Well I sold my CRF 450 tonight which is a bittersweet thing at best but it was my choice. Anyhow, I'm now contemplating buying a DS new or looking for a sweet used one. 2 weeks ago our local paper had like 4 bombs in it, this week I have $$$ and no bombs [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

I can't decide on baja or regular DS either.

I never run nerf bars, hard guards, shock covers, extra lights, a-arm plates, never had a tach, and don't think I need any of them. So it comes down to (if I'm researching the DS stuff right) is the front shocks and wheel package. Does the non-baja models come with any skid plates i.e. belly pan or rear end? I don't care for black plastic either but I'd put up with it if the rest of the pkg made sense to get.

What do you guys think, is the front shocks, skid plates(if applicable) and wheel package worth the extra $1,000? 85% of my riding is in the dunes, the other 15% is trail riding (hardcore though) up in the mountains with rocks and such.

p.s. I read a recent post about Bombardier no participating in a magazine shootout of sport quads, is there any insight about why they might've done that i.e. coming up with a different model soon etc?

 

I have an 04 ds and my buddy has a 04x and if i had the choice i would of bought the x just for the shocks and the skidplates the shocks the the x are better than the fox shocks on mine. We are both about the same size riders lbs that is and he smokes me in the woops

 

I would and did bye the plain DS and spend the extra on really good shocks and skid plates. That way you get exactly what you wont.

 

Hi Rich. Call me I'm in Vegas too. I can help u out. I sent you a private message.Craig

 

Yeh what he said!!!

 

I think you answered your own question - if you don't think you'll need the stuff on the Baja X model, then you should get the 'normal' DS and invest the money you saved into some other goodies. You can't beat the Pro Armor for skids.

 

Yeah, I just keep thinking I'm missing something in the calculation that you guys would point out. So far it sounds like not though.

 

Just keep in mind they are the same ATV with a couple of bolt on parts, no major changes. The only item that you may really want to consider is adding the tachometer, if you think you want it. And if at some point down the road you need the other stuff, you CAN always add it, heck you could probably buy the parts used from some Baja X owner who decided to part with those items.

I have a 2001 DS650 and a 2003 Baja, the 2001 is just as much fun as the Baja. In fact one of these days I may go back to riding the 2001 on a regular basis.

 

What's good about having the tach other than for "cool" factor? Seriously, do you guys use them while riding?

 

I use it for tuning. If I want to see how well the machine is running when racing up a hill etc. I'll also use it some when riding a dune to see what RPMs the engine likes for what type of dune. It isn't necessary, but the more info I have the happier I am.