Looking to get a DR350

[hooligan-in-idaho]

Hey all,

This is my first post. I'm looking into getting into the adventure riding scene and have the opportunity to trade my Ninja 250 for a DR350. Is there anything regarding the DR350's that a new owner should know? I've attached a few pics of the bike I've been offered. Whadya think?

Pics are from the seller.

[bobnoxious67]

You'll probably get tired of that kicker pretty quick...

[tntmo]

The 90-93 street model DR350 is a pretty decent bike. It can be a real bear to start if it's not tuned right. Suspension is good for fire roads and will do more but gets taxed pretty quick on rough stuff. Reliable....you better believe it!

Around here (Southern CA) you can pick up one in the same shape as that one for under $1K. I would think a Ninja 250 would be worth more than that, they are here at least.

[hooligan-in-idaho]

I appreciate the advice guys. It's funny that you mentioned the lack of electric start because I've been wondering if I could live with a kick start only bike as a commuter and potential weekend adventurer. Something to think about for sure.

[rpet]

I will never purchase a kickstart-only bike again, but you may have younger knees and impeccable clutch skills.

[tntmo]

There is a technique to starting these bikes. The 94+ street models were E-start, and the 94+ dirt models have an auto-decompression cam and better kick start ratio that makes it easier to start. I like the DR, but don't care for the 90-93 models. Too bad I end up with so many of them.

[kwb377]

I've had my '91 S for a little over a month now, and found it's all about technique. When I first got it, I literally kicked on it for 3 days before I got it started. Now, stone cold it takes 4 or 5 kicks, and warm it'll light off halfway through the first kick.

[hooligan-in-idaho]

Originally Posted by rpet

I will never purchase a kickstart-only bike again, but you may have younger knees and impeccable clutch skills.

Hmmm. Didn't realize it would be that bad. Guess I shouldn't be surprised though.

[Royal Tiger]

I really like the colors on that. Beats the purples, pinks, yellows, and teal the Japanese bikes went with in the mid 90's.

[hooligan-in-idaho]

Originally Posted by kwb377

I've had my '91 S for a little over a month now, and found it's all about technique. When I first got it, I literally kicked on it for 3 days before I got it started. Now, stone cold it takes 4 or 5 kicks, and warm it'll light off halfway through the first kick.

The bike I'm looking at is a '91 also. Do you have any opinions on using it as a commuter?

[shearboy2004]

Originally Posted by kwb377

I've had my '91 S for a little over a month now, and found it's all about technique. When I first got it, I literally kicked on it for 3 days before I got it started. Now, stone cold it takes 4 or 5 kicks, and warm it'll light off halfway through the first kick.

So very true , tuned right and learning how YOUR bike starts is what it's all about . Excellent reliable thumper , you could mod it to hell and back or just enjoy it as it is !

I have seen very few folks that were disappointed they ever got one and a whole lot of folks that are pissed they ever sold theirs !

[kwb377]

Originally Posted by hooligan-in-idaho

The bike I'm looking at is a '91 also. Do you have any opinions on using it as a commuter?

I would say it depends on how far you have to go and on what type roads. I wouldn't want to get it on the interstate...I'm running 14/45 on mine, and 60-65 is about all it's comfortable with.

It's a great, under-rated bike...you really wouldn't be disappointed if you decided to get it.

Originally Posted by shearboy2004

So very true , tuned right and learning how YOUR bike starts is what it's all about . Excellent reliable thumper , you could mod it to hell and back or just enjoy it as it is !

Lol, too true...

The ritual for starting mine cold is turn to on fuel and let it sit for a minute, then turn on the key, pull in the decomp lever and kick it through 10 times or so. Next I twist the throttle open 5 times, slowly kick to the compression stroke, pull the decomp, and slowly kick until the lever pops back up. Return the kicker to the top and kick through the stroke. It usually starts in 4 or 5 kicks after this.

[jessepitt]

I have a plated '98 dirt model with the auto de-comp. It starts on the third kick cold and first or second when warm. No ritual required, just stomp the kicker a couple times and it goes. With the auto decomp I can literaly start it by hand. It has a 10.5-1 hi-comp piston too.

[Foot dragger]

Originally Posted by kwb377

I've had my '91 S for a little over a month now, and found it's all about technique. When I first got it, I literally kicked on it for 3 days before I got it started. Now, stone cold it takes 4 or 5 kicks, and warm it'll light off halfway through the first kick.

Try it when its really,really hot after a long boulder climb.
That's the test for one of these bikes,or any 4 stroke with out electric start.
Suzuki changed the ign and type of plug in 92 or 3,then they figured out an electric start was needed.

My 91 DR350 would wear out 3 riders taking turns kicking it and still not be running during a trailride,it got traded for a 94 610 Husqvarna. I could start the 610 wearing my Teva sandles.


With the electric start the DR350 run well over 320 lbs dry,despite Suzuki's claims of 245lbs dry.

[Foot dragger]

Originally Posted by jessepitt

I have a plated '98 dirt model with the auto de-comp. It starts on the third kick cold and first or second when warm. No ritual required, just stomp the kicker a couple times and it goes. With the auto decomp I can literaly start it by hand. It has a 10.5-1 hi-comp piston too.

98 has the updated ignition and plug type,maybe more good electrical parts by then,I didnt know they made em clear up to 98. I think the dirt only models with a real carb on them always started better,the CV carbs are kinda funny sometimes.