Ummm, that was very well explained. I'm biased but the things I look for are just what you describe. Our suspension was developed for exactly those attributes and that kind of riding. Thank you so much for the nice words! I'm proud to have a little of us being out on your adventures with you!
Nice series on the suspension. The whole magic is in controlling the oil flow through the travel as the spring really just supports the load. The KLR like many bikes has a very simple dampening rod front fork, basically a solid piston and some holes drilled in the rod that supports it in the lower leg for the oil flow. The problem/limitation is that the "resistance" of the oil flow through these holes greatly increases with velocity of the oil flow (big bumps), to a point where the flow can almost stop. This translates into a "locked up" fork. Just changing oil weight, can only adjust a very narrow velocity rate, going heavier will "positively" increase low speed dampening but the fork will become too stiff at higher velocities. What you got from Cogent is what's typically called emulator. This is basically a valve, that uses shims and or springs to "dynamically" adjust the oil flow opening to control the flow over varied oil velocities. Some emulators require drilling out the factory rod holes to eliminate that portion of the system, in your case you are still using the factory system, but with what I assume is a thinner fork oil, the rod is not doing much dampening. Another useful "tuning" tip is to adjust your oil level or the air gap in your fork. As the fork compresses, the inner fork tubes take up the air that is inside of the fork creating internal pressure. This pressure acts as a "bottom out" air spring. To make this adjustment, assemble the fork with bit less oil than called for and place a zip tie on the fork leg. Next manually compress the fork by dynamically pushing down on it, you should feel the spring bottoming out. The zip tie marks the bottom out point, make a mark on the fork leg, move the zip tie down and add bit of oil. Repeat this process till you no longer can bottom out the fork. You are looking for 1 to 2 cm between the initial spring bottom and the new "air gap" bottom. Too much oil will blow out your seals. Thx for the vid
Great vid, thank you. In the world of motorcycles suspension is a very personal and unique preference to each riders requirements. Stock systems are designed to deliver a competent ride for general use and non - professional users. When you move out of that realm and demand more of the bike whilst operating under often pretty grim conditions, heavy luggage loads, extremely rough terrain and water - the stocker is way over worked. In the world of high tech suspension you generally get exactly what you pay for. The beauty of the KLR is its simplicity, spend six grand on upgrades and it is the most competent bike on the planet. The kicker is in the fact that it is still cheaper than most of its competitors regardless of the cost for upgrades.
Until you ride the best it's hard to judge, I had a klr650 did a bunch of upgrades and it was still a klr650, not a bad bike, but very dated in its technology. Plus the KTM's BMW's have great resale, but to each their own, any bike is better than none.
I bought a 2018 KLR for a simple low tech bike like I had in the 70's . It is simple and fun and I don't expect too much from it. I added some upgrades . There are many better bikes and a I have some but the KLR is fun.
I've been riding on a Cogent Moab shock for 10 years now, best money ever spent on my KLR. I did pair it with Racetech gold valve emulators with yellow spring @ 4 turns.
Tell Cogent to keep the plans for the KLR full set up around, I’m sure that next year I’ll be looking to make a similar upgrade. Excellent info Mason. Thanks!
Did you just whip out a stylist while riding?! Lmao. Awesome trails and riding Mason, you make me look like a scaredy cat noob haha that was some DEEP water!
Another great video (and also like the ride video with Mrs. Mason). After some thought, I ordered a Moab shock and the DDC kit. In my case I ordered one that is 1” lower. I won’t get to try it out until the spring but am excited to have a system set up and built just for me.
Thanks for posting this video. You are helping decide the path forward on a new suspension for my KLR. Your comments on the uprated spring/heavier oil vs. the Cogent are exactly the type of info I need. Now just to decide between the Moab Pro and Moab...
Thanks for the review! The KLR's OEM suspension is seriously lacking. Because I have so many other things that need to be addressed, I may skip the Cogent suspension upgrade this summer and make a more budget friendly intermediate upgrade, but it'll be "out there" for consideration...
