I don't know. I just google the specs, and usually get the # from motorcycle-usa.com or whatever site comes up. The XT225 "feels" really light, but they say my WR450 is only 248 lbs, and it feels heavier than the 225 when I'm stuck or trying to lift & drag it over a log, or when trying to turn around in a tight spot on the side of a steep hill. I was always under the impression that the DR350 was quite a bit lighter than the DRZ400S. But if you weighed your bike at over 300 lbs, I guess there isn't much difference. Maybe the Z carries it a lot higher?
I weighed mine a couple weeks ago and came up with 300 pounds ('90 dr350s) and 314 pounds ('95 dr350se). That's wet weight but with room for a gallon or two more gas in each.
Starting next year I'll be riding this bike as a commuter to work (~50 miles) and 30 miles of that will be ranch roads. Since I'll be riding in a green uniform with a duty belt, I'll aready be standing out. It wont be too noticeable having another pistol on the bike. Why do I need two you ask? its nearly impossible to use your left hand to get a pistol on your right side. If the situation presents itself and I need to access a pistol quickly, I'll have one on the tank within quick reach. Plus there are tons of coyotes out here and they make great target practice. I'm not concerned about the pistol getting dirty. We ride ATV's constantly through mud, dirt, dust and rain and never seem to have an issue. On the other hand, we do have broken pistols occasionally from ATV wrecks. Here is a pic I took of such an instance:
I've seen a few references to people putting 5.8 gallon gas tanks from a XR650 on their DR350. It sounds like mounting them isn't a huge issue. Does anyone have pics of one of these tanks on their DR? I'm not worried about the mounting, I'm just curious how big it's going to be and if it gets in the way.
The tank does not look too big as most of the gas is forward of the rider's knees. However you have to hack up your stock mounts. Here is a write up on how to mount it. http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=58367.160 If you want big tank though this is what you need. I think it is a ten gallon tank. http://www.enduro-manufaktur.ch/tangebot.html
Incredible! They also list a 50 liter (13+ US gallon) tank at the bottom of that page!!! At 6 pounds per gallon of fuel, that is 78 pounds inside the tank when full. Best budget for some stiffer springs, too. Gregory Bender
Spectacular. Thanks for the link. I think the 5.8 gallon tank is going to be in my future for one of my bikes. It doesn't look much more obtrusive than the 4.25 gallon tank I've got now. Having an extra 1.5 gallons is going to be spectacular for long back-country trips. As much as I have no practical reason for one of those huge enduro tanks (15+ gallon?!?!) I still want one. Good thing they're so expensive.
Yep - I'd grab one just for bragging rights if they weren't so expensive. Out here in the west, gas stops can be few and far between....but not far enough to justify a 715 - 910 mile range (thinking 55 to 70 MPG with a 13 gallon tank). Regards, Gregory Bender
hey, new rider here, im using this bike to learn to ride on and to get me back and forth to work i seem to be doing well so far and picking it up fast but im having some issues if any of you have advice like in traffic and downshifting it just seems to want to lock up the back tire no matter what i try to do is there a trick to it or does it just take getting used to? i try to rev match but most times my revs are still to low lol most times i pretty much just clutch in and go down multiple gears instead of stepping down each gear as i slow and because im so nervous for my rear tire to skid and i cross my fingers that when traffic picks back up i have it in the right gear lol
Sorry if this is to fundamental. It' been a long time sense my first rides. From 6th gear, use engine braking and the rear brake to begin slowing down. Be careful of the front brake until you understand the dynamics. A lot of weight moves to the front under braking, so the front brake has a lot of influence. Any irregular surface, or lack of traction or change in direction on the front tire can dump you. Down shift one gear at a time with a little rear brake and release the clutch with discretion. Engine braking is you friend, but down shifting too a much lower gear can lock up the rear tire on any surface. Practice, Practice, Practice. Carefully. If you really want to learn to ride, participate in a Trials club in your area.
That is a very nice bike! I just got the same taillight/turn signal/license plate thing. How do you like yours and anything to be wary of with it? Any pics of the extended rack?
You are probably downshifting at too high rpm. Still, it all takes coordination and practice. Continue trying to perfect your rev matching, be smooooooth with application of all controls, including easing out the clutch after shifts (faster will come with practice). If you have not done so already, please consider some training. You might be able to take the MSF BRC on your own bike - and you would definitely be able to take an ERC on it later, once you have built some experience.
+1 on the brc. It's a huge advantage and you make new riding buds in your area. you can just hold in the clutch and downshift without ever letting it out and use your brakes instead of engine braking. It's actually easier on your timing chain etc doing it that way.
I wanted to buy the acerbis tank made specifically for the dr 350, but after seeing this, I am seriously considering getting the xr 600 one. I only need it for travelling, for which the larger one is better anyways. But imho it also looks much nicer and fits the optic of the bike much better. The acerbis tank made for the 350 often looked odd to me, otherwise I would have already bought one. The seat itself does not have to be modified to fit it and there are no irreversible changes that prevent you from running the stock tank again right?
here's mine with a xr600 5 gallon tank. doesn't look as good as stock but not to oversized looking. gives me 350 mile range so covers everything I do. stock seat fits ok and mounting was pretty easy.
hello another issue here, i had just noticed this since it was cold and tried to start it would it indicate a rich condition if ur bike will not start with the choke out? like it will only start with choke in which requires alot of cranking when its cold as soon as it is started if u pull the choke out the rpms will raise to about 3k then it will stall and die withing about 2-3 seconds how many turns out from light seated should the idle mixture screw be? im at about 2 turns out pretty much dead on at it