I admire your sense of adventure and wish you the best. However I would be lying if I did not say I was worried. I would highly recommend you try a couple back country discovery routes before trying around the world. It would be a great way to gain experience and optimize your gear, navigation, and bike mods. Also having a satellite communicator like Garmin In-Reach is a must. Breaking down and getting injured in the middle of nowhere is only a matter of time. Just my two cents. Best of luck. I will be watching.
Best of luck. No problem to you, you're young, fit, with a positive attitude and ready for a big adventure. Get a bit of practice where you were today with a loaded bike, and you'll be fine.
I live and ride in Asia (Indonesia). Your selection is right on target, I ride nicely modified Honda Rally 300. Here, the real adventure roads, do not require anything bigger. On my adv rides, i always look for the side roads, dirt.......i plan my days at about 40 km/h. Typically a days riding is 250-400 km being a big day. One comment, please, please do not run your oil for 12 000 km. I don't care what Kawasaki says (its marketing), the engine doesn't hold too much oil, the oil is "stressed" by the engine, the transmission shears it as well. Oil is cheap, you can change it anywhere. Its the blood line. Also with new bike, you should do first change at 500-1000. Be safe and good luck.
It depends... Most people who do around the world tours and trips and hold circumnavigating records, choose 600/700cc bikes. Most popular and most used bikes for people who do these 150,000+ kilometer around the world tours are, in order; 1. Yamaha Tenere, 2. Suzuki VStrom, 3. Honda Transalp, 4. BMW F650 GS, 5. BMW R 1150/1200/1250 GS And so on and so forth... Almost 95% of all bikes on the list are around 600-700cc. It's all about preference.
@keepitreal1547 but with 3k service intervals, I can see why he didn't. Also, the Himi fully loaded would be a lump to pick up. I'm a happy Himi owner, but don't have any plans to drop it or take it round the world (yet 😉).
@@iainrutherford184 In 120,000kms I've done oil/filter changes every 8,000 & only had to adjust the valves 3 times. The 411 intervals are way too Conservative & done so (in my opinion) to produce more dealer visits & profits. I know a guy who's done many kms as I have, yet serviced it every 12,000. As for dropping it, yes it's heavier than the Kwak 300, but it's still very manageable & the lower down torque makes it an easier going bike & more relaxing. I can't imagine doing the travels I have, on the 300.
@keepitreal1547 that's impressive. I agree about the service intervals and dealer profits. I'll certainly be doing my own servicing once I'm out of warranty. Your message reassures me that I've purchased the right bike for my needs 😉
Greetings! You had better to forget about 12000 km oil change intervalls! It is nothing but a legal scam. If you are interested in keeping your bike's engine in good health then the oil change (included oil filter change and air filter cleaning) intervall is 5000 km, not more. Do your research on it! Good luck on your journey!
Mechanic here; oil and filters are cheap, their role is crucial, don't skimp just for a few bucks cause you will regret it sooner than later...5000km max. Rev that engine higher as it's meant to be, otherwise you"ll be hurting it, thse little guys gotta spin to be happy.
For being new at motorcycles and trail riding you did exceedingly well, congratulations. Your "can-do" attitude and lack of overwhelming fear will allow you to succeed and you will soon enough become and expert trail rider. Keep it up!
I highly recommend the secondary throttle plate delete, it helps a noticeable amount for getting up to highway speeds and holding them, but doesn't affect ridability or fuel milage in my experience. Also delete the kickstand switch, they are almost guaranteed to fail when they get submerged and leave you confused why your bike won't start. Hard starting after stalling is pretty much normal on klx300s, you can help it along by giving a bit of throttle or cycling the key Precision motorcycle racks makes a top rack and side racks for the klx300 if you haven't looked into them already!
GET COMFORTABLE STANDING ASAP🙂The bike is a very good choice, one thing that many do not think about is the low comp, you will need that in certain parts of the journey due to shitty fuel quality, you will encounter this especially in asia - most people who say bla bla will never do this sort of ride - the klx is a proper reliable engine and you will be fine throughout the entire trip on this bike. For what it's worth i would uprate the springs once you know the weight of the gear you are travelling with, you will be carrying gear which is going to screw the bikes geo up and you want the bike to ride properly and not be on its arse before it hits anything - your choice but ignoring sussers is a fools game and especially on a trip - don't forget to do your 1st oil change before you leave, should be done under 500 miles but hopefully your dealer told you this- 1st one gets rid of all the newly worn material from new engine.box/clutch etc , by the way the bike will become much more free after you have done some miles, will ride better engine and suspension etc
@JasonWD bar risers are bad though, riders shouldn't be crouched when standing, they should be at an angle with a straight back, risers will just bring the bar closer to the torso and that's the opposite of what he and most need Hips and legs should be disconnected from torso when stood on a bike, not literally of course
For long trips, I would recommend either folding mirrors, or smaller under-bar ones that will let you just catch a glimpse behind you. Go for a few hours (4+) on a ride to see if you can tolerate the seat. If not, go run over to seat concepts for a better one. Kickstand sensor should either be checked to see if its going to be a problem by being exposed, or bypassed completely and removed to not worry about it while you're out (just connect the wires together, usually). Have your charging solution ready for phones and the like. Adding a small 12v charger plug on the bike can work for this as well.
Don’t know how I ended up on this video, but I wish you luck. I saw a comment about getting more experience, and they suggested doing a BDR route. I think that’s a great idea. You also want to practice fixing tires trail side. You need to be ready to fix a flat. I’ve had to replace tubes trail side, and even with years of experience it can be a pain.
Just a little tip on the starting issue. Next time you stall it and it gives you trouble just turn the key off and back on and it should start right up. I have the same bike and that has always worked for me
I really like your old channel Eric, this is new adventures and I am a avid enduro rally rider so happy to see the change. Rock on, can't wait to see the next video
Dang, you missed a golden opportunity to name this trip "The Downward Spiral." I hope you're having fun. I already miss your MTB vids but I'll definitely watch this trip. I'm also a fan of the long way around and down series. Ewan McGregor was awesome in those.
My klx300 starts hard after stalling sometimes. A little throttle helps or turning bike off and on to get the fuel pump to build pressure. Itchy boots went all around the world on a 300cc bike no problem
Have fun! My unsolicited advice: find a good suspension shop and get your suspension dialed-in or upgraded. Best money you can spend on the bike. Handling, comfort, safety bonus, especially on a long trip. The Chris Birch “Say No to Slow” training videos are excellent and worth watching. Instant skill upgrade. Keep the rubber side down! 😉
The best bike is the one you are going to ride. I have a DRZ, but like your choice. People have gone around the world on mopeds. You have lots of time to figure things through Canada. One thing to maybe consider is shipping tires ahead, to be sure you can find them..then again your tire sizes probably won't be too hard to locate along the way. I have been running Shinko 804/805 and they hold up well. Tons of help online from other RW travellers. I am looking forward to following along..ride safe.
When you stall the engine, don't turn the throttle at all when restarting the engine. I suggest you practise a lot more, you need to improve on your clutch work and throttle a little more through sections that need it, especially when at a dead stop or slow uphill.Get comfortable with standing up and riding, especially when off-road. Understand how moving your weight on the pegs helps change direction without always needing a handlebar turn input. You should be able to ride standing comfortably for at least a half hour at a stretch. When going downhill, drop to a lower gear and let go of the clutch, the clutch is ONLY for changing gears or to get moving.
