Barkbuster VPS

When it comes to hand guards, adventure riders are more interested in protection from the elements than impacting objects. The standard KLR hand guards do a very good job of protecting your hands from wind and rain but we did find that these big buggers are hard top stop when they start to topple over and that's when you realise that something more substantial to protect the levers is important. The Aussie made Barkbuster VPS Handguards provide a solution with an alloy reinforced plastic guard with an adjustable wind deflector.

For more info call RideWorx: 02 4271 8244
www.barkbusters.net

One of the first things on the KLR that had to go were the rubber foot pegs. I can't even mention the words I had to describe them when they got wet and muddy out on the trail. IMS has come to the rescue with foot pegs and springs specifically designed for the KLR. This addition alone gives you a better, sure footed feel on the pegs especially when you're in a standing position negotiating tricky sections or rocky creek crossings. Put these puppies high on your must have list
Retail price: $148.50
For more info call C&R Imports: 03 9587 5077
www.candr.com.au

To compliment the rear bag Kawasaki has also introduced tailor made KLR pannier bags. The stylish moulded units are lightweight and contoured for Adventure riders that want to take a passenger along. Like most universal panniers the two bags are linked by a large Velcro strap and hang across the rear of the seat. This allows you to adjust the height of the bags quickly and easily. They are secured to the rack and the loops on the passenger pegs for easy fitting
Retail price of $313.15.
For more info call Kawasaki Motors: 02 9684 2585
www.kawasaki.com.au

The KLR has one of the biggest and strongest carry racks available on the market. Kawasaki has taken advantage of it by designing a purpose built rear bag to suit. The bag easily fits to the rack with a couple of Velcro straps and two straps with clips for extra security. The unit has a moulded zip top lid giving easy access and a zip around the base when released, increases carrying capacity.
Retail price: $213.00
For more info call Kawasaki Motors: 02 9684 2585
www.kawasaki.com.au

Even though you don't feel like you're doing much, long stints on the open road getting continuously buffeted at 80-100 kilometres per hour can be pretty exhausting. Even though the KLR has a reasonably effect fairing it can be improved. Kawasaki have their own aftermarket windscreen that fits within minutes. The new screen is 10cm taller than the standard item and is an absolute must for the taller rider. Retail price: $145.45
For more info call Kawasaki Motors: 02 9684 2585
www.kawasaki.com.au

The KLR has great manners on the road but on the dirt the standard road/trail rubber was looking to step out at the slightest hint of changing direction on the gravel. Fitted with a tank bag its now a little more difficult to get the weight up front to get traction so we decided to go with the maximum off-road grip option. With a 30% road and 70% dirt biase we went for a Cheng Shin C-755 front and rear. The knob pattern is more closed than a typical enduro tyre and should provide a lot more confidence on the dirt.
Retail price: $117.00 (Rear) $68.00 (Front)
For more info: Mcleod Accessories: 1300 300 191
www.mcleodaccessories.com.au

It's no secret the KLR can do with a little more power. The exhaust is EPA-compliant and after extensive testing does need a little fine tuning on the mixtures. The pipe is easily fitted.

Retail price: $640.00
For more info call Staintune Australia 02 4871 3188
www.staintune.com.au

One of the areas the Kawasaki saves money is by fitting stock steel bars and on the long haul they are far from impressive. Fortunately we've easily resolved the situation and increased the comfort by fitting a pair of TAG metals X5 bars with cross bar and pads
Retail price: $96.00
For more info call C&R Imports: 03 9587 5077
www.candr.com.au

You can't have TAG bars with TAG custom grips. TAG grips use a synthetic rubber designed to give optimum tackiness and improved vibration dampening and is available in two compounds, soft/medium and medium/hard
Retail price: $16.50
For more info call C&R Imports: 03 9587 5077
www.candr.com.au

The TAG bars have a lower profile than the standard KLR handlebars. The result is that in full lock possition the bars hit the fairing. The Ballards bars risers bring the TAG bars up to the same height as the standard bars.

Retail price: $29.95
For more info call Ballards 02 4731 1210
www.ballards.cc