Whistle? Mine down right howl! I tip to the side a bit sometimes just to get them to shut up, ha. They may be loud on the hiway but I love them and for $75 they don't have to last that long. Mezo, that will be one righteous DR when you're done. Good luck and keep the pic's coming.
Earplugs and a gsxr muffler work wonders against the howling I like the tires it's just that I don't like changing tires 4/5 times a year. And for an around australia trip you want to find something that'll last 7/8000 km just so you end up in big cities when you need to change them.
Ok, I'm back. On my bike I left the stock DR cups aka races in the frame, and then put on the EXC triples/stem/bearings. I also re-used the DR dust seals, maybe KTM ones will fit but I haven't tried.
Excellent!! I am assuming that 03 to present EXC front ends will fit 96 to present DR 650, right? Do you know if a higher quality shock from another off road or MX bike will fit? I saw a post that a Ohlins shock from a 96-97 KTM 2 stroke exc will fit, but that must be pretty hard to find. I know there is a Wilbers shock available but I don't want to spend that much for a new shock. I can buy near new original shocks from parted out current models for around 100 bux. DBM
On my pre 96 DR 650 R, i just pressed out the KTM stearing steam of the lower KTM clamp. Then pressed in the old DR steam in the KTM lower clamp. Voula !! and I could use the DR bearings Had to machine a spacer for the top bearing, but i worked fine. Happy projekt.
Very nice! I really love this build and all the components. I LOVE my KTM, but sometimes wish I had a DR/XR motor and KTM suspension/brakes.
G'Day Mezo! If i ever finish my DR project i'll be up for the ride round Oz. I'm subscribed! I haven't bolted my Safari tank to the frame yet, but i've had it sit where it should be and it does not interfere with my 50mm conventional Marzocchi KTM forks or triples. !!! I took the DR races and KTM head stem bearings to the bearing shop and the salesman reckons that it's not a good fit and that the bearings will wear quickly! Lukas how are yours holding up? I then set both bearings square and compared the taper, and indeed there is a small angle difference. That means that the ktm bearings will not contact the DR race perfectly. :eek1 Torben, was the KTM/ DR stem the same diametre? what model KTM? I'm thinking of pressing the DR stem out and fitting it to the KTM lower clamp - but am unsure if it will fit in the KTM clamp. The KTM stem is 29mm dia, and the DR 30mm dia. However the section pressed into the clamp may be the same, I dunno. DBM - I have a 1997 KTM EGS (EXC) Ohlins shocker on my DR and it fits well. From memory, you need 2x2mm spacers either side of the top mount to fit the shock snug into the DR frame. I'll post the spacer dimensions on my build up page when I get the chance.
FYI - The KTM head stem bearings are cheaper to buy from the bearing supplier than the special build suzuki bearings.:huh
I still have the original DR races in my frame, probably more than 30.000 kms old, and re-used the old bearings that came with my KTM clamps. Initially I was just going to test them this way for a bit but things got in the way and I have now had them in there for about 10.000 kms without any trouble. If the DR stem is such a close fit however I would machine it down and use the proper Suzuki bearings. This way you will know 100% that it will never be a problem when you don't need it on a big trip, and you don't have to buy two different bearing kits. I will probably do that next time I have them out as well. If you do get yours pressed out be so kind and share your findings.
Hi Mezo, nice project! My DR's engine is totally tore appart so i'd take this opportunityu to port the head and maybe trimm (or shave it, don't know the exact term) in order to get a bit higher compression. It seems you have done that, correct? How much did you "trim" 0.1 cm??
Hey hey. Lookin forward to following your build. I just got my DR350 a month or so ago and plan on stripping it to it's frame over the winter so between you and a few other threads I hope to learn a some things from your rebuild and few other rebuild threads i've found. Good luck to you. -e
DBM, I have fitted a 1997 KTM 300EXC/EGS rear shock to the DR with minimal fuss. Check my build up site frequently. NOSIGN
Skimmed! thanks! For now i'll leave the stock displacement. Just read the 700cc thread, and seems 1 mm is the way to go. If not, i've ordered 1 extra gasket that may be used to compensate. About the carb: Mikuni TM40! widely used, widely approved!
Theres a guy on the east coast Vince Strang ,Inverell Run a couple of DR ,s in Aus saferi Few years ago couple of times i think .Anyway specialises in modifying parts suspension etc has a few bits that only they get custom made .Heard of him Mezo? Loves to talk all things DR Culd be of some help .Did my rear shock $385 delivered with new spring regas and a bit of a tune of internals kind plush now as they say but firm, I Put emulators in front but did half the job { note to self read instructions }New springs as well oil etc .Good to see boys enjoyed wet ride today Least i didnt throw them of the hillclimb of hopelessness again
