the DR650 thread

[doug s.]

Originally Posted by The Breeze

Brentde3,

I have both a DR and a WR. Love them both.

Vibes seem to be very subjective.....it's the "buzz" that kills my wrists.... Everyone says that both bikes are super smooth and look at me weird when I complain about either of these bikes being vibey.

BUT foe me...both of buzzy....and my DR is vibier/buzzier than my WR. Note, that I have Rox anti-vibe risers, Spider anti-vibe grips, and grip puppies over the grips! While it improves/lessens the buzz....it doesn't solve it. The only thing I haven't tried yet it a "bar snake" or "vibranators".

I've done two 6k+ mile trips on the DR, and just finished a 5k mile trip on the WR. For me....the WR was better (i.e., less vibye/buzzy) on my wrists...but not perfect. Also, I seek out the dirt...so most of my trips are 50%+ off-road.

IMO, your choice shout depend on what you're going to use the bike for.... If it's more 50/50 on and off-road and in regions that have high octane gas....I'd get the WR. If it's 50/50 on and off-road oriented, in regions that don't have high octane gas readily available, and reliability/simplicity is paramount, I'd get the DR. If you're more road oriented with some graded/maintained gravel roads.....I'd look at a V-strom or something along those lines (or a Tiger 800 XC). I've never ridden a V-strom, but I'm guessing it's not as buzzy as the DR or WR.

For me, I'm just about to pull the trigger on a Triumph Tiger 800 XC. Simply because it is super smooth....almost no buzz. To be honest I hate to do it....this bike weighs ~100 lbs more than the DR, it's not as robust, and it's much more complicated to work on. Since I ride alot off-road, the xtra weight of the Tiger really sucks.........but my wrists just can't take the vibes of the DR on long haul trips. Especially if they involve long days on the slab, going over 60 mph, getting to the next destination. I love my DR.....I've put 20k miles it....beat the shit out of it....and it has never let me down. BUT FOR ME....it comes down to vibes/buzz. So for long haul trips (with some off-road riding), it's going to be the Tiger.

Anyway, a bit of a diatribe...but since you're sensative to the vibes/buzz I thought I'd chime in.

what sprocket gearing are you running? i know most folks opt for shorter-than-stock gearing; as most all my riding will be street, i am going to go w/at least 5% taller than stock gearing. i also don't like wibrations.

my bike is presently a tiny bit taller that stock, w/16t front and stock 42t rear, but sm-sized rear tire of 150/60/17. i will be going to 17t in the front, and likely 41t in the rear as well. my bike makes plenty of power to handle the taller ratios w/fcr39 carb, fmf powerbomb header, kientech hi-flow midpipe and tsukigi/gsxr muffler...

doug s.

[996DL]

We are talking about a 644cc thumper here, not small displacement singles, or multi cyl bikes. Many inmates remove the oem bar end weights, to fit "bar busters" for serious offroading, then handlebar types and materials utilized (aluminum / steel) will play an important role, in addressing the increased vibes.

Every grey hair's (or battered youths) sensitivity to various types of vibration, will vary from rider to rider and the vast array / types of motorcycles chosen. My carpal tunnel wrists were endoscopic surgery repaired in 04, with the right hand formally falling "asleep" in mere minutes and the left wrist was crushed back in 1972 so it's got it's own issues as well, so vibrations have been on my agenda for decades.

I had the fortune / misfortune , of swapping off this summer from my DL1000 onto an old friend's 06 KLR650, for a comparison putt on the left coast. Now that friends is vibration, I wouldn't even bother riding a motorcycle, if all that was at hand was a chain driven double balance shaft KLR650. It was like a time warp, back to the bikes of the 70's and not in a good way...

I very recently rode a clean first gen 04 FJR1300 and loved it's stability, but hated the vibration levels. Followed it up with a mint 05 ST1300 and I've never felt a smoother, more turbine like motor, but it's absolutely faint high frequency vibrations started to numb my right hand, whereas the throbbing FJR didn't, go figure...

For myself and myself only, my 07 DR650 fitted with oem bars and bar end weights and beloved ODi MX Mushroom grips, with it's earily smooth "throbbing" vibration levels, allow me very nearly the same comfort levels for my hands, as my 04 DL1000.

In it's segment of large displacement, low output dualsport thumpers,
the DR650 is a smoothie in my books !

996DL

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by brentde3

Hey Everyone,

I'm going to look at a DR this weekend (along with a WR250r and a wee-strom), and I was wondering if you might be able to point out things I should take a look at.

The one I'm looking at is a 2008 with roughly 11k on the clock. I don't think that's too much for these bikes, but it's enough to make me want to take a close look. The owner says it is bone-stock and runs great. He's asking $2500 for it.

