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Gaerne G-Adventure Boot Waterproof Test

Following my last post on the Gaerne boots, I received several questions about the "waterproof" claim that comes with these boots.


I have rode through water while wearing these boots and was happy with their performance. For a more serious test, I put on my boots and stepped into the my bath tub. Watch the video to see is what happened. 

Gaerne G-Adventure Boot Review


I've worn these Italian, leather, Gaerne G-Adventure boots for several months and it's time for a review. I spent the summer scraping and kicking through dirt, water, mud, and rocks with these boots and they are still in great shape. These are some tough, dependable, riding boots and I like them a lot.


The G-Adventure boots are full height, crossover style boots that give solid foot protection for on or off-road riding. They have a solid build that feels good on your foot, but are lightweight and comfortable enough for all day wear. They have some features that work well on the road or trail. Notice the shift pad over the toes, and the three individually adjustable buckles. The upper shin protector has saved me a couple of times when my foot has slipped from the peg.


Inside the boot is comfortably padded, with a built-in, one piece, waterproof membrane that keeps out water, and insulates in cold weather. This membrane is also breathable to wick moisture and sweat away from your feet during warmer weather rides. The membrane folds inside the the front of the boot when it is latched closed and the front flap has a velcro tab on top for a snug fit around your leg.


On the bottom, the G-Adventure boots have lugged soles for solid footing while standing on the pegs. They are also flexible enough to allow for shifting or for walking. The bottoms appear similar to many hiking or other outdoor boots, and are perfect for off road riding. The soles on my pair look good after a lot of time standing on my pointy and very grippy SW Motech foot pegs. These pegs are pointy enough to cut into the soles of some other boots.


There are no surprises on the back sides. The ribbed area lets your ankle bend when needed, but still maintains the boots' overall support and protection. These are quality boots that are rugged enough for enduro riding, adventure touring and going anywhere off of the tarmac. They also lightweight and comfortable enough for a cross country road tour, and claim to be waterproof.

Click here to see my waterproofing test on these boots.

The New Backcountry Discovery Route


The latest installment of the terrific Backcountry Discovery Route series will add Idaho to the growing list of BDR states. The Idaho BDR will premiere February 4 in Boise. The BDR series has already charted off-road, adventure routes across Arizona, Utah, and Washington with several additional state routes in development.


The Idaho BDR has been in development for some time and it is exciting news that Idaho will soon be joining the list of BDR ride states. The route will open new challenges for off road and adventure riders in the Gem State region. For now, the only details available on the new route are from the BDR website:

The IDBDR is the fifth route developed by the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.  The IDBDR is a south-to-north route across the state of Idaho covering over 1,400 miles of mostly non-paved track.  The route begins in the old western town of Jarbidge Nevada and meanders through the west side of the Idaho Rocky Mountains on the way to the Canadian Border at the Idaho Panhandle. Two stunning and historic backroads are part of the IDBDR - the Magruder Corridor and the Lolo Motorway.  Several small mountain towns in Idaho are visited along the way including Yellow Pine, Burgdorf Hot Springs, Elk City, Avery, Wallace, and Clark Fork.

For more info on the currently available BDR routes and those in development, click here: Backcountry Discovery Routes.

Pelican Case Warranty Rocks!


I don't know when or how the right side latch of my Pelican 1450 case broke. One day it just would not latch down. Bummer! I was pretty disappointed, since this case has been behind me for many, many, miles and did not want to lose it over a broken latch.


The problem was easy to see and I called Pelican's customer service line. The Pelican rep was totally cool. He apologised for the broken latch, and immediately promised replacement latches. I told him only one side was broken, but he offered two latches anyway. He took down my info and few days later I had new latches - no cost to me and with free shipping!


I am really pleased with Pelican's customer service. These days few companies are so quick to take care of their customers or stand behind their products. Thanks Pelican!

"Chrome at the Home" Bike Show for Veterans


This past Saturday was the "Chrome at the Home" event for residents at the Idaho State Veteran's home in Boise. The event was organized by some local Harley groups and I was there as a volunteer.


The day was cool and rainy which really hurt attendance, but regardless of the weather, the aging veterans were very enthusiastic to make friends, chat, and to see the many bikes on hand.


