well, after spending another ~$175 bucks on the bike (which wasn't too bad, all things considered), i now have a new engine in the bike, and it runs. it took a week longer than i had anticipated due to work. it didn't help that i lost my keys, and the first lock smith i took it with the key code cut me a shitty key that worked in every lock except for the ignition. i still need to do some work on her (valve adjustment on the new engine and a carb sync), but just the fact that she started and ran perfectly the first time i tried makes me very happy.

Now the question is, do i sell it once its back in tip-top shape and buy a KLR650, or do i stick with the 250 and just wait to buy a dual sport that's a little nicer in a few years when i have the money (like a vstrom 650). i really think a dual sport would be a much closer match to what i really want in a motorcycle, so thats why im considering it.