the DR650 thread

[Chill]

Originally Posted by GTR27

So im new to this forum, and new to adv riding, but am considering an adv bike for my next steed. I have just written off (not my fault) my owned from new 06 GSXR1000, and thought it might be time for a change. i loved the gixxer (had handlebars and a swag of other mods) but sadly, it was taken away from me in a accident.

Currently, 95% of my riding is commuting, but i was hoping to spend a little time exploring, now im over the need for speed. since im new to dirt (have ridden some dirtbikes in a padock, but ill still consider myself new), i was thinking of a smaller adv bike.

some options ive considered now are

DR650
KLR650
Husky TR650

I have a budget of about 11K AUD, and cant ride till mid jan at earliest next year (broken hand requiring pins and plates, and a broken wrist). as mentioned commuting in traffic, along highways (100kph) and normal streeta (60) is the norm, with the odd trip off road. Once i finish uni, and back in a high paying job, ill look at r1200gs etc, but for now, cheap, functional and good are requirements.

Here in oz, the klr and dr are about 2k cheaper than the husky, but the husky looks to be better std.

So since this is the dr thread - why should i buy a dr?

I had a KLR as a courtesy bike for a day or two, felt very tall and under powered. At the time I didn't have a DR so it's not a direct comparison but now I have a DR it doesn't feel tall or under powered. I like the simplicity of the DR. I had a ZX10 before the DR, so, like you, I went from a litre sportsbike to a 650 trail bike. I can honestly say that it's the best bike I've ever had. Like you, I also thought this would be a stepping stone to something like a GS or a Super Tenere but in all honesty, if someone handed me the keys to a brand new GS1200 and offered to swap bike for bike... I'd keep the DR. A bloke at work has just bought a Panigale and although it's gorgeous, if I had to ride it, I'd rather have my DR.

As you know here in Australia we have very low speed limits that are enforced with zero tolerance it seems. I'm sure owning a gixer-thou for six years in Brisbane you are familiar with speeding tickets. You won't be having this problem with the DR, it's a pleasure to ride around town, and is known affectionately here as the bush-pig for good reason

[Chill]

Originally Posted by procycle

Yeah, Kenda Big Block in back and a Pirelli Scorpion Rally in front. This is my third K784 and I'm happpy enough with them that I'll probably get another after this one is gone. It's not quite as good a tire (for me) as the TKC80 but in the 150/70-17 size I run it is way less expensive. I don't have fun if I feel like I have to ride to baby my tires.

Cool, thanks.

[GTR27]

Originally Posted by Chill

I had a KLR as a courtesy bike for a day or two, felt very tall and under powered. At the time I didn't have a DR so it's not a direct comparison but now I have a DR it doesn't feel tall or under powered. I like the simplicity of the DR. I had a ZX10 before the DR, so, like you, I went from a litre sportsbike to a 650 trail bike. I can honestly say that it's the best bike I've ever had. Like you, I also thought this would be a stepping stone to something like a GS or a Super Tenere but in all honesty, if someone handed me the keys to a brand new GS1200 and offered to swap bike for bike... I'd keep the DR. A bloke at work has just bought a Panigale and although it's gorgeous, if I had to ride it, I'd rather have my DR.

As you know here in Australia we have very low speed limits that are enforced with zero tolerance it seems. I'm sure owning a gixer-thou for six years in Brisbane you are familiar with speeding tickets. You won't be having this problem with the DR, it's a pleasure to ride around town, and is known affectionately here as the bush-pig for good reason

Cheers. once my hand heals and I can ride again, i'll definately test ride everything. But the DR looks very tempting - its so cheap compared to any of the others (KLR excepted) and looks like its good value.

[Chill]

Originally Posted by GTR27

Cheers. once my hand heals and I can ride again, i'll definately test ride everything. But the DR looks very tempting - its so cheap compared to any of the others (KLR excepted) and looks like its good value.

Keep an eye out for the promos, there's usually some sort of kickback deal that brings the price down to almost what the rest of the world pays for bikes. Sunstate have the best deal at the moment.

[Magnum Noel]

Here's a piccy:

Looks in really good condition. In NZ the DR650 is now a learner approved bike because of its low power to weight ratio. Have you checked your regulations lately? Might be OK to ride!