The clutch is NOT only for changing gears (for upshifts you don't even need it if you time the closing of the throttle right) or to get moving you can use it (slipping it) to brake while downshifting, to slow you down (with engine off) on very steep downhills (instead of having one foot on the rear brake pedal), to keep you still on very steep uphill climbs (with proper modulation), etc. Moreover, the myth that you have to be standing up to properly ride on the dirt is wrong. It depends on what sort of riding you do. You definitely DON'T need to stand up when riding at 20-30 mph on double track smooth dirt and gravel roads. You need to stand up when harsh anomalies are coming way too fast for you to adjust your body properly and protect your back and neck from incoming jolts. Moreover, his engine is new and tight hence the hard restarts. I wouldn't be surprised if the dealer had pour in break-in oil for the first 1000kms/miles or so to seat the piston rings properly. I wouldn't object to that. However, this oil could have made his clutch and friction disks drag a bit more hence he could start it easier while in neutral and not by merely pulling the clutch in.
Looking forward to see more videos. Good choice on your bike. Klx is a solid platform. Looking forward to you kitting it out for your trip and setting it up for your comfort.
I'm impressed that you chose a light and small moto. I once rode a Suzuki DR200R from Pakistan to Egypt. Then I fell down in the middle of the desert. How painful it was to lift a moto that weighed only 120kg. I hope your journey is a success. I am planning to run through Central Asia within 5 years.
Your bike handling skills are very impressive. I've ridden predominantly road bikes, and also motorbikes for a few years, and I would've been intimidated by some of the terrain you covered. Cracking job! I've subscribed, and I look forward to following your journey 💙
In the UK we're taught not to use the cut off switch unless it's an emergency. Apparently it will wear out. Use the key instead, wouldn't want the switch to fail on your trip. Good luck with it!
It's what we are taught and our licencing process is much more rigorous than what is shown on this channel. It may be that the kill switch myth is based off older experiences when bikes had poor quality switches. Using the kill switch also makes it possible to forget to switch off the ignition which could lead to a flat battery. Check what your owners manual states is the correct procedure and do that.
Oh yeaahh! Great little bike, you'll do just fine with it, I'm sure. I rode a little 125cc dirtbike for a couple months, had ups and downs with it, then broke a toe while riding and realized it's not really for me, I had a little lifestyle change, so it got sold. I'm stoked to come along with your for the journey, best of luck Eric!
I ride an older KLX250, basically the exact same bike for the last 20 years and they're incredibly versatile. Anyone saying 300 is too small has never ridden a KLX, I intend on doing this stuff on my bike or preferably a larger one at some point, have fun! It's so interesting seeing someone encounter the same issues I had on this bike when I was starting, not knowing how to start on a hill and worrying that somethings broken, etc...
my 0.2 cents, fold inside your rear mirrors. any go up through the front bike can end with broken forearms. I saw it too many times :( wish you fabulous trips and usual tips : stay on pegs, get some enduro or trial clinics, practice static balance in garage and garden, work clutch control then keep speed and momentum ;) now tons will bash me but forget the rear brake, practice hard the front and if rear needed in super down steep, use staled engine and clutch drag ;) both feet balls will stay on foot pegs
Very honest newbie story. That bike will do you great, you'll learn how to cover all the obstacles you encountered in no time and laugh about how you struggled before. Have the best time on your travels 👍👍
First, rtw on a motorcycle is a dream of mine! Your going get a lot of "ADVICE". Some good, some not so good. All I can do is tell you from my experience. Been riding for almost 60 years, last 12 years lots of woods, dual sports and ADV riding. Momentum is your friend, I still practice this as much as possible. A.T.G.A.T.T. which includes elbow and shoulder protection, chest and back protector, knee and shin pads, and eye protection. I did and will fall, and get hurt. Even after all the years of riding I still try to take at least two riding courses every year. Good Luck, will be following! 🌎
That was my guess. LOL. The Kawi 300. Reliable and not too heavy. Even an experienced rider might find this bike an excellent choice. Maybe there is an aftermarket larger fuel tank for it. Your body will not bounce around if you stand when off-road. And your knees and ankles work to absorb pumps,.. Crank and hold the throttle 100% open if it keeps cranking over but will not start after a drop. This will stop the fuel from being injected so it will unflood the motor, the same as with automobiles.
It’s fuel injected he just needs to cycle the key… the technique your describing is for carbureted engines when flooded after a drop or stall, open throttle 100% and crank until it fires.
Bravo! Best of luck on your journey! We just finished our year long journey on CRF300's through Central and South America. (even though we never finished our youtube videos..WHOOPS!) I can confirm that 300cc is more than enough power for a travel bike. While there are Honda dealerships all over the world, we found that very few countries carried the crf300l specifically, so parts availability was actually quite difficult. Parts had to be ordered and we had long wait times. The 300 doesn't share as many parts with the older 250 as we thought. Try to confirm a few countries along your route that actually carry the klx300 specifically. Japanese reliability is a real thing, but carry spare wear parts. Oil and air filters of course, but also fork seals, steering bearings and wheel bearings. In our case those were hard to come by. Most of the moto travelers we met that rode off road had to replace their steering bearing at least once. Lastly, someone already mentioned it, but when you stall some fuel injected bikes, you have to turn it on and off (with either the kill switch or key) to cycle the fuel pump before it will start easily again. Enjoy your trip!! We'll be following along!
Good luck! If you're used to long distance solo motorcycle travel you know it can be tough sometimes. Everyone has advice, most have never ridden across continents. Relax and enjoy the journey and the people you meet on the way!
Absolutely agree on the choice of bike 👍. For me it would have been between that, a Suzuki DRZ400 or a comparable Honda. Shame about the tank size but I'm sure there's a bigger aftermarket one.
1) Dirtracks Hard Parts makes a nice rear rack system for the KLX, and it's on sale right now. 2) Delkevic makes a great, low cost muffler (use with KDX snorkel.) 3) IMS 2.7 gallon tank gives me 160 mile range. I use 1.5L fuel bottles also. 4) Use a 50 tooth rear sprocket to fix the tall gearing. Good Luck!
Check your kickstand sensor a lot of these bikes have an issue starting because of loos wiring of that sensor and if its in a precarious position consider getting it removed so that once you are on the road you do not have to worry about it causing you issues.
Great to see. Safe travels. You will want to ditch those factory mirrors if not n your plans. They will break off at the base in a fall. Get folding ones for off road. For your test, practice a lot of slow maneuvers without putting your foot down. It’s how I failed my first test.
I used to ride dirt bikes. One time my bike pinned my ankle between the clutch and the handlebar. I was stuck and could not pick the bike up off of myself. I had to have someone lift the bike off of me. Afterwards, the clutch mount was broken. I put wrap around hand guards on the bars and never had that issue again. I never liked dirt biking by myself. Sometimes things happen and it is nice to have a friend to save you. After a helmet, the most important piece of gear is your boots. When the bike falls on you, it will crush your feet. With the correct boots, it won't even bother you. I can't tell what you are wearing, but would recommend motocross boots. Usually people tuck their pants into the motocross boots. I hope you enjoy your journey. It looks challenging and fun.
My KLX300 didn't break in until after about 1,500 miles. The performance improved greatly alo g with better mpg. I have learned to give more throttle. Super fun bike!
Back in the 80s the go was a DT175. U can go anywhere off road, simple, 97kg so it can be thrown in a small boat or pulled out of a river, can travel at highway speeds, not very comfortably but if u want comfort take the bus.
Try turning the key off and back on when re-starting the bike. It should start immediately. I believe it has to do with priming the fuel pump, as these are fuel injected bikes. My Yamaha WR250R does the same thing.
