The Bike

The bike I chose for this adventure is dual sport 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650. The KLR has huge following among bikers and proved to be very capable in this type of adventure. I am not a mechanic and wanted a simple bike which doesn't require dealership expert to repair it. :D

The KLR fits the bill. The engine hardly changed for over 20 years. No fuel injection. It might be slightly under powered in higher altitudes but there are less things to go wrong.

Buy the motorbike in Oz or USA?

Initially hesitated, should I bring one from Oz or buy one in the US. In the end decided to bring my own. This option is slightly more expensive but at least I know what I have with all the options I wanted in the first place.

Shipment by plane vs by sea?

Not restricted by time I chose the cheaper option, by sea. At first I had to organize crate from Kawasaki dealer. This was easy and the most important free. The dealer need to pay money to dispose them.
Just for the record the shipping agents wanted between $350 - $500 for the privilege.
To make the bike fit into the crate I had to disassemble handlebars, take off front wheel and the windscreen. The total cost for the shipment $1450. It might be a small charge when the bike will be collected in LA.

Disadvantages:
  • need some work when crating and assembling/disassembling the bike
  • lost of control over the shipment for a month. A lot can happen during this time to delay the shipment. I was nearly caught up in the maritime waterfront dispute.
Word of advice when negotiating the price get the total cost including cost on the receiving end. Shipping agents will try to avoid it. I even got a couple agents not calling me back with the quote.

Additions and improvements I made to the bike:
  • Motech Crashbars
  • Motech side carriers with quick release
  • 3x yellow Pelican Im 2600 cases - Pelican brand for durability and color for visibility
  • Tankbag
  • Wolfman throwover bag
  • Bike security
    - Xena disc lock with alarm
    - Kryptonite 20mm cable
    - Bike cover
    - Pacsafe luggage wire mesh
  • Skidplate - to protect engine when off road
  • Taller windscreen - for fuel economy and prevent from wind buffeting
  • Upgraded subframe bolts - to help to carry all my gear
  • Doohickey - to fix chain tensioning system
  • Thermo Bob - without it engine seem to be  running too cold. Especially usefull in cold weather.
  • Ricor Intiminators - to improve riding characteristics off road
  • Fork brace - to improve riding characteristics mainly on the highway.
  • Raising links - to deal with additional payload
  • Longer rugged shifter
  • Airhawk seat pad - for comfort
  • Centrestand - helpful when servicing the bike
  • Scotoiler - automatic chain oiler
  • Two power sockets
  • Installed T junction with tap in the fuel line - to fill my DragonFly stove
  • LED flashing stop light
  • Service free sealed battery
  • Flexible fuel container for this extra mileage when needed
Spare Parts:
  • Chain with sprockets
  • Brake pads front and rear
  • Wheel bearings front and rear
  • Gear shifter
  • Oil filters
  • Tubes front and rear

Pics are coming soon
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