Alright, folks, gather ’round, let me tell you about my little project here with the Suzuki DR650. You know, it’s one of those bikes that just keeps on going, like the Energizer Bunny but with more dirt and grime. I’ve seen these things clock over 60,000 miles and still purr like a kitten – well, maybe a kitten that’s been hitting the gravel pretty hard, but you get the idea.
So, I got my hands on a DR650, and I thought, “Why not make this trusty steed my own?” I mean, this bike’s like a blank canvas, ready for some personal touches. First thing’s first, I did my homework. I scoured the internet and dug through some builds people did and saw that some folks managed to get 100,000 km on their DR650. It gave me motivation to work on mine.
Maintenance
- Oil Changes: Now, I’m no mechanic, but even I know that fresh oil is the lifeblood of any engine. So, I made sure to change the oil regularly. It’s not rocket science, just unscrew a bolt, let the old stuff drain out, and pour in the new. Easy peasy.
- Basic Upkeep: Besides the oil, I kept an eye on the usual suspects – chain, sprockets, brakes, tires. You know, the stuff that keeps you rolling and, more importantly, stopping. Ain’t nobody got time for a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
Customization
Now for the fun part – making it mine. I’m not talking about a complete overhaul here, just some tweaks to make it fit me like a glove.
- Subframe: The original subframe was alright, but I wanted something a bit more… streamlined. So, I swapped it out for a sleeker one. It’s like the bike went on a diet and lost some weight in the back.
- Other Mods: I also played around with a few other things, like the handlebars, seat, and some other bits and bobs. Nothing too crazy, just enough to make it feel like my DR650, not just any DR650. I also watched videos and saw that the DR650 has endless possibilities when it comes to mods.
After doing all that, I took it out for a spin. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like riding a bike that you’ve put your own sweat and elbow grease into. It’s not just a machine anymore; it’s an extension of yourself.
I kept riding and riding, and you know what? Those miles just kept adding up. I wasn’t trying to break any records, but before I knew it, I was way past that 60,000-mile mark. And the best part? The bike was still running like a champ. Sure, it had its quirks and needed a little TLC here and there, but that’s all part of the charm.
So, there you have it. My DR650 story. It’s a tale of regular maintenance, a few custom touches, and a whole lot of miles. It just goes to show that with a little care and some personal flair, these bikes can really go the distance. And hey, if you’re thinking about getting a DR650 yourself, I say go for it. Just remember to keep it simple, keep it maintained, and most importantly, make it your own.
