TUSK Folding Shift Lever Review: A Durable Upgrade for Your KLR650 (1987-2018)
The Kawasaki KLR650 is a legendary dual-sport motorcycle known for its ruggedness and reliability. However, even the toughest bikes can benefit from aftermarket upgrades. The TUSK Folding Shift Lever, designed specifically for KLR650 models from 1987 to 2018, offers enhanced durability and functionality compared to the stock shift lever. This aftermarket motorcycle part aims to prevent damage during falls and improve the overall riding experience, particularly for off-road adventures. Is this affordable shift lever a worthwhile upgrade for your KLR650?
This TUSK shift lever replaces your stock lever and provides a folding mechanism that is designed to prevent it from bending or breaking in the event of a crash or drop. This is especially beneficial for off-road riders who are more likely to encounter challenging terrain. This review will cover its features, benefits, drawbacks, and ultimately help you decide if it's the right choice for your KLR650.
Key Features of the TUSK Folding Shift Lever
- • Folding Tip Design: This is the key feature. The lever's tip folds upon impact, reducing the risk of bending or breaking the entire lever. This can save you money and downtime on the trail.
- • +10mm Length: The slightly extended length (+10mm) provides a bit more room for your boot, which can be helpful for riders with larger feet or those wearing bulky off-road boots. This increases comfort and control.
- • Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials, the TUSK shift lever is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding and provide long-lasting performance. It's built to be a reliable replacement for the OEM shift lever.
- • Black Lever with Silver Tip: The black lever with a silver tip offers a clean and stylish look that complements the appearance of most KLR650s. It blends in well with the bike's aesthetics.
- • Direct Bolt-On Replacement: Designed as a direct replacement for the stock shift lever, installation is straightforward and requires minimal tools. This makes it an easy and accessible upgrade for most KLR650 owners.
Pros: Advantages of the TUSK Folding Shift Lever
- • Enhanced Durability: The folding tip is the biggest advantage, significantly reducing the risk of damage from impacts. A bent shift lever can ruin a ride, making this a valuable feature for off-road enthusiasts.
- • Improved Comfort & Control: The +10mm length provides more room for larger boots, leading to increased comfort and improved shifting feel. This is a subtle, but noticeable improvement for many riders.
- • Easy Installation: The direct bolt-on design makes installation quick and easy, even for riders with limited mechanical experience. No modification required means less time in the garage and more time on the trails.
- • Affordable Price: At around $23, the TUSK shift lever offers excellent value for its features and benefits. It's a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can save you money in the long run by preventing damage to the stock shift lever.
- • Stylish Design: The black and silver color combination looks great on the KLR650 and provides a subtle aesthetic upgrade.
Cons: Disadvantages of the TUSK Folding Shift Lever
- • Folding Mechanism Can Loosen Over Time: Some users have reported that the folding mechanism can become loose over time, requiring occasional tightening. Using Loctite on the pivot bolt can help mitigate this issue.
- • Finish Quality Could Be Better: While functional, the finish quality isn't as refined as some higher-end shift levers. However, given the price point, this is an acceptable compromise for many riders.
Who Should Buy the TUSK Folding Shift Lever?
The TUSK Folding Shift Lever is an excellent upgrade for Kawasaki KLR650 owners, especially those who frequently ride off-road. If you enjoy tackling challenging trails, rocky terrain, or simply want to add an extra layer of protection to your motorcycle, this shift lever is a worthwhile investment. Its folding design minimizes the risk of bending or breaking the lever in the event of a fall, potentially saving you from costly repairs and frustrating trailside fixes.
Riders with larger boots will also appreciate the added 10mm of length, which provides more room for comfortable shifting. The ease of installation makes it an ideal upgrade for DIY enthusiasts and riders who prefer to handle their own maintenance. This upgrade provides peace of mind for the adventurous dual-sport rider.
If you're primarily a street rider and rarely venture off-road, the benefits of the folding mechanism may not be as significant. However, the added durability and improved comfort could still make it a worthwhile upgrade, particularly considering the affordable price. Competitors like Moose Racing or MSR offer similar folding shift levers, but often at a higher price point. Overall, the TUSK folding shift lever offers great protection and style at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion: Is the TUSK Folding Shift Lever Right For You?
The TUSK Folding Shift Lever is a fantastic upgrade for KLR650 riders seeking enhanced durability, improved comfort, and added protection for off-road adventures. Its affordable price, easy installation, and effective folding design make it a worthwhile investment. Consider purchasing one today to improve your ride!
Rating: 4.5/5.0
