I installed HID headlights so the relay install is not needed and the lights are great for night riding. Crash guards are next, the center stand would have been next but I lowered the bike and won't work well without mods.

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1981 Yamaha 650 Special(first ride)
1986 Yahama Fazer 700 FZX(sold in 99)
2005 DL 650( best ride so far)

I'm still waiting to get a woman on the back of mine. WTF Suzuki?!

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The first thing for me is to find a DL with ABS. I traded a good '04 for an equally good '07 just to get the ABS brakes. I recently rode a DL without ABS on a mud-slicked paved road, and felt the tires sliding under me when I had to brake hard. No drama that time, but I think it is smart to have ABS.

Next, find a seat that fits your backside (the stock seat was only good for 2 hours for me, and the Spencer mod good for only 3 hours). I had a seat built for me by Rich's Custom Seats, and it is great. Also, find a windscreen that give you the protection you need without buffeting.

Set up the suspension for your loaded riding weight. The bike absolutely needs different springs depending on whether you weigh 120# or 300# or somewhere in between.

__________________
Rooster today
Feather duster tomorrow

And for all of that I think it was over 100,000 miles and five years before I had even a hint of issue with the starter switch on my 2006; and when it did become an issue and I had to bump start it a couple of times I cleaned the switch and the problem went away. So a relay might be a nice bit of pro-active farkeling but I would hardly say it is a big deal.

..Tom

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Road Toads Charter Member - 2006 V-Strom DL650: 202,000 km 125,500 miles, 2012 DL650 New March 2012 50,000 km


Why Cars don't see bikes (SMIDSY)
SMIDSY detailed report

I Suzuki supplied a woman with a VStrom she would probably look like Edith Bunker.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100

The issue probably isn't a bike issue. I have found women love riding on the back of my Stroms; although my last to ride back there loved the riding so much she got her own bike (a Gladius.)

..Tom

__________________
Road Toads Charter Member - 2006 V-Strom DL650: 202,000 km 125,500 miles, 2012 DL650 New March 2012 50,000 km


Why Cars don't see bikes (SMIDSY)
SMIDSY detailed report

Fork brace

Mad stad bracket

Rox risers

Fog lights

Luggage- min of tail rack with box. Panniers are a big plus.


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In this order:
_ABS
_Rox risers , TRW enduro handlebar and 1" lift up bone. Taht combination finlay gives me perfect riding position and makes DL totaly different bike.
_Crash bars
_Madstad bracket
_Skid plate
_Hand protectors

It is also usefull to have next:
_water radiator protector
_Sidestand extender
_12V power socket
_mirros extenders
_gear indicator
_Fender extender
_Central stand
_Light off switch
_Aux day lights and relayed main lights and fuse box
_Heated grips
_Gel or custom seat

But the first six is must have farkles, and I canged my K5 to K8 Wee because of ABS!

Didn't mention fork brace, because I have it and don't feel any difference.

I don't have opinion about suspension upgrade because didn't try it.
(It is very expensive and I think the stock is good for me, or maybe not?).

The harder you ride, or the rougher the terrain, or, if you REALLY have to have the bike handle well in an emergency, the more suspension upgrades help. I have Inertia valves in the front end of my new 2012 (less than 200.00), with an Inertia Valved rear shock on the way. But, I used to ride very rough desert terrain. I'm settling down to more sane riding, but, I'll still be going off-road a bit.

Great lists above, folks! I appreciate that!

You are going to buy a used DL. Likely it will be pre-2012 and I cannot address specific items for it-
-except one. Get a fork brace.
Then ride it a while and see what areas need improving for the way and where you ride. No point in spending money to have something your riding style does not require. Better to spend the bucks on things that are better for you.