Taking a lead from Todd´s fine example (ie his intoduction to this forum) I figured I would do likewise. My name is Ben Stoikovich and I am currently enjoying a well earned 12 month vacation from Sydney, Australia - where I am an engineer by profession. I have been into off-road dual sport type riding for about 4 years. My previous bikes have included a YZ 125, a Suzuki TS 250 X, and a XR 250 (bored to 280). Fortunately I have had the benefit of learning to ride in some of the most pristine wilderness on Sydneys outskirts. I have also had excellent bike mentors - ie guys who have competed in the Australian Safari multiple times - and who taught me many things.

I am now the proud owner of a 1996 (SE) DR 650 that had 8000 miles on the clock when purchased. This bike is totally stock except for LAser Produro exhaust. The bike was bought in the UK about 10 days ago. I have had all of my riding gear sent from Australia - and I did the UK to Germany dash to get the excellent ADAC insurance (thankyou very much to this site).

So you will all hear from me as I make my way around Eastern Europe, Turkey and wherever else I feel like going over the next 4 to 5 mnths. I am currently in Amsterdam staying with a good friend - and organising the finishing touches on the bike. IE luggage racks, bash plate etc. I will then pass through Germany and into the Czech Republic - thats all I´ve really got certain so far - free to roam really. Does anyone know of any good off-roading in Poland or Czech or Slovakia?

This is definitely the most useful and functional internet site I have ever used - and my trip would not have been possible without the resources found within these pages (given that I have literally been able to organise most of it while backpacking South America and North America).

So hello to all you Suzuki enthusiasts - and adious for now!!

Thanks for the compliment. Its always cool to meet people from all over the world you never would have had a chance to before the internet.

Tell use all about your trip. Especially statistics on your bike. Mileage, mods how they work. Especailly if you have any break downs or have any parts fail on you. Hopefully they won't. But thats part of it, right(breaking down and having to fix it).

I 've meet people from Australia and its always a place I've wanted to visit.
Actually, I've had a dream house in my head for a long time out in the outback, with no roads, just an air strip. I'll go some day. MAybe you can guide me around if your around.

And welcome again.

Thanks,
Todd Bellew