The day's various events included a bike show, a couple of fundraising auctions, as well as cookout. Later in the day, the Harley groups did a poker run and the cold rain stopped so they had a dry ride. 


This young volunteer manned the POW-MIA booth which honored Idaho's 8 Vietnam vets who remain missing, but not forgotten, so many years after the war's end. 


To me, this is the Captain America bike that Chris Evans briefly rode in the first movie. It's probably not the same, but it is pretty close. Before you mention that drip pan under the engine, remember this veteran was fighting for freedom before most of us were born!


Here was another vintage war machine. This awesome Jeep was a popular attraction with the vets and it is easy to see why. I would love a chance to fire that machine gun mounted in the rear!


As a KLR rider, I felt a bit out of place among the patch covered, leather vests, and the loud pipes that save lives. Regardless, I was glad to help where needed and my hat is off to these Harley Riders for their caring and sincere efforts in holding this great for the state's veteran's. 

At the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Memorial

The traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall is in the area this weekend and I stopped by to pay my respects.


As a veteran, I wanted to see the wall and a lot of other veteran-riders were on hand for this morning's ceremony. Once again, Sally was the only KLR in Cool Kids Parking.


I did 23 years in the United States Air Force, but always admired the U.S.Marines for their toughness, discipline, and those spiffy uniforms.



This was a special display for the Purple Heart. Besides Vietnam veterans, the wall is a tribute to veterans from all conflicts as well as September 11th first responders.


This replica wall is 80 percent the size of the wall in Washington D.C. and is 360 feet long. It travels to 30 locations every year.  


Today's ceremony honored POW-MIA veterans. The mayor and several guest speakers made speeches and several local veteran and motorcycle groups participated in the tribute.  


I had no name to find on the wall. Regardless, the traveling memorial is a solemn and impressive sight. So many names...so many lives lost.


Former president Calvin Coolidge is seldom remembered, but I like many of his quotes. One of today's speakers used a Coolidge quote that was new to me, and it was very appropriate for the occasion.


"The Nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten" - Calvin Coolidge.


Old Idaho Penitentiary

The Old Idaho Penitentiary at Boise is a National Historic Site and one of four territorial prisons open in the U.S. The Old Penitentiary was built in 1870 and functioned has a prison until 1973. That's a lot of history, and like many historical sites, it is a documented paranormal hot spot, previously featured in several ghost hunting television programs.


I visited for the history, but kept my eyes and ears open for paranormal activity. The history was great, the ghosts were disappointing. There was not one sight or sound that I could blame, or credit, to the prison's ghosts. Maybe Halloween is a better time of year for that.


Outside the prison yard, in the shadow of the original prison wall you get a good look at the wooden walkway where armed guards once patrolled. This view is looking toward the entrance and administration buildings.


The cell blocks are as drab and depressing as you might imagine and are very similar to scenes from The Shawshank Redemption - minus the convicts.


The temperature was over 95 degrees outside and the ground level cell block was hot. Up on the second level, it felt like an oven.


There was no air conditioning when the prison was active and I can't imagine the misery of being locked up in this sweat box!


A prisoner would not have seen this sunset. I held the camera over a barrier across the barred window on the second level of a cell block.


There were 10 executions by hanging at the prison and some of these inmates have continued to lurk around the prison as ghosts.


Above is a wall from the former dining hall which was designed by inmate George Hamilton. The dining hall burned down in a 1973 riot.  


From the "inside" guard towers peer down into "the yard" from each corner of the stone wall surrounding the prison yard. The hill beyond this tower represented freedom to the prisoners who stood here.


My day at the Old Pen covered a lot of history, stories, and sights. So much, that a second post will be coming to cover material I have omitted here. If your interests include history or the paranormal, then get on the road, the Old Idaho Penitentiary at Boise makes a great destination. 

Shoei Hornet DS Helmet Review

I've spent a couple of months and several hundred miles wearing the Shoei Hornet DS in town, as well as on the highway; and I love this helmet. It is honestly the best helmet that I have owned. My list of legitimate complaints is zero, and my list of small, nit-picking complaints is also zero. Pretty much what you expect of a Shoei helmet.


