[Wgeorge1376]

Question for you 2022 SAR owners, is there a USB outlet on the bike stock or do you have to add that?

 

[REDSHlRT]

Question for you 2022 SAR owners, is there a USB outlet on the bike stock or do you have to add that?

There's one in the compartment at the front of the tank but you can't close the lid with a cord coming out. Also the compartment is pretty small, I have a pixel4 xl and there's no way I could connect the cables to charge my phone in there.

 

[PhaseShifter]

Just swap the factory power output for a USB output. Only have to open up the headlight and swap the
socket.

 

[REDSHlRT]

Just swap the factory power output for a USB output. Only have to open up the headlight and swap the
socket.

That's what I will end up doing, but it seems like the intent was charging your phone in the cubby and I struggle to see how that's possible. Good use of bonus space on the bike, just not that particular use (at least in my case).

 

[NH22SAR1290]

iPhone 13 mini fits perfect in the mini-cubby

I like the idea of changing the socket, but unsure if that would allow water to enter more? If you want a solid solution that is waterproof, I would go with an SP Connect or Quad Lock with wireless charger and hardwire the power cord to ensure that rain or puddle/river crossings don’t cause a short.

If you don’t get the bike wet/muddy, I guess it doesn’t matter, but when it comes to electrical, I am just overly cautious of eliminating all potential failure points.

 

[Wgeorge1376]

iPhone 13 mini fits perfect in the mini-cubby

I like the idea of changing the socket, but unsure if that would allow water to enter more? If you want a solid solution that is waterproof, I would go with an SP Connect or Quad Lock with wireless charger and hardwire the power cord to ensure that rain or puddle/river crossings don’t cause a short.

If you don’t get the bike wet/muddy, I guess it doesn’t matter, but when it comes to electrical, I am just overly cautious of eliminating all potential failure points.

Good news! I have the 13 mini!

 

[NH22SAR1290]

Good news! I have the 13 mini!

Whooo hoooo! Great minds….

 

[Wgeorge1376]

I’m picking up my 2022 SAR here in a couple of weeks from a dealer in WA and riding it back to Oklahoma, where i live. Would certainly be cheaper to have the bike shipped, but it’s too epic a journey to pass up. Really looking forward to it.

Question to you SAR owners out there: Are there any obvious upgrades or accessories I should consider before making a journey of that distance? I have already ordered the comfort seat and heated grips (probably won’t need the heated elements in the middle of summer, but you never know). I’ve also got some buddies traveling with me who will have plenty of pannier storage. I intend to utilize a few Kreiga bags that will easily mount to the bike.

I’m also considering changing out the tires. The bike I’m buying is slightly used (only 1200 miles) but I’m concerned about how long the stock tires (AX41s) will last and if I’ll need to replace them before I get home?

Any thing else I’m missing? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[REDSHlRT]

One thing that kind of surprised me was how small the cockpit felt. I don't know how tall you are, but I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam and it felt a bit cramped. I took the rubbers out of the pegs, adjusted the shift lever and have since added bar risers. Less sporty now but more comfortable and I think its working for me. I still have the stock seat and I think its brutal and I'm not a fan, but you've already addressed that. I have the tall seat on order and excited for that to come in.

 

[Desert rider]

Dunlop trailmax missions excellent tires

 

[Wgeorge1376]

One thing that kind of surprised me was how small the cockpit felt. I don't know how tall you are, but I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam and it felt a bit cramped. I took the rubbers out of the pegs, adjusted the shift lever and have since added bar risers. Less sporty now but more comfortable and I think its working for me. I still have the stock seat and I think its brutal and I'm not a fan, but you've already addressed that. I have the tall seat on order and excited for that to come in.

Thanks for the heads up! I’m 6’5” so I’m gonna be in the same boat! That said, while I haven’t sat on or ridden the SAR before, I have ridden the new SAS and I really loved the way that it felt. I’m coming from a Multistrada V4S which has a HUGE cockpit. I much preferred the way the SAS felt as I prefer a sportier setup.

One of my concerns for the trip is wind. I know the wind screen on the SAR is small, so I’m not expecting all wind to be eliminated, just not sure what it will feel like for a longer ride. We’re trying to avoid as many highways as we can on the way back so that should help.

