Click pictures to supersize.

Although the FR350 will not be in my garage for a looong time, I've been thinking about what mods I might make to it when I get my grubby hands on it. I gathered up all the mods I've made to the five motos I've purchased in the last 10 years, about 80 distinct mods, sorted them into one list, deleted duplicates, then broke them out into the three categories shown below.

Top

I'm thinking these are the minimum I might have to do: Bags, tools, et al - Gotta carry tools, rain gear, snacks. The FR350 doesn't look to have many places to carry these items, so I'll probably add a Mojavi saddlebag on the back, as a minimum. Battery and electrical - I'll be swapping the probable lead/acid battery out and putting in one of the new lightweight batteries (Shorai), in keeping with the light-weight design of the rest of the FR350. Enduro Jug - I don't use a hydration pack; can't stand weight on my back and having my shoulders pulled back. I'll mount the tried and true Enduro Jug on the front handlebars, just like on every moto I've owned over the last 30 years. E-start swap - I've swapped every electric start switch to the left side of the handlebars, right next to the kill switch or preferably integrated into the same switch assembly. My left thumb will not be re-trained! Of course, the light switch/horn assembly comes over to the right side. Fork bleed valves - A must-do mod. Fork Seal Savers - Reliability/protection mod. Fuel tank - Five liters doesn't allow me to ride to my heart's content. I'll use the sweet cheeks setup until an aftermarket fuel solution pops up. Grips - Spider SLX grips for my wide hands are a must. I like the feel, too. Handguards - I'll be foregoing aluminum/plastic handguards and installing an all-plastic setup to save weight. Motion Pro tool kit - The minimum I can get by with. Skid plate - I must have something to protect those composite frame rails, probably a heavy duty plastic home-made unit until AXP or Hyde come out with something. DynoJet PCV and AT - The biggie. I've already had a look at the existing PCV and AT for the 2011 350s and hope KTM keeps the same wiring harness with the FR350. If so, I won't have to wait for these two and my jetting/tuning will be over post-haste.

Top

If I'm lucky, I won't have to do these mods: Headlight shield - The stocker may be strong enough. License plate mount/taillight - The pictures show a petite mount/light, but you know how fussy the DOT could get when they bring the FR350 to the US. I may have to mold up some Kydex... Mirror - I like small mirrors; I'll have to wait and see. Rear sprocket - No telling on this one but the stock gearing may be just fine. Trail Tech Endurance computer - The stock KTM odo may have enough features so I could skip this mod. Valve cover vent filter - See next. Vent hoses - head, tranny, valve cover - I always end up messing with these, but KTM may do the job right.

Top

I'm pretty sure I won't be doing any of these mods. Air box, AIS removal, Big bore kit, Brake line, Brake pedal, Canister, Carburetor, Carburetor overflow hose, Carburetor vent hoses, Case protector, Clutch cable and bracket, Clutch cover problem, Clutch cover protector, Clutch cover replacement, Drive chain, Exhaust diffuser, Exhaust wrap, EXUP removal, Fender flares and bag, Flapper valve removal, Float bowl replacement screws, Footpegs, Fork mods, Forks - shortening, Frame guards, Front sprocket, Fuel tank foam, GYTR muffler, Handlebars, Kickstart lever, Kouba Link, Lambda Sensor Removal, Leo Vince X3 muffler, Lowering the seat height, Muffler, Naked bike look, Nubbin, Pink wire switch, Radiator braces, Radiator crossover hose, Radiator guards, Rear shock, Reserve tank vent hose, Roto Pax fuel pack, Shift lever, Side number plates, Throttle cable, Tire - front, Tire - rear, Tool tube, Y

So that's the way I see it from here, perhaps 6-12 months out. I won't be buying any parts just yet...

Rick's Home Page   FR350 Home Page