Kawasaki Klr

Kawasaki Klr

Dual Purpose Riding the Lost Coast

The Lost Coast

     The day had finally arrived to ride the Lost Coast. Immediately upon being stationed back in Northern California I traded in my BMW RT 1100 for a 2008 KLR 650. What better route for an inaugural ride? After many years of “hotel” touring I was transitioning back to my “pack it light, freeze at night” mode of travel. The Usal Road and Lost Coast road conditions were an unknown. The winter months of 2008 had seen a lot of rain on the North Coast near Eureka California and my research indicated that the roads could be impassable if wet.  Would the KLR be able to conquer what the King’s Range and Sinkyone Wilderness threw our way in late March? To hedge my bets I packed two motorcycle tie down straps that could possible double as tow straps. My riding partner for this trip would be a college roommate from 19 years ago. Glenn had called the day prior with a cryptic, “I’ve bought something that will handle anything the road will throw at us.” Cryptic messages are usually never good. Maybe the extra space the straps would take was cheap insurance. Where we were going Triple A would fear to tread.

Sunday’s early morning start was delayed until 3:00 pm due to Easter commitments. The afternoon came and went. I received a call from Glenn that his new mystery machine would not start. Certainly a dark harbinger of things to come. The afternoon ticked by and 5:00 pm turned to 7:00 pm. Glenn limped into Rohnert Park, CA around 8:30 pm, cold, lost but armed with a hearty appetite and an equally hearty and upbeat attitude; definitely the kind of partner  and attitude you need when venturing into the unknown. The said mystery machine came in the form of a 1985 KLR 600! The $800.00 museum piece was a steal until the hard starting bike continued to flood the aftermarket two stroke carburetor and killed the battery (steal was the right term but only time would tell who the victim was). Ever resilient, Glenn fixed the problem that Sunday and forged ahead from Sacramento to Sonoma County. My mom was all too happy to feed the tired road warrior with a home cooked meal. We modified the game plan that night and decided not to ride the Trinity Heritage National Scenic Highway (also known as Hwy 299/3) and the Bigfoot Scenic Byway (Hwy 96) loop out of Eureka. The bikes were prepped and ready despite a little incident with my newly purchased mount. I realized I shouldn’t have procrastinated in purchasing a center stand. While filling the tires earlier in the day the bike fell over as I pushed on the stems with a bit too much vigor. To the KLR’s credit, the new plastic radiator shrouds withstood the tip over and the “Bug” (as my daughter calls it) came away with only two minor scratches.

The next morning we headed north on Hwy 101 in the early Northern California chill, the two extremes of the KLR spectrum thumping along in harmony. At 8:30am we decided to pull into Cloverdale and have a quick bite at the local McDonalds. An old timer took an interest in our trip and told us how he used to race his Harley Davidson against the British invasion of BSA’s back in 1949 but lost to the lighter, faster bikes when it came to cross country racing. Over coffee talk turned to younger days. We shared our experience in the Cavalry (Glenn a pilot in the Air Cav, I a ground scout, and Don a sixteen year old Horse Cavalryman back in 1938). Soon after his horse cavalry days Don was prowling the South China Sea. His new ride was the USS Snapper, a 1928 era sub that made it out of Manila Harbor prior to the fall of the Philippines. He wished he could join us on our bike trip but his knee replacement was in a few days. Any adventure we would encounter paled to his depth charge experiences during the war. We thanked him for his sacrifices and service to country as we headed northwest.

The bikes made quick work of Hwy 128 to Mendocino as we fell into a smooth pace through the vineyards and redwood trees. At Fort Bragg we attempted to find a dirt route east towards Glenblair and back to 101 in order to shake down our load plans and bikes. We were thwarted by dead ends and gated access but rewarded by the single lane dirt roads. Doubling back we proceed up Hwy 1 picking up the pace, energized by the crashing waves and redwoods. Passing Rockport we scanned for Hwy 435/Usal Road but were so enamored with this part of Hwy 101 that we were nearly in Leggett before we discovered we had missed our turn. Backtracking we found 431. If it wasn’t for the fact that we knew it was at mile marker 90.88 we never would have found it. The start point looked like a private dirt drive. How this used to be a stagecoach route is beyond me. They must have gone through multiple teams given the steep hills and rough conditions. The views were stunning as we peered down on the Pacific. Accompanying the breathtaking scenery was a chance encounter with a bear cub ambling across the road. Startled by the “Bug’s” growl he ran back to mama and we continued our journey. The KLR weren’t challenged by the roads and we thought the estimated 3 hrs to reach Shelter Cove was an erroneous estimate. We would soon learn 6 hrs was barely enough. I also discovered that years of “hoteling” had taught me to over pack my Givi top case. The first and only flaw of my KLR became evident when Glenn yelled for me to stop. Rolling down the hill was my Givi and half my KLR luggage rack! The tie down straps were pressed into service sooner than I had expected.