 

[REDSHlRT]

Thanks for the heads up! I’m 6’5” so I’m gonna be in the same boat! That said, while I haven’t sat on or ridden the SAR before, I have ridden the new SAS and I really loved the way that it felt. I’m coming from a Multistrada V4S which has a HUGE cockpit. I much preferred the way the SAS felt as I prefer a sportier setup.

One of my concerns for the trip is wind. I know the wind screen on the SAR is small, so I’m not expecting all wind to be eliminated, just not sure what it will feel like for a longer ride. We’re trying to avoid as many highways as we can on the way back so that should help.

I would guess part of my experience with how the bike fit is because I'm coming off an MT-10 and finding a bike to spread out was a major goal. But at the end of the day, bikes are never going to be a perfect fit and this is definitely much better.

For the wind screen, I have been riding with it all the way down because I was taking the wind right in the chin with it up and the noise even in my street helmet was just too much. I'd guess you'll be in a similar boat. Maybe try one of those clamp on windscreen deflectors and see if that helps?

 

[REDSHlRT]

Dunlop trailmax missions excellent tires

Top of my list for once the stock ones need to be replaced.

 

[Wgeorge1376]

Top of my list for once the stock ones need to be replaced.

I have heard really good things about this tire. Thinking about switching to these before the trip and having the AX41’s shipped to me.

 

[Wgeorge1376]

I would guess part of my experience with how the bike fit is because I'm coming off an MT-10 and finding a bike to spread out was a major goal. But at the end of the day, bikes are never going to be a perfect fit and this is definitely much better.

For the wind screen, I have been riding with it all the way down because I was taking the wind right in the chin with it up and the noise even in my street helmet was just too much. I'd guess you'll be in a similar boat. Maybe try one of those clamp on windscreen deflectors and see if that helps?

Great suggestion on the windscreen deflector. I’ll give that a try. I had the same problem with horrible wind noise in my Arai helmet while riding my Multi. It got so bad that I almost couldn’t ride it anymore. Even with ear plugs it was unpleasant, and this is with a touring windscreen. Interestingly, I don’t have any wind noise issues with my Super Duke.

To remedy the situation I purchased a pair of Shure headphones that sit deep in the ear cavity and act as both speakers for my headset and earplugs for the noise. Tested them out last night and wow, makes a HUGE difference.

 

[NH22SAR1290]

I second the aspect of putting the windscreen down….it has some buffeting that can be slightly mitigated if you sit back and sort of slouch…..not ideal. So, I just keep it down and is a lot smoother than trying to deflect.

Great idea on the sure. I went one step further and went to an audiologist and have a pair of in-ear monitors on custom order from Ultimate Ears. Not quite sure how I am going to connect everything with my Cardo on group rides, but when solo they will act as ear plugs and audio at the same time (-26dB noise reduction - in ear molded).

Interesting you think the Arai is loud. I have the XD4 and the Krios Pro and I think the Arai is much more quiet, comfortable and better venting. The Krios Pro is lighter and has better (less) shield distortion and love the transition lens but does ’catch‘ the wind more on faster speeds.

As for ’extras’ on a long trip, just make sure you have the tech pack for cruise control as it is pretty easy to adjust with the +/-.

The only other suggestion is perhaps take 20min and dial in your suspension if it is a pure ‘road’ ride back. If you are going to throw on a specific set of tires, perhaps get some street tires, or 90/10 and ship the battlax back home if you are not taking any class 4 or ‘detours’ and it is purely a transport trip. Last thing I would say is electronics…..get a good mount for your phone (KTM power. Parts - it is an SP Connect) is what I have for center of the bars) and/or Garmin Zumi mounted above the TFT. Reason for these is the KTM Navigation is ‘ok’ but only shows an arrow and distance on the TFT and on a long trip, some exits may get a little confusing, so I would want to see my route. Then, personal preference for me is putting the TFT in ‘night’ mode all the time and grab it with two hands and tilt for clarity.

Heated grips will be a nice creature comfort as the stock handguards don’t block wind (or anything) well and you will want to be comfortable morning and night with grips and seat (grips are HOT on level 1!). I have some FASST foot pegs and the polymer does help with vibration a little, but they act as ‘power steering‘ and would throw one something wider at your size as the stock even without the rubber are tiny and not inspiring confidence. On the same thread, the PHDS does help keep from the hands going tingly/numb after a while on the road.

Good luck and since we actually have some SAR’s talking, take some pics, write a little road trip/review and let us know how it is going!

