Seeking advice from experienced riders

[1wheelor2]

So I bought my first bike. It's an '02, 650 GS, it's sweet. Only problem... After I had owned it for a few weeks, I realized, the thing wasn't supposed to be that low. It's a factory lowered model. Doh!! Well, that's OK. I'll be patient and get the right bike. I've been informed about the cost and hassle of raising the bike, so it sounds like I'll be getting a more appropriate bike for me. So, here's my Q. Living in Nevada county and being almost 6', liking luggage and intending to ride everything but trails. Which bike should I get. I don't think X's will take luggage and they don't look very comfy. The Dakar may be unnecessary. Normal GS? Any advice would be appreciated. Anybody want to trade? Keep rockin' wit' 'cher bad self

[Polarbear]

I raised my daughters '97 :usa F650ST back to normal, from its lowered position in about two hours. Its not hard. The rear shock on this one was the biggest job, having to replace the dogbones at the bottom of the shock. It went well and was done in about 2 hours or less. I don't know how the newer '02 f650 is, but probably not too different. The fork tubes on the ST were easy to do, just sliding them after loosening the 8 bolts in the triple clamps. Good luck, Randy13233

[pffog]

I raised my daughters '97 :usa F650ST back to normal, from its lowered position in about two hours. Its not hard. The rear shock on this one was the biggest job, having to replace the dogbones at the bottom of the shock. It went well and was done in about 2 hours or less. I don't know how the newer '02 f650 is, but probably not too different. The fork tubes on the ST were easy to do, just sliding them after loosening the 8 bolts in the triple clamps. Good luck, Randy13233

If it is just the dog bones and repositioning of the forks, should only take about 20 minutes to put it back stock.

[1wheelor2]

It's definitely not the fork leg slip setup. And I was told by my local dealership that it's the shock in back, not the linkage. I wouldn't mind an Ohlins, but the kickstands and fork overhaul too. That may or may not be all of it, right? It all adds up. Or... do these people not know what they're talking about? Thanks for trying to help.

[Polarbear]

The stands also need changing and are pricey. My daughters had both sets of stands, as the previous owner did the lower thing and we raised it back. I forgot about the stands, but you are exactly right about $$$. Actually the stands were the hardest part of the whole job. The springs are incredibly hard to stretch back onto the stands:(. Got her done, however. Randy:thumb