A little worried so seeking advice.

Old Jun 12, 2012 | 04:29 PM
  #11  
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I've dropped my 2009 off a trailer, off my stand onto the driveway, and more than I care to count in the desert. My stock bars haven't bent yet... but now that I've said it I'm sure they'll bend next bump they take.
 
Old Jun 12, 2012 | 04:37 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by TNC
We're really not just trying to get you to spend more money, but it is just about inevitable that those stockers will tweak...fairly quickly depending on riding skill or bad luck. Cegusman points out quite correctly how the bark busters will only add to the leverage point on the stock bars. Think of it this way. Even if you just drive out to a place to go riding and take one spill that results in the bar bending, you've wasted a good deal of time and maybe money trying to save some money on handlebars. And trying to bend the OEM bar back into usable shape to continue the ride is risky. These bars don't just bend, they can crack easily. Frankly it's amazing how strong many of these aftermarket bars are. I don't see how they take some of the abuse I've seen mine take...even without any crossbar brace or such on my Renthal.

I was also wondering if your wife wouldn't appreciate a different bend/rise in a replacement bar that might suit her better. Most women are longer legged and shorter torso'd than men, and maybe she'd like a higher rise and/or different bend. This would be the time to take that into consideration.
Totally agree! So we went to our local spot (fantastic local spot) and we have done a lot with him. Long story short, we discussed comfort and as we were going through the catalog he said, "you guys have done a ton here, I have a set of renthals I bought but were sized for your bike. I wanted 1 1/8"... You can have them 'cause I think they'll work and if not we will order you some then." So free bars.

Now so you guys get "the vision" here, we are bolting on a lot over the next few days. Acerbis Rally III, moose skid plate, happy trail tail rack, now the bars. Oh, and just put on new tires and her IMS 3 gallon tank should be here this week. She won't get the range/comfort of her old KLR that we sold to buy this bike and parts, but she's about to have a bike that'll look better than mine! Lol I'm getting a little jealous.

Thanks for all the help. What a great welcome to a new community!
 
Old Jun 12, 2012 | 05:19 PM
  #13  
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Free Renthal's?...I hate you.

Well, that was good of that shop to do that. Sounds like you have addressed a lot of the KLX needs for off roading at this point. I don't know...I think the KLX is more comfortable than the KLR unless all your riding is done on pavement and dirt roads. The KLR, big and small, doesn't treat the kidneys, back, or wrists as nicely IMO when things get the slightest bit rough. Have fun.
 
Old Jun 12, 2012 | 06:05 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by Lotrat
I've dropped my 2009 off a trailer, off my stand onto the driveway, and more than I care to count in the desert. My stock bars haven't bent yet... but now that I've said it I'm sure they'll bend next bump they take.
Same here... taken some pretty hard hits - no bending. Maybe the '09 got better bars than previous years, to make up for the lack of a rear rack???
 
Old Jun 12, 2012 | 06:40 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by TNC
Free Renthal's?...I hate you.

Well, that was good of that shop to do that. Sounds like you have addressed a lot of the KLX needs for off roading at this point. I don't know...I think the KLX is more comfortable than the KLR unless all your riding is done on pavement and dirt roads. The KLR, big and small, doesn't treat the kidneys, back, or wrists as nicely IMO when things get the slightest bit rough. Have fun.
I do notice some lower back issues after a couple of days. But I've noticed that on most bikes I've owned... Maybe I'm a bit of a wimp. We do a lot forest roads and get off anywhere there's not a sign that says no trespassing or no motorized vehicles. She's been doing surprisingly well!!

I'll post pics after all is done. And we are super stoked about the free bars, .
 
Old Jun 12, 2012 | 09:48 PM
  #16  
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... Still have to address the meltin turn signal from the fmf pipe tho... :-/
 
Old Jun 13, 2012 | 12:01 AM
  #17  
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I must be slow...Are the replacement bars the same diameter as the stockers? If not, are we using the same clamp on the head?
 
Old Jun 13, 2012 | 12:10 AM
  #18  
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They are the same diameter. :-)
 
Old Jun 14, 2012 | 07:30 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by drm
I must be slow...Are the replacement bars the same diameter as the stockers? If not, are we using the same clamp on the head?
Originally Posted by cato1978
They are the same diameter. :-)
No they ain't, the stock bars and most replacements are 7/8" however you can also buy "fat bars" which are 1 1/8" which of course you would need fat bar clamps.
 
Old Jun 14, 2012 | 01:01 PM
  #20  
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so do all the stock controls fit on the "fat bars" as well?
 
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