Also, do these things vibe too much through the handlebars? I don't mind putting some money into killing vibes, but I don't want to toss it down a black hole, as it were. I had a KLR two years ago that absolutely killed my shoulder (I have bursitis) with vibration. Of course, it was a pig, generally, and I sold it quickly.

Thanks!

I find the DR650 quite smooth on long rides. But as mentioned by 996DL ... vibes are subjective and riders react differently to different frequencies.
Riding a WR250R at 65 to 70 mph I find it's spinning too fast ... some vibes through the bars. The DR650 can cruise comfortably at 75 mph for 10 hours a day. The WR has big advantage off road but the DR ... if set up right is quite capable too ... and it's a MUCH BETTER Touring bike than the Yamaha.

Vstrom is great for road based rides. With TKC80 tires it's pretty good for gravel and nice dirt road. The Vstrom won't do "Knarly", the DR will.
Ride them all and decide.

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by The Breeze

Vibes seem to be very subjective.....it's the "buzz" that kills my wrists....

this is a bit unusual. Most find the DR quite smooth.

Originally Posted by The Breeze

BUT foe me...both of buzzy....and my DR is vibier/buzzier than my WR. Note, that I have Rox anti-vibe risers, Spider anti-vibe grips, and grip puppies over the grips! While it improves/lessens the buzz....it doesn't solve it. The only thing I haven't tried yet it a "bar snake" or "vibranators".

I would try Pro Taper Aluminum bars. Big difference on my bike. Vibranators are only "so so". I don't think those Rox risers do a thing for anti-vibe. Did you remove the rubber inserts when you installed the risers? If you need ... you just shot your self in the foot!!

Originally Posted by The Breeze

the slab, going over 60 mph, getting to the next destination. I love my DR.....I've put 20k miles it....beat the shit out of it....and it has never let me down. BUT FOR ME....it comes down to vibes/buzz. So for long haul trips (with some off-road riding), it's going to be the Tiger.

Tiger XC is a very cool bike. Put on the right tires ... it will do well. But it's a 505 lbs. (wet) motorcycle compared to my DR650 which is about 385 lbs. (IMS tank full, all accessories) So 120 lbs. difference. This is huge off road ... but if you stay on easy fire roads and two track, stay of rocks and deep sand, then the Tiger will do fine. But when you fall down ... the cost will be BIG. The DR crashes great, almost no damage most times off road.
No one bike does it all . I envy you ... you've got three beauties :
1. DR650 2. WR250R 3. Tiger XC 800

If picking only one .... DR650 by a mile. Simple, Cheap, Tough, Reliable, Easy to work on, Highway or Trail ... does it all.

Originally Posted by 996DL

then handlebar types and materials utilized (aluminum / steel) will play an important role, in addressing the increased vibes.

Alu Pro Tapers made a nice difference on my DR650 with Bark Buster on too. Standard grips.

Originally Posted by 996DL

KLR650: It was like a time warp, back to the bikes of the 70's and not a in good way...

Spot on. This FACT about the KLR is seldom brought up. I rode a KLR 5500 miles all through Mexico. At highway speeds that KLR is very buzzy ... hard on the hands/wrists for sure.

Originally Posted by 996DL

For myself and myself only, my 07 DR650 fitted with oem bars and bar end weights and beloved ODi MX Mushroom grips, with it's earily smooth "throbbing" vibration levels, allow me very nearly the same comfort levels for my hands, as my 04 DL1000. In it's segment of large displacement, low output dualsport thumpers,
the DR650 is a smoothie in my books ! 996DL

I agree. My DR is nearly as smooth as my former DL1000.

The DR adds anti-vibe features in other areas too. Features few mention:
1. Rubber mounted bars
2. Rubber mounted foot pegs
3. This is an add on ... Corbin seat. YES ... it weighs a ton. But guess what? That density suck up a lot of Bad vibes. Over a long riding day, or a series of days, all this stuff adds up to LESS FATIGUE. Works for me!

[blk-betty]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

3. This is an add on ... Corbin seat. YES ... it weighs a ton. But guess what? That density suck up a lot of Bad vibes. Over a long riding day, or a series of days, all this stuff adds up to LESS FATIGUE. Works for me!

Grifter,

I've enjoyed reading some of your posts and now will look much closer at them since I just commited to buy a low mileage '09 DR. Can't pick it up for anther 2 weeks so will be reading a lot and compiling a farkle list.

I'm very familiar with Corbin seats coming from (and still riding) Harleys. They are either loved or hated and I love them on my HDs.

Do you have much experience with other seat options for the DR. This is something that I know I will want to replace but no nothing about what is available and which seats get better ratings.

Also, for a newby...how about give me or point me in the direction of where to find (without reading all 56,000 posts) the top 5 must have accessories for off-road/traveling.