Just make sure your shocks aren't bottoming out to easily with the extra weight from gear! Your choice for a low weight bike is excellent. You want to be nimble going around the world. One last tip check if the bike does well fully geared up steep grassy/rocky hill. Have fun now 😁
My two-pennies contribution. Totally agree with your choice of bike. The right choice balance of weight, power and reliability/ maintainability in far-flung places. Your MTB skills are very transferrable but its worth practicing picking the bike up as there's a knack to it AND learn to bump-start it. Not seeing a kick start but if you end up with battery issues being able to bump-start the thing at least gets you going again if the battery doesn't have enough juice. Good luck and I'll enjoy sharing in your adventure. Andy
Hey, good luck! I know the comments are full of advice, but in case someone hasn't said it, try starting in neutral. It puts less resistance and wear on the starter as the clutch plates/oil the transmission don't spin in neutral. Enjoy!
Wow dude! Planning on a around the world ride (jealous!) with little or no experience. Very impressive! the KLX is a good machine. Little small depending on your gear load but very desirable weight wise. The standing advice below is pretty critical to master especially in technical situations. I have ridden moto's for 50 years and MTB's for 20-30 years and there is some helpful crossover skills. I really enjoy my E-bike as it is a nice inbetween. Good luck!
I do some mountain biking and ride dual sport. I have been a long term subscriber of your other channel, and happy to see you starting to create content again. I look forward to following your adventures. Ride safe. Cheers
Incredibly good judgement. The suspension is good right out of the box. I strongly considered this bike over my dr650. My size was the only limiting factor.
you're needing more throttle when riding up hill at slow speeds, slip the clutch a little as you're too slow for first. also practice with some weight on the bike, will feel very different. Good to plan for new chain/sprockets every 15,000km also, and clutch plates every 10,000km if you're riding with the heavier load.
Good choice for a bike!! Can't wait to watch your journey!! Recommend you take some riding courses before you go. You have a lot to learn before you pack that bike and take off on the journey.
It's funny that your mountain bike cost the same as the Kawasaki, if not more. Glad to see you are on a new journey and sending positive vibes. Ride safe and have an amazing journey!
On an ADV bike you want to stand up a lot because the bike will get thrown around and you don't want to get thrown around with it. However on a dirt bike or dual sport you want to keep your butt on the seat as much as possible to keep traction on the rear. Also when you're doing slow stuff, keep the revs up and feather the clutch; the way you're riding right now you're treating the clutch like you would on a street bike where the goal is to just get moving and then let it go, but off road you want to use the clutch to modulate the power a lot. Just don't overdo it and cook the clutch (speaking of which, pack some replacement clutch packs in your kit).
Keep those eyes protected even when you want to ride with your visor up. You don’t want to catch anything in your eyes while riding. Even sand can be painful. Also, always go to neutral before getting off the bike or grabbing stuff out of your pockets when stopped. Unless you’re trying to do some more advanced maneuvers there is no need to be in gear. Also, work on getting comfortable standing while riding. You’re going to need that skill as you advance. Great start!!
Good luck on your adventure. I hope your bike has a backup kick start. Learn to stand while riding, especially in difficult situations. Before you begin your big adventure, do a lot of short adventures. Day rides that you can train in. A few hours hard riding can do wonders. It’s all about muscle memory, confidence, and riding within your skill level.
After riding mtbs for years, the transfer to adventure bikes is easier than someone with no mtb background,but there is still a decent learning curve. Been on the moto for around 3 months now, and the best thing i did was a basic off road skills lesson and a sand riding lesson. Just to get the basics down and avoid forming bad habbits early in the game.
life is all about change and growth. I have watched your other channel since the start. Similar to yourself, I have entered the MC world. From experience all the MTB skills transfer over when needed... keep rubber side down.
Alot of advice in the comments. Choosing to do the trip is the biggest step. I did England to Oz in 04/05 on a 600 Tenere. It was good for the highway and ok on dirt tracks. Something that is comfortable passing cars on the highway with a headwind is something I myself look for. The trip maybe daunting, but it is easier than working and paying off a mortgage, quite easy to do. And it will become a normal part of life. An exciting never a dull moment life! I wouldn't recommend riding at night in dodgey countries though. Good luck
I have a WR450f - fuel injected like your bike - if I stall it in a high gear it will have the same trouble starting. I wouldn't worry about it if it starts normally the rest of the time. As your clutch work improves you will stall a lot less. You're off to a great start.
9:30 I'd advise you should definitely keep it up with coming to the trails before you start the trip. It'll 100% definitely pay dividends to get much better at lower speed technical riding, & learning to stand on your pegs on climbs like this & smoothly distribute your weight going over rocky sections like that would probably be crucial for being able to do it with fully loaded gear :P. Just generally would advise try get a lot more offroad experience before starting such an expedition, but regardless I'm sure you'll learn & get better one way or the other ;)
I personally would’ve chose a Himalayan it’s a little heavier but it’s got that low end torque that you need when you’re going slow…. Like a Honda 90 I used to have I’d put it in the low range it would climb through any of… I don’t know anything about your bike but I can hear by the sound of it you have to rev it to get the torque maybe you might have to change out your sprocket just a thought..
Obviously depends on the route,whether its main road tarmac or track but i think 500km a day is very ambitious. Youll be putting your inexperience under unnecessary pressure. 500km a day on a small bike like that, especially once fully loaded,takes quite some doing day in day out. Its supposed to be fun. Lower your sights a bit and smell the coffee😉. Good luck to you.
KLX 300 is a good choice as aside from Fuel Injection (good for altitude changes) the bike has effectively seen few changes in a very long history as both a 250 and a 300. Some of the earlier versions did have more offroad oriented better forks and shocks suited for faster enduro style riding such a riding style especially solo areound the world is a non starter. I have been a Motorcycle Tech since 1972 and actually worked for Kawasaki Motors and definately recomend this choice as being a sound one, Yes Yamaha WR 250 is better off road, Honda CRF 250 good but not as decent suspension wise as the KLX stock. Honda's CRF 250 and 300 off road variants differ from the road orientated ones because the Hondas that have seperate oils for the engine and gearbox rely on the bike bouncing around to lubricate the gearbox effectively, Ride them on the road and they can seize the gearbox as splash feed only goes so far. Like most modern Bikes they are set up too lean mixture wise to pass emissions and as well because there are acceleration noise tests they retard the ignition to flatten the noise produced from the exhaust, That particular test noise wise is why so many modern bikes have rubber rings on both sides of the countershaft sprockets. I recomend a simple screwdriver or button adjustable piggyback type fuel tuner as richening the fuel will improve torque down low and make starting easier, If you do minimal tuning to the mid range and top end you will overall maintain decent fuel mileage as well with factory or close to factory settings at those RPM. Get one and find somebody to teach you how to use it preferably on a dyno so if and when you may need to adjust things due to say altitude changes to keep performance you can and will be able to improve things. As for smaller Bikes Itchyboots aka Norally did much of africa in season 6 and 7 on a Honda 250 and 300 so check out some of her episodes for insights as to where you are going and the people there 99% great Humans will be whom you meet
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket. You will like it better offroad. Also...crack throttle open some when re-starting it after stalling. Its just a lil flooded.
Came up on AirPlay and I thought I recognized your voice! Best of luck on your journey! I trail a klx230r its reliability has stunned me, your bike will not let you down. Also.. you can look at getting a bigger fuel tank I know there are aftermarket options and they are super easy to change in that bike.
You can always look into a rekluse clutch and I would definitely learn how to change the clutch it's very simple and I think you will go through at least two on your trip
The klx has trouble starting when hot... I shouldn't say trouble I guess. Maybe it's not a huge issue but it definitely struggles with hot starts. A lithium battery helps.
This will be interesting I have that bike, it’s a good choice. If you can change the bars they won’t handle drops very often before bending, pegs, seat, bash plate maybe mirrors these are the basic changes I’ve had to do so far. You will definitely need lots of training it’s more capable than you showed here especially all the stalling.
