DR350 Thread

[LawrenceTheCat]

Originally Posted by Speedo66

It appears both my proposed purchases have crapped out.

No new prospects at this time.

Looking for a '98 or '99, anybody have one they're looking to sell?

I saw this, it's a 97 tho.http://southjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/2181448927.html No price given, and it won't start. How would we approach this? The saying goes-"never approach a bull from the front, a mule from the rear, or an fool from any direction"

[kobukan]

Originally Posted by LawrenceTheCat

I saw this, it's a 97 tho.http://southjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/2181448927.html No price given, and it won't start. How would we approach this? The saying goes-"never approach a bull from the front, a mule from the rear, or an fool from any direction"

Definitely worth checking into. Might be one of those pick it up cheap and clean the carb finds.

[globe]

In case you haven't tried it yet also.

www.statewidelist.com

[slartidbartfast]

Originally Posted by LawrenceTheCat

I saw this, it's a 97 tho.http://southjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/2181448927.html No price given, and it won't start. How would we approach this? The saying goes-"never approach a bull from the front, a mule from the rear, or an fool from any direction"

Offer $300-$500 and see how you get on. For that sort of money, you could rebuild or replace the engine and still be ahead of the game. If compression is OK, it probably just needs the carb cleaning.

[Speedo66]

I'm a little leery about buying a non running bike. This is CL after all, so who knows what the tranny, engine, etc. are really like? "Oh, you mean the hole in the engine from the unlubed chain breaking and smashing through it is a problem?"

Thanks to all for the great search suggestions. I've looked everywhere at this point, including all mentioned, plus Craiglook.

I'd prefer the '98 and '99 models because of the improved forks.

[LawrenceTheCat]

Originally Posted by Speedo66

I'm a little leery about buying a non running bike. This is CL after all, so who knows what the tranny, engine, etc. are really like? "Oh, you mean the hole in the engine from the unlubed chain breaking and smashing through it is a problem?"

Thanks to all for the great search suggestions. I've looked everywhere at this point, including all mentioned, plus Craiglook.

I'd prefer the '98 and '99 models because of the improved forks.

Yes, on craigslist you can't even go by the pics- and some of the general populace can really talk some sh**, to be sure. If you are dead set on getting those forks, you might have to wait and pay a premium for the bike. Evilbay might have the exact machine floating somewhere.
My impression from the ad was the seller had little interest or knowledge, had made an failed attempt to repair it (the spare coil), possibly a squid spoiled by newer toys that considers a 14 yo bike to be hardly worth the effort. I would be calling the guy myself if I had some mad cash handy. Good luck, I'm sure if you keep your eyes open something will surface.

[RiverRatRider13]

how close are the 99s suspension to a drz? I thought I remember reading some where a while ago that drz wheels will fit a 98 or 99 dr350 because the susp was the same? is that true?

[BikePilot]

In terms of performance its approximately equal to the DRZ-K and E (and later S models), but a bit flexier. Note that early DRZ-S models had crappy damper rod forks.

In terms of actual mechanical parts there is no commonality. If front wheels happen to fit its not because the forks are mechanically the same but because suzuki couldn't be bother to cast new hubs

A race tech cartridge emulator will make early DR forks work about as well as later ones so don't be too hung up on finding a 98-99 model. Also the forks are only one small part of the overal handling equation - you've still got a shock with lousy valving (no matter what year), a swingarm that is ultra-flexy and a bunch of weight. The DR's a lovely bike, but its not really suited to being pushed really hard and fast. For most dual sporty riding I don't think you'll find the older-style forks a limitation.

Also, you'll likely here many claiming the DRZ has the same forks as the RMs from 1996-1998. This isn't true although the forks look sorta similar from the outside they are totally and completely different inside.

[RiverRatRider13]

thanks for the info! Luckily im not that great of rider and I really wont be pushing it that much. I really just like exploring. The forks and rear susp on my 99 seem fine. Like i said though I am no expert!

[kobukan]

Originally Posted by Speedo66

I'm a little leery about buying a non running bike . . .

That's understandable. But, if it's close enough to take a look at you just never know. I didn't know anything about DR's when I bought mine and I felt the same way. Even though it wouldn't start it appeared to be in great condition and looked like it had seen very little use, kicked over OK but just wouldn't fire so I took a chance - these DR's aren't really very complicated. In my case the PO's story made sense too - he said he bought the bike a couple years ago then injured his back in a car accident and never rode it except for once around the block when he brought it home. The bike was chained to his back porch and he had to cut the chain off so I could look at it because he couldn't even remember where the key to the chain was. He was asking $1750, but ended up taking $1200. Turned out to be a great bike. You just never know.

[thetourist]

[QUOTE=Speedo66;15073002
Thanks to all for the great search suggestions. I've looked everywhere at this point, including all mentioned, plus Craiglook.

QUOTE]



here is a pretty good search engine. Looks like all the wee DR's are out west this month.

http://motorcycle.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/...o=d&submit=+GO+

[cwc]

A few days ago there was a discussion of aftermarket tanks.

The link below leads to a clip showing my son tapping the reserve supply in the IMS tank on his KLR. This also works on a DR350.

http://contour.com/stories/getting-all-the-gas

If someone can tell me how to embed this I'll do that.

[_CJ]

Originally Posted by Speedo66

It appears both my proposed purchases have crapped out.

No new prospects at this time.

Looking for a '98 or '99, anybody have one they're looking to sell?

Not mine. Just ran across the add locally. Oddly worded, "350DR" vs. DR350.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showp...postcount=5171

[Pablo83]

I need a beefier skidplate than the stock one. Who makes a good one?

[_CJ]

Originally Posted by pablo83

I need a beefier skidplate than the stock one. Who makes a good one?

I could probably weld something up if you don't need it too soon.