KLR IMS tank review.

[scottzilla]

I recently installed IMS tank primarily for radiator and overflow bottle (Mounted left and right side of bike) protection.  There are many options available for KLR's but I felt the IMS would be be the best bet.  Crash/nerf bars may provide a level of protection but there is enough space between the welded bars for a rock, stump or other debris to fit through and do damage.  The IMS offers solid protection.
I don't mess around: I went out and field tested the IMS.  Twice.
First mishap:  I knew this spot was slippery from past encounters but it bit me anyway.  You can see where the tires started to slide.
 

Doesn't look too treacherous, right?  I think the problem was too much throttle.  I hit this stuff doing 25-30mph and when the bike slip, fed in even more throttle.
Here is where the bike shot over all the way to the right side of the trail.
 

Here you can see where I planted left foot as the bike shot across the other side of the trail.


Here is the landing zone.  Bike went half in and half out of the woods.  I went full in.


Total distance start to finish is aprox 35-40 feet.  you can see the last hurrah slide in the foreground.


IMS tank did a fantastic job.  Took the impact and hardly shows a scratch.

[scottzilla]

Pretty hard hit on my left side but it's dirt.  Feels waaaaay better than crashing on asphalt.
I hit the road 'casue I still had one more crash to try out.
Found some pretty nasty stuff and got lost again.  I did some unbelievable stuff that you wouldn't believe so I won't even mention it.  Let's just say I know for a fact a KLR nose-cone is capable of plowing through trees. The trails were steep and sandy.  I got stuck a few times.
 

The side racks are ideal for pulling the bike out of tricky situations.  As usual, the pics don't do justice to how steep and sandy it was.




3 options, all steep and sandy.

[scottzilla]

Crash #2 was more of a tipover than a crash, but it was in a big 'ole puddle.  I had been skirting puddles all day, some of which were quite massive.  This guy has 33" tires.


I have no interest in getting wet.  Up until now the one thing that seems to win every time is mud (I'm getting pretty freaking good in the sand) and I have no interest in playing in it.
The edge is narrow, and my rear tire slipped off in to the water.  The front followed.  Not enough speed.  Damn.


on the way down I was determined not to take a muddy swim so I literally leaped off of the bike.  My God, it must have been a Nutcracker style spectacle.  It worked (For the most part).  I cleared most of the water.  Most of it, but not all.  I did get a little puddle water in my mouth, which is gross.
I waded in to retrieve my fallen KLR and  found it difficult to lift.  The bottom was quite slippery.  The bike emerged, cleaner than it was prior to taking the bath.
Gear report:
Tourmaster boots: waterproof.  I was in it mid calf, socks stayed dry.
HT overpants:  despite thousands of rain miles without getting wet, these leaked a little bit.  Not too bad though.
Joe Rocket leather race gloves: Not waterproof.
Tecknique textile jacket: not bad. I was sweaty so really couldn't tell what the wetness was from.  My cell phone stayed dry.
Bottom line, if I had a 200 mile ride in front of me, i'd been fucked.
The Rockgardn pressure vest did really well too.  I hit my right elbow hard (Twice) and I feel pretty good.  I bought this after reading about RDoug crashing in the rocks.  

[scottzilla]

Forgot this one: Nature is angry.


Forgot this one too: Pile of bones.  Judging from the long jawline, i'd say it was a possum.

[KLRchickie]

Any idea the weight difference between the stock steel & the IMS?  Lots of people do the swap, no one seems to weigh the tanks...

The side racks are ideal for pulling the bike out of tricky situations.  As usual, the pics don't do justice to how steep and sandy it was.

They do make fantastic handles, don't they?  

Looks like you had great fun, good to hear the gear and the bike performed that well

[scottzilla]

Any idea the weight difference between the stock steel & the IMS?  Lots of people do the swap, no one seems to weigh the tanks...



They do make fantastic handles, don't they?  

Looks like you had great fun, good to hear the gear and the bike performed that well

I did not weigh both tanks but the OE tank is steel, the IMS is plastic, so there is a huge weight savings with the IMS.  I've read different accounts as to exactly how much gas the OE tank holds but figure the IMS holds a gallon, maybe gallon and a half more?  At 10 pounds per gallon, minus the weight of the steel tank=a wash.  I didn't feel a difference.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Looks like you're having a blast, Scott  

Might I suggest adding one of these to your bike?


Might not be an issue with the sand/mud you're riding in, but I do know that it's saved MY bacon a number of times  

[scottzilla]

Yeah, bash plate is on the list.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Yeah, bash plate is on the list.

 

Note on the image the little extra bit that protects the waterhoses. This is important! I never thought anything could damage that far up the engine, but I managed it when I low-sided on some gravel. Torn one of the hoses right where it fits over the engine



Luckily, we were able to cut off the bad part and pull the hose down and re-clamp it  

[marc11]

Where did you get that water pump guard?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Where did you get that water pump guard?

I don't have one - that's just a picture I snagged of the internet. Dual Star sells them though

[marc11]

I don't have one - that's just a picture I snagged of the internet. Dual Star sells them though

Ugh, Dual Star, I'd rather replace the water pump then try to get something from them....nice little protector though.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Ugh, Dual Star, I'd rather replace the water pump then try to get something from them....nice little protector though.

  yeah, sadly I agree. But I wish I'd held out for their heated grips. I'm not happy with the ones I got.

[Walker]

You'd do yourself a favor if you got better tires for riding in the loose stuff.  I was a big fan of Continental TKC80 tires back when I had my KLR.

Moose bash plate is an absolute must have.  Maier Pro Woods or similar handguards to protect your levers and hands.

That IMS tank is pretty cool, especially if it holds more gas.  I remember breaking my 'wings' a couple of times and resorting to zip ties to hold them on.

Somedays I really miss my KLR.  Not enough room in the shed for one.  On the days I miss it I grab my mountain bike and head for the trails and get over it.  Who knows, maybe I'll get another someday.