The Hornet DS has been around a few years and received outstanding reviews and five star ratings from almost everyone who's worn it. Instead of repeating them, I will simply say - believe the good things you have heard. The Hornet DS is well built, quiet, and comfortable with a wide field of view. Even the paint and finish are excellent.


During a stop I attached the helmet to the KLR's helmet hook, then forgot it was there. Later on, I moved the bike ahead a few feet, while the helmet rubbed against the rear tire. The helmet came away with several black scuffs across the back.  It was my fault and I was not too pleased. But, the helmet cleaned up perfectly without a mar or scratch in the finish. Today, it looks at good as new.


The Shoei costs a bit more than a lot of other helmets, but if you are looking for a new lid, I recommend it. The Hornet DS has a well deserved reputation for great quality, comfort, and safety and for me, this helmet was worth the extra money.

Click here for my Icon Variant helmet review post

Click here for my Fly Trekker helmet review post

Dual Sport is Awesome Video



This great video from You Tuber "invariant676" covers pretty much every type of dual sport riding with several different bikes. Watch for a couple of different KLRs, including one doing an Evel Knievel style jump over a ditch, that was a "must see" moment for me. Once again, the KLR proves it can keep up with the smaller, lighter, dual sports as well as the bigger and more powerful bikes.

KLR650 Recycle Bike Fear Factor

The picture and article below "PROJECT RECYCLE - KAWASAKI KLR650" come from the cycleworld.com website and is a common web article for the KLR650. Once again, they bought a KLR project bike, put in a plug for Bike Bandit, then bolted on a lot of aftermarket accessories. As usual, when finished  the KLR is a much better bike. A KLR veteran may take interest in these mods but, a KLR noob or a wanna be may have an entirely different view. This sort of article could scare the crap out of that person.

Who wants to buy a bike that needs this many upgrades, that cost several hundred additional dollars? The article does not say if these mods are "essential" or just "nice to have." (I would put lowered handlebars in the "nice to have" category.)

KLR noobs and wanna bes - relax! This article has good info on some aftermarket parts but, the stock bike runs and handles fine. Yes, it can be improved but, there's no need to immediately dump a wad of cash into your new ride to enjoy it. Go ahead and read the article below, but don't let it scare you. KLR riders have nothing to fear, but fear itself!

PROJECT RECYCLE - KAWASAKI KLR650


In many ways, the Kawasaki KLR650 is the default choice for a lightweight, low-cost adventure machine. It’s been around since 1987 and remained almost unchanged through 2007, and along the way, it has introduced hundreds—heck, maybe even thousands of riders to the joys and capabilities the big Thumper has to offer.

For us, as part of the Re-Cycle program, the KLR’s sheer numbers were motivation enough. Incredibly well-supported in the aftermarket, the KLR would not be difficult to update and improve; thousands of owners got there well ahead of us. Moreover, the weaker aspects of its design—mostly the result of it hailing from the mid-1980s—were well known. So, we followed the herd and applied the better-known modifications and updates.

The bike you see here, a 2006 model, was found in the Los Angeles area in near-pristine shape, with fewer than 3000 miles on the odometer. Except for an aftermarket exhaust and minor rejetting, it was mechanically stock. It wore a pair of dirt-oriented tires that had suffered from too many miles on the street, but both functionally and cosmetically, the bike was near-new.

We paid $3700 for our KLR, which—based on its clean, unmolested condition—is slightly above the market value. In our search, we found bikes from nearly new ones priced at around $4000 to some high-mileage units we could have grabbed for $2000. Bang for the buck? You bet!

And now, with the help of BikeBandit.com’s extensive catalog, this KLR is better than ever.

ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
Kawasaki’s 651cc dohc Single is what you’d call proven, though that also means every Internet Joe with wi-fi has shared his troubles with the world. If you’re a wanna-be KLR owner, Google “doohickey mod” to learn about a common issue with the engine’s counterbalancer chain tensioner, as one example.

Instead of opening up the engine and fitting a big-bore kit (a popular update for both new and tired KLRs), we attacked the usual means, swapping the 11-pound stock exhaust for a Yoshimura RS-2 slip-on muffler with spark arrestor and shiny stainless-steel lead-in pipe—it’s a beautiful thing, though we had to do a little fender trimming and sidecover shimming to make it fit.

