Yea, I've already noticed the side stand is a bit long. Just have to find some
place right to park. Loaded this may be a hassle. I may go for an stiffer spring
at some point....not sure yet. Anyone know the ideal sag on the DR? Most
Dual sport and dirt bikes like about 3" to 3.5"

I'll be testing air box and jetting mods in the next couple weeks. I've got the
FMF which is too loud and requires repacking way too often. If you ignore repacking it gets REALLY LOUD. The FMF is light weight and beautiful but it may be going on the block. Remus require NO repacking, are quieter and made of Titanium...stronger and better wear than Aluminium. I have had a set on
my Vstrom since 2002. Best pipes I've ever owned.

Jesse is on my to call list.

I am shopping shields too. Post some pics of yours, I'd like to check it out.

On the seat....do you have a Corbin? or stock? Other? I'm thinking maybe its
partly the Corbin letting the vibes get through. Wonder if the stock one is
the same?

Tonight I installed ProTapers....its never easy!!

Also a trick LED license plate light, the PO eliminated the entire license holder and light. Next I swapped out the HUGE and ugly stock signals for small (and cheap) turn signals that look much better and are nearly as bright as stock.

I found three unused 12 volt switched plugs available too. Nice. One up in the headlight, another above the shock and a third on the right near the CDI box.

Anyone know for certain the alternator output of this bike? I heard 200 watts,
is that right?

I custom made gromets to allow the use of my stock bar ends on the ProTaper bars. I got the Protapers in a trade from a guy on the Vstrom list.
I've had them for over a year....finally got something to use them on.
The mounting kit cost $40 They look great...I will post pics next
week.

I'm building a custom tool kit for the DR as well. I've also found a trick place to stash my two 9 inch tire irons down in the skid plate (Utah) on the right side along the frame rail, zipped tied in. Wrapped in inner tube, they are secure, won't vibrate or do damage. Perfect.

This weekend I'm pump shopping at bicycle shops. Need a trick tiny one. I could go with an electric pump or CO'2's, but in the end a pump always seems
to be best. Not much storage space on a DR, not like the cavernous Vstrom.
On the Strom I've got stuff stashed in the fairings, side panels and the huge
area under the seat. Great bike for storage.

I've ordered the countershaft sprocket spacer for the 15 tooth sprocket to get rid of the "clicking" sound. Also Iridium dual element plugs and a replacement for the lower chain roller which is prone to failure.

The stock chain is a low spec 525 DID O ring. A good chain but if I were heading to Central America I'd get the DID 525 VM X-ring. It will last double of the stocker or longer.

I may also sell off the IMS 4.9 gallon tank. The quality is crap, the finish
junk and I don't need that much fuel. Acerbis make a 4 gallon tank that looks
and feels much smaller. This for the future.

Additional mods :

1. I'm hoping Fast Way will do pegs for the DR. If not then I'll go with IMS pro
series wide pegs. I've got them on my XR, had them on two other dirt bikes.
Really reduces fatigue while standing for hours dirt riding.

2. Wrap header pipe. Engine runs cooler, will get better mileage.

3. Shield of some kind....no idea which.

4. Experimenting with soft bags but may end up with hard bags.

5. Tires. Mefo and other endurance tires.

6. Heated Symtec grips.

7. Louder horn. (relay)

Should keep my busy for a while.

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!