Fully packed out bike is WAY more difficult to ride off road.. If you notice in many of Itchy Boots videos when she is not riding fully packed out she ALWAYS remarks on the difference. So before departure do tons of difficult off road fully packed out and pick it up from laying down about 20x a day to get the technique and build muscle memory strength and coordination You can do it👍
The kiss principle is key to a trip like this. Easer smaller to work on motor is a no-brainer. A 300cc is more than you will need. After all, this isn't a land speed record.
Eric, good luck on your adventures on your new dirtbike. Kawasaki makes great products, I used to own a PWC and it was a blast. As for the KLX , I’m sure it’ll treat you great on your travels in adventure. I’ve used to own a Suzuki DR 400 , it was a thumper maxed out around 100mph but kinda gutless, but super reliable and comfortable. Have an awesome time 🙌🏼
I think you made a good choice with the Kawasaki. But I suggest taller bars and a seat concepts seat. Having owned one, it feels like a smaller bike. I'm not sure how tall you are. But you might want to adjust some things for your comfort. Standing while riding long distance is really nice for giving your butt a break. Unfortunately the Kawasaki doesn't have the ergos to be a good standing bike unless your able to somehow really raise the bars a lot or if your a shorter person. It would be cool if you took the Trans American Trail through the USA or connect a few BDR's. The one thing that is gonna wear you out is no wind screen. You might want to get something to fight the wind. It will really take a lot out of you if you don't.
Go for it Man...just hit the road and enjoy the life... i trust in your ability to manage the Trip..why? Because you know what you are doing ...and thats enough to me...i salute you brave man 🫡 Wish all the Luck and Safty... Greetings 🇸🇦 🌴 💐 😊
I had a klx300r and to resart it after stalling, you had to turn thr ignition off the back on to get the fuel pump to run. Not sure if the dual sport is the same, might be.
Standing up will definitely help. When you do, keep your weight forward and use your legs to hold onto the tank/seat. You'll learn the tricks as you go, it's just going to take time since you are teaching yourself. I've been riding dirtbikes for 30 years. It will be like a mtb in no time since you will be getting so much ride time. It will just feel like an extension of your body. Good luck, ride safe!
Good choice going small. I’ve been an extreme adventurer most of my life and what I hear long distance back country riders say is they wished they went smaller.
Pretty cool idea and I'm definitely subscribing. That said, I'd like to echo the BDR idea and taking a few weeks/months to prepare for such an epic trip. Knowing how to handle a lot of your own troubleshooting and maintenance will be key, as well as dialing in your packing list for survival, spare parts, tools, extra fuel, WATER!, etc. I wish you the very best of luck in this adventure, and I'm looking forward to watching! Cheers! 🍻
I put over 45000 miles on a WR250r set up as a light weight adventure bike, as others mentioned change the oil an filter every 5000km's and it should be good.
you may want to look into wider pegs (I like fastway brand) and steg pegs (something to grip with your lower leg/boot) to help you feel more secure standing up. Coming from mtb, you will pick up the motorcycle stuff in no time!
Service intervals on the KTMs are very conservative. The intervals they give are for racing conditions. If they're reliable enough for the Baja 1000, they are fine for ADV riding... They also weigh 50 lbs less than the Kawi and can cruise highways with ease.
Un choix réfléchi et intelligent, c'est une excellente moto ce genre de road trip. Les petites et moyennes cylindrée sont trop dénigrées malheureusement, les pilotes ne se rendent pas compte du potentiel de ces motos. J'ai 53 ans de conduite moto derrière moi, en tout terrain, sur la route etc.... Je vous conseille de faire une formation au tout terrain avec un motard qui a de l'expérience, c'est vraiment impératif pour le genre de voyage que vous voulez faire, non seulement pour plus de facilité, mais surtout pour éviter des chutes et des accidents graves en tout terrain. Amitiés d'un motard français ✌️ Bonne route 😉👍🙏
Oh, standing on the bike under acceleration, braking, turning, etc....feels weird compared to a mtb. Whenever i get the chance i stand a bit on the roads to work on the bike feel and this has been making a positive impact as of late.
You should find some people to ride with a few times. It would be helpful for things like recognizing your gearing might be too tall. Getting tips like how to carry momentum over obstacles. It's a good idea to shut your bike off and coast downhill when the going is tough, you can use the clutch like a rear brake. There are a lot of tips that I'm sure you'd pick up just from riding with some other guys. Good luck and have fun!
All the best mate travelling the world interests me but on a 300! Wow I gotta see if you make it. In Australia there's alot of boggy trails for 100s of kilometres will be hard going with skinny tires but you never know. Take it easy and enjoy the ride mate..
Honda Yamaha Kawasaki motorcycles, good engines are also strong and easy to maintain! You don't need to hesitate if you ride a motorbike down a steep road, because the Kawasaki engine has an engine break system! So when going down the road you don't need to change gears, just reduce the throttle rotation, then your motorbike will go slowly because there is an engine break! Hopefully useful! Keep practicing using a clutch motorbike so that you will understand when driving, keep up the spirit, friend ! Love it
Youre gonna really want to do some training before heading out. I personally might not have chosen the klx300 as a bike for a beginner since the other japanese dual sport options have a higher amount of torque on a lower rpm, which makes them harder to stall. Youre going to have to practice not stalling, by keeping up your rpms through your throttle and clutch.
I admire your sense of adventure and wish you the best. However I would be lying if I did not say I was worried. I would highly recommend you try a couple back country discovery routes before trying around the world. It would be a great way to gain experience and optimize your gear, navigation, and bike mods. Also having a satellite communicator like Garmin In-Reach is a must. Breaking down and getting injured in the middle of nowhere is only a matter of time. Just my two cents. Best of luck. I will be watching.
i just the same thing...this dude is not ready for that right now!
@@rocman9137 Totally Agree! 💯 He is no where near ready!
Best of luck. No problem to you, you're young, fit, with a positive attitude and ready for a big adventure. Get a bit of practice where you were today with a loaded bike, and you'll be fine.
Yea! What he said ... ^^^
You need better riding gear that will protect you in all the falls you're gonna have.
I live and ride in Asia (Indonesia). Your selection is right on target, I ride nicely modified Honda Rally 300. Here, the real adventure roads, do not require anything bigger. On my adv rides, i always look for the side roads, dirt.......i plan my days at about 40 km/h. Typically a days riding is 250-400 km being a big day. One comment, please, please do not run your oil for 12 000 km. I don't care what Kawasaki says (its marketing), the engine doesn't hold too much oil, the oil is "stressed" by the engine, the transmission shears it as well. Oil is cheap, you can change it anywhere. Its the blood line. Also with new bike, you should do first change at 500-1000. Be safe and good luck.
Right, 6,000KM is my standard interval for oil change on my Kawasaki Versys-X 300.
What? Is this BCPov riding a motorcycle around the world? Instant subscribe! Congrats man, can't wait to watch this series.
You found me! Thanks so much for the sub!
Thought he looked and sounded familiar
The fact that you selected a 300cc bike shows mature judgement. Take your time. Enjoy the ride.
It depends... Most people who do around the world tours and trips and hold circumnavigating records, choose 600/700cc bikes.
Most popular and most used bikes for people who do these 150,000+ kilometer around the world tours are, in order;
1. Yamaha Tenere,
2. Suzuki VStrom,
3. Honda Transalp,
4. BMW F650 GS,
5. BMW R 1150/1200/1250 GS
And so on and so forth...
Almost 95% of all bikes on the list are around 600-700cc. It's all about preference.
I've done 120,000 kms on my Himalayan 411 travelling fully loaded. It's been perfect.
It would've been a better choice than the Kawasaki he's chosen.
