It's been way too long.. I had thought I would have my 620 back on the road by now, but it turned into take it all the way apart thing, and then life interfered - kid on the way, married - etc.. I sold my sxc for quick cash to pay for the wedding - but I was left a bit left over, and was allowed to look for a dual sport to have some fun with - so I could take my time with the 620 - the frame is going for powdercoating - etc...
There are a number of good deals to be had right now - but you have to strike quickly and be persistant.. I have had 3 pulled out from underneath me where I thought it was a done deal ... I got snaked on a dr650 that I really wanted that had the same color scheme as my old dr350se, and the same has happened on a klr and a nx650... There are allot of bikes on the market - but I was limited by $$ I could spend...
Anyway, I am a huge fan of craigshelper (http://www.craigshelper.com/) which allows you to search craigslist and ebay for the same area at the same time... Anyway, on sunday if found the following ad
Mar 1 - 2000 xr650l - $2000 - (harford) - http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/1055295358.html
no pics, no details - it just listed that info and a phone number that said call anytime... So I did... I was first one to not try some absurd lowball offer.. I went to see it not having access to tow vehicle (it's in the shop - got hit in the snow storm).. It was mint 7000 miles - super clean - with some goodies (after market exhaust, handlebar) -etc.. We didn't close a deal on the spot - as he was waiting on an offer to go to the mva to get a title (original was lost), but I left a deposit... I honestly kept thinking I would get a call saying he sold it out from under me for more, but luck was with me this time - as it's now mine...
It's really clean... I still can't believe it.. Anyway, I should have it ready for inspection this weekend (it's got an aftermarket taillight w/o the fender - so I have to put that back on it - and I want to take off the lowering links - change the oil- etc)....
So I'm back... finally
.. Tell you what.. I will ride the 990Adv out and put it on it's side and see how well you do picking it up... It used to hurt like a bitch just putting it on the center stand... Mostly better now... so it's on....