The DR is in

[Shorty]

I broke down and bought a DR 650. It's 90 pounds lighter than the Bonneville I'm selling later today.    But, the ergos on the Suzuki allow me to ride a little longer than the Bonnie...  I'm gonna lower it down a couple inches, then ride it awhile to see if any further mods are needed. It's got an aftermarket seat. Bone stock otherwise. Power is no problem with the DR, it has torque out the wazoo.    There is a healthy aftermarket for most anything you would want or need. I will probably end up putting street tires on it.

   

[LowRyter]

 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I did the same thing recently, and I really hate the bike... I'm stripping a few farkles off of it and selling it as soon as I get time to list it.

If you are interested, I have a factory low gel seat, a pair of lowering links for the shock, peg relocating brackets (moves them back) and a short kickstand to accommodate the lowering links. I could sell all in a package if you want.

 

[Shorty]

I did the same thing recently, and I really hate the bike... I'm stripping a few farkles off of it and selling it as soon as I get time to list it.

If you are interested, I have a factory low gel seat, a pair of lowering links for the shock, peg relocating brackets (moves them back) and a short kickstand to accommodate the lowering links. I could sell all in a package if you want.

Thanks!  I already ordered the short sidestand. I won't know if I need the other stuff til I put some miles on it. I'll make a note of your stuff. Why do you hate the DR?

[Perazzimx14]

One of the nice things with the DR is you can lower it buy flipping around some fork internals and moving a bolt for the rear shock to the low position. AFT works great for fork oil and common 20W-50 for the crank.

The BTS 40 carbs are sort of rubbish as are all CV carbs they can be made a little better but nothgin is as good as an FCR39. It really livens the DR up.

If you still have the stock DR handlebars beware they are made of room temperature butter and bend just looking at them. Cyclegear Trackside CR bend bars are inexpensive and much less resistant to bending.


If your interested in an extra set of wheels I have a set I'm selling. Thy can be seen on the big Adventure Site or contact me via PM for more details.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Thanks!  I already ordered the short sidestand. I won't know if I need the other stuff til I put some miles on it. I'll make a note of your stuff. Why do you hate the DR?

I hate the sound of it for sure
It's very slow
I got it with the lowering link etc installed, but when I rode it, it felt like a dog dragging it's arse across the carpet-- I returned it to stock height and now it's tall and gangly and hard to get off and on (I'm 6'1)
I planned to do a lot of fireroad riding and exploring on it, but I find the ride over the roads to get there pretty terrible- but I dont want to keep it and lose the knobbies, that would sort of defeat the point! And I'm certainly not going to trailer it somewhere to ride!
Mine has a lot of accessories like a big 6(?) gallon acerbis tank, bag racks, crash bars, case guards, bash plate, etc etc and it is deff too (top) heavy for actual offroading IMHO

Hard to put my finger on it, but every time I ride it I can't wait to get off. I know I'm in the minority, because this is one of the most popular bikes on the planet, but I have just hated every minute of owning it. Mine is a 2014 with under 7k miles, I've only put about 600mi on it because it feels so wrong.  I keep thinking I will remove the Rox risers and the peg relocating brackets and try it with a different riding position, but I can't even get inspired to turn a wrench on it. Best thing about it so far has been the heated grips, but I'm probably only enamored with those because I never had a set before.

I know people love these things, but to me it feels so bland and joyless.  I went out on it for a couple hours last weekend, and ended up stopping at a car wash to spray it off so I could take some pictures for my for sale listing.

[fotoguzzi]

Sorry you feel that way Mayor, my experience is completely reversed, I really liked the bike, it handled highways way better than the KLR's I've had. Was plenty peppy for most occasions.
I had a Sargent seat, fantastic! I'm 5'10" and never had a problem getting on or off so puzzled why you think it's too tall.
To the OP, I predict you will love it!

[Shorty]

Thanks for the parts offers Mayor and Perazzimx14. I won't know for awhile what I want and need.  The most off road my DR will ever see will be a dirt road. If I wanted to go off road, I would take my XT250, MUCH lighter and more capable than the DR.      

   

[Perazzimx14]

Sorry you feel that way Mayor, my experience is completely reversed, I really liked the bike, it handled highways way better than the KLR's I've had. Was plenty peppy for most occasions.
I had a Sargent seat, fantastic! I'm 5'10" and never had a problem getting on or off so puzzled why you think it's too tall.
To the OP, I predict you will love it!

I'm the same. 5'-10" and thought the low position was too low. Went to regular height and all was well. Highway mannerism were also quite tolerable and while not a liter bike it was a lot of fun in the twisties. Enough power but not enough to get ahead of yourself very easily.

Pelican 1550, Happy Trails SU pannier racks, a 5,3 gallon fuel cell and my fat ass were no issue touring or running errands.