@keepitreal1547 but with 3k service intervals, I can see why he didn't. Also, the Himi fully loaded would be a lump to pick up. I'm a happy Himi owner, but don't have any plans to drop it or take it round the world (yet 😉).
@@iainrutherford184
In 120,000kms I've done oil/filter changes every 8,000 & only had to adjust the valves 3 times.
The 411 intervals are way too Conservative & done so (in my opinion) to produce more dealer visits & profits.
I know a guy who's done many kms as I have, yet serviced it every 12,000.
As for dropping it, yes it's heavier than the Kwak 300, but it's still very manageable & the lower down torque makes it an easier going bike & more relaxing.
I can't imagine doing the travels I have, on the 300.
@keepitreal1547 that's impressive. I agree about the service intervals and dealer profits. I'll certainly be doing my own servicing once I'm out of warranty. Your message reassures me that I've purchased the right bike for my needs 😉
Greetings! You had better to forget about 12000 km oil change intervalls! It is nothing but a legal scam. If you are interested in keeping your bike's engine in good health then the oil change (included oil filter change and air filter cleaning) intervall is 5000 km, not more. Do your research on it! Good luck on your journey!
I'll definitely play it by ear!
Yeah that sounds close
Mechanic here; oil and filters are cheap, their role is crucial, don't skimp just for a few bucks cause you will regret it sooner than later...5000km max. Rev that engine higher as it's meant to be, otherwise you"ll be hurting it, thse little guys gotta spin to be happy.
For sure! Oil and filters are cheap insurance. I change mine every 2000 km if possible.
@@alainmiclette7634can you please explain why rev it higher?
For being new at motorcycles and trail riding you did exceedingly well, congratulations. Your "can-do" attitude and lack of overwhelming fear will allow you to succeed and you will soon enough become and expert trail rider. Keep it up!
I highly recommend the secondary throttle plate delete, it helps a noticeable amount for getting up to highway speeds and holding them, but doesn't affect ridability or fuel milage in my experience. Also delete the kickstand switch, they are almost guaranteed to fail when they get submerged and leave you confused why your bike won't start.
Hard starting after stalling is pretty much normal on klx300s, you can help it along by giving a bit of throttle or cycling the key
Precision motorcycle racks makes a top rack and side racks for the klx300 if you haven't looked into them already!
GET COMFORTABLE STANDING ASAP🙂The bike is a very good choice, one thing that many do not think about is the low comp, you will need that in certain parts of the journey due to shitty fuel quality, you will encounter this especially in asia - most people who say bla bla will never do this sort of ride - the klx is a proper reliable engine and you will be fine throughout the entire trip on this bike. For what it's worth i would uprate the springs once you know the weight of the gear you are travelling with, you will be carrying gear which is going to screw the bikes geo up and you want the bike to ride properly and not be on its arse before it hits anything - your choice but ignoring sussers is a fools game and especially on a trip - don't forget to do your 1st oil change before you leave, should be done under 500 miles but hopefully your dealer told you this- 1st one gets rid of all the newly worn material from new engine.box/clutch etc , by the way the bike will become much more free after you have done some miles, will ride better engine and suspension etc
Bar risers will make it feel less like you’re crouched over.
@JasonWD bar risers are bad though, riders shouldn't be crouched when standing, they should be at an angle with a straight back, risers will just bring the bar closer to the torso and that's the opposite of what he and most need
Hips and legs should be disconnected from torso when stood on a bike, not literally of course
For long trips, I would recommend either folding mirrors, or smaller under-bar ones that will let you just catch a glimpse behind you.
Go for a few hours (4+) on a ride to see if you can tolerate the seat. If not, go run over to seat concepts for a better one.
Kickstand sensor should either be checked to see if its going to be a problem by being exposed, or bypassed completely and removed to not worry about it while you're out (just connect the wires together, usually).
Have your charging solution ready for phones and the like. Adding a small 12v charger plug on the bike can work for this as well.
I have put on a seat concepts :) Big upgrade
Don’t know how I ended up on this video, but I wish you luck.
I saw a comment about getting more experience, and they suggested doing a BDR route. I think that’s a great idea. You also want to practice fixing tires trail side. You need to be ready to fix a flat. I’ve had to replace tubes trail side, and even with years of experience it can be a pain.
Just a little tip on the starting issue. Next time you stall it and it gives you trouble just turn the key off and back on and it should start right up. I have the same bike and that has always worked for me
Yup, some fuel injected bike need that priming to start
I did not know that. Bike enthusiast 50+ years here!
@@larrynorsworthy8582 yep it works like a charm!
Yes, same exact bike and same exact issue. I tend to take the key out and put it back in if it doesn't start quickly after a stall.
Same for my KLX300SM. First bike I've ever seen this behavior on, but yep, key off and then on gets it back in action
don't let your ego get the best of you and take some riding lessons. There will be ample time to learn on the road but not without some basic skills.
Probably a good idea, but I've gotta head north asap!
Agreed! 💯
I really like your old channel Eric, this is new adventures and I am a avid enduro rally rider so happy to see the change. Rock on, can't wait to see the next video
Welcome aboard! So glad there are people from bcpov that like motorcycles! Glad to have you!
Dang, you missed a golden opportunity to name this trip "The Downward Spiral." I hope you're having fun. I already miss your MTB vids but I'll definitely watch this trip. I'm also a fan of the long way around and down series. Ewan McGregor was awesome in those.
My klx300 starts hard after stalling sometimes. A little throttle helps or turning bike off and on to get the fuel pump to build pressure. Itchy boots went all around the world on a 300cc bike no problem
Trip sensor need to key off and on again
Have fun! My unsolicited advice: find a good suspension shop and get your suspension dialed-in or upgraded. Best money you can spend on the bike. Handling, comfort, safety bonus, especially on a long trip. The Chris Birch “Say No to Slow” training videos are excellent and worth watching. Instant skill upgrade. Keep the rubber side down! 😉
Thumbs up for Birchy but the IRC guy is free and with lots of crucial drills to practice. Brake Magazine channel is also great.
@ I agree. I still think Birch is worth it. His videos on body position, cornering, etc. Are very good for the fundamentals.
The best bike is the one you are going to ride. I have a DRZ, but like your choice. People have gone around the world on mopeds. You have lots of time to figure things through Canada. One thing to maybe consider is shipping tires ahead, to be sure you can find them..then again your tire sizes probably won't be too hard to locate along the way. I have been running Shinko 804/805 and they hold up well. Tons of help online from other RW travellers. I am looking forward to following along..ride safe.
When you stall the engine, don't turn the throttle at all when restarting the engine. I suggest you practise a lot more, you need to improve on your clutch work and throttle a little more through sections that need it, especially when at a dead stop or slow uphill.Get comfortable with standing up and riding, especially when off-road. Understand how moving your weight on the pegs helps change direction without always needing a handlebar turn input. You should be able to ride standing comfortably for at least a half hour at a stretch.
When going downhill, drop to a lower gear and let go of the clutch, the clutch is ONLY for changing gears or to get moving.
I’ll get the hang of it 🙂
... you're sooo right! But, the truth: that should be a proper standard knowledge!
T7 rider, 71, europe
The clutch is NOT only for changing gears (for upshifts you don't even need it if you time the closing of the throttle right) or to get moving you can use it (slipping it) to brake while downshifting, to slow you down (with engine off) on very steep downhills (instead of having one foot on the rear brake pedal), to keep you still on very steep uphill climbs (with proper modulation), etc.
Moreover, the myth that you have to be standing up to properly ride on the dirt is wrong. It depends on what sort of riding you do. You definitely DON'T need to stand up when riding at 20-30 mph on double track smooth dirt and gravel roads. You need to stand up when harsh anomalies are coming way too fast for you to adjust your body properly and protect your back and neck from incoming jolts.
