9
okay, so check boxes include:
-reliable
-e-start
-modern technology/suspension
-desert tank for longer dual sport rides
-LAB2V ready in November
-lightest, dirt biased dual sport bike (plate required, no DRZ400/XR650L/DR650/WR250R/KLR650/KLX300)
-No 450's/500exc/501/etc.- I'm a 135-140lb beginner rider in my 30's. Those bikes will send me to an early death. No 250's (somewhat under powered for desert?)
low and behold the 2019 Husqvarna FE350
$11,113 out the door + $2,000 in add ons (see below)
I did best to fight my natural Indian instincts...it's going to take a little while, but it'll pass.
Some of my all time favorites include:
-"you already have a bike, why do you need that?"
-"you'll break your leg on that. did you hear what happened to your cousin XYZ? his life is ruined."
-"what if you lose your job?"
ADD ONS
so I left the bike at the dealer:
-Goldentyre Fatty front
-Dunlop D606 Rear
-ultra heavy duty front/rear tubes
-Cycra Probend full wrap around handlebars
-rear disc guard
-OEM tail mount removed, small undertail, flush mount signals, smaller brake/tail light
-small bag on rear fender to store spare tube & tool kit. OEM kit doesn't have irons...and I must add a trail stand/pump.
they did not recommend changing any gearing...or suspension. Set the sag, try it out, go from there. Same with the bars.
He highly recommended a steering damper, FMF pipe + tune (~$1,000). 1 hour of labor and the bike will "run right". Also add a steering damper (~$1,000). He does that to all his bikes. I may ask them to wire the bike for my Garmin, & swap out the headlight for a Cyclops LED. They talked about swapping out mirrors.