Well I did it. Went from lurker to proud owner of a '06 DR650, damn you all and this ass-kicking website. Seriously, this site is incredible and it showed me that what I wanted to do with a moto in my area had a name and a passionate following. I always wanted a bike, but pure road, or pure dirt was not practical. I have a sweet short commute and am surrounded by some of the most incredible back roads in the U.S.A. As of a few days ago, I was seconds from pulling trigger on a KLR. 100% convinced it was the one. But it always felt like It was going to be a challenge to throw it around on the technical parts of mountain passes, but I saw the pics and was ready to try. Then I sat on the DR and couldn't remember what the other bike was called. I know either one was a great choice, but the DR was calling to me, even with that seat. So for what it's worth (my DR vs. KLR experience), my choice was feeling more confident, than comfortable. But now I'm just riding. I'll be posting pics soon of my commute and early back road explorations. I'm thinking I'll put together photos from my break-in period. But so far it's been too damn fun to stop and snap shots. So, thank you advrider! Top notch website, incredible sense of quality, lifestyle and community. Well done. And thanks DR crew, you may not have the numbers like the KLR family, but you have one more.
You can download a (free) 96-on DR650 manual in PDF from here: Deleted It is a little big and may take a bit, but this is what you want. A few people have reported downloading problems. It worked fine for me and everyone I know. If you have a problem, just keep trying.
Welcome to the site Bonedale. I think you get alot of motorcycle for the money wuth a DR650. Congrats on the new bike.
Anybody with an '06 wanna sell their snappy blue headlight cowling? I'll trade you a really beat-up, scratched white one! Either that or I'll just do the Buell mod...
This is why I didn't get a BMW, I broke my clutch lever today. Dropped the new DR on a hard dirt road, but that's what it's for so to speak. Anyway, a little late, but what is the best handgard to get? Acerbis? I have to admit i'm a little confused on their website what's included and what's not. Touring model seems the best, but I also want their strongest. Also, the case was deeply gouged by the shifter. Normal to some extent I imagine, but I was checking out the bajadesigns site and noticed the protection cover mentioned here many places. Does this actual work or is it only going to protect cosmetic force, or is it just another place to hide water/dirt? Also, the force to bend the shifter into the case seems serious, is there any damage that can occure to the shifting of the bike that I should look out for? Sorry for the noob questions, but I can already tell this bike and I are going to look very different by end of summer.
bonedale I just received this cover recommended by scootertrash. It's a pretty thick piece of aluminum and IMO will take quite a punch to push the shifter through it and then through the case. It's installed with RTV sealant so you can run a bead around the inside and outside edge and trim the excess once it cures and that'll give you a waterproof installation. The shifter appears to be made out of stamped steel rather than cast aluminum. It bends pretty easy so I doubt it'll damage anything inside. i guess a plus is it bends back easily also. With cast you only get one maybe two bends and then it breaks! Ride on, DS
I've got Moose Racing handguards. They will pay for themselves in saved levers. Also you don't want to break your master cylinder for the front brake. spensiv
i want a SMALL lockable top box for my 05 dr650 i dont like the look of the givi or that style any suggestions p.s doing a great job on keeping this thread going
Had my 2003 DR for 6 happy months now. Tried the XT600E, The KLR650 and the WeeStrom, but this bike seems to fit me like a glove and will be my dirty love-slave. Had to do the new base gasket at 3000 miles, but it is now leak-free. Have Progressive upgrade springs, grip heater kit, and the Jesse idle screw to add to it - but that's happening before Buena Vista. So- recently I put on some new MT21's and took it into some loose stuff. I've noticed that I need to gear down (like everybody has said) in order to climb without lugging the motor too much. If I change to the 14-tooth primary sproket, can I just reset the chain tension adjuster, or do I need to pull a link from the drive chain? Anyone? This thread is great, by the way...big ups to everyone for keeping it going!
