Hehe, so glad I asked this hear instead of on Thumpertalk.

As far as money goes, this is really nothing. I quit wrestling this season (please don't heckle me on this, i'm already taking enough **** for it as it stands), so i'm basically back to my offseason routine, which means it's just me and my hobbies, so i'm used to dumping a ****load of money into random hobbies. And rest assured, it's always MY money, so there's no asking mommy and daddy for a new exhaust system. Hehe, I remember when I was 13, I helped this guy tear down and rebuild his house over the summer, and worked up the 2,000 USD to build a new PC for myself. And don't worry, i've already got a savings account full of dough that I don't plan on touchingever.

I'm already working on the 13T CS, so I didn't mention it here.

The peg wideners are a must now that I think about it. After having a sat on a few WRs and CRFs, it's the one thing I really think this bike needs to suit me better offroad.

As for the type of riding, i'd say that the trails ARE pretty gnarly, BUT, they're REALLY REALLY slow. Ask Hawaiirider about how slow Mililani is, it's nearly walking pace in some sections.

Usually thick mud and some boulders here and there around the trail, with some pretty damned decent hillclimbs scattered all over the place. The rest of the trails are pretty much the same. There's almost NOWHERE where you CAN go wide open on the throttle (unless you don't mind trying to dig your *** out of a tree), EXCEPT for the hillclimbs (which tbh, I could tackle on my old TTR125 with absolutely no problem).

I was thinking a new set of bars because although the stockers aren't bent YET (I anticipate it happening sometime soon though), but there's just something about them that makes them feel like complete utter shiet. Can't put my finger on exactly what it is, maybe it's the bend, maybe it's the height, maybe it's the matterial, but they just "feel" terrible, not ergonomic at all when it comes to riding offroad (no problems with them on the street). They just make turning the bike feel really really sluggish, and i'm PRETTY sure that's not because of the whole weight of the headlight assembly.

I was checking out the FMF because i've never heard of Muzzy in my life (although I realize that you guys trust them, bear with me), and have heard of some fitment issues, and i've heard enough bad things about BG customer service to keep me away from them if at all possible, but i've already had some good experience with FMF, and at only 20USD more than a Muzzy full system, I figured i'd have nothing to lose going with a company I trust. I haven'tbeen able to get any leads on a 300 system (except for some guy who's selling one here, but I think that might be gone already), maybe i'll just try boring out my pipe.

I've actually been offroad a good 2 or 3 times without the bashplate, and the stocker's held up fine so far. I've taken one highspeed spill on my left side, a few tips on both sides, and have actually had to slide the bottom of the bike over some boulders that the bike couldn't clear (IE come up to the rock, roll onto the throttle to get the front end set up on the rock, and then open up the throttle to get over the rest of it), and the stocker seemed to hold up pretty well.

Tires are a must no matter what, and I was just thinking the D606s over the TMIIs because over half of my riding is ON road, so the TMIIs seem like they'd be too squirley for that.

 

so let me ask you this.........if someone told you that jumping off the golden gate bridge was like landing in a bowl full of jello when you hit the water, would you believe them? That FMF sure is nice, but it's also almost $200 more than a full BG system, and I know it doesn't sound as tough.Just trying to save you some dough buddy. Like you said though, it's your money.[&:]

 

My vote goes to the FMF, but you might be waiting for awhile. BG is one of the better looking systems on the market, but their quality of materials and customer service is sub par. Heck, they don't even know what size of parts go with each model, so they make you measure before you order!

If you somhowend-up going with BG, go with thequiet core VS the Vortex tip. The tip isn't designed to be used for long periods of time and people who have ignored that have reported disastrous results.

Anyway, sounds like you have a solid plan. Have fun with the mods.