On the front side, a K&N stock-replacement filter and a Dynojet Stage I jet kit did the deed. According to the dyno chart that came with the Yoshimura pipe, some 3-4 hp are available from stock. We didn’t dyno this particular KLR before the mods, so true A-to-B comparisons aren’t possible. But if we get the promised 37 hp, we’ll be happy enough. Right out of the box, this combination worked very well, with smooth throttle response, no surging and only a slight amount of cold-bloodedness.

KLR owners often ask for a sixth transmission speed, but lacking that, we attempted a compromise in gearing, wrapping a new D.I.D 520V O-ring chain around a pair of JT sprockets, in the stock 15-tooth size at the countershaft and down one (42 teeth) at the rear. This change took the edge off the KLR’s frantic highway demeanor, though it could handle a 40- or 41-tooth rear if you were willing to slide your street/dirt ratio over to, say, 90/10.

SUSPENSION AND TIRES
You might expect any KLR with a few more digits showing in its retro odometer to have soft legs, and you’d be right. The standard KLR shock, not exactly a high-tech item, is adjustable for spring preload only, and the 38mm KYB fork has no adjustments other than air pressure for spring rate (remember that?). Our efforts to improve suspension action without breaking the bank called on Progressive Suspension for its new 465 series shock—an aluminum-bodied beauty with stepless spring preload and five-way rebounding-damping adjustment. Up front, a Race Tech Cartridge Emulator was dropped down the skinny tubes—after the usual prep work, of course—topped by RT springs rated at 0.52 kg/mm, up from the stock rate of 0.4, running 15mm of preload. We left the Emulator settings as delivered, filled the legs with 15-weight oil so there was 150mm of air space.

On the road, the Re-Cycle KLR’s composure is dramatically improved. Increased spring rates help reduce the stock bike’s hobby-horsing without harming small-bump compliance; in fact, the revised KLR’s ride is better all around.
Another means of updating our KLR, which arrived with dirt-spec Dunlops that rendered the steering strange and howled on pavement, came from Metzeler in the form of Tourance tires.

In stock sizes—90/90-21 front and 130/90-17 rear—the street-biased Tourances provide as much grip as the KLR’s chassis ever wants and are even passable away from pavement, as long as your definition of off-road doesn’t include sand bogs or boulder-strewn goat trails. Let’s remember what the KLR isn’t: a lightweight, modern-suspension trail runner.

BRAKES
Kawasaki, known for eking every single solitary development cent from components, continued to give the KLR650 a single-piston, sliding-pin caliper dating from the days before the GPz. We did what we could, fitting Galfer semi-metallic pads front and rear, along with Galfer braided-steel lines.

No question the lever and pedal are firmer than stock, but the front brake’s power remains underwhelming. Next steps would include a different caliper and a larger rotor, but that’s starting to get into real money. Besides, you have to wonder how much brake that limber fork will tolerate; it twists enough during hard stops as it is.

ERGONOMICS
Next on the list was to update the KLR’s ergonomics. Those steel handlebars might as well date from the early Malcolm Smith period, so after perusing BikeBandit.com’s virtual catalog a set of Renthal CR-Low bars were selected and fitted. They are 1 inch narrower and 2.5 inches lower than stock, with half the weight. They’re about the lowest you’ll get to fit; the switch clusters just clear the tank at full steering lock. The ends are fitted with Show Chrome heated grips, which come with a digital, four-level heat controller and a full wiring harness.

For the rest of the rider’s physique, we have a Sargent World Sport Performance replacement seat that fits the KLR perfectly and is such an incredible improvement over the stocker that it should be the first update you make. We also replaced the slippery stock footpegs with a set of IMS Super Stock pegs that are suitably saw-toothed and deeper.

LUGGAGE RACKS
One benefit of choosing a long-running model like the KLR650 is that the aftermarket will have a wide selection of accessories, particularly luggage. Here we called on a strong seller in the BikeBandit.com family: Moose Racing. Moose provided its Expedition luggage rack system. This steel-tube affair, powdercoated black, slipped onto the KLR without trouble, replacing the stock luggage rack and providing sturdy perches for genuine Pelican hard bags. They’re a good size for the KLR, too, at 21.4 inches wide, 12.8 inches tall and 6.7 inches deep. Mounted, the bags are slightly wider than the new bars, so be careful in traffic.