BTW, did you buy the one I saw on the web that has the full Arrow Exhaust with headers and what looked like the SAS delete? If so, would be interested to hear how you like the setup! I just have the Akro on right now, but would love to drop the SAS and the cat.

 

[Wgeorge1376]

Great idea on the sure. I went one step further and went to an audiologist and have a pair of in-ear monitors on custom order from Ultimate Ears. Not quite sure how I am going to connect everything with my Cardo on group rides, but when solo they will act as ear plugs and audio at the same time (-26dB noise reduction - in ear molded).

In my experience, it shouldn’t be difficult to connect your in-ear monitors to your Cardo. I have both a Packtalk Slim and the new Edge unit and both have a stereo port that the provided helmet speakers typically use. What I have done is simply remove the speakers from the helmet and plug my headphones into the Cardo‘s stereo port. Works like a charm.

Interesting you think the Arai is loud. I have the XD4 and the Krios Pro and I think the Arai is much more quiet, comfortable and better venting. The Krios Pro is lighter and has better (less) shield distortion and love the transition lens but does ’catch‘ the wind more on faster speeds.

Funny you mention the Krios Pro because I just bought one! Yes, it is much quieter than my Arai, but I don’t have the XD4, I have an Arai Regent X. The Krios is much quieter than the Regent X.

As for ’extras’ on a long trip, just make sure you have the tech pack for cruise control as it is pretty easy to adjust with the +/-.

Yep! it was already installed on the bike I purchased fortunately!

The only other suggestion is perhaps take 20min and dial in your suspension if it is a pure ‘road’ ride back. If you are going to throw on a specific set of tires, perhaps get some street tires, or 90/10 and ship the battlax back home if you are not taking any class 4 or ‘detours’ and it is purely a transport trip. Last thing I would say is electronics…..get a good mount for your phone (KTM power. Parts - it is an SP Connect) is what I have for center of the bars) and/or Garmin Zumi mounted above the TFT. Reason for these is the KTM Navigation is ‘ok’ but only shows an arrow and distance on the TFT and on a long trip, some exits may get a little confusing, so I would want to see my route. Then, personal preference for me is putting the TFT in ‘night’ mode all the time and grab it with two hands and tilt for clarity.

Good call! I already utilize an SP Connect phone holder, but I’ve been debating as to whether or not I need the Garmin Zumo… it all adds up so quickly!

Good luck and since we actually have some SAR’s talking, take some pics, write a little road trip/review and let us know how it is going!

I totally will! Should be pretty unforgettable.

BTW, did you buy the one I saw on the web that has the full Arrow Exhaust with headers and what looked like the SAS delete? If so, would be interested to hear how you like the setup! I just have the Akro on right now, but would love to drop the SAS and the cat.

No that wasn’t me. Mine just had the rally pegs and the tech pack installed. That said, I didn’t know Arrow made a full exhaust for the SAR. I’ll have to check it out.

 

[NH22SAR1290]

Agree, the electronics, panniers, mounts, etc. all add up very quickly, not to mention the new $800 helmet you just bought! This is not a cheep hobby/passion to get into as if you are like me, you can’t let well enough, be alone.

Go to Rottweiler Performance and you will see the Full exhaust from Arrow on their website. Apologies in advance, as you might be spending some more money once you see what they have to offer, I plan on their SAS delete to get rid of the expansion chamber under the Rear seat, I will just need a full weekend to delete/install this.

Great idea on the headphone jack! I didn’t think of that and should also be a good way to keep the IEM’s from being lost. The other thought was to mount UE’s bluetooth adapter across the bottom-rear of the helmet To use for phone calls, but your idea may be better as it though allow the Cardo mic to work as designed and basically replace the JBL’s with the IEM’s, which I may use the noise reduction filter on to be sure.

Interested on how you like the Krios Pro as it has a lot of things to like, but the visor is useless for a sun brim and can’t come down enough and also catches the wind too much compared to my XD4. The other thing is the venting. It is pretty poor compared to the Arai. The comfort is also not as good as the Arai, in my opinion. The two biggest pluses it has is the weight and the transitions visor….although, again, I with you could get the screen to crack open a hair, like you can on the XD4.

Looking forward to the road trip Write up. What did you finally decide on the tire situation? Are you going stock, or new tires and shipping the stock?

 

[Wgeorge1376]

Agree, the electronics, panniers, mounts, etc. all add up very quickly, not to mention the new $800 helmet you just bought! This is not a cheep hobby/passion to get into as if you are like me, you can’t let well enough, be alone.