            Soon we encountered the first of many delays. Mud, and lots of it. The KLR’s could not make it through the think soup, rear ends spinning out of control and flopping on their sides. Glenn and I ported our gear when necessary and then manhandled our mounts, pushing and cursing the machines through the muck. At the worse point, after we found a bypass to a seemingly impassable portion of the road, Mark from San Jose (in a tricked out Jeep-the only other human encounter on the scenic roadway), destroyed the bypass (for bikes at least) as his Jeep chewed up the ground. Bouncing off a tree he succeeded but erased any notions of turning back. For better or worse we were committed. No further than 200 yards down the Usal Road we were forced to unload the KLR’s again and push our mounts as the rider “paddled” along a foot and half wide path. A fall to the right and the bikes would disappear below the murky surface like the USS Snapper did to evade the Japanese warships seeking revenge. A fall to the left and the KLR’s would tumble down the cliff face to the Pacific.    Riding the bikes across the narrow path was too risky as the path itself was muddy and the tires could possibly slip. A few adrenaline filled heartbeats later, the bikes were safely across, loaded and moving at speed. Usal Road might support KTM Adventures and BMW GS’s in the dry seasons but in the winter months anything larger than a KLR would be difficult to navigate the numerous mud bogs. The bigger bikes would be exhausting to manhandle through calf high mud. When we finally reached Usal Beach we were rewarded by pristine beaches. The ocean front was all but abandoned and the KLR’s proved capable of crossing numerous streams as we explored the beaches. The “Bug” loved the fresh ocean air but the KLR 600 began to show her warts. On the last stretch prior to reaching Shelter Cove the KLR 600 quite running on one of the steepest parts of the route. Glenn rolled his chicken bones and sprinkled blood on the carburetor with no luck. Un-strapping one of the tie down straps from my Givi I hooked it to the 600 and the “Bug” transformed to “El Burro” as I towed the 600 up the hill. A day of many first. A quick dance to the motorcycle gods and the 600 fired up and we were Shelter Cove bound. The night at Shelter Cove was one of the most beautiful I have spent on the Northern California coast. The wind was totally absent and the stars shone brighter than the light in the decommissioned lighthouse. A couple of touches of Kentucky Bourbon made the night complete.

            A late start on day two due to Glenn locking his clothes in the dryer room and a non-responsive “steal of a bike” delayed us until 10:30. I began to sense who was the victim on this purchase and it wasn’t the “master mechanic” in Sacramento who sold Glenn the bike. Another quart of chicken blood and his bike roared to life. We entered King’s Range Road and crossed into another world. The range had received more than its average share of rainfall that winter. The fog shrouding the greenery reminded us of the rainforest of Costa Rica and Ecuador. Taking a wrong turn we followed the rocky dead end road to the Lightening Trailhead. The rocks took a toll on our tires but the scenery was worth the cost in rubber. The tight, twisty, uphill, climb on the way to Honeydew was one of the best parts of the trip. It was only challenged by the route from Petrolia to Ferndale. This portion of road twisted along the shore and then paralleled the crashing waves. Glenn played the part of ranch hand as he herded an errant cow off the road and back into the field on his temperamental steed. Anything can be thrown your way on the Lost Coast.

 Leaving the ocean behind us, we quickly climbed 2,400 ft. to Bunker Hill and then descended into a beautiful valley. As we crossed Bear River were it emptied into the ocean, Glenn pointed to the switchbacks climbing the hill. I pumped my arm in response and rolled on the throttle. In the ensuing climb we became one with our machines to the point where it felt as if the bikes disappeared and we were “skiing” through the picturesque Northern California scenery. The environment was a mix of Switzerland and Southern England, the narrow two lane roads lined with shrubs, trees, and cattle racing by. We were sad to see the Lost Coast disappear in our rear view mirrors but looked forward to exploring Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants, and the Eel River.

            Unable to find a camp ground in Eureka we headed to Fortuna were the KLR 600 died on Main Street. Coaxing the bike to life Glenn met me at the RV park were we secured a log cabin for a pittance. Money well spent considering the rainfall that night. After filling our belly’s with our fair share of ale at the Eel River Brewery, Glenn filled his ego flirting with the very attractive female body builder bartender. We needed sleep as the road began to take its toll. Tomorrow would be very trying for us both.

