Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 8
Two thousand nine was an eventful year for our dirty little experiment. Having piled on nearly 10,000 miles, a handful of useful aftermarket products and intent for more, we’re not ready to stop.
With a motorcycle built for any challenge – well, almost – we’ve put ‘er to the test this year. I think however, an observed trials course would be the immature end for more than a few parts on our project KLR.
Having crossed international borders [ Check out Issue 3, 2009], ridden through the Mojave Desert with District 37, climbed through California’s eastern sierra trailways then completed the year with thousands of hairball miles in the city of Angels, Motorcycle.com’s Project KLR has literally been all over the map this year.
Packing on the miles is easy with a lighter load of course, and packing light is one of your biggest assets on trips like these. That’s why we’ve learned to pack a few acronyms in the bag for safety and security.
ROK and Roll
First we piled on a membership to Kawasaki’s rider association (ROK) or Riders of Kawasaki – but you could have figured that one out. Basically it’s the ownership package for Kawasaki, as well as non-Kawi, owners. They don’t discriminate.
For just under $40 per year, you’ll get a subscription to the ROK Accelerate magazine, a ROK patch and decals, free gear check and hospitality tent at major events across the country like at the USGP inside Turn 5 at Mazda raceway Laguna Seca or at the AMA Vintage days at Mid-Ohio Raceway (where it rains every time you go there)… and many more. Best of all is the 24/7 roadside assistance… for motorcycles! That’s a premium add-on for AAA’s service and not cheap. Good stuff and more, thanks Kawi!
Flying Angels
The next thing we packed this year is the MASA card. It’s the Medical Air Services Association card and beneficial to frequent travelers and border-crossing junkies like us.
Think of it like roadside service, with a chartered plane. You're just one toll free call away from 30 years of experience in emergency transportation and services, both domestically and internationally.
In the event of an accident, MASA can deliver you the specialized care you need, or deliver you to the care you need using an experienced network of ground and air transportation teams around the world. MASA is available for organ transplant, serious coronary problems, bone reconstruction, serious accidents and any illnesses that occur at home or while traveling. Emergency flights run between 10 and 50-grand these days, having MASA on your side is like having a free flight voucher in your wallet for any-time use, worldwide.
With the ability to return vehicles for you upon illness, injury or death, MASA will also provide transportation for a non-injured family member for personal support in the event you become hospitalized for more than 7 days. MASA has you covered from every angle.
Individual memberships cost just $20 a month, $240 per year (Family rate - $360/yr; plus a one-time $60.00 initiation fee) and come without any claim forms, deductibles or age limits. Short-term memberships are also available for singular trips of 4 to 90 days. Additional available packages include attorney services, a USB Medflash device for carrying personal info and emergency cash advance options.
ROK and MASA – one card got me into the Hooters party when I got to Daytona Beach, the other got me out when I ate too many wings… Not really, but the unexpected can happen. Be prepared!
Luckily we haven’t had any actually use of the MASA card, but the peace of mind stored in our luggage is more valuable than any insurance policy on the market.
Related Reading
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 1
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 2
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 3
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 4
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 5
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 6
Kawasaki KLR650 Project Bike: Part 7
More by Alfonse Palaima
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