Suzi Q? She is a Suzuki DR650. The DR650 is a venerable design. I picked the model for several reasons:
- Proven reliable design and bulletproof reputation
- Big bang for buck = cheap!
- Simple air and oil cooling
- Torque monster
- Lighter than KLR and better off road
- Moderately tolerable on highway
- Lighter than most other dual sports of similar cc
- Handsome (OK that's an exaggeration...but don't tell her I said that!)
There are a few areas that I needed to improve in order to make it a safe and more capable trail rider
- Skid plate with side protectors from Procycle to fend off boulders, rocks and roots. You really DON'T want a cracked crank casing...
- Set of DOT knobblies (Continental TKC 80's) that are
goodexcellent on the road too - 20 L Long range clear plastic fuel tank (IRC) as the OEM tank capacity is too small (12L) for serious off road excursions and the bike has no fuel gauge. Now the fuel gauge is unbelievably accurate and reliable!
- Rear Rack for carrying stuff...
- 14 tooth countersprocket to replace the 15 tooth for higher gearing off road
Wish List
- TM-40 pumper carb so I can put the 15 tooth countersprocket back on for lower rpm highway cruising...
- Two more rims to mount street tires when commuting to save wear on knobblies
- Nothing else. The bike is the best compromise for on/off road. KLR's eat your heart out (if you have one...soulless buggers!)
The KLX250S comes with a siphon hose designed to refill my tank directly from Suzukis with 20L long-range tanks! Make sure you fill 'er up as much as possible before we start out. Your bike's height advantage is MY siphon advantage! :)
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