I get it! It rides like it looks! Great video Mason! Just finished installing my Tusk bags and top box. This riding season is going to be epic! Thanks for the inspiration...
Thanks for sharing Mason, I was looking for something to tackle irregular pavement and this suspension may transform the ride from bumpy to smooth, and for a "buy once" experience, this looks it. That was a pretty deep crossing btw!
I went full cogent a few years ago and I have to say it is great improvement on standard ...still the front and rear are not perfect -the front feels a bit firm whilst the rear in comparison is a bit soft, have done over 20,000 km with no failures which is good considering I do a lot of off road. Was a bit disappointed that they forgot to include the spacers for the front springs and then told me don't worry I could make some....If I was sending stuff to Australia I would have tried to get the order right the first go....
Hey Michael, Sorry to hear your experience wasn't perfect. I have had great luck dealing with them but I do know they are super busy. Not much you can do with the rear but the front can be softened by removing some oil and increasing the air space. Also if your spacers are too long they will increase spring preload so you could play with that. Cheers and thanks for the comment!!
Awesome review. You def are the only one who can decide what feels right. I've waffled on this, but, until I start getting off-road more, it would be silly for me to upgrade to this level. Tempting.....really tempting....but to think I need it....just delusional...lol!
Mhmm, everyone has their own "perfect setup" Ron. It's nice to know that if you get to the point that your out-riding the OEM suspension, there are options :) Cheers!
Thanks for sharing that information. After going to their web-site and looking at the cost of this upgrade, I just cannot justify putting that kind of money in a KLR suspension, especially if addressing the engines lack of power also. I'm a tight-wad also, so it's easy for me to talk myself into being okay with the stock suspension, well errr, for now anyway. Bottom line, if your happy with it, that's all that matters. :-)
Totally! Trust me, It took me 3 years to pull the trigger on this one ;) There were times I thought I would just keep my modified stock setup too but I'm glad I did it now! Cheers Robbie.
High Quality suspension not Only provides a controlled plush ride. It allows you to ride faster and slower with much more confidence. Did I mention High Quality suspension also provides Safety!
Gday Mason,thanks for the vid very informative, with suspension you either feel it or you don't, years ago on a tour the mate on his Suzuki gs 850 g nearly got pogo sticked off the road when he hit a big dip he didn't even pull over, I ended up pulling him over and his suspension was on the softest of everything as it came out of the show room, I adjusted his preload and dampening up to suit ,he was a don't feel it guy, its about getting our bikes to be the best they can be to suit ourselves and our riding styles, love the double thumbs up that says it all,Godbless and Love and havagreatweek Bruce and Jackie Pinwernying WA
That's very true Bruce. I have recently spent some time adjusting the suspension for Benham on the 701 and it was the same thing. After some adjustments he says its so much better but didn't realize it could be better than it was. Thanks for the comment and have a great week guys! Cheers :)
The new submarine KLR class:)) dam i wish l had the money to upgrade my suspension parts on the DL. Great video sir, and finally you guys have riding weather.
Thanks for the comments, I look forward to hearing more about how you are liking the suspension as you really get a feel for it, especially when you get the bike loaded up with camping gear or are riding two up.
First 2up ride on the new suspension last night and it did exactly what I was expecting.Great improvement, and the ability to crank up the front and rear with ease is a huge bonus! Cheers Fire :)
Been a bit busy but I finally got to this one. Glad you like the new setup, but I have one question: what do the adjustable fork caps adjust? Man, you ride that thing well too. Good job and keep ‘em coming!
Hi Mason, great mini-series on the Cogent Suspension. I use my KLR for hardtop commuting during the week. I hate the production suspension and its pogo stick feel in stop/slow/go traffic. Did you notice a big improvement on road? From your video off-road should greatly improved with some improvements on-road. Love the KLR but hate the suspension - has me thinking of replacing the bike soon to get better road manners. Your thoughts?