Not looking for performace upgrades at this point, just comfort options and those must have things needed to help me get farther away from paved roads.

Thanks

[doug s.]

Originally Posted by blk-betty

Grifter,

I've enjoyed reading some of your posts and now will look much closer at them since I just commited to buy a low mileage '09 DR. Can't pick it up for anther 2 weeks so will be reading a lot and compiling a farkle list.

I'm very familiar with Corbin seats coming from (and still riding) Harleys. They are either loved or hated and I love them on my HDs.

Do you have much experience with other seat options for the DR. This is something that I know I will want to replace but no nothing about what is available and which seats get better ratings.

Also, for a newby...how about give me or point me in the direction of where to find (without reading all 56,000 posts) the top 5 must have accessories for off-road/traveling.

Not looking for performace upgrades at this point, just comfort options and those must have things needed to help me get farther away from paved roads.

Thanks

i can only comment on two seats on the dr650 - stock & corbin. stock is unbearable for me; i cannot see how suzuki sells this bike w/this seat. it is beyond horrible. it's painful after 15 minutes. the corbin is great. period. (as is the corbin on my buell s2.) but, from what i have read, all the normal options are also great - seat concepts, and sargent as well. i simply kept my eyes peeled for a good deal on a used corbin or sargent; i was gonna buy whichever i found first. i was considering the seat concepts, tho i was a bit leery of its diy nature. i woulda gotten one if i hadn't found one of the others so quickly; it gets great rewiews also, and seems not that hard to install, from what i have read. procycle also offers their own seat, completed and in diy form, (which also get good rewiews); as well as the seat concepts, sargent and corbin...

doug s.

[Goofy Footer]

1:03 quick video of my good buddy trying to ride his DR with trailwings up a steep hill in the desert. He's a new rider, stock trail wings with high tire pressure (rode street to the dez).



He will buy new tires when these wear out. In the meanwhile he's buying protective gear

*I rode his bike for a 300 mile day, it seems smooth and the stock seat is better than my drz seat ha.

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by blk-betty

SNIP
Do you have much experience with other seat options for the DR. This is something that I know I will want to replace but no nothing about what is available and which seats get better ratings.

Also, for a newby...how about give me or point me in the direction of where to find (without reading all 56,000 posts) the top 5 must have accessories for off-road/traveling.
Thanks

Everyone has their favorite seat. Sargent are very popular ... as are the Seat Concepts do-it-yourself Kit. Pro Cycle now sell a seat ... no idea who makes it. All good and all 100% better than the stock torture rack.

I've ridden a DR with a Sargent for a short time only, but it felt just fine. There are several others out there. To save a few bucks I'd shop ADV on Flea Market forum, Parts, search DR650. Be patient, lots of stuff comes up for sale ... be ready to act quickly when you item appears ... and have Pay Pal.

Five things I would start with:
1. Seat
2. Case Guards (glue on type like AMP make)
3. Bark Busters (many brands to chose from)
4. Suspension up grade if over 180 lbs. (many options)
5. Bash plate

Tons more to do if you chose ... but the above will be a good start.

[fizzerfz1]

Originally Posted by Goofy Footer

1:03 quick video of my good buddy trying to ride his DR with trailwings up a steep hill in the desert. He's a new rider, stock trail wings with high tire pressure (rode street to the dez).

He will buy new tires when these wear out. In the meanwhile he's buying protective gear

*I rode his bike for a 300 mile day, it seems smooth and the stock seat is better than my drz seat ha.

Good video.

The tires are only a small part of the action he has. More seat time and he will be better. My riding buddy rides like a pro on the trailwings and he even likes them.

The rider absoooooolutely needs some gear.

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by Goofy Footer

1:03 quick video of my good buddy trying to ride his DR with trailwings up a steep hill in the desert. He's a new rider, stock trail wings with high tire pressure (rode street to the dez).



He will buy new tires when these wear out. In the meanwhile he's buying protective gear

*I rode his bike for a 300 mile day, it seems smooth and the stock seat is better than my drz seat ha.

Yea, he'll do better with some practice. Starting on a loose hill like that is not the best method to make it over. I would have taken him back to flat ground and done some easy beginner drills.
1. Standing drills - learn to ride everything standing up.
2. practice going over obstacles, and practice by dodging pucker bushes and such.
3. When standing, teach him to steer with his feet and use body position to affect traction.
4. Momentum - this is what he's lacking getting up that hill.
5. Picking lines. This is critical when climbing.
6. Lowering tire pressures down about 14 PSI would really help out.
7. starting on loose hills like that ... you need lower gearing.

The best way to get a Novice up that hill is to back him down the hill to a nice flat section. Launch him from there ... and tell him to keep is speed up best he can ... pick good lines and gas it.

