Back on 2 wheels and it's weird!

I rode dirt bikes about 10 years ago, but I broke my back (unrelated to motorcycles) and couldn't ride for a year and a half. For whatever reason, I never got back on a bike. Shame on me!

Now that I'm edumacated and have a job, I decided it was time to get back to riding. I wanted to commute to work, do some forest service roads, and generally learn how to ride again. looked for a drz400 for 6 months, but most of the ones I found were too expensive or had high mileage. There was a good deal on one with some good mods already, but After talking and arranging to go see it the CL seller decided he wanted to keep it

So, this came along at a good price and I bought it!

It's a 2006 dr650, wiry about 7000 miles. Completely stock, which is fun because now I have things to modify

First thing was cleaning everything, oiling the chain, cleaning/oiling the air filter, and changing the oil/filter. So much easier to take apart than my quad I found some mouse poop in the air cleaner box, which would explain the kinda strange smell when it got warm

Up next was replacing the neutral sending unit screws, which have been known to fall out and basically destroy things. You can see the new bolt (Loctited).

The stock license plate mount is ginormous, so I relocated it a little bit higher. Still kinda ugly but for now it's better.

I also got new bars, hand guards, and grips. After that I took it for a shakedown ride...no problems! I'm still getting used to the whole leaning thing...quads are very different.

Awesome. Welcome back. And be safe.

In reply to Appleseed:

Thanks! I've got all the gear and if I don't wear it my girlfriend will slap me

On the plus side I commuted on a bicycle in Los Angeles for 4 years, so I'm somewhat accustomed to the defensive mindset.

DR is a great bike. I contemplated one when I bought my KLR; the only reason I didn't was they were much harder to find and still worth more than my meager budget allowed. Air cooling FTW, IMO. Be sure to waste hours on Adventure Rider Forums

In reply to ddavidv:

That forum was the main reason I ended up with the DR haha. KLRs around here were priced higher by 500 or so, and the reviews of the DR pushed me over the edge. My dad was pushing me to get KTM...great bikes but I'm tired of high strung, maintenance intensive things after owning my ATV and rebuilding the motor

Quick update -

Been riding to work and around town for the past three weeks...and some mornings have been a bit nipply. I need some heavier gloves for anything below about 45...mine ventilate too much!

Added a rear rack and storage:

Very nice! I've been itching for a dual sport myself.

Nothing like the first day of riding after a long winter off, let alone 10 years! Ride fast take chances, and enjoy it!