Yes, It has changed the bike on every surface. Took Missus mason out 2 up last night and it even handled that with ease :) I don't know what you considering replacing it with so I couldn't say this is better than that but It really is a good setup. Cheers!
Great review! I learned a lot. I'd have to do that upgrade in two parts. With that in mind which upgrade would you recommend first, the front or the back? I understand they work together I'm just wondering your opinion. Thanks Mason!
ohh, good question! I think front first. It's the less expensive for starters, seriously reduces brake dive and at this point your not carrying much weight. the cogent front with a top gun coil on the rear would really change the bike for most riders. Cheers Scratch!
I did the front first and would have to agree with Mason makes a huge difference no more dive and the front seems to keep better traction in the rough stuff
Just found your channel. These three videos on your Cogent suspension upgrades are very informative. Knowing an upgrade in the suspension was required right off the showroom was in order so have been looking around at all the options. What a jungle out there and everyone has the "World Leading....blah blah blah". There are also some other big names out there too that are not to be sneezed at. A question about your final decision. Was it strictly the adjustability that sold you on the Cogent over the other competitors?
That's good to hear, Paul! Glad to help. Your right, there are some major players in the suspension game and some great options out there but ultimately I decided on Cogent because not only do they build strong, reliable gear, they build it to your specifications. Most places you just order out of a catalog and do your best to anticipate what you want/need but with Cogent you call down and answer some questions about how and where you ride, what you carry on the bike and what type of ride you prefer and they build it to suit. Similar money to any good suspension but a full custom build for you. Lots of options too ;)
@@masonsadv If you don't mind, I have another question about the rear shock set up. Did you add any protection between the shock and the rear wheel from the mud/water/rocks/stones that are flung up? I see some people are placing a shield to protect the rear shock from getting all caked up with gunk. Kind of makes sense really.
Thanks FC :) The bike build is complete except for one thing, but that's for another time ;) This year I will spend time getting used to and dialing in the suspension for my different modes, empty, camping, 2 up. and just enjoy riding it! Its fun to ride :)
Now to save up my dollary-doos to get some suspension upgrades, crash bars, and a skid plate. I cannot remember if you had done the doohickey on your 2015 or not. I'm debating it on my 16.
First of all I am not really a KLR hater and in fact I own a few. After buying one I bought more so i was never a hater even if I dont ride em anymore..... I still believe for the right person's particular needs a KLR can be a great choice...But...BUT it seems pretty obvious that price point is the majore factor in why the model remains attractive to anyone that sets a narrow budget on choices.....in other words IF money were no issue? WHO seriously would choose a KLR? And see if you ask me spending thousands of dollars to improve just ONE issue on this model? Already JUST with that one upgrade The price point of the motorcycle gets moved right into the region of arguably better choices for the same money. It would be one thing IF the suspension was the only thing holding the KLR back from being a premium mount...But upgrading to high dollar suspension really might be along the lines of lipstick on a pig kind of thing ...Cause the bike is STILL gonna be an overweight under powered motorcycle less than dirt bike worthy and nothing anyone will supermoto on....Which leaves two possibilities....a touring motorcycle where it could not cut it EVEN with a 6 speed ...which of course it does not have which leaves a budget commuter or beginner friendly bike....bingo!...It's a great commuter bike for someone wanting a budget thumper and a good bike to dip ones feet into motorcycling as a stepping stone! The only place I see it shinning brightly is if one goes all KLR cult club lifestyle!....which is hard to say anything bad about that r thing! I mean go ahead and dump thousands into her in that case IF that happens to be you ....but otherwise as a commuter or entry kind of machine?? WHO needs to spend thousand on suspension? If you ask me it is ONLY that ONE SINGLE cult niche that defies the practical argument.....other than that? Thinking about the cost of this kind of premium suspension upgrade? I am all "WTF?"
