Hi all. Recently joined the forum and purchased a KLX250S to ride the Trans America Trail. I considered a CRF230L or KLR650 but decided the KLX was the best combination of power/weight/height for me at 5'7" 140lbs. We are going to ride the TN section of the TAT in mid-Oct so I had to get busy setting the bike up. Spent a lot of time on here researching what others have done and love it when I can see pics of the products I'm considering already on a KLX. Maybe someone will find these pictures and thoughts helpful.

The mods I've made are to give some cargo capacity, a little more over the road comfort, and additional lighting. So far I've added a Givi top case(w/ cig power port inside), soft bags, mounts/power for Garmin 2610 and 478, SAE plug for tender/heated jacket, TCI windshield, Barkbuster VPS handguards, 15 tooth sprocket, and home made LED driving lights. Still need to add a skid plate and rim locks.

The TCI windshield is a very nice piece. Very sturdy, fits well, and makes a huge difference in comfort at 50+ mph. Not cheap but is a good value.

Because of the modest charging system I wanted LED driving lights but didn't want to spend $400 on the Denali lights. Ended up modifying some lights I had. Took out 55w halogen bulbs and put 9.6w led MR16 landscape lighting bulbs in the housings. Made custom brackets that reuse the factory fork reflectors. The lights are drawing less than 1 amp.

Chose the Barkbuster VPS handguards and also bought the Storm plastics which are interchangeable. Will switch them seasonally. High quality product. My advice on installation is to drill/tap the weights in the factory bars. I drilled out the weight on one side and drilled/tapped the other side, drill/tap is the way to go.

15 tooth sprocket works well for me. 6500 rpm at 60 mph on GPS (66mph on speedo).

Also mounted the stock tool bag to the front of the seat w/ large zip ties.

Pics from stock on...

 

 

LED on left, halogen on right.

 

 

Nice, I like the light setup. I've been thinking about some extra lighting for night-time forest runs

 

Got a link on where you found the lights?

 

Dyno - thanks for sharing. Good stuff. Any RR for your trip on the TAT?

I just picked up a set of those same saddle bags for commuting around (wally's world for $65). Last night, had gallon of milk, laundry detergent, and a 6 pack of TP in them with room to spare!

Ya, more on the lights. I'm running an TrailTech X2 which is SO much better than stock, esp with both lamps on, but a bit more light with low amp draw is a plus!

 

Lights were some old $20 Walmart jobs I had laying around. I cut the back of the reflector out and slid the LED bulbs in. Bulb is similar to this one. 9 Watt MR16 CREE LED Light Bulb - EcoLumenation I think if you get creative you could retrofit this bulb in a lot of driving lights. Claimed to be 50+ watt halogen equivalent. They are bright.

I also bought my soft bags at Walmart. My location had them on closeout for $30. I bought two sets...

Will do a RR of our trip. Only going to run 400-600 miles in TN this trip though.


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What is your top case mounted to?

And I want that garage....

 

You can have the garage, I want the Supra!