New guy, previous 250L guy

Hi Guys

Old school racer from the Cali glory days, from OC, been living/teaching in Thailand last 15 yrs, now teaching on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico!

Had a pretty tricked out L in Thailand, but left it there-enclosed a pic if anyone cares! Was thinking of a 450X now thinking seriously of 650R, 2000-2007(is there much diff between the years?).

Looking on CL in So Cal for a good one(its all relative). My hope is still good in the dirt but it will be an everyday ride and ADV for exploring Mexico, as I did with my L. Having a auto is not really a priority!

Feel free to input things to look for or anything to make it better-I am in the process of combing thru ALL the postings. Q-anyone do a Rekluse or auto clutch, modding the engine for long term reliability(SS valves, oil cooler, elect. starter, etc.),  just a few examples. Reliability is number 1!

Don't think me a dweeb if I post questions for some of your posts, just getting up to speed! Any L q's feel free to ask.

Thx guys!

2000-2007 no differences apart from decals and a couple of minor mods, if you get an early model 2000-2001 always worth checking clutch bush has been changed....other small mods dont matter really they wont cause any harm....all years suffer with right foot peg bolt failure, swap the hex bolt for a high tensile version if not already done.

Yip, the first models up until ~202 have a clutch bushing which needs replacing if it's still the OEM part.
Also the oilseal behind the front sprocket has been redesigned (twice?), but this is a minor compared to the bushing.
The models are all the same, but if you can get a later model it'll be younger too, a good thing as these bikes are getting old already.
Mind, some very little ridden models are still out there, hardly used.... I'd get one of those, and pay a premium for it simply because such will save you money down the line.