Awesome review. Makes me want to go out and get it. If I had the coin to do it. So This summer I am going to run stock again. I will have to save my nickles for sure. Looked like you were riding a jet ski through those water holes lol. What are the heights on your home made windshield risers? I am making my own, and was curius.
Thanks TMoF! It is an expensive upgrade for sure. I just held my screen up and took some measurements but the high end is 4" from screw to screw. Cheers !
Masons ADV cool that is what I just made mine at the high end and about 1 1/2 on the low. Pain in the butt bending the metal without the proper tools, but it is looking good.
I'm sure many other people have asked this question, but I'm too lazy to scroll through all the comments so what I want to know is if this setup was not cheap how much did it cost?
Seems like a LOT of money for klr related stuff, maybe you should have sprung for a more competent bike in the first place? I knew a stock broker once who told me: "You can only put soo much lipstick on a pig" Now, before you mark me down as a KLR hater, just know I have 3 of them. They are what they are..and they happen to work for me quite well for what I wanted them for which was "positively, absolutely, getting me where I was going no matter what" adv riding. I have other bikes for canyon carving/cross-country superslab travel/ off road showing off, local pub showing off , and 'un walkable' trail riding and exploring. You can't build a "100% EVERYTHING" bike, no matter what BMW, KTM or Honda say...BUT, with a little effort and not a lot of money you CAN build a 75 to 80 percent Everything bike, and Kawasaki has already done it.. :) Seer
Haha, I was waiting for this one :) I see you like your KLR's so I think you will understand my thought process. Fist of all when I decided to buy a KLR it was solely due to price point, the cheapest bike I could buy new in the ADV lineup, but I knew that I was getting what I paid for and that included the suspension. The flip side of that is that the price leaves a ton of room for customizing the bike to my needs and style of riding, something that no other bike on the market can do at any price. So when you consider that you didn't pay for good suspension in the first place, adding it isn't the end of the world and even with all the mods added i'm only now approaching the price of the next bike that does a similar thing to the KLR, and it would need tuning and adjustments also. I'm not trying to build a 100% do everything bike but I am going to make the KLR as good as it can be and so far the results have been amazing and I'm still in for way less than some who have just purchased a "finished" bike from the dealer and I've had some great fun doing it :) Cheers Seer! and thanks for the comment :)
@@masonsadv LOL, I underestimated the maturity and thoughtfulness of your reasoning. Sooooo much today is about "fast-Faster-FASTEST" etc etc. At my age, job 1 is "actually get 'there", 2-with some degree of comfort,3- with as much enjoyment as is feasible. :)4- Without feeling that you've just been robbed! lol I too went first after the suspension, just at a more moderate level. I'm heavy but found that with new progressive front springs, different front and rear rubber, and a reconfigured rear shock with a custom spring from those 'old guy' klr desert rat guys out in California, have transformed my 'principal 'do it all' klr into a pretty satisfying 'all rounder' at a very modest cost HOWEVER, like the 'pig', it remains pretty damned HEAVY, especially when you lose it down the low side of a trail :) On the other hand, I've had a few KTM /Husky type speed weenies wave gleefully as they blasted past, not so cheerfully when I found em stranded later on down the trail/fireroad etc. LOL. Anyway, salutations. Oh, one more thing the Suzuki 650 wasn't very much more expensive, but the geometry from the saddle didn't work for me. The Dual purpose 650 Honda was better in the dirt but was a LOT more expensive, and for the type of exploring I like to do, too damned tall for low speed gnarly terrain exploring, and buzz city uncomfortable at revs on the highway. The old kickstart 650 XT Yammie was the off road best of the bunch, and the first dp bike of SIZE that I bought, waaaay back in the day. Still has a reserved spot in my bike garage, but the fairing'd KLR is a far more comfortable ride at speed on the pavement and still gets me thru some pretty amazing stuff. Seer
