a coupling nut and then I welded a big washer to a nut for the foot and made a removable hook for the other end. I have replaced that rig with the Quick Jack from Eagle Mike and I very happy with it. Works great and a bit lighter ;)
Nice video and channel. It looks like your levers are rotated below the crash bar / bark buster. If you tip they can still bend when oriented down like that. Aks me how I know haha.
You might find a happy medium by going back to a 15T front and upping the rear sprocket 1 or 2 teeth. I believe 3 teeth on the rear is equal to 1 on the front. Been a while since I went down this road. I think I mentioned to you when you did the install about the oil burn at high rpm. My 2008 did not burn oil until I did the 14T. Great Maintenance schedule BTW!
Hey Sam, yeah there are options for sure. I have a new chain on the bench so I will stick with the 14 tooth for one more chain cycle then I will play with it a bit. I think a 15/45 will be the ticket but it requires a longer chain. Cheers 👍
Hey Mason, how often do you have to clean and lube your drive chain on the kind of trips you normally go on? Also with your typical type of driving how long does a chain last before you need to replace? Thanks for your time and like seeing the videos and tips every week. Ride safe!
Ryan, sorry for the delay. On the trips I try to hit the chain every morning or every other and weekly when I'm riding around home. My OEM chain an sprocket went 19K before a switch and I'm 10k into this set.
I just got the tusk shifter and it made a world of a difference! But it has a little play in it even with it tightened down well beyond the tourqe spec.........
Let me know when you're down in the Bayfield area and I'll show you guys our trail system. Bought my KLR last fall. Run an old KDX220 on most of the trails here.
Hi Mason. I ordered some Warp 9 levers from Rocky Mountain ADV. The clutch is fine but the brake lever doesn't seem to be quite the same as yours. It doesn't have a screw where it contacts the piston, the part that is supposed to contact the switch is about 1/8" away from the button, and the package says 89-KLRBRAKE (even though the listing was for the gen2). Sounds like I got the wrong one. Unless you modified yours. Saw another RUclips video where the guy added the screw, although that won't help the switch issue. Plus it kinda binds and doesn't feel like it's the right one. Just wondering if you have any insights there. Great channel btw fellow Ontarion. I am waiting to hear from the tech folks there at RMADV. Cheers.
Here’s a question for you Mason whats your tire pressure when your off roading ? My other question is how much fuel do you keep in the tank when your off road ? The reason i ask is when i ride my KLR off road the front tire will plow through the rough stuff instead of ride over it and that’s because im carrying to much fuel in the tank and my tire pressure is to hard to run off road . What are your steps ? Can you make a video of it ?
Morning Aaron, I run 22 psi F&R locally and always fill the tank, then run to half or a bit less before filling but on the trips where we run more slab I will run 25 F 29 R and keep the tank topped off. I'm Melons fuel tanker although we have never had to use any of my fuel in his 250L. The plowing feeling can be a combo of pressure and the tires themselves and your suspension settings play a huge part too. The cogent DDC and spring in the front end made a world of difference! Cheers.
The oil burning's a strange bird. I burned a bit around 3k 'Mericans (😉) riding like an old man getting a feel for the bike. Threw a Thermobob on it and haven't burned a noticeable drop in almost 6k and that's after flogging it at highway speeds quite a bit.
Had an 08 that burned a lot of oil..a half liter or more every 1000km..apparently there was a ring issue when they "upgraded" the bike in 08. The issues drug on through 09, but eventually got fixed.Also had the "deep hole issue", a machining snaffoo that had a starter counter shaft hole in the left side case that was too deep. Oh, Kawasaki told me the oil consumption was "acceptable"..not to this cat! Now have a 2017..no issues.
Hey John, yes the infamous deep hole issue! I avoided most of the issues with the 2015 and my oil usage is acceptable to me especially because it's my own fault, haha. Still, I wouldn't change a thing for the control off road 👍 Cheers!
I had a friend generously give me a 705 kit from Schmitz and, while I didn’t have any oil issues yet, it really pushed my admiration of the KLR into a full blow love affair - it feels like how the bike should be from the factory. But my question is this - what front fender are you using?