Vision is critical. If he keeps looking straight down in front of his front wheel, he will never make it. The KEY is to look WAY OUT and FAR ahead.
You will go where you look!! And most important ... Practice Practice!!!

[Deanman]

Originally Posted by blk-betty

Grifter,

Do you have much experience with other seat options for the DR. This is something that I know I will want to replace but no nothing about what is available and which seats get better ratings.

Thanks

I can chime in on the seat: I have a stock seat on my '93DR350S, and last year I bought an '07 DR650 that came with a seat by Ranzco Racing. I can only compare the two, but the Renazco is WAY nicer than the skinny hard thing on the 350. It's wider at the rear, but doesn't have a dish to it, so it's fine for standing up. Anyway, not sure how much it was, as I got it with the bike, but I can tell you it feels good. Seems to be very well made, no problems for me with over 7,000 miles on it. I can ride all day on it and be OK, whereas after half a day on the 350 I'm ready for a break.
Good luck.

[NordieBoy]

Originally Posted by doug s.

my bike is presently a tiny bit taller that stock, w/16t front and stock 42t rear, but sm-sized rear tire of 150/60/17. i will be going to 17t in the front, and likely 41t in the rear as well. my bike makes plenty of power to handle the taller ratios w/fcr39 carb, fmf powerbomb header, kientech hi-flow midpipe and tsukigi/gsxr muffler...

doug s.

You're geared for about 193kph (120mph) on the limiter in top as it is.

[NordieBoy]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

Yea, he'll do better with some practice. Starting on a loose hill like that is not the best method to make it over. I would have taken him back to flat ground and done some easy beginner drills.
1. Standing drills - learn to ride everything standing up.
2. practice going over obstacles, and practice by dodging pucker bushes and such.
3. When standing, teach him to steer with his feet and use body position to affect traction.
4. Momentum - this is what he's lacking getting up that hill.
5. Picking lines. This is critical when climbing.
6. Lowering tire pressures down about 14 PSI would really help out.
7. starting on loose hills like that ... you need lower gearing.

And if trying to start on a loose surface, use and abuse the clutch. It's not just there for changing gears occasionally.

[The Breeze]

Folks.....

Like I said, Vibes/Buzz is extremely subjective and affects people very differently. Luckily for most people, they don't even notice it. I'm only trying to advise the OP regarding my experience.

By the way...I did leave the rubber in the Rox Risers and have Protaper bars!! Also, I forgot to mention that I have bar end weights incorporated into the barkbusters, as well !!!

I hate to go to taller gearing, because it'll hurt the off-road capability of the bike....but ya, should help the on-road/high speed buzz....may have to give that a try.

I'm not knocking the DR650. I love mine. It's just going to be relegated to weekend/day trips. When people ask me what is the best "all around" dualsport bike......I tell them it's the DR. Especially for RTW trips....for numerous reasons. BUT for certain people, it has issues. Just wanted the OP to be aware that it may cause him grief and may not be the best solution for his needs (based on what he's going to do with the bike).

AdvGrifter, believe me, I've gone through all your points in my head a 1000 + times. That's why I bought the DR in the first place...... It's fully farkled, been through the Andes and Namibia/S. Africa. But for me.....and not because I want to....I'm forced to have a small, less powerful bike (WR) for more off-road/adventure touring situations, and a fatter, less durable pig for long haul adventure trips (Tiger 800). As a side note, I hit a dog in Bolivia going 50+mph and crashed hard. Luckily, my Motoport gear did its job (no broken bones...just buised and cracked ribs). After I collected myself and picked up the bike, I pushed the start button and it fired right up!!!....was a little scratched and had a broken mirror.......that was it I shudder to think how much damage there would have been on a F800, Tiger800, or Ginormous GS....I'm sure it would have been huge dinero!

I wouldn't, however, go so far as to say the "DR is a MUCH BETTER touring bike" than the WR. I know this may be hard to believe.....but I just got back from a CDR, mini TAT (Utah and Colorado), and then slab from Silver City NM down to the tip of S. Texas ride................and the WR was every bit as comfortable for me as my DR (better from a vibe/buzz perspective...worse from a power/passing perspective). This includes two back to back 500 mile days on the slab riding from Silver City to S. Texas!!! Of course, I do have an aftermarket seat on the WR .

Again, I'm not trying to dis the DR....for the majority of people, it's the perfect bike. Just want the OP to know about my experience regarding Vibes/buzz between the two bikes.

[The Breeze]

+1 Sargent seat and a rear shock upgrade.

I had Cogent upgrade/rebuild my rear shock. It is awesome. Not to mention that doing business with Rick and Joyce (i.e., at Cogent) was an absolute pleasure.