The next morning the KLR was DOA but Glenn was loathe to admit it. After coaxing him into getting a U-Haul we doubled up on the “Bug” and made our way through Ferndale. We were already pushing 11:30 am so time was a factor as work loomed the next day. In route Glenn spotted an ATV and Tire shop. Tom, the owner and mechanic, took pity on us and gave us the keys to his truck and the KLR 600 received a new lease on life. In two hours we were rolling south on Hwy 101 thanks to Tom and his prompt attention. Although this was my fourth time down the Avenue of the Giants, I was amazed by the 40 miles of beauty. The coup de grace was when we received a free “Drive thru Tree” experience by a fellow KLR rider.

 The low point came 11 miles north of Laytonville. The KLR 600 gave up its ninth life and died on the west side of 101. Suspecting fuel starvation I made desperation run to Laytonville for gas. False hope as the bike had pulled itself off of life support.  A CHP officer radioed a tow truck which arrived at 6:30 pm and Glenn was on his own. Facing 35F weather  and a 2 hr plus ride from Laytonville I raced south. Two things helped me survive that trip; the Hotgrips on my KLR and singing every cadence at the top of my lungs. By 8:40 pm I was eating hot chow on the objective while Glenn was writing a new chapter on motorcycling on the edge. A day and a half later he made it back to Sacramento. A story best told over several cold beers.

            For pure diversity of terrain, vegetation, animal and road conditions nothing can beat the Lost Coast of California. Dual purpose riding milks the most fun per mile than pretty much any bike I have ever ridden. Despite all the web noise about the fairing falling apart due to vibration and the new KLR consuming quarts of oil, it is simply has not happened with this bike. Despite an operator induced tip over, the KLR fairing survived an encounter with a concrete parking block and after 2,000 miles the “Bug” has not consumed any oil. The KLR will remain in the stable regardless of whatever type bike comes along in the future. For pure versatility and “bang for the buck” fun, this bike cannot be beat.

About the Author

A veteren of motorcycling for 24 + years, Ed Ospital considers his native Northern California roads among the best in the world. His 14 years in the Army (and counting) have enabled him to ride throughout North America and Europe. Although he has favored BMW motorcycles for the past decade he has returned to his roots as a Kawasaki rider. Keeping that theme, Ed has also returned to his roots carving the roads of the North, South, and East Bay.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Kawasaki KLR KLR 650 on off road NEW 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 Dual Sport EARLY BIRD WINS CLEARANCE BUY NOW AND SAVE $5,187.00 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 36m

Kawasaki KLR 2012 KAWASAKI KLR 650 YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR BEST PRICE ANYWHERE NO HIDDEN FEES $5,399.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 34m Buy It Now for only: $5,399.00

Kawasaki KLR KLR650 KLR 650 KL 650 BRAND NEW 2011 KAWASAKI KLR650EBF KL650 ORANGE 11 SALE $1,026.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 6h 28m Buy It Now for only: $4,995.00

Kawasaki KLR NEW 2011 KAWASAKI KLR 650 NO FREIGHT SETUP $5,299.00 Time Remaining: 12d 8h 35m Buy It Now for only: $5,299.00

Kawasaki KLR KLR 650 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Low Miles Great Condition $3,600.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 29m Buy It Now for only: $4,300.00

Kawasaki KLR KAWASAKI NEW 2012 KAWASAKI KLR650 KLR 650 Dual Sport SALE OUT THE DOOR PRICE $5,798.00 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 16m Buy It Now for only: $5,798.00

Kawasaki KLR 650cc single cylinder OUTFITTED AND READY FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL $3,000.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 13h 15m

Kawasaki KLR New 2012 Kawasaki KLR 650 Dual Sport OTD Price No Fees $5,399.00 Time Remaining: 18d 9h 6m Buy It Now for only: $5,399.00

Kawasaki KLR 2011 Kawasaki KLR650 Orange Silver Black Brand New 2 Miles $3,550.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 8h 40m Buy It Now for only: $4,950.00

Kawasaki KLR KLR 650 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 Orange Dual Sport $4,799.99 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 23m Buy It Now for only: $4,799.99

Kawasaki KLR 2011 Kawasaki KLR650 Dual sport $5,249.00 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 53m

Kawasaki KLR 650 Kawasaki KLR 650 1 Owner Only 7000 Miles TAKEN CARE OF $3,392.00 Time Remaining: 3d 10h 11m Buy It Now for only: $3,392.00

Kawasaki KLR 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 $3,200.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 31m Buy It Now for only: $3,800.00