Ah yes, the 705... I have thought about it for sure but haven't committed yet ;) that may be a path I go down at some point! I think the fender is a KLX fender by UFO. Unfortunately I found it in Shootertech's garage and we're not quite sure 🤔
I recently did 400 miles on my 08 klr650. All highway. I ran about 80-85mph at around 5500-5700 rpms and I burned alot of oil. Running stock front sprocket. I need to stay around 5k rpm running 70mph. Im thinking of running 14t sprocket and possibly get up to 75mph at 5k rpm.
I started out using up the M4 kawi oil I had in stock for the ZX1200R but then I switched over to Rotella mainly because I have it in stock for the diesel trucks here ;)
Your record keeping on that KLR is impressive to say the least. Awesome info and review!
Thanks Ron, but it really is just a paper copy of my memory 😄 Cheers man!
Thx for sharing, Mason. Getting caught up with this vid. Missed it somehow ! Interesting lever option to consider. I remember the shortened DeHandlers (?) I use to use back in the day. Currently use a 16T on my 08. At 100 kph, I’m at about 4100 rpm’s. Oil burn is v low. The faster I go (v seldom tho), the more burn I will see. I keep a close eye on it tho. Every time I jump on, I do a quick check. As some have said, oil is cheap. As for chain maint, I’m trying the WD40 experiment that Watt-Man did. Seems to be working well. Thx again, Mason, for sharing ! 💪🏽🛵
Nice Coach! The Warp 9 levers are great and I have always used WD40 on my chain. I just hit it frequently and it helps wash out the sand and dirt ;) Oil usage for me is the same as you are seeing with the 15 tooth on my bike. I keep an eye on it now on the long highway days but it seems to be minimal ;) Cheers!
My 08 doesn't use a drop of oil but I went the other way with counter sprocket 16 tooth. But different tools for different jobs. I'm at 34,000 miles now and she has been as reliable as a hammer still! Love my klr. Checked valves finally around 31,000 and in spec also added eagle mike's doo finally but I think it would of been alright stock cause I still had adjustment but did it for peace of mind. Best all around bike I've ever owned
Awesome! I was hoping to catch this before heading to work.
I've been thinking of getting new levers, but was unconvinced that they made a difference. Seeing these has convinced me for sure.
Oh no, here I go spending money again.
Thanks Mason.
-Dowski.
Glad I could help! Hahah, or is that sorry?? Regardless, great levers ;) Cheers Dowski 👍
I run a 16 tooth usually for road work. 14 is perfect for swamping and climbing. MC mod makes crazy bottom end.
Thanks Mason, I'm going to be checking fortnine for those levers.My 09 just turned over 41k and never skips a beat,and yes it does go thru a bit of oil but I don't mind,I run her hard. Looking forward to seeing your up coming videos, thanks again bud👍🏻👍🏻
Right on, they are really nice levers, Ian.
Hey Mason. My Cub Cadet has a Kawasaki engine too! Hahaha. I went the other direction with the 16 tooth since I do more on road riding. No oil consumption issues here. It's brought my highway cruising up to an easy 70-75 mph sustained ride no problem. Everybody had different riding needs. Thanks for the update on the mods.
Sweet! 😄👍 Yeah the 16 is a popular option for many. Cheers D H 🍻
I've carried a 14 tooth for years. With the Eagle Mike prevailing torque nut swaps take 15 minutes.
G.M. has a bulletin about righer engine speed and oil use. While some may argue that you are talking apples to oranges. I see pistons,cylinders, head, pcv same as a motorcycle just a different configuration. There standpoint is all engines use oil and it all depends on how the engine is used. Sounds like the klr experiences the same thing. My DRZ burned a 1/2 quart running around on the interstate at 75mph for about 150miles. It was almost full throttle the whole time. Thanks for sharing and hope ya made it out to ride!
Some nice information there Mason, its a shame about the oil issue, but from the sounds of things, it is worth it for the extra control on the trails, enjoy the rest of your weekend mate, it was chilly here this morning in Wales, but the sun is beating down now and I hear the Ninja calling, see you on the next one, keep well.
Yeah Alan, well worth it ;) I hope you got out on the ninja 👍 Cheers man.
