Dan's Motorcycle
Motorcycle enthusiasts might be interested in the technical features of the bike I’m planning to “Ride up for Autism” to the Arctic Ocean. Here’s all the information you’d ever want to know about the bike and its modifications.
The bike is a work in progress, and I’ve been tweaking it ever since the first test rides to Stony Rapids in June. It’s a Kawasaki KLR 650 cc, a dual-purpose motorcycle for riding on trails and roads. It has water-cooled single cylinder 4 valves, single carburetor engine with a 5 speed manual transmission connected to a chain drive system.
The KLR 650 has been in production for over 20 years without any major changes – largely because it’s a great all-around bike. It's relatively cheap, there are a fair amount of aftermarket accessories and parts available, and it’s easy to work on – something that will be important on my ride to the Arctic.
An experienced rider (and some not-so-experienced ones) can ride a KLR 650 over some extremely challenging single-track trails and it can carve through the twisters, and roll out on the highway. However, because it can do all of these things, it doesn’t do any of them particularly well. The KLR 650 can be a lot of work to ride off road, especially in sand or deep gravel. It doesn't have the best wind protection, though, and its lightweight and upright riding position lets it get blown around by wind on the highway.
The motorcycle has been adopted for use by the US military and serves in various roles. They have recently commissioned a special diesel engine type that meets the military’s need for common-fuelled vehicles in its battlefield logistics plans.
I chose this motorcycle for my Arctic expedition because of its proven toughness, lightness, and fuel range, which is about 450 kilometres per tank fill-up. Mine is a 2002 gas model bought second hand from someone who previously rode it on highway trip around Canada , so it has been well maintained.
I have modified and reinforced this motorcycle for the gruelling task of carrying a rider and large amount of equipment up to the edge of the Canadian Arctic Ocean in winter conditions.
Here’s a complete list of the modifications:
- All frame bolts upgraded to high strength fasteners
- Main frame cap bolts drilled out and replaced with single high-strength bolts
- Center stand added to allow on-road maintenance
- Rear frame upgraded to carry heavier loads.
- Foot pegs replaced with large type to fit winter boots
- Some internal work done to increase durability of the lower end by fitting aftermarket counter-balancing cam tensor and new chain and sprockets
- Carburetor rebuilt to handle cold weather
- Cold weather start kit installed
- Radiator covers attached for cold weather
- High-strength drive chain and sprockets installed
- Automatic chain oiler added for heavy use in snow
- Front shock rebuilt for cold weather and heavier springs put in
- Military spec heavy-duty rear shock installed
- All Control cables replaced for cold weather operations
- Gel grips added to reduce road vibrations
- Heated grip pads added for winter driving
- Alternator replaced with higher watt output model from 196 watt unit to 400 watt unit
- High output voltage regulator installed to handle increased power
- Military spec high-capacity dry-cell battery installed
- Engine system to be upgraded and electrical system modified to support electrical clothing and extra power outlets
- Large rear carrying rack added for fuel and survival gear storage
- 3.5 gal fuel pack
- Tank bag installed for quick storage access
- Side tank bags for quick storage access
- Givi hard case luggage bags with metal reinforcement
- Rider seat upgraded for long-distance riding and covered in sheepskin for warmth
- Extra rear brake light added.
- Extra body shields added for rider wind protection and get engine warm
- Skid plates and metal guards added to protect hand controls, fuel tank, radiator, engine, oil pan, brake reservoir
- Upgrades to signal and visual lights for safety warning on road
- Hand and foot controls modified for winter boots and gloves
- Front and rear lines upgraded with steel brake lines
- Brake pads replaced with organic type for off-road use
- On road off road tires fitted for highway and gravel travel
- Tires fitted with extra thick tubes and filled with puncture sealant
- Provisions being made for attaching tire chains to pass through any sudden snowfalls that may block roads between rest stops
- Provisions being made for changing to ice-studded motorcycle wheels for safety on ice road section of ride