Go to Rottweiler Performance and you will see the Full exhaust from Arrow on their website. Apologies in advance, as you might be spending some more money once you see what they have to offer, I plan on their SAS delete to get rid of the expansion chamber under the Rear seat, I will just need a full weekend to delete/install this.

Great idea on the headphone jack! I didn’t think of that and should also be a good way to keep the IEM’s from being lost. The other thought was to mount UE’s bluetooth adapter across the bottom-rear of the helmet To use for phone calls, but your idea may be better as it though allow the Cardo mic to work as designed and basically replace the JBL’s with the IEM’s, which I may use the noise reduction filter on to be sure.

Interested on how you like the Krios Pro as it has a lot of things to like, but the visor is useless for a sun brim and can’t come down enough and also catches the wind too much compared to my XD4. The other thing is the venting. It is pretty poor compared to the Arai. The comfort is also not as good as the Arai, in my opinion. The two biggest pluses it has is the weight and the transitions visor….although, again, I with you could get the screen to crack open a hair, like you can on the XD4.

Looking forward to the road trip Write up. What did you finally decide on the tire situation? Are you going stock, or new tires and shipping the stock?

Interesting comparison on the XD4 to the Krios Pro. Particularly your experience with the sun brim catching wind more significantly than with the XD4. What’s wild about that is the Krios, of course, has the holes in the brim in order to make it supposedly more aerodynamic. In fact, that’s one of the things I’ve heard in reviews is that handles airflow better than the XD4! 🤷‍♂️ I suppose each rider’s specific measurements combined with the bike variables make this whole helmet game a crap shoot!

I will also agree with you on the comfort of the Arai. While I haven’t worn an XD4 before, I will say that Regent X is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. That said Krios feels really nice, especially around the ears as it has bigger speaker cavities than the Arai, and that can make a big difference when you’re wearing IEMs.

As for the tires, I intend to call the dealer on Tuesday and have them order some Trailmax Missions for the trip back. I’ve heard great things about that tire and they should last well beyond the length of the trip.

 

[NH22SAR1290]

Final comments on the helmets….it does ‘handle’ the air better, but it is so far up on the lowest setting that it is basically, functionally useless. Those holes also make it more flimsy and wobbles more easily in the wind.

I thought the same thing about the ear holes….it is all gimmick/marketing positioning statement… in my view. I have the Cardo Packtalk Edge and ‘second helmet kit’ on the Arai XD4 and Krios Pro and the Arai has the best space where I can’t feel the speakers behind the cheek pieces that I pulled out and placed behind the washable liner. The Krios Pro, despite having advertised as “Sena capable” can’t pull extra foam out there due to their Krioid honeycomb structure and the JBL speakers do push on my ears a little and it does get noticeable/annoying after a few hours.

Let me know what you think, I went with the Krios Pro due to the slight distortion of the XD4 screen (and color match of the blue/orange is pretty trick) and no Transition lens. Then I found an UK seller (The Visor Shop) of pin lock transition inserts on the XD4 and have now switched back to the XD4 as my ’primary’ helmet. The pinlock is a little wonky due to the shape of the shield and I think they stopped selling them in the US, so it wasn’t cheep to get what I wanted.
WeeTect also makes a photochromatic film that I might replace the pinlock with. Either way, I prefer the XD4 in all aspects except for the shield, do to the slight distortion towards the nose and color (I have Orange Frost in XD4). But, weight is de minimus difference, air-flow is better with Arai, comfort and noise is better with Arai…. Cardo/JBL speakers fit better in Arai (soon won’t have to worry about this once mold is made for IEM). Oh, I will say I also like the magnetic strap for Krios Pro better (can these straps be ordered anywhere???).
Here is my recap:

Arai XD4 advantages:
-Visor adjustable to block sun
-excellent venting options and airflow
-more quit vs. Krios
-Cardo/Senna speakers fully integrated behind cheek pads with zero contact with ear
can crack screen a hair for vent without being big enough for road/bug debris.
-Comfort is far superior to Krios IMHO

Klim Krios Pro Advantages:

• Weight (de minimus difference)
• distortion free lens
• transition photochromatic lens tinting
• visor lets air flow through (but makes visor wobbly and only two settings with little to no sun-visor protection)
• Magnetic chin strap (awesome)
• Color matched to 1290 SAR
• Chin mesh works really well to keep bugs from flying up from below