Younger grandson (21) just bought a Kawasaki 250 2-smoke dirt bike. Don't recall the exact model number.

Older grandson (28) is on his way up with his family and will be buying a dirt bike soonest.

Sooooooooo, I've been looking at dual-purpose bikes to see if there are any bargains out there. I'm too damn old for any serious dirt biking, but I'd like to be able to donk around while the boys are tearing things up.

Found a 2008 Suzuki DR-Z400S that appears to be in decent shape, is nearby, and the guy was willing to deal on the price enough that I'm going to go look at it tomorrow.

SWMBO is NOT going to be impressed if I pull into the drive with another motorcycle in the back of the truck...

As long as stuffs paid for, what business is it of hers?

Nunya, IMO.

Ah heck, buy her a German Chocolate cake and enjoy the bike. Of course I'm 3,000 miles away and don't have to fight your battle. I have my own to deal with.

The greatest joy I ever had on a motorcycle were the years I had dirt bikes. Both were Suzuki's, a 250 and then a 400cc. At 71 I wouldn't think of getting back into it. Hell I couldn't even throw my leg over to sit on it let alone ride one so I'm stuck with the memories.

Have fun with it but be careful.

Jim

Can you get wi-fi from the dog’s condo??

Cause it’s spring and I’m sure a window beater will get you thru the summer, and that should be enough time to properly insulate.

She has to have some perspective, so tell her some of the guys/friends on SIGForum have a lot more bikes than you do.

I have three BMW motorcycles in my barn. All now running. That is beside the two John Deere tractors, the three Gravely tractors and the Chriscraft boat...

Me, I’m rather conservative compared to some of the other guys around here.

We have our finances set up as "Our Money" which pays all the usual household expenses, "Her Money" which is hers to do with as she pleases without consultation, and "My Money" likewise mine to spend as I see fit.

The bike will be coming out of "My Money", but that won't stop her from giving me the stink eye. She won't seriously object, but she'll express her disapproval.

Her logic is "you can only shoot one gun at a time" and "you can only ride one bike at a time" so there's no need for multiples.

Yes, there are loopholes in that logic, but 44 years of marriage has taught me not to jump through them...

Two guys at work swear by their DR Z 400's. They highly recommend them.

A stout wooden crate, 1" R-Max, chrome tape, and a 50w heat pad suffice for my cat. Coming in from 8˚ weather, he is warm from tip to tail and everything in between. Guess a Man-Crate would want a 500w heat pad and a bigger crate. But it is doable.

Easier than getting rid of a nice motorcycle.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:
She has to have some perspective, so tell her some of the guys/friends on SIGForum have a lot more bikes than you do.

I have three BMW motorcycles in my barn. All now running. That is beside the two John Deere tractors, the three Gravely tractors and the Chriscraft boat...

Me, I’m rather conservative compared to some of the other guys around here.

We don't inventory the toys here, it gives SWMBO too much ammo. Tractors (plural) guns (WAY plural) machine tools, welders (plural) tools out the wazoo.

If she REALLY wants something and I express the slightest reservation about it, she starts ticking stuff off on her fingers. At about the third tick I just say "Yes, Dear" and STFU.

I have a collection of guns, cameras, radio equipment (Ham and Commercial), expensive watches, a late model Motorcycle and a pile of cash in the Credit Union.

I can purchase anything that I want without explaining my reason to anyone, and I can go anywhere at anytime.....

Of course, I'm not married.

Just tell SWMBO you're holding on to it for Stickman....

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
Of course, I'm not married.

Yeah, there's that...

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
Just tell SWMBO you're holding on to it for Stickman....

That's my backup plan. One peek at his garage should do it...

Paul...

My brother...

Before you insulate the dog house...

... You listening?...

Run a wireless connection out there.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
Paul...

My brother...

Before you insulate the dog house...

... You listening?...

Run a wireless connection out there.

I like the way you think.

Any chance she might be concerned about the nursemaid role she will have to play when you take a spill?

I'll bet you don't heal as fast as you use to.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
Just tell SWMBO you're holding on to it for Stickman....

That's my backup plan. One peek at his garage should do it...

Or you're fixing it up for one of the grandkids and need to test ride it [every weekend] you ensure it's safe enough to pass along.

Pretty soon she'll might just drop the issue after the 30th time hearing "nope, not safe enough yet to give it to them. I mean, you don't really want me to give it away too soon, do you?"

And if she asks which grandkid it's for, the answer "it's for the [pick either "boy" or "girl" - whichever one there's more of], i just can't remember his/her name at the moment."

Oh and don't forget electricity.

The DRZ400 S a very cool bike! When your wife discovers how reliable, simple and fun the DRZ400 is I’m sure she will come around. Not to mention the aftermarket support for the DRZ is YUGE! I’ve been wanting a DRZ-400SM (Supermoto) version for a looooooong time....it’s actually what I was looking for prior to finding that BMW GS.

It’s fun going to look at bikes. Good luck man!

Tell her you got the bike because it would be easier to get into the garage than a Raptor.

And don't forget to put the doghouse on Air BNB when she lets you come back in...

Well, in your case I suggest renting a local storage unit. Keep the bike and other toys there. Get a cot and space heater in case you need to spend the night!