Winter wears on with the project bike - DR650

 The mechanical issues were the least of my worries because I had oil leaks and electrical issues.  I had to strip the bike down and root through the ham fisted electrical wiring the prior owner had managed to rig up.  In the end I decided to just pull the stuff off hoping that I didn't destroy any of the required wiring.  

In some cases the work involved sanding the rust off and repainting parts to clean the bike up.  It is hard to find a dust free environment to paint in the winter but the attic worked out well.

It was starting to look like a saved machine!  

 

I had to pitch the original gas tank that held 2+ gallons and had a big dent in the side and mounted a 5+ gallon Acerbic tank for more range.  Seat on these bikes has been compared to a 2"X4" piece of wood and the replacement was a Seat Concepts and is very comfortable.  So I am now thinking this is going to work out.  

It was at this point that I called in the experts at the Suzuki dealer.  I had new shock and fork cartridges

installed and they tracked down, with my help the oil leak from the cam Chain tensioner.  I only found this leak by blowing baby power all over the engine and took a short slow ride around the neighborhood.  Upon returning it was obvious the track of oil from the base of the tensioner. 

The parts were getting more difficult to find due to the supply chain problems but I was able to get the LED headlight and the windshield and mirrors after some 5 weeks of backorder.

It's approaching March and I am worried that the back ordered parts would get more difficult since more riders would be getting their bikes ready for springtime.  But by April my orders were getting filled.