Hello Toad and the others !
We just returned from our "overland from Belgium to the Himalayas and back". 6,5 months, 28,000 kms. Turkey and Iran, good asphalt; Pakistan, extreme temperatures (40 to 55 °C, I'm not kidding). Northern India (Ladakh), plenty of rough off road and extreme heights (up to 5,400 metres).
We rode --as you can see in our earlier post-- on two DR 650 SEs. AND WE HAD ZERO PROBLEMS :-)))
(not even a single puncture)

How about that ?!

Even at the extreme heights (the highest motorable roads in the world, Manali to Leh, and the Kardung La pass), we could ride like on the plains, and our bikes consumed what they do at sealevel. We did make a leaner mixture in the carburettors before going up of course (smaller main jet, lower needle, and above 4,500 we took off the airfilter lid).

I cannot recommend this bike enough. Suzuki has created a SOLID, RELIABLE AND LIGHT (well, 147 kgs empty is quite a bit lighter then its collegues) bike, perfectly adapted for long distance travelling. Our bikes have now 40 and 50,000 kms, and don't use one drip of oil. Even the valves didn't have to be ajusted once (and, yes, we do ride fast or sportive when no traffic).

"If you can still find them (the hard bit), then don't hesitate", is my opinion.
(and for parts: it's almost the Freewind but in another dress and much lighter)

Take care out there, and keep the DR-page going. I'll do my best, and Toad does too.
Iris and Trui

------------------
Iris and Trui
2 belgian women, often travelling on motorbikes (now on DR650SE's)
2nd overland from home to North India and back, April-October 2002

[This message has been edited by iris_trui (edited 25 November 2002).]

__________________
Iris and Trui
2 belgian women, often travelling on motorbikes (now on DR650SE\'s)
2nd overland from home to Northern India and back, April-October 2002