This month, we are excited to feature Joey Pons, who is based in Louisiana and is the proud owner of a 2020 Suzuki DR650 and a 2021 Yamaha FJR1300. While the FJR is undoubtedly a cool ride, the one we’re really interested in his DR, so let’s dive in!
Visually, the most obvious upgrades to the DR are the 4.9 gallon IMS fuel tank in natural, a Seat Concepts seat, a ProCycle skid plate, a rear top rack, Wolfman saddlebags, and a ProCycle tool tube. Joey also upgraded the suspension, both front and rear, with a Cogent shock and Cogent Dynamic Drop-in Cartridges (DDCs).
Up front, he added ProTaper CR high bars and bar risers, as well as Cycra hand guards. He upgraded his headlamp to LED and added wiring and and a mount for his GPS. Lastly, he put on some 50/50 tires (IRC TR8 front and Shinko 244 rear).
Since purchasing his DR, Joey has taken it to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas (twice), the North Georgia Mountains (where the Smokey Mountain 500 is held, twice), Big Bend National Park, the National Forests in Southern Mississippi, and of course, on local rides around Southern and Central Louisiana.
This year, he is planning to ride in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the Spring. Over the Summer, Joey will be in New England and plans to ride the White, Green, and Berkshire Mountains.
Thank you, Joey, for sharing your adventures with us!
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