Kawasaki KLR 650 11 Kawasaki KLR 650 $5,199.00 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $5,199.00

Kawasaki KLR 650 LOTS of EXTRAS Kawasaki KLR 650 Dual Sport Bike $4,500.00 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 37m Buy It Now for only: $5,000.00

Kawasaki KLR Great looking Kawasaki KLR 650 2006 with extras $3,600.00 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 4m Buy It Now for only: $3,600.00

Kawasaki KLR KL650E9F 2009 Kawasaki KLR650 KL650E9F Red Black Excellent Condition Low Miles Very Nice $4,495.00 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 48m Buy It Now for only: $4,695.00

Kawasaki KLR KLR650 New 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 KLR650 Dual Sport KLR Enduro $4,989.00 Time Remaining: 4d 5h 12m Buy It Now for only: $4,989.00

Kawasaki KLR KLR650 LKGREAT RUNNING KLR650 MOTARDXTRASFREESHIP BINNR $2,500.00 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 26m Buy It Now for only: $3,188.00

	(2) Mirror Decals " OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE LOSING" for Kawasaki Brute Force 650 KFX 400 700 Mule Prairie KXF Vulcan CBR 1000 250 450 KX KLX KLR Sale Price: $3.99

	Speed Wheels 2 Wheelers ~ Kawasaki KLR650 (Red; 1:18)
	Description This is a speed wheels 2 wheeler - Kawasaki KLR650 (Red; 1:18). Scale die-cast vehicle that is FAST!

	Philips H7 CystalVision Ultra Headlight Bulb, Pack of 2 List Price: $66.65 Sale Price: $24.61 You save: $42.04 (63%)
	Description Philips CrystalVision was already the upgrade bulb that came closest to the bright blue/white look of HID. Now, improved technology makes CrystalVision Ultra even whiter and brighter, and even closer to the look of HID...

	Sylvania H7 EB BP/2 12 TWIN EcoBright Headlight, Pack of 2 List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $17.86 You save: $12.13 (40%)
	Description Sylvania EcoBright headlights offer excellent downroad and side road visibility while helping reduce environmental impact. The bulbs use 9 percent to 21 percent less energy than SAE maximum design specifications, and are 25 percent brighter compared to aged standard bulbs.

	Clymer Kawasaki Klr650 2008-2009 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) List Price: $36.95 Sale Price: $23.27 You save: $13.68 (37%)
	Description repair manual

Kawasaki KLR650, 1987-2007 (Clymer Color Wiring Diagrams) List Price: $34.95 Sale Price: $18.51 You save: $16.44 (47%)

Description Whether its simple maintenance or complete restoration, do not start work without Clymer, the leader in service manualsSave yourself time and frustration with these procedures and techniques used by the professionalsComprehensive manuals contain exploded views, drawings, specifications and charts that illustrate each jobFeature shortcut repairs and high-performance modificationsThis Item Fits the Following Applications:2007 Kawasaki KLR6502006 Kawasaki KLR6502005 Kawasaki KLR6502004 Kawasaki KLR6502003 Kawasaki KLR6502002 Kawasaki KLR6502001 Kawasaki KLR6502000 Kawasaki KLR6501999 Kawasaki KLR6501998 Kawasaki KLR6501997 Kawasaki KLR6501996 Kawasaki KLR6501995 Kawasaki KLR6501994 Kawasaki KLR6501993 Kawasaki KLR6501992 Kawasaki KLR6501991 Kawasaki KLR6501990 Kawasaki KLR6501989 Kawasaki KLR6501988 Kawasaki KLR6501987 Kawasaki KLR650

	Primary Drive Rear Steel Sprocket 43 Tooth KAWASAKI KLR650 Sale Price: $19.99
	Description All front and rear sprockets are manufactured to O.E.M., specs using high grade hardened steel All match original equipment exactly for perfect fit and size Fits: KAWASAKI KLR650 1987-2012

	Trail Tech Voyager GPS/Computer KAWASAKI KLR650 Sale Price: $251.99
	Description GPS Speed, Distance, Compass, Altitude, Temperature, Maps. View, Organize, Edit and Share Entire Trail Systems in 3D. Designed Specifically to Meet the Needs of Off-Road Riders. 240x400 WQVGA LCD - Readable in Intense Sunlight...

	Trail Tech Vector Computer Kit 75-502 1995-2007 Kawasaki KLR650 List Price: $129.95 Sale Price: $116.31 You save: $13.64 (10%)
	Description A combined effort from experts in software, electronics and mechanical design. Each feature of the 4th generation product is carefully crafted and constructed with the offroad enthusiast in mind. Speedometer: current speed, maximum speed...