Moreover, his engine is new and tight hence the hard restarts. I wouldn't be surprised if the dealer had pour in break-in oil for the first 1000kms/miles or so to seat the piston rings properly. I wouldn't object to that. However, this oil could have made his clutch and friction disks drag a bit more hence he could start it easier while in neutral and not by merely pulling the clutch in.
Looking forward to see more videos. Good choice on your bike. Klx is a solid platform. Looking forward to you kitting it out for your trip and setting it up for your comfort.
I'm impressed that you chose a light and small moto. I once rode a Suzuki DR200R from Pakistan to Egypt. Then I fell down in the middle of the desert. How painful it was to lift a moto that weighed only 120kg. I hope your journey is a success. I am planning to run through Central Asia within 5 years.
Your bike handling skills are very impressive. I've ridden predominantly road bikes, and also motorbikes for a few years, and I would've been intimidated by some of the terrain you covered. Cracking job! I've subscribed, and I look forward to following your journey 💙
I love how you just dove right in with the off-road stuff. Your MTB experience pays off!
You’ll wanna change those mirrors to the double-take mirrors before you leave or you’ll be stuck with a smashed mirror somewhere soon.
In the UK we're taught not to use the cut off switch unless it's an emergency. Apparently it will wear out. Use the key instead, wouldn't want the switch to fail on your trip. Good luck with it!
It's what we are taught and our licencing process is much more rigorous than what is shown on this channel. It may be that the kill switch myth is based off older experiences when bikes had poor quality switches. Using the kill switch also makes it possible to forget to switch off the ignition which could lead to a flat battery. Check what your owners manual states is the correct procedure and do that.
Oh yeaahh! Great little bike, you'll do just fine with it, I'm sure. I rode a little 125cc dirtbike for a couple months, had ups and downs with it, then broke a toe while riding and realized it's not really for me, I had a little lifestyle change, so it got sold.
I'm stoked to come along with your for the journey, best of luck Eric!
I ride an older KLX250, basically the exact same bike for the last 20 years and they're incredibly versatile. Anyone saying 300 is too small has never ridden a KLX, I intend on doing this stuff on my bike or preferably a larger one at some point, have fun! It's so interesting seeing someone encounter the same issues I had on this bike when I was starting, not knowing how to start on a hill and worrying that somethings broken, etc...
I love MTBing but this will inspire me to get out more on my WR250R.
Have fun and enjoy your new adventure Eric!
my 0.2 cents, fold inside your rear mirrors. any go up through the front bike can end with broken forearms. I saw it too many times :( wish you fabulous trips and usual tips : stay on pegs, get some enduro or trial clinics, practice static balance in garage and garden, work clutch control then keep speed and momentum ;) now tons will bash me but forget the rear brake, practice hard the front and if rear needed in super down steep, use staled engine and clutch drag ;) both feet balls will stay on foot pegs
Very honest newbie story. That bike will do you great, you'll learn how to cover all the obstacles you encountered in no time and laugh about how you struggled before. Have the best time on your travels 👍👍
Thanks patch, gotta keep it real!
First, rtw on a motorcycle is a dream of mine! Your going get a lot of
"ADVICE". Some good, some not so good. All I can do is tell you from my experience. Been riding for almost 60 years, last 12 years lots of woods, dual sports and ADV riding. Momentum is your friend, I still practice this as much as possible. A.T.G.A.T.T. which includes elbow and shoulder protection, chest and back protector, knee and shin pads, and eye protection. I did and will fall, and get hurt.
Even after all the years of riding I still try to take at least two riding courses
every year. Good Luck, will be following! 🌎
I've got that d3o protection throughout my jacket and pants :)
👏👏👏👏👏 😊😊😊 estoy muy emocionado por este nuevo viaje que estas haciendo , será entretenido verte evolucionar en la moto. Gran decisión 👍 👏 👌
That was my guess. LOL. The Kawi 300. Reliable and not too heavy. Even an experienced rider might find this bike an excellent choice.
Maybe there is an aftermarket larger fuel tank for it.
Your body will not bounce around if you stand when off-road. And your knees and ankles work to absorb pumps,..
Crank and hold the throttle 100% open if it keeps cranking over but will not start after a drop. This will stop the fuel from being injected so it will unflood the motor, the same as with automobiles.
It’s fuel injected he just needs to cycle the key… the technique your describing is for carbureted engines when flooded after a drop or stall, open throttle 100% and crank until it fires.
Bravo! Best of luck on your journey! We just finished our year long journey on CRF300's through Central and South America. (even though we never finished our youtube videos..WHOOPS!)
I can confirm that 300cc is more than enough power for a travel bike. While there are Honda dealerships all over the world, we found that very few countries carried the crf300l specifically, so parts availability was actually quite difficult. Parts had to be ordered and we had long wait times. The 300 doesn't share as many parts with the older 250 as we thought. Try to confirm a few countries along your route that actually carry the klx300 specifically. Japanese reliability is a real thing, but carry spare wear parts. Oil and air filters of course, but also fork seals, steering bearings and wheel bearings. In our case those were hard to come by. Most of the moto travelers we met that rode off road had to replace their steering bearing at least once.
Lastly, someone already mentioned it, but when you stall some fuel injected bikes, you have to turn it on and off (with either the kill switch or key) to cycle the fuel pump before it will start easily again.
Enjoy your trip!! We'll be following along!
Always loved BCpov and already follow Itchy Boots, Ed March etc so happy to follow your adventures Eric. Best of luck to you, you're living the dream!
Good luck! If you're used to long distance solo motorcycle travel you know it can be tough sometimes. Everyone has advice, most have never ridden across continents. Relax and enjoy the journey and the people you meet on the way!
That sounds like some great advice! Enjoying it very much so far!
Absolutely agree on the choice of bike 👍. For me it would have been between that, a Suzuki DRZ400 or a comparable Honda. Shame about the tank size but I'm sure there's a bigger aftermarket one.
There is a bigger aftermarket one, i install it in episode 4! Which is live already! I did very nearly go with the drz, the updated one looks great!
1) Dirtracks Hard Parts makes a nice rear rack system for the KLX, and it's on sale right now.
2) Delkevic makes a great, low cost muffler (use with KDX snorkel.)
3) IMS 2.7 gallon tank gives me 160 mile range. I use 1.5L fuel bottles also.
4) Use a 50 tooth rear sprocket to fix the tall gearing.
Good Luck!
Check your kickstand sensor a lot of these bikes have an issue starting because of loos wiring of that sensor and if its in a precarious position consider getting it removed so that once you are on the road you do not have to worry about it causing you issues.
I definitely worry about that one… i think if i bridge the wires it’ll bypass it
Great to see. Safe travels. You will want to ditch those factory mirrors if not n your plans. They will break off at the base in a fall. Get folding ones for off road.
For your test, practice a lot of slow maneuvers without putting your foot down. It’s how I failed my first test.
I used to ride dirt bikes. One time my bike pinned my ankle between the clutch and the handlebar. I was stuck and could not pick the bike up off of myself. I had to have someone lift the bike off of me. Afterwards, the clutch mount was broken. I put wrap around hand guards on the bars and never had that issue again. I never liked dirt biking by myself. Sometimes things happen and it is nice to have a friend to save you. After a helmet, the most important piece of gear is your boots. When the bike falls on you, it will crush your feet. With the correct boots, it won't even bother you. I can't tell what you are wearing, but would recommend motocross boots. Usually people tuck their pants into the motocross boots. I hope you enjoy your journey. It looks challenging and fun.
My KLX300 didn't break in until after about 1,500 miles. The performance improved greatly alo g with better mpg. I have learned to give more throttle. Super fun bike!
