I had a full on breakdown on Friday night, or a “failure to proceed” as Rolls Royce would put it. The battery on the KLR has been on the wind down for some time. I’d been meaning to replace it and I finally got to a shop just before heading to the airport. Good job I did!!

I took the plunge and opted for a lithium polymer battery, running at half the size and 1/5 the weight of the standard unit. I didn’t have time to fit it before flying to Sydney, by I put it in the top box in case she wouldn’t start on my return. Well start she did which was great, but then all the electrics died on the city link. Bugger!

I fitted the new battery with a little effort, being half the size means packing is required. It’s got a load of shove in electric terms! Got me home no worries. I was looking at a more permanent packing solution when a thought occurred. Why not just fit two batteries?? They way I’d have a spare with me all the time. One would act as packing for the other, and together they’re still lighter then the original.

I’m loving the concept as with no kick start, the battery is the one item that could leave me stranded. I doubt I could bump start her on a dirt track, especially with a full tank and luggage. My one concern has just been fixed!!

Power to the people!