...without really intending to. I like the DR650, but when I posted that blog earlier today from an ADVRider post, it sparked a response from my good buddy Tucson Greg. You'll remember Greg from our first Baja run...
Here's what Greg wrote about an hour after my post...
Joe -
In the Spring of 2011, I bought a brand new DR650. The bike was only $6199, but I spent a lot of time & money fixing it up exactly the way I wanted:- First thing was a Suzuki rear rack for about $120 because it didn't have one. Or any other carrying capacity of any kind.
- Second thing was a Suzuki skip plate for about $120 because it didn't have one.
- Third thing was a jet kit for about $70 because DR650's run so lean that they will die young here in the desert.
- Fourth thing was a Sargent seat for about $350 because the stock seat was possibly the worst seat I have ever had.
- Fifth thing was a set of Rox adjustable handlebar risers for about $180 so I could ride standing up when I wanted to.
- Sixth thing was lowered foot pegs from ProCycle for about $180 because my knees couldn't bend that way.
- Seventh thing was to lower the bike. No parts cost except for the $72 for the new, shorter kickstand, but the dealer wanted $300 for the labor, so I did it myself.
- Eighth thing was Progressive springs and Intiminator valves for the front forks for about $300 altogether.
- Ninth thing was to have a guy rebuild the rear shock so that it would work. That was $200, but I did it twice during the 6500 miles I put on the bike.
- Tenth thing was a 5.1 gallon Clarke gas tank for about $350 because the bike could not be counted on to go 150 miles with the stock tank.
- Eleventh through the 15th things I forgot.
In the Spring of 2015, I bought one of the first RX-3's off the boat for the introductory price. CSC added the 12V and USB outlets to the dash and the mudguards for my hands for $150. The first thing I did with the bike is take it on the inaugural ride with CSC down the Baja. I later lowered the bike with the CSC lowering link for about $100. I later bought the Seat Concepts seat for it.
I have about 6,500 miles on it. I have tracked every penny I have ever spent on the bike, gas, oil, tax, registration, insurance, EVERYTHING. I've got $3955 in the bike now. But more important, it's my go-to bike.
The DR650 is a great bike and I loved mine. But I chose to sell it and keep the RX-3. Do I need help?
Greg
Greg, I don't think you need any help at all. Maybe next year you'll join us on the 3rd Annual CSC Baja Run. I'm hoping so. Thanks for writing, Amigo!