Back in the 80s the go was a DT175. U can go anywhere off road, simple, 97kg so it can be thrown in a small boat or pulled out of a river, can travel at highway speeds, not very comfortably but if u want comfort take the bus.
Try turning the key off and back on when re-starting the bike. It should start immediately. I believe it has to do with priming the fuel pump, as these are fuel injected bikes. My Yamaha WR250R does the same thing.
Just make sure your shocks aren't bottoming out to easily with the extra weight from gear! Your choice for a low weight bike is excellent. You want to be nimble going around the world. One last tip check if the bike does well fully geared up steep grassy/rocky hill. Have fun now 😁
My two-pennies contribution. Totally agree with your choice of bike. The right choice balance of weight, power and reliability/ maintainability in far-flung places. Your MTB skills are very transferrable but its worth practicing picking the bike up as there's a knack to it AND learn to bump-start it. Not seeing a kick start but if you end up with battery issues being able to bump-start the thing at least gets you going again if the battery doesn't have enough juice. Good luck and I'll enjoy sharing in your adventure. Andy
Hey, good luck! I know the comments are full of advice, but in case someone hasn't said it, try starting in neutral. It puts less resistance and wear on the starter as the clutch plates/oil the transmission don't spin in neutral. Enjoy!
Wow dude! Planning on a around the world ride (jealous!) with little or no experience. Very impressive! the KLX is a good machine. Little small depending on your gear load but very desirable weight wise. The standing advice below is pretty critical to master especially in technical situations. I have ridden moto's for 50 years and MTB's for 20-30 years and there is some helpful crossover skills. I really enjoy my E-bike as it is a nice inbetween. Good luck!
I do some mountain biking and ride dual sport. I have been a long term subscriber of your other channel, and happy to see you starting to create content again. I look forward to following your adventures. Ride safe. Cheers
A 300cc is a great choice! Easy to ride and easy to fix. Dont worry! Enjoy the journey!
Incredibly good judgement. The suspension is good right out of the box. I strongly considered this bike over my dr650. My size was the only limiting factor.
you're needing more throttle when riding up hill at slow speeds, slip the clutch a little as you're too slow for first. also practice with some weight on the bike, will feel very different. Good to plan for new chain/sprockets every 15,000km also, and clutch plates every 10,000km if you're riding with the heavier load.
Good choice for a bike!! Can't wait to watch your journey!!
Recommend you take some riding courses before you go. You have a lot to learn before you pack that bike and take off on the journey.
It's funny that your mountain bike cost the same as the Kawasaki, if not more. Glad to see you are on a new journey and sending positive vibes. Ride safe and have an amazing journey!
On an ADV bike you want to stand up a lot because the bike will get thrown around and you don't want to get thrown around with it. However on a dirt bike or dual sport you want to keep your butt on the seat as much as possible to keep traction on the rear. Also when you're doing slow stuff, keep the revs up and feather the clutch; the way you're riding right now you're treating the clutch like you would on a street bike where the goal is to just get moving and then let it go, but off road you want to use the clutch to modulate the power a lot. Just don't overdo it and cook the clutch (speaking of which, pack some replacement clutch packs in your kit).
Subscribed. I can't wait to see how you grow and progress as a rider. Good luck!
Great bike for nice adventure.
I used Yamaha WR155 for Solo Trip 4,400 km Trip this year.
Great choice of bike! Im looking forward to following your journey. You will love Australia when you get down here!
Fair choice, good size and weight, and its Kawasaki ❤. Personally I would go for bike of similar size but air cooled and with carby. Have a safe trip.
Keep those eyes protected even when you want to ride with your visor up. You don’t want to catch anything in your eyes while riding. Even sand can be painful. Also, always go to neutral before getting off the bike or grabbing stuff out of your pockets when stopped. Unless you’re trying to do some more advanced maneuvers there is no need to be in gear. Also, work on getting comfortable standing while riding. You’re going to need that skill as you advance. Great start!!
Good luck on your adventure. I hope your bike has a backup kick start. Learn to stand while riding, especially in difficult situations. Before you begin your big adventure, do a lot of short adventures. Day rides that you can train in. A few hours hard riding can do wonders. It’s all about muscle memory, confidence, and riding within your skill level.
Make sure you get the IMS super stock foot pegs,ricochet skid plate and a high quality battery.And do the oil changes well under 12 k
After riding mtbs for years, the transfer to adventure bikes is easier than someone with no mtb background,but there is still a decent learning curve. Been on the moto for around 3 months now, and the best thing i did was a basic off road skills lesson and a sand riding lesson. Just to get the basics down and avoid forming bad habbits early in the game.
Best Advise! 💯
life is all about change and growth. I have watched your other channel since the start. Similar to yourself, I have entered the MC world. From experience all the MTB skills transfer over when needed... keep rubber side down.
Alot of advice in the comments. Choosing to do the trip is the biggest step. I did England to Oz in 04/05 on a 600 Tenere. It was good for the highway and ok on dirt tracks. Something that is comfortable passing cars on the highway with a headwind is something I myself look for.
The trip maybe daunting, but it is easier than working and paying off a mortgage, quite easy to do. And it will become a normal part of life. An exciting never a dull moment life! I wouldn't recommend riding at night in dodgey countries though. Good luck
I have a WR450f - fuel injected like your bike - if I stall it in a high gear it will have the same trouble starting. I wouldn't worry about it if it starts normally the rest of the time. As your clutch work improves you will stall a lot less. You're off to a great start.
Thanks for the encouragement :)
9:30 I'd advise you should definitely keep it up with coming to the trails before you start the trip. It'll 100% definitely pay dividends to get much better at lower speed technical riding, & learning to stand on your pegs on climbs like this & smoothly distribute your weight going over rocky sections like that would probably be crucial for being able to do it with fully loaded gear :P.
Just generally would advise try get a lot more offroad experience before starting such an expedition, but regardless I'm sure you'll learn & get better one way or the other ;)
I personally would’ve chose a Himalayan it’s a little heavier but it’s got that low end torque that you need when you’re going slow…. Like a Honda 90 I used to have I’d put it in the low range it would climb through any of… I don’t know anything about your bike but I can hear by the sound of it you have to rev it to get the torque maybe you might have to change out your sprocket just a thought..
Obviously depends on the route,whether its main road tarmac or track but i think 500km a day is very ambitious. Youll be putting your inexperience under unnecessary pressure. 500km a day on a small bike like that, especially once fully loaded,takes quite some doing day in day out. Its supposed to be fun. Lower your sights a bit and smell the coffee😉. Good luck to you.
KLX 300 is a good choice as aside from Fuel Injection (good for altitude changes) the bike has effectively seen few changes in a very long history as both a 250 and a 300.
Some of the earlier versions did have more offroad oriented better forks and shocks suited for faster enduro style riding such a riding style especially solo areound the world is a non starter.
I have been a Motorcycle Tech since 1972 and actually worked for Kawasaki Motors and definately recomend this choice as being a sound one, Yes Yamaha WR 250 is better off road, Honda CRF 250 good but not as decent suspension wise as the KLX stock.
Honda's CRF 250 and 300 off road variants differ from the road orientated ones because the Hondas that have seperate oils for the engine and gearbox rely on the bike bouncing around to lubricate the gearbox effectively, Ride them on the road and they can seize the gearbox as splash feed only goes so far.
Like most modern Bikes they are set up too lean mixture wise to pass emissions and as well because there are acceleration noise tests they retard the ignition to flatten the noise produced from the exhaust, That particular test noise wise is why so many modern bikes have rubber rings on both sides of the countershaft sprockets.
I recomend a simple screwdriver or button adjustable piggyback type fuel tuner as richening the fuel will improve torque down low and make starting easier, If you do minimal tuning to the mid range and top end you will overall maintain decent fuel mileage as well with factory or close to factory settings at those RPM.