2014.5 KLR650 New Edition Review

Calling this KLR 650 a "New Edition" is a slight exaggeration. The bike is nearly identical to the standard model except for the seat and suspension upgrades. I wish Kawasaki had addressed the doohickey issue and replaced those "pogo stick" front forks with those found on modern dual sport motorcycles. This bike is more of a KLR650 "S" than a "New Edition." Regardless, the upgrades are well worth the extra $100 over the standard 2014 model. Read on and decide for yourself, all of the tech specs and more pics are in the story below from www.ridermagazine.com

2014 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition First Look Review

 by Greg Drevenstedt
2014.5 KLR650 New Edition in Candy Lime Green/Ebony

After chugging along with few changes and a distinctive tweet from its exhaust pipe for 21 years, Kawasaki’s legendary KLR650 dual-sport got a major update for 2008. Engine tweaks, suspension improvements, stronger brakes, new styling with better aerodynamics and a comfier seat are the major items on an even longer list of changes that improved the KLR’s on-road manners at the expense of some off-road worthiness. Though updated, the KLR650, which still uses a Keihin CVK-40 constant-velocity carburetor, has remained fairly old-school, with a low price to match.
KLR650 New Edition_Front_Fork_R

41mm fork has 40% firmer springs and 28% firmer rebound damping.
Rumors have been circulating for a while about a larger displacement, fully modernized KLR, perhaps a fuel injected 800cc twin to compete with BMW's F 800 GS and Triumph's Tiger 800. When Kawasaki unveiled its 2014 lineup last fall, the KLR650 returned with the same specs and the same price ($6,499) as in 2013, but with color selection limited to Candy Lime Green/Ebony, the Ebony and Pearl Solar Yellow having been dropped.

Quietly, with little fanfare, Kawasaki slipped a mid-year addition into its lineup. The 2014 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition has more robust suspension and a better seat, and it comes in two new colors: Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony and Pearl Starduct White/Ebony. Comparing specs side-by-side for the KLR650 and KLR650 New Edition, they’re virtually identical. Same liquid-cooled 651cc single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve engine, same claimed curb weight (432 pounds), same fuel capacity (6.1 gallons), same seat height (35 inches) and so on.

One of the KLR650′s weakest links has been its too-soft suspension, which reflects the bike’s old design and low price. The New Edition attempts to remedy the situation with a 41mm fork—in the same size and with the same 7.9 inches of travel as the base model—that’s filled with 40-percent firmer springs and has 28-percent firmer rebound damping rates. The Uni-Trak linkage-equipped rear shock still has 7.3 inches of travel, but the New Edition has a 63-percent higher spring rate and 83-percent firmer rebound damping. All that extra firmness should reduce brake dive, sag (especially when loaded) and overall mushiness, offering better control in most riding conditions. As with the base model, the fork offers no adjustment but the shock has five-level spring preload and four-level rebound adjustment. 
KLR650 New Edition
The KLR650 New Edition’s seat is still 35 inches high, but it is narrower in front for an easier reach to the ground.
Even after its 2008 update, the KLR’s seat remained a sore point, literally. The foam is too soft and crushes down easily, leaving the rider’s bum on the seat pan. The New Edition’s seat features a narrower front section with a more rounded profile that Kawasaki says will make it easier to reach the ground and enhance off-road maneuverability. It is more than an inch wider and features a flatter, less tapered profile, offering a more stable and comfortable platform. Whether it offers more support is an open question.
MSRP for the 2014 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition is $6,599—just a Ben Franklin more than the base model gets you better suspension, a better seat and more color options with revised graphics. The KLR has long been one of the best deals on two wheels, and the New Edition is even better. We’ll get a chance to ride the new KLR soon, and they should be arriving at dealerships any day now.
The New Edition's seat is an inch wider and has a dimpled cover.

Uni-Trak linkage-equipped rear shock has a 63% percent higher spring rate and 83% percent firmer rebound dampening.

The KLR650 New Edition features stiffer suspension, a new seat, and more color options with new graphics.

MSRP for the 2014.5 KLR650 New Edition is $6,599, just $100 more than the base model.

2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition in Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony

2014.5 Kawasaki KLR650 New Edition in Pearl Stardust White/Ebony