 

Everybody has their own needs, wants and priorities. I have done most of the possible mods you can do to a KLX and here's my 2 centsif ona limited budget. First it sounds like you ride some off road so I would start with "bash protection", skid plate, water pump guard,brake guard, and real hand guards.2nd do all the "Free Mods" and get it breathing, open up the air box, crankcase vent, air filter and a Dynojet kit. If on a budget I would buy a Four Stroke Works (FSW) head pipe $150.00and pick up a used 300muffler on e-bay. I have seen them for as little as $9.00. Removing the butt plug on the 300muffler willbe as good as any aftermarket muffler. I currently have a FSW and have had an FMF and can tell you there was little to no difference in power between all three. The aftermarket ones just look and sound "cool". Third, take the money you would spend on the exhaust system and have the suspension re valved and set up for your weight.Getting the suspension set up correctly makes a huge difference. Stock it is set up wacky. The front spring are for about a135 ponder and the rear 185. Springs alone help a bunch but custom valving is that much better. Suspension will average about $600.00.That would bemy first to dos. After that it's all about ergonomics such as pegs bars and such. The large pegs are nice and I need taller bars. Then as you get things the way you like and if you're still satisfied with the bike and money allows a pumper carb and more cc's are fun. I really enjoy the pumper carb over the stock CVK. I'm sure I missed a few things but hope that helps you out some with your decisions.

 

Spending money where your body touches the bike is always a good idea. The stock bars have so much sweep they were borderline uncomfortable for my wrists. Adding wide pegs I figured I would not even notice--wrong--so much nicer when standing. Ride anything real off-road & you soon see the short comings of the stock skid--ask my frame rails. Bars & pegs are highly personal--dont let someone talk you out of what you feel to be true!

 

Good Info IG. I always wondered when to stand up. I guess it's only necessary when your suspension needs a little help.

 

yep, if you're a big guy the KLX is not for you suspension or power-wise. But, if you're like me and only weigh in at around 150lbs. or so, then it's perfect and a little stiff out back. And the power issue is easily treated with a 13-tooth front and some breathing help. I'm an open minded guy, and if I can dig up a dyno sheet showing a slip-on of quality (Muzzy, BigGun, FMF, Pro-Circuit) makes just as much power as a full I will consider buying one. Yes, I know the 2-bros. is a good if not excellent unit, but I don't care for it's looks as of right now. A slip-on is nearly $200 cheaper thana full system. Sinkoman has made me think about the dollars forked out on a bike and I have sort of challenged myself to mod my next bike as good as my first KLX, but do it for a fraction somehow.

 

WRONG!! How many times do I have to say this. I dare any rider on the klx out there to keep up with me on my bike. No I don't jump the bike, but the suspension works great for me. And as far as power goes, please, again I could keep up with anyone here. Is that a challenge? Sure, bring it on. I mean come on Iowa, you know better than that. I weigh 260 and am 6-1 and my bike fly's like you won't believe. You need to fly out here and see what a 132-40 and muzzy built by a racer will do. I promise you will never question the KLX power again buddy.

 

Well, i've already got a set of moose aluminium bark busters (shortened the bars and installed them before taking the bike offroad), so i'll look into the bashplate.

I'll keep looking for a 300 can too, and forget the aftermarket systems. I've got a lead on one for 70 USD, unless the guy's sold it already. Sound like a fair price?

I only weigh 145 LBS so the suspension is fine for me right now.

 

deej- you're in love with your bike I know. And I realize this is your first bike in a long time and you have never ridden a 2-stroke or numerous Ninjas/GSX-R's and think that 22 horsepower is the new benchmark. And I respect you for that. But I'm here to tell ya man as much as I'd love to take your challenge on the DRZSM I just sold- WITH THE STOCK TIRES, the KLX is slow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, in stock form it's slow and modded like yours and mine it's slow. There's just no way around it. Does this make it a bad bike? Not at all, but let's call a nail a nail and admit that the bike is not built for 260lb. 6' dudes like yourself. It's seriously undersuspended for the likes of you and lacks any kind of serious power. I know you'll argue against me and that's cool because you love your bike and I respect that about you. But you know me, and I'm a realist. I will not sit here and tell anyone to "come to Iowa and I'll ride my old KLX and you can ride whatever KLXyou want and you won't be able to keep up with me". That's a dumb statement to make simply because guys like nobrakes and his KTM or older KLXwould kill us both anywhere anytime. However, the KTM dealer a mile away just had a brand new 525 sitting out in front, the EXC and it was very sweet.Love ya Deej.

ps. I'm a "racer", or at least I used to be and I 'built' my KLX as well. Would that've made my KLX special too?