Get one and find somebody to teach you how to use it preferably on a dyno so if and when you may need to adjust things due to say altitude changes to keep performance you can and will be able to improve things.
As for smaller Bikes Itchyboots aka Norally did much of africa in season 6 and 7 on a Honda 250 and 300 so check out some of her episodes for insights as to where you are going and the people there 99% great Humans will be whom you meet
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket. You will like it better offroad. Also...crack throttle open some when re-starting it after stalling. Its just a lil flooded.
Came up on AirPlay and I thought I recognized your voice! Best of luck on your journey! I trail a klx230r its reliability has stunned me, your bike will not let you down. Also.. you can look at getting a bigger fuel tank I know there are aftermarket options and they are super easy to change in that bike.
You found me! If you skip ahead to episode 4 you can see what tank i chose
@@Una_Moto Yeah funny you say that ended up seeing that very episode later in the day, What an incredibly cool build!
You can always look into a rekluse clutch and I would definitely learn how to change the clutch it's very simple and I think you will go through at least two on your trip
Looking forward to this series. Great choice of motorcycle.
The klx has trouble starting when hot... I shouldn't say trouble I guess. Maybe it's not a huge issue but it definitely struggles with hot starts. A lithium battery helps.
Love the new channel and change in content!
This will be interesting I have that bike, it’s a good choice. If you can change the bars they won’t handle drops very often before bending, pegs, seat, bash plate maybe mirrors these are the basic changes I’ve had to do so far. You will definitely need lots of training it’s more capable than you showed here especially all the stalling.
Yup! 💥👊🏼💯 Terrible rider
Fully packed out bike is WAY more difficult to ride off road.. If you notice in many of Itchy Boots videos when she is not riding fully packed out she ALWAYS remarks on the difference. So before departure do tons of difficult off road fully packed out and pick it up from laying down about 20x a day to get the technique and build muscle memory strength and coordination
You can do it👍
You are setting out on a truly amazing adventure. I wish you well.
The kiss principle is key to a trip like this. Easer smaller to work on motor is a no-brainer. A 300cc is more than you will need. After all, this isn't a land speed record.
Eric, good luck on your adventures on your new dirtbike.
Kawasaki makes great products, I used to own a PWC and it was a blast.
As for the KLX , I’m sure it’ll treat you great on your travels in adventure.
I’ve used to own a Suzuki DR 400 , it was a thumper maxed out around 100mph but kinda gutless, but super reliable and comfortable. Have an awesome time 🙌🏼
I think you made a good choice with the Kawasaki. But I suggest taller bars and a seat concepts seat. Having owned one, it feels like a smaller bike. I'm not sure how tall you are. But you might want to adjust some things for your comfort. Standing while riding long distance is really nice for giving your butt a break. Unfortunately the Kawasaki doesn't have the ergos to be a good standing bike unless your able to somehow really raise the bars a lot or if your a shorter person. It would be cool if you took the Trans American Trail through the USA or connect a few BDR's. The one thing that is gonna wear you out is no wind screen. You might want to get something to fight the wind. It will really take a lot out of you if you don't.
Great choice don't overload it there lots super light gear today a pair vice grips and adjustable wrench are must have
Go for it Man...just hit the road and enjoy the life... i trust in your ability to manage the Trip..why? Because you know what you are doing ...and thats enough to me...i salute you brave man 🫡
Wish all the Luck and Safty...
Greetings 🇸🇦 🌴 💐 😊
I had a klx300r and to resart it after stalling, you had to turn thr ignition off the back on to get the fuel pump to run. Not sure if the dual sport is the same, might be.
gotcha.. I get that when I tip the bike over.. have to cycle the ignition
Standing up will definitely help. When you do, keep your weight forward and use your legs to hold onto the tank/seat. You'll learn the tricks as you go, it's just going to take time since you are teaching yourself. I've been riding dirtbikes for 30 years. It will be like a mtb in no time since you will be getting so much ride time. It will just feel like an extension of your body. Good luck, ride safe!
Nice bike, love the camo. Almost went with this one myself, ended up finding a great deal on a Crf300l. No regrets!
Good choice going small. I’ve been an extreme adventurer most of my life and what I hear long distance back country riders say is they wished they went smaller.
Pretty cool idea and I'm definitely subscribing. That said, I'd like to echo the BDR idea and taking a few weeks/months to prepare for such an epic trip. Knowing how to handle a lot of your own troubleshooting and maintenance will be key, as well as dialing in your packing list for survival, spare parts, tools, extra fuel, WATER!, etc.
I wish you the very best of luck in this adventure, and I'm looking forward to watching! Cheers! 🍻
I put over 45000 miles on a WR250r set up as a light weight adventure bike, as others mentioned change the oil an filter every 5000km's and it should be good.
you may want to look into wider pegs (I like fastway brand) and steg pegs (something to grip with your lower leg/boot) to help you feel more secure standing up.
Coming from mtb, you will pick up the motorcycle stuff in no time!
Service intervals on the KTMs are very conservative. The intervals they give are for racing conditions. If they're reliable enough for the Baja 1000, they are fine for ADV riding... They also weigh 50 lbs less than the Kawi and can cruise highways with ease.
Looking forward to this series, I have a Tenere 700 and am interested in the KLX300 for a smaller, lighter weight option.
Subscribed!
Man, travelling around the world KLX 300 wow, waiting for more, u got new subscriber instantly, best wishes man.
There is a guy going around the world with a 90cc bike .
Un choix réfléchi et intelligent, c'est une excellente moto ce genre de road trip.
Les petites et moyennes cylindrée sont trop dénigrées malheureusement, les pilotes ne se rendent pas compte du potentiel de ces motos.
J'ai 53 ans de conduite moto derrière moi, en tout terrain, sur la route etc.... Je vous conseille de faire une formation au tout terrain avec un motard qui a de l'expérience, c'est vraiment impératif pour le genre de voyage que vous voulez faire, non seulement pour plus de facilité, mais surtout pour éviter des chutes et des accidents graves en tout terrain.
Amitiés d'un motard français ✌️
Bonne route 😉👍🙏
Oh, standing on the bike under acceleration, braking, turning, etc....feels weird compared to a mtb. Whenever i get the chance i stand a bit on the roads to work on the bike feel and this has been making a positive impact as of late.
You should find some people to ride with a few times. It would be helpful for things like recognizing your gearing might be too tall. Getting tips like how to carry momentum over obstacles. It's a good idea to shut your bike off and coast downhill when the going is tough, you can use the clutch like a rear brake. There are a lot of tips that I'm sure you'd pick up just from riding with some other guys. Good luck and have fun!
All the best mate travelling the world interests me but on a 300! Wow I gotta see if you make it. In Australia there's alot of boggy trails for 100s of kilometres will be hard going with skinny tires but you never know. Take it easy and enjoy the ride mate..
Honda Yamaha Kawasaki motorcycles, good engines are also strong and easy to maintain! You don't need to hesitate if you ride a motorbike down a steep road, because the Kawasaki engine has an engine break system! So when going down the road you don't need to change gears, just reduce the throttle rotation, then your motorbike will go slowly because there is an engine break! Hopefully useful! Keep practicing using a clutch motorbike so that you will understand when driving, keep up the spirit, friend ! Love it
Good choices... when you don't feel comfortable, just go back! Better to go back than to break your back!
Youre gonna really want to do some training before heading out. I personally might not have chosen the klx300 as a bike for a beginner since the other japanese dual sport options have a higher amount of torque on a lower rpm, which makes them harder to stall. Youre going to have to practice not stalling, by keeping up your rpms through your throttle and clutch.
Working on it!
Spot On! 💯
What other japanese options?