New member, no DS, but long time rider

[iamblank]

Hello everyone!

Been wanting the DS450 for quite a few years now, I'm sold on them without ever having ridden one. And I've ridden quite a few dirt toys in my 45 years. Born and raised in the So. Cal. mountains, I've got the scars to prove it.

I can't ride currently due to work injury, and to be honest, not really sure I want to crank up my old '85 ATC 350x. Last time I rode that beast it beat me to hell and back. Only toy I have, so....

Anyways, I'm always looking for new riding buddies, clubs, as eventually I'll be done fighting Worker's Comp lawyers and will find a way to ride. In addition to riding for 35 years, I love turning wrenches. So I figured I'd sign up to a forum that is used, and offer any help I can. That way, when I get the DS450 Xxc, I can ask some questions.

So... did I make the right choice here?

blank out

[bad moose]

Welcome to the dark side. And yeah, you made the right choice.

[gregory]

The can am is the best bike out there

[iamblank]

Ah the Darkside! Good to finally find my home. I have bad and good news, figured I'd share. Had to cash in my retirement fund to help out during the tough times, so I'll be hanging on to enough to buy a new 2012 DS450 x xc! Now just have to wait for the work injury to heal. So hopefully, I'll be able to ride w/ some of you So. Cal. members next spring! So excited....

blank out

[hcomras]

There's a couple of us so cal riders, myself included. We meet a bunch in the summer at pismo and usually twice in the winter in glamis. Next trip is glamis for easter...if u have a toy by then feel free to come and chill with us!

[iamblank]

would love to, hcomras, though I doubt I'll have it by then. you all ride mostly dunes? I grew up in san berdoo mountains, used to ride from lake silverwood to victorville to big bear on the dirt roads back there. so while i love the dunes i also love the xc type stuff. if only dunes, how often do you visit dumont? that was/is my fav place to dune

[hcomras]

Only been 2 times....cool dunes, just seemed like a smaller area than glamis....I'm down to make some more trips tho!

[iamblank]

Oh yea, definitely smaller than glamis, but bigger than pismo. they've got that small dune section-- we love making a big track out of the little dunes. also good to bring xtra rims/tires set up for all of the nearby desert riding. i've never ridden at pismo, seemed an awful long way to go for a smaller riding area. how do you like pismo?

[hcomras]

pismo is closer for me and its kinda cool to chill on the beach at night. i used to ride alot of trails when i first got the DS, but now mainly dunes since we dont ride as much anymore....just maybe 10 trips a year now.

[gregory]

I woundnt pay for a new 2012xxc get a nice. 2009-11 model and save the extra cash or get some trick parts. Pay 8900 or 4000-5000 for the samething