I had the same issue with my clutch lever, it was hitting, so I cut the ball off of the end, plus a half inch or so. I filed down the sharp edges and it has worked well. I looked at the Warp-9s, but I’m too cheap - lol
Great fix! That would do the trick for sure :) Cheers Zerzil 👍
Was just heading out for a rip but a thunder storm rolled in. Came back in and your vid was up, lol. Funny how my 1290 doesn't really wake up till 5K RPM. Oil is cheap, ride on.
Sounds like a great day right there 😄 A ride and a video! Oil is cheap, I agree :) Cheers!
4:02 for the 14T sprocket
Thanks Mason - I hear you on the 14t, awesome for slow & steep, but too many revs for the h'way.
I very lucky that we don't do much highway. I don't think I could go back now ;)
Hey Mason, Can you do a vid on your travel centre stand you made. Just looking for some ideas on crafting one of my own. cheers from Brisbane AUS
Hello Mathew, I used 2 pieces of threaded rod connected with a coupling nut and then I welded a big washer to a nut for the foot and made a removable hook for the other end. I have replaced that rig with the Quick Jack from Eagle Mike and I very happy with it. Works great and a bit lighter ;)
Nice video and channel. It looks like your levers are rotated below the crash bar / bark buster. If you tip they can still bend when oriented down like that. Aks me how I know haha.
Haha, trial and error I assume?? 😄 Yeah, I have them tipped a bit for when I'm standing ;)
Yes they typically burn oil above 5k,figured you'd like the 14t off road.
Best call ever 🙂👍
You might find a happy medium by going back to a 15T front and upping the rear sprocket 1 or 2 teeth. I believe 3 teeth on the rear is equal to 1 on the front. Been a while since I went down this road. I think I mentioned to you when you did the install about the oil burn at high rpm. My 2008 did not burn oil until I did the 14T. Great Maintenance schedule BTW!
Hey Sam, yeah there are options for sure. I have a new chain on the bench so I will stick with the 14 tooth for one more chain cycle then I will play with it a bit. I think a 15/45 will be the ticket but it requires a longer chain. Cheers 👍
Hey Mason, how often do you have to clean and lube your drive chain on the kind of trips you normally go on? Also with your typical type of driving how long does a chain last before you need to replace? Thanks for your time and like seeing the videos and tips every week. Ride safe!
Ryan, sorry for the delay. On the trips I try to hit the chain every morning or every other and weekly when I'm riding around home. My OEM chain an sprocket went 19K before a switch and I'm 10k into this set.
I just got the tusk shifter and it made a world of a difference! But it has a little play in it even with it tightened down well beyond the tourqe spec.........
Hmm, I have the IMS shifter so I can't help you there.
Let me know when you're down in the Bayfield area and I'll show you guys our trail system. Bought my KLR last fall. Run an old KDX220 on most of the trails here.
Awesome! I'll keep that in mind :) thanks!
Hi Mason. I ordered some Warp 9 levers from Rocky Mountain ADV. The clutch is fine but the brake lever doesn't seem to be quite the same as yours. It doesn't have a screw where it contacts the piston, the part that is supposed to contact the switch is about 1/8" away from the button, and the package says 89-KLRBRAKE (even though the listing was for the gen2). Sounds like I got the wrong one. Unless you modified yours. Saw another RUclips video where the guy added the screw, although that won't help the switch issue. Plus it kinda binds and doesn't feel like it's the right one. Just wondering if you have any insights there. Great channel btw fellow Ontarion. I am waiting to hear from the tech folks there at RMADV. Cheers.
I wish I still had the part number here for mine but you can look on Warp 9's site to see if there is another option. Cheers.
Thank you for great video again.
Hey! Thanks for watching :)
Hey Mason, another great educational video as always on the klr
Curious what oil you run?
Thanks Ethan. I fall into the Rotella camp mainly because I have it here for the trucks. 👍
Here’s a question for you Mason whats your tire pressure when your off roading ? My other question is how much fuel do you keep in the tank when your off road ? The reason i ask is when i ride my KLR off road the front tire will plow through the rough stuff instead of ride over it and that’s because im carrying to much fuel in the tank and my tire pressure is to hard to run off road . What are your steps ? Can you make a video of it ?