	Motorcycle / Bike WATERPROOF Handlebar Mount for Garmin Nuvi 200 200W 205 205W 250 250W 255 255W 265WT 500 550 750 755T 760 765T 770 775T 780 785T 850 855 860 880 885T GPS Sale Price: $17.15
	Description Like to ride in the rain, but your GPS doesn't? No problem! This waterproof bike combo will keep your GPS dry. The mount fits handlebars from .75 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The case measures 5.5 x 3.5 x 1...

KLR $8.19 Named after one of their founding members who died shortly before its release, KLR is the debut album from Parisian rap collective Saian Supa Crew. Influenced by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and the Roots, its blend of zouk, soul, reggae

Kawasaki $27.59 Kawasaki

Kawasaki Jet Ski, 1976-91/w801 $26.09 Kawasaki Jet Ski, 1976-91/w801

Clymer Kawasaki Concours 1986-2004 $27.59 Clymer Kawasaki Concours 1986-2004

Clymer Kawasaki Klr650 2008-2009 $27.59 Clymer Kawasaki Klr650 2008-2009

Kawasaki Klr650, 1987-2007 $26.09 Kawasaki Klr650, 1987-2007

Kawasaki Vn1500 Vulcan, 1987-1999 $27.59 Kawasaki Vn1500 Vulcan, 1987-1999

Clymer Kawasaki Bayou Klf300 2wd & $26.09 Clymer Kawasaki Bayou Klf300 2wd &

Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Series 1996-2008 $35.8 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Series 1996-2008

Kawasaki Kx60, 1983-2002 and Kx80, 1983-1990 $26.09 Kawasaki Kx60, 1983-2002 and Kx80, 1983-1990

Kawasaki Tricycle $85.95 Have your child cruise through the neighborhood in style with the Kawasaki Tricycle. Designed for comfort and durability, the Kawasaki Tricycle is packed with awesome features to keep you kid rolling! This tricycle boasts an ultra strong steel frame and with tough plastic wheels and a rear suspension system for a smooth ride. The adjustable padded seat offers maximum comfort while big, non-slip pedals, a padded handlebar, and hand grips ensure safety. As stylish as it is comfortable and safe, the Kawasaki Tricycle includes a fender and hot Kawasaki graphics! The Kawasaki Tricycle is recommended for children ages 3-5 years

Kawasaki Aircraft: Kawasaki KI-56, Kawasaki KI-61, Eurocopter EC 145, Kawasaki KI-100, Kawasaki KI-45, Mbb-Kawasaki Bk 117, Kawasa $19.52 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 28. Chapters: Kawasaki Ki-56, Kawasaki Ki-61, Eurocopter EC 145, Kawasaki Ki-100, Kawasaki Ki-45, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Kawasaki Ki-48, Kawasaki Ki-60, Kawasaki P-1, Kawasaki Ki-32, Kawasaki C-2, Kawasaki OH-1, Kawasaki Ki-96, Kawasaki Ki-102, Kawasaki C-1, Kawasaki Army Type 88 Reconnaisance Aircraft, Kawasaki Ki-28, Kawasaki Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter, Kawasaki Ki-64, Kawasaki YPX, Kawasaki T-4, Kawasaki KH-4, Kawasaki Ka 87, Kawasaki KAQ-1. Excerpt: The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (, roughly "flying swallow") was a Japanese World War II fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. The first encounter reports claimed Ki-61s were Messerschmitt Bf 109s: further reports claimed that the new aircraft was an Italian design, which led to the Allied reporting name of "Tony," assigned by the United States War Department. The Japanese Army designation was "Army Type 3 Fighter" ( ). It was the only mass-produced Japanese fighter of the war to use a liquid-cooled inline V engine. Over 2.500 Ki-61s were produced, first seeing action around New Guinea in 1943, and continuing to fly combat missions throughout the war. Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien with drop tank A factory fresh Ki-61-I-Ko being ferried to either the 68th or 78th Sentai in New Guinea; it has yet to receive the distinctive dark green "palm leaf" pattern which was usually applied by front-line units in the Southern theatre, nor does it have the usual black anti-glare panel forward of the cockpit.The Ki-61 was designed by Takeo Doi and his deputy Shin Owada in response to a late 1939 tender by the Koku Hombu for two fighters, each to be built around the Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa. Production aircraft would use a Kawasaki licensed DB 601, known as the Ha-40, which was to be manufactured at its Akashi plant. The Ki-60 was to be a heavily armed specialised int...

Motorcycle Video Review - 2008 Kawasaki KLR650