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DR-650 Build Thread Part 1

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Flyin6:
Let's get this build started.
So, as a part of an individual survival plan a motor-cross or a dual-sport bike is a great part. Capable of moving across just about any terrain it could put you a long ways from danger in a short period of time, and all with a very low signature. Learn to ride it at night and maybe even with night vision goggles, and you could practically move without being noticed.
Now, this DR is going to fulfill a slightly different and unique role.

I consider it as a part of a system. I plan to carry this bike on the back of SquareD, the modified early Dodge truck, along with a trailer so as to form a survival system.

Consider an extended travel away from danger. The Dodge, equipped with in excess of 100 gallons of fuel could feasibly remain operational for a month or more depending on how much it is used. A scenario might to be to get away from, say an urban area, but just far enough to be safe for a time, while you access the situation, and indeed allow the situation to develop.

A city will ignite into chaos fairly quickly as infrastructure and police/government collapses. So by getting yourself more than a couple days walking distance away, you have literally increased your chances of survival many fold. But move around too much and you simply place yourself under observation of more and more areas (Read: People!)

So in this imaginary scenario, everything is imploding, but you got out with what you have packed. With the survival system of truck/trailer/bike and lots of food, shelter, and water purification, you have moved to an isolated spot and set up a bivouac.

After establishing that you have built in some good cammo and are reasonably sure that you won't get many unexpected visits. next you might want to start to check out the surrounding area. Where are the people? Where are the choke points? Where are possible fuel or food collection areas. You could do this in one of several ways. You could lace up the boots and go for several days of hiking, bedding down tactically each night, or better yet, bed down during the day, and move at night. If you had some aerial observation device, you could employ that. If you had a low signature quad, UTV, or motorcycle, well just jump on it.

This is why the DR-650 project was given life and why it is going to be a part of the survival system starting with SquareD.\\THis bike build will look a lot like the outfitting of a world class adventure touring bike with some exceptions or additions.
It will have:
1. A better suspension
2. More power
3. protection for both the engine and the rider
4. Have a weapon mount
5. Be night vision capable
6. Be built on a low-observable concept (Read: Camouflaged)
7. Have a very long range or endurance
8. Carry everything I will need to self sustain for weeks if necessary
9. Be made simple and reliable
10. Feature GPS, communications equipment, and have a laptop computer to record information and possibly control the helicopter/camera system which will be roof mounted onto the truck.

After looking at many candidate bikes, the ultra simple and reliable design of the Suzuki was selected. It is air cooled, proven over decades, and in fact remains largely unchanged since it'd introduction in the mid 1990's. It is simple and rugged, and has a reputation amongst its riders as being nearly bulletproof.

With the decision made, a hunt on Craigslist quickly identified the candidate bike. A 2012 model with less than 2500 miles and already boasting some killer upgrades. The owner was contacted, a price negotiated, and I made the purchase.

So, without further adieu here is the bike as it existed the day I purchased it:

Flyin6:
More:

Flyin6:
So stock!!!!!!!

Flyin6:
But already has some great front forks from a MX bike

Flyin6:
And a big brake kit! Along with guards for the inverted forks!

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