And GS sales, despite the bloated price, have been through the roof ever since. The scene with Charlie in a mild rage tearing down the KTM posters in the office was maybe the funniest moment in the show.
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Oh nevermind they restructured, but I do remember reading that they were gutting the supply chain and manufacturing side so that can’t be good. They are balancing on a knife’s edge it seems.
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It would seem so. Thanks for the info. I’m sure they will be bought out like aprilia and cagiva were eventually
I want a mito 125 come to think of it. 
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Take-your-bike-to-work day!
Versys has a new, RK 520 Max-Z Chrome-Plated RX Ring chain. I wanted plated for the corrosion resistance and so far it works even after a ride in light rain and a wash of the rain-induced dirt pickup when I got home. So far very happy with it, much easier to clean and it has larger side plates that seem to help keep dirt from reaching the inner side plates and between plates with the rings - I was worried it would be more of a dirt trap.
The chain is rated for 1200cc, 200hp and 9,400lbs of tensile strength. Way more than needed so hopefully it will last a long time.
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I bought a 2024 Suziki DR 650 with 200 miles for a steal! I think the bike is a good fit for me. Old style. Does everything OK but nothing great. Electric starter and a couple of lights and that is it for electrics. The only convenience is a choke lever on the bar.
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Awesome choice. Go anywhere, do anything and if they are anything like the earlier models - totally bulletproof.
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Thanks @Harry_Bumcrack!
Unless by “earlier” you mean pre-1990, nothing has changed. I’ve been told that Suzuki and Honda have both kept their 650’s unchanged for all these years because to do one thing would require doing everything, in the eyes of emissions regulators.
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In that case. I predict may years and miles of trouble free motorcycling.
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This thread is bad news.
I have been thinking about “the ones that got away” and am now on the hunt for WV52 EEO my 2002 Tl-1000R. Which i was an absolute idiot to sell and a GSXR-1100L in decent condition. I had one years ago but didn’t run right and got the hump with it.
My dad had one when i was growing up around Obi’s age and i used to pillion on the back all the time, one of the fonder memories i have. So eyes are open for one.
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NOICE CHOICE! I have thought about one of them for the last couple of years. Congratulations and enjoy.
@Victork2 I have always loved the TL1000R. Hope you can find one that dont cost you an arm and a leg.
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Nice. I’ve owned a DR650. Let me know if you have any questions. If you ride heavy offroad, I’d advise disconnecting the side stand switch, which ironically, IMHO, is the same issue that the KTM 390 Adventure is having. I think that I also did do the shifter spring update. But that’s really easy. Bulletproof bike, otherwise.
My white pig. It wasn’t exactly stock.
And I Sumo’d it too.
Unpaid help
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I was aware of the kickstand sensor on the KTM, but not on the DR. The original owner did rejet the carb using a Power Cycle kit. He did not drill the airbox. (I read that this was necessary but, maybe not?). I had him start it and ride around the neighborhood and it sounded fine. Your photos didn’t upload, at least not for me. (EDIT: My photo too doesn’t seem to upload…Discourse bug?)
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Another Hobby that has gone ballistic. Since I bought the Bandit I have been less than impressed with the brakes. Then the lever started coming all the way to the bar. That was it. Time to do something about it. I bought a One-way valve, a big Serigne for bleeding, and good fluid. I took a look at the pads without removing the inspection covers… I then became lazy and thought “It’s a brake job, farm it out” So, I called two places in Seattle and they both said the same. We will change out the pads and bleed the fluid for the easy sum of SEVENHUNDED DOLLARS!!!
Enragement can be quite a useful and motivating emotion. I watched a video, went home and took the inspection covers off. Ahhh, NEW PADS, so that is not it. I then syphoned off the old fluid and added new fluid. Soon as I started to bleed the system a BUNCH of air came out. I kept filling and pumping till it was all new, bubble free fluid in there. Sweating in my garage, I thought, "Might as well do the rear. It was much smaller and simpler. Pump the lever and the pedal a few times. Then push the bike and make sure that Both brakes work. Then I did the same at parking lot speeds. Ath this point I have about 30 dollars’ worth of tools and fluid in this. I went for a drive, and my front is 80 percent better and the rear is 100 percent better. Most of all I can give these “Stealerships” the middle finger. Never will I be lazy again. I want to bleed the front again this weekend. I know I can do better. I will become a pro at this and spend my money on other things.
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Barring any external leaks, sounds like the worst case you were in for was a master cylinder internal leak & rebuild or replacement.
Which you could probably also accomplish for far less than $700!
I have to question what the labour rates are like these days - local dealership to me charges $150/hr CAD and we complain about paying too much for the quality of work of mechanics often here. My local dealership has been good to me however, for both the one for my bike and the VW dealership for my GTI.
A friend of mine in the Baltimore area was paying $200/hr USD for his Ducati, and said a local Chevy dealer was $250/hr USD.
It meant that his Panigale V2 desmo service, including new tires, was $2400 USD. He was lucky no valves were out of spec, otherwise it was going to be an additional $500 USD.
Meanwhile, I just did sprockets, chain and rear brake pads for $860ish CAD parts & labour.
Previously, I had a job for:
-Installing OEM 12V socket (already purchased)
-Brake fluid flush
-Coolant flush
-Valve clearance check
-Oil & filter change
-Frame sliders + install
For $1446 CAD!
At the same time, being a bike or automotive mechanic isn’t considered the most lucrative career here either.
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Same everywhere. The only way to make money is to own the shop. Not work for it
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Best thing is to DIY. I was so outraged. When I saw the guy on YT doing the brakes… It took him all of 5 minutes to take out the front pads. Had he not been talking so much… 3 tops!
I am glad I am wrenching again. I know what I did and I know its right. 700 usd can stay in me pocket!!!
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I finally got her home today on the back of a Uhaul trailer. Such a perfect bike for me: basic, old-fashioned, easily maintained, reliable. I got her for a good price with only 230 miles. Not a scratch. $2000 under new retail.
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I know which one I would prefer… But there is only one I could actually ‘drive’ 
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Nice! Enjoy the new toy!
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