Morning Aaron, I run 22 psi F&R locally and always fill the tank, then run to half or a bit less before filling but on the trips where we run more slab I will run 25 F 29 R and keep the tank topped off. I'm Melons fuel tanker although we have never had to use any of my fuel in his 250L. The plowing feeling can be a combo of pressure and the tires themselves and your suspension settings play a huge part too. The cogent DDC and spring in the front end made a world of difference! Cheers.
The oil burning's a strange bird.
I burned a bit around 3k 'Mericans (😉) riding like an old man getting a feel for the bike.
Threw a Thermobob on it and haven't burned a noticeable drop in almost 6k and that's after flogging it at highway speeds quite a bit.
I didn't burn a drop with the stock gearing but the higher sustained rpm have changed that ;) Nothing critical but I will keep an eye on it. Cheers!
Always great KLR was info 👍🏼
Cheers FC! 🍻
Had an 08 that burned a lot of oil..a half liter or more every 1000km..apparently there was a ring issue when they "upgraded" the bike in 08. The issues drug on through 09, but eventually got fixed.Also had the "deep hole issue", a machining snaffoo that had a starter counter shaft hole in the left side case that was too deep. Oh, Kawasaki told me the oil consumption was "acceptable"..not to this cat! Now have a 2017..no issues.
Hey John, yes the infamous deep hole issue! I avoided most of the issues with the 2015 and my oil usage is acceptable to me especially because it's my own fault, haha. Still, I wouldn't change a thing for the control off road 👍 Cheers!
Hello, FNG here. Will the Warp 9 work on my new to me 2018? Warp 9 site says fits years 07 to 15. Thx in Adv.
I would think so but I can't say for sure. Can you return them if they don't fit? Great levers :)
I had a friend generously give me a 705 kit from Schmitz and, while I didn’t have any oil issues yet, it really pushed my admiration of the KLR into a full blow love affair - it feels like how the bike should be from the factory. But my question is this - what front fender are you using?
Ah yes, the 705... I have thought about it for sure but haven't committed yet ;) that may be a path I go down at some point! I think the fender is a KLX fender by UFO. Unfortunately I found it in Shootertech's garage and we're not quite sure 🤔
Thanks for the lever update! I’ve been looking. How’s the new helmet? Worth the money?
I love it! It took some breaking in but it fits like a... glove? 😄 Well worth the money 👍
I recently did 400 miles on my 08 klr650. All highway. I ran about 80-85mph at around 5500-5700 rpms and I burned alot of oil. Running stock front sprocket. I need to stay around 5k rpm running 70mph. Im thinking of running 14t sprocket and possibly get up to 75mph at 5k rpm.
A 16 tooth may be the fix for you. It does wonders for the highway side of things! Cheers :)
@@masonsadv awesome. Thanks. Ill order a 16t and give it a try. 🍻
The only time my KLR has ever burnt oil was on super highway at over 5000 rpm.
Yeah that seems to be the cut off point. Cheers
Hi Mason, just wondering what oil you are using?
I started out using up the M4 kawi oil I had in stock for the ZX1200R but then I switched over to Rotella mainly because I have it in stock for the diesel trucks here ;)
@@masonsadv and Rotella has JASO MA2 classification?
Where's the old deere you had?
Just about to come back into the shop and switch places with the husky for the winter. I only use it for the snow blower ;)
Just about to hit 30k in my gen 1
Woohoo! Congrats! 👍
Rev out pretty hard, try the 250L at 8300rpm at 120 😂
Yeah! I'm not quite there yet 😄
Wait? What? The John Deere has been replaced by a Husky?? Devo... 😁
Haha, well just in the summer. The Deere still has the snow blower on it and comes out in the fall ;)
How about you take a daily pic of the oil level and after a month or so put them together and see how fast or slow it’s burning the oil
Huskasaki mower!
It is! 😄👍
Might be time to look at a 685 kit from Schnitz Racing to settle the oil burning issue. (As money allows) Great video.
Yes it may, Patrick. I have looked into that kit in the past and may take another look. Sure sounds like a fun next step in the evolution 👍