I'd be taking an 80's era bike, not giving a shit, and riding any bike I feel like. I sacrifice a bit of the spontaneity whilst traveling with two others, but it is willingly sacrificed. Hell, my 2 smoke '76 Suzuki TS400 could make it to the bottom of South America.

We will most likely be carburetor powered, mildly packed, not overweight, camping when reasonable, and seeing the sights.

We're now into the hunt of the shopping experience with our eyes peeled for the nearly new, low mile, undervalued price tag that signals a winner. Let's see if we can find one.

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NJ, NR, NBTTN

Many thanks to everyone that contributed thus far in helping make a final decision on a bike. Between the three of us, we have decided on the DR650.

Tom and I both happened to find good deals on bikes located in the same place. Boise, Idaho. This weekend, as we are both out of town, my other friend will drive from Seattle to Boise and back (1040 miles round trip) to pick up both bikes in one go. It's going to be awesome.

Here are the details.

Toms Bike, 2008 Suzuki DR650SE 3,200 miles, $3500.

Extras include:
Happy Trails Skid Plate,
Wolfman Enduro Tank Bag,
Wolfman Beta Tail Bag,
Fisher Seat.
Pro Taper Handlebars
Heated Grips.

We figured the accessories to be valued at just under $500.









My (Alex's) bike, 2006 Suzuki DR650SE 4,300 miles, $3300.

Extras include:

4.9 gal IMS tank + OEM tank
Corbin seat + modified OEM seat for dirt & trail
Acerbis Front Fender + OEM Fender
Moose skid plate
Acerbis hand guards
Large rear rack
Large removable rear case, lockable w/break light. (Holds 2 helmets)
Handlebar risers 2"
Lowered foot peg brackets
14 & 15 tooth front sprockets
Wolfman fender bag
Tank bag
PIAA high intensity low watt headlight bulb
Moose air filter
Shinko 244 Dual Sport tires installed last summer
Magnetic drain plug
Wired for battery tender
GSXR 600 muffler (not installed)
Original tool kit
Parts & Service manual
+ extras, oil/air filters ect.
Side stand kill switch removed.

We figured the accessories to be just under $1600.









In the long run, I am happy with the decision that we agreed upon. Personally I think that I got a screaming deal on the bike, as a 2006 model with 4,300 miles, and the current accessories is a good bike for the money. Tom's bike will need a bit more "farkling" to get it up to par, but it's all part of the process that we are excited to start. As for Kristi, the search continues for her bike, but with the winter approaching, I have no doubt that a sweet deal will pop up.

What do you guys think about the prices paid and the accessories included?

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NJ, NR, NBTTN

I haven't read all the responses in detail, but I'll just share my experience.

My girlfriend and I ride 2004 DR650s. I'm 6'5" and she's 5'6". From factory they can be lowered 1" (ish) both ends to suit my girlfriend. I was a little cramped, but bar risers have helped, and it's not so big a problem that I have bothered to do more.

I'm very happy with the DRs and personally would take a big lazy 650 over a small revy 250 for RTW.

Ben

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Vladivostok - Denmark 2008... Finished.
Denmark - South Africa 2010-2011... Finished.

Lads and lady,
I'd be interested to know how all the bikes go throughout your travels if you wouldn't mind updating every now and then. I'm looking at buying a DR650 for my RTW in 2011. Would love to hear your on the road thoughts about things like:

-mileage, fuel, oil consumption etc
-cooling
-mechanical problems
-comfort
-handling
-weight, balance etc.

Best of luck to you all!
Rossy.

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'10 Suzuki DR650. 2011-12 Sth-Nth Chile-Alaska. Currently in Cairns, Australia. www.followtheakubra.com.au