Beautiful day

Perfect weather and home alone, I decided to take a little ride. Ended up riding for almost an hour and a half on practically deserted backroads. Remembered how much I love the powerband and handling of my DR650. The readily available torque from a big single or twin engine is so rewarding to experience. The best part? I'll probably be able to squeeze in another ride tomorrow! I'll try to remember my camera...

Some time...

Finally have a destination in mind for an all-day adventure. No dirt, but the first nice Tuesday I have off by myself I'm going to ride down to the First Council Casino just south of Ark City. It was a nice, 2-hour drive from Hutch, skirting around Wichita on 235, then south on 35 (the Kansas Turnpike) to the Wellington exit and Highway 160 East. Merge with 77 south and down just over the Oklahoma border. I might change things up and take some backroads to Augusta and catch 77 south just east off 54 highway.

My DR

This bike is everything I expected it to be, especially after having the suspension adjusted to the lower seat height. Hope to find the time to do a lot more riding this coming season than I have the last two. Don't know if I'll ever have the opportunity to go on a really big adventure, but I sure want to have a lot of little ones...

Nice ride

Took advantage of the unseasonably warm temperature today and went for a long ride. The lower seat height was much appreciated in the gusty, Kansas wind when keeping the bike upright at a stop. If you're considering buying one of these I can't recommend enough having the dealership lower the seat height when you buy it (unless you're over 6' tall). Did a little dirt road riding and it was comforting to easily put a foot down when loose sand would make things a little squirrely.

Lower rider, part 2

Lowering the seat height exceeded my expectations. I can get both my feet flat on the ground now. I can also sit back on the cushier part of the seat and see more in the rearview mirrors. The bike even handles better with the lower center of gravity! I'm ready for warmer weather...

Finally...

Having the dealership lower the seat height on my DR today. They're going to cut and weld the kickstand instead of ordering the shorter one. Hope to have some pictures soon. I'm anxious to go for a ride with my feet almost 2" closer to the ground! Unfortunately, I have to work this afternoon and this is the last decent weather day in the forecast.

Future plans

Finally have the money to get the seat height lowered. Now I just need to find the time to have it done. Then I'd like to get a set of Barkbusters to replace the original brush guards (the OEM version pushes back on the clutch at highway speeds). After that, probably an M.R.A. or Turbo City windscreen. Since most of my riding is on paved streets and the occasional dirt road I don't see an urgent need for a skidplate or larger fuel tank. I would like to get a luggage rack sometime...