[Slideways#96]

Originally Posted by procycle

Yeah, Kenda Big Block in back and a Pirelli Scorpion Rally in front. This is my third K784 and I'm happpy enough with them that I'll probably get another after this one is gone. It's not quite as good a tire (for me) as the TKC80 but in the 150/70-17 size I run it is way less expensive. I don't have fun if I feel like I have to ride to baby my tires.

You running that 150/70/17 on a stock dr rim? Tire shopping now, pretty set on a pair of 705's on extra set of wheels for those times I'll be doing more slab. Got 606's on original set of wheels but I burn these up pretty quick when much slab involved.

[Anklyne]

Originally Posted by Magnum Noel

Looks in really good condition. In NZ the DR650 is now a learner approved bike because of its low power to weight ratio. Have you checked your regulations lately? Might be OK to ride!

Most of Australia is using the LAMS system (Learner Approved) and WA will finally be changing over at the end of the year. I don't want to wait until then, plus if I get my unrestricted license now, I can use this bike to do my test.

Although because it's summer and everyone is getting their license, I might not get a test until early next year, in which case it won't really matter

I did a bit of work on the bike today. Unlike my beaten up old TT250, it was just small little tweaks I had to do.
I removed the vertical section of the rack, fixed a couple of twisted/taped joints for the RHS rear indicator, removed the side-stand kill switch (which wasn't working anyway), re-routed the throttle cables correctly so they weren't being pulled taut at full lock and just generally had a good look over the bike.


Does anyone know what this connector is for? Two of the connections are shorted with some wire and all four of them head back into the wiring loom. Unfortunately I didn't take note of which wires were shorted. It's located on the LHS near the CDI.

[buckrut1972]

After spending $140 on gloves a bit ago that 29 degree ride in this morning finally did it for me. I NEED HEATED GRIPS. I see lots of models but can anyone point me in the right direction? I prefer the easier the set up the better.But I'll take anything at this point.

[Emmbeedee]

Originally Posted by Chill

..is known affectionately here as the bush-pig for good reason

And when it won't run is renamed affectionately to "Big Push".

[Jammin]

Ha! Found the culprit: clogged fuel filter (paper core). Replaced it with a new spare (copper core) and sanDRina runs like a champ! Went for a 60 km test ride and no issues. I think that was it Continuing south tomorrow

Come on, motorcycle gods, what else you got? Let me have it.

I got jolted last night and told myself that 'give up' isn't in my dictionary. I beat my demons back in their cave and listened to the advice from ADV brethren who directed me to inspect this part.
If I don't make it to the next town tomorrow, I'll figure it out



Thanks!!!

[refokus]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

. It is the wise man who uses his friends and their broad knowledge and creative ideas to solve the unsolvable.

+1

[procycle]

Originally Posted by Slideways#96

You running that 150/70/17 on a stock dr rim?

No. I have what I call 'Adventure Wheels'. A 4.25x17 rear and a 2.75x19 front.
Makes the bike much feel more planted on the twisty pavement without giving up anything significant in off-road capability. It would be a bad idea to run a 150 tire on the stock rim.

[Multisurface Rider]

Originally Posted by Jammin

Ha! Found the culprit: clogged fuel filter (paper core). Replaced it with a new spare (copper core) and sanDRina runs like a champ! Went for a 60 km test ride and no issues. I think that was it Continuing south tomorrow

Come on, motorcycle gods, what else you got? Let me have it.

I got jolted last night and told myself that 'give up' isn't in my dictionary. I beat my demons back in their cave and listened to the advice from ADV brethren who directed me to inspect this part.
If I don't make it to the next town tomorrow, I'll figure it out



Thanks!!!

Great!

Now ride.

[nsrrider]

Need some input. Can the barrel and cylinder head on the DR be painted with high temp paint (like from a rattle can) with any expectation of it holding up very well?

Can they be powder coated and would that hold up better?

Is there a better option?

thanks guys!

[Slideways#96]

Okay, thanks for the advice..

Originally Posted by procycle

No. I have what I call 'Adventure Wheels'. A 4.25x17 rear and a 2.75x19 front.
Makes the bike much feel more planted on the twisty pavement without giving up anything significant in off-road capability. It would be a bad idea to run a 150 tire on the stock rim.