Farkle-ing

I spent part of my Memorial Day weekend farkle-ing (is that a word? No, probably not) my KLR650.

Everything I added or got ready to add still needs a little more work to actually be 'finished', but it is a step in the right direction!

First off, I added four sets of the six tie-down loops that I planned to add to my trunk lid. Main obstacle right now: Need more hardware (I ran out of sealing washers). Oh, and miscalculated the proper length of the screws to use. I picked up 1.25" flat-head 10-32 screws, and when all was said and done, everything was .25" too long...*sigh*. I guess I'll just get out the Dremel and cut them off, rather than replace them with 1" screws, since I already have them in. I put two sets (inside/outside pairs) on the front and back of the lid so far. I will be adding the other two sets to both sides of the lid to give a cross-strap attachment point as well. Should be pretty secure. As I mentioned above, I'll post pics once I have them, both with and without the intended load.

Next on my farkle list was my Vista-Cruise. I had one of these on an old CX-500 I used to have, and loved it. Well, I finally got one to put on the KLR! Of course, I am going for the standard VC, not the 'Universal' model, as the Universal is just plain HUGE on the KLR grip, which is bordering on too short as it is. The Standard Vista-Cruise is a much more compact design, though it requires some modification of the KLR throttle assembly to make it work. As for right now, I just have the VC in place on the grip, but I haven't secured it to anything yet...therefore, it is currently non-functional. I am working on a suitable modification to remedy this, however! Pics will be posted once I have it finished.

I also picked up a 12VDC outlet (cigar lighter socket) to provide a means of powering some additional items on the bike, like my little air compressor, GPS, radio, or any other 12VDC accessory I may want to be able to plug in. I have the socket, but I need to find a suitable place to put it, then I need to wire it in. I am considering upgrading my fuses to the waterproof blade-type fuse carriers, maybe add a relay-controlled supplemental circuit to allow all accessories to be powered off with the key. I am also thinking about getting a different style of outlet, one that can be panel-mounted, and then installing something like a 'Duchin dash' to mount it to. Not that I won't also use this outlet; I may just mount this to the side of the sidestand switch cover and use it for the compressor, or possibly a heated vest if I get one of those.

Finally, I got a set of driving lights to supplement the anemic KLR headlight, to provide not only extra light for normal riding, but also triple the number of available light sources in the event that the headlight bulb were to burn out...redundency in critical systems is a GOOD thing. ;) Notice I didn't actually say I had them installed yet. The main problem I am facing with the lights is a suitable way to mount them to the front of the KLR. I don't have any front-facing guards to clamp them to, such as I have seen done with the P-D Nerf Bars, or else I would have done that. Nor do I have any desire to drill additional holes in my plastic, or I might consider mounting them directly to the fairing, either on the sides or directly above the headlight. I am considering trying to find some sort of clamp-style bracket that I could use to mount them to the lower fork tubes, or maybe some kind of offset bracket that would clamp to the bottom of the triple-clamp. I just haven't decided what would be the best way to do it. In any case, the lights are a $15 pair of halogen driving lights from Wal-Mart. Cheap, standard bulb...should do the trick. I also picked up a wiring kit they had on clearance for $8, with a relay, more (upgraded?) wiring, and a 'soft switch' with LED indicators and a sticky-back mounting pad (I hope the switch won't mind getting a little damp). Again, photos will be posted once installation is complete.

I still have a few other things that I would like to do, such as replace my doohickey, add a set of real handguards, upgrade by brake lines to braided stainless steel, etc. etc. etc...but like anything else, you have to take these things a step at a time. On a related note, if anyone in the Lincoln, Nebraska area would like to do a tech day, and wouldn't mind road-tripping to Seward, I have plenty of garage space for a few bikes. I might even be persuaded to get the grill out afterwards...who knows! I don't currently have the parts or tools to 'do the doo', but I could, if I knew there was enough interest. With enough takers, and enough notice, I could have a lift available as well (need a good excuse to pick one up).

Knightsabre