DR650: Intiminators (fork valving) install & review

I have much to add. But I put a dr650 fron end on my R80 G/S and installed intimidators with .55 springs and I feel as though I can tackle any obstical gracefully. They made a huge difference in the abilities and stability in the forks. I had gold valves originally and these are much better

I'm extremely pleased with the Intiminators compared to the stock set up from Suzuki. Front end is now more in line with the way GS handles now, the harder I ride the better it feels. Handling and Steering is much more predictable

Huge improvement with intiminators in my forks, anybody have any feedback on the Ricor shock? thanks

I'm debating going Cogent or Ricor shock on my DR650. Sure wish someone with some feedback on the dr ricor shock would chime in.

I can't speak to the Ricor or Cogent systems, but I updated my rear with a re-valve, larger shaft, and Eibach Spring, huge difference over the stock system. Sent the entire shock to Jesse and had it back within 10 days for the works. Works great for my application (50/50) with most of the pavement being rough NorCal two lane that haven't been surfaced in many years

Great Write up eakins. Ricor ought to give you a kickback.

I just bought the Ricors that were in the FM. Hopefully I'll get them in next weekend.

Next is to tackle the trampoline ass end....

I'm thinking that the Ricor back end would match up nicely with the Intiminator front.
The Cogent back would suit an Emulator'd front.

Either would be much better than stock though.

I'd prefer it if the Ricor one had an external resovoir and wasn't an emulsion shock though.

Now if they could bring out a retrofit kit for the stock shock.......

I'm leaning towards a DRZ with big spring. If that doesn't play out, off to Cogent the DR stocker goes. Still eyeing the DRZ front end too, just don't want to rip her apart and get stuck with a problem. The weather just broke here, and it's too nice for serious wrenching...

i have a cogent rear i bought before ricor came out with their shock.
ricor front and cogent rear are working for me but that ricor rear is indeed sweet.

Bill,

I'm about to order some intiminators for my KLR650. Is there some reason you removed the front wheel and the forks? If I read their site correctly, you should just have to drain the forks, take the top off, take out the spring, put in the intiminator, put the spring back and put the top back on the fork tube. Did I miss something?

Thanks in advance

Technically no, you can do it on the bike. You will need to get the old oil out and the easiest way is to pour it out the top. When you add the oil in you want the shock as vertical as possible so you can get an accurate measurement.

Thanks. That makes sense. I'm not with the bike, but all my others have had drain plugs on the forks. . .

You could drain the oil out the bottom too, it's just easier pouring it out the top. To go out the bottom you'll need the Giant Allen wrench to hold the dampener tube inside when you pull the Allen off the bottom of the forks. One of the installation bonuses of the Intiminators is you can do it without removing that internal assembly. You'll probably be surprised how easily the front end comes apart

yes that is another method some use. my write up is just how i did it with simple hand tools and what worked for me.

I installed the Ricor Intiminators and rear shock on my KLR this winter. It is a HUGE improvement over stock. Well worth the money.
I have the 220 - 270 spring on the rear shock, it is for sure stiffer than stock, but i quickly got use to it. It doesn't wallow over dips in the road or pot holes anymore. Just soaks up ANYTHING.
I think that the stock shock setup was too soft.

I would recommend this suspension upgrade to anyone. Well worth it.


I removed the forks from the bike for ease of draining and re filling the oil. I am 210 with the Stock springs, the stock spacers cut down the same amount as the thickness of the valve. It feels fine. I cant quite remember how much race sag i have in the front. I think it was 2.75"
and i have the recommended 3.5 in the rear.

I use to have a hard time keeping up to by riding partner on gravel roads and 2 track stuff, Not any more. this new suspension has given me the confidence to drive the bike as it was meant to be driven.
Cant say enough good things. I haven't loaded the bike full of camping gear yet... Looking forward to that.

OH

Check for online promotions from Ricor.

I could have saved myself $100 when i ordered mine if i had just typed in that key word!
for the KLR it was "KLR.net" i think

There is likely something similar for the DR Or any of the ADV forum members.

Before you drain the fork oil, measure the oil level to use that as a reference. Not all factory levels are correct. If you leave the forks upside down overnight, you will be surprised how much junk will drain out. You should pump the forks a bit to get all the oil out of the internal chambers. The oil level will change a bit if you have progressive rate springs and turn them upside down because more, or less, coils will be under the oil.

If you take a glass of water and hold it at the same angle of the forks, you will see the distance from the oil level to the top of the glass will be different on opposite sides. Once you set the level where you like, then you can measure the same way from then on, such as down the back side of the tube when the forks are mounted on the bike.

Anybody know if the Intiminators for the dr650 are the same as those for the dl650? They are both 43mm?

no there is a slight difference on the ID of the forks.
i did a dl650 install too.
ricor sent mr strom ones for my dr and the fit was wrong.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=461908

update: KLR has oil drain screws. DR does not.
some DR owners remove lower rod screw and drain however.