As for the sound it sounds like a single

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I think you'll have great luck with it, it seems everyone loves these bikes... Mine came fully modded with all the 'right parts' (like the fcr carb and Sargent seat, plus all the other stuff I mentioned), but I just cant seem to "get it"

I dont have much experience on a lot of different bikes, I went from a mini bike as a kid -- to a 50cc scooter in my 20's -- to my dad's road king for a couple years -- to discovering Moto Guzzi in my 30's and every other bike I try just seems weird in comparison. So my opinion (on many things) should be taken with an extra large grain of salt

Here's a pic from before I raised the forks and took off the lowering link for shits & giggles:


And the pic I took on my way home sunday

[SIR REAL ED]

I think you'll have great luck with it, it seems everyone loves these bikes... Mine came fully modded with all the 'right parts' (like the fcr carb and Sargent seat, plus all the other stuff I mentioned), but I just cant seem to "get it"

I dont have much experience on a lot of different bikes, I went from a mini bike as a kid -- to a 50cc scooter in my 20's -- to my dad's road king for a couple years -- to discovering Moto Guzzi in my 30's and every other bike I try just seems weird in comparison. So my opinion (on many things) should be taken with an extra large grain of salt

Here's a pic from before I raised the forks and took off the lowering link for shits & giggles:


And the pic I took on my way home sunday

Mayor of BBQ,

I'm sorry you don't like the bike, IMO it is well suited for where and how I ride.  I can't dispute any of your impressions.  Excitement with a capital E is not a valid description of the DR.

Shoot me a PM if you would with your phone number, I just might know a buyer for your DR, me!

[SIR REAL ED]

I broke down and bought a DR 650. It's 90 pounds lighter than the Bonneville I'm selling later today.    But, the ergos on the Suzuki allow me to ride a little longer than the Bonnie...  I'm gonna lower it down a couple inches, then ride it awhile to see if any further mods are needed. It's got an aftermarket seat. Bone stock otherwise. Power is no problem with the DR, it has torque out the wazoo.    There is a healthy aftermarket for most anything you would want or need. I will probably end up putting street tires on it.

 

Hi Shorty,

I think you will like the DR.  Light weight is one of the main charms of the bike.  Simplicity is also a big factor.

A Seat Concepts seat cover, and a jet kit or shimming the needle and turning out the pilot screw a turn or so, and you will have the basic done.  From then on, it is all up to personal tastes and wallet.

You can also modify the stock footpads or buy after market pegs to drop them down 1-1.5" for more legroom.  IIRC, the vertical measurement from peg to seat on my bike is 23".

I'm only 5'9" with a 30" inseam, but prior to the hip replacement, more leg room was always better.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Mayor of BBQ,

I'm sorry you don't like the bike, IMO it is well suited for where and how I ride.  I can't dispute any of your impressions.  Excitement with a capital E is not a valid description of the DR.

Shoot me a PM if you would with your phone number, I just might know a buyer for your DR, me!

Hell yeah bud, hopefully driving to Louisville this weekend, I could meet you in Abingdon or Wytheville, let's make a deal! I'll PM you tonight

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Shorty,

sorry to derail your thread! I know these bikes have a great many fans, I hope the steed serves you well!

[PeteS]

Shorty, for street tires consider some Anakee IIIs. I just put some on my KLR and all the instabilty is gone. I have had Shinkos and lately TKC80s thinking I would use the KLR for mostly off road but it killed the pavement riding. Got real squirely above 60 MPH. I use the bike mainly for commuting anyway. Its my understanding the DR is better in most every way compared with the KLR, lighter with more power. I suspect you will have a ball with it.

Pete

[mobiker]

I'll second the Anakee III's for street use. I've gone through 3 sets on my BMW which also has a skinny 21" front tire. For street use I like them better than anything I've tried.

[Perazzimx14]

I had a Shinko 777 on the front of my and it had 10,000 miles on it and looks new. IT also stuck like glue rain or shine. The front of the DR is almost weightless so any front should last a loooong time. Rear's are different Shinko 712, Avon of some sort and not a Conti Go. the 712 wore out the fastest at about 2500 miles the other lasted a bit longer but not much. A slipper clutch would go a long way is saving these tires when riding spirited.


If you go with Anakee 3's be prepared they are know to produce a lot of road noise. AS in louder than TKC80 50/50 knobbie. I put them on one bike and liked the handling and longevity but did not like the noise. I've recently bought two other bikes and they came with A3's that are too nice to throw away so I'm stuck with them for now. 

[Chethro]

A V7 and DR combo is hard to beat for me.

[Shorty]

Shorty,

sorry to derail your thread! I know these bikes have a great many fans, I hope the steed serves you well!

No worries.    I like to hear people's opinions. I hope you make a good deal on your DR and the next bike you get to replace it.  If I end up not liking the DR, it will go the way they all do....   

[LesP]

You don't have to try and convince me.
Bought new in January 2008... 53 hp / 50 ft/lbs.

[JJ]

That DR is a fabulous bike!    I mentioned this bike in another post...the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT - - I am seriously considering one of these in the near future...

[LowRyter]

That DR is a fabulous bike!    I mentioned this bike in another post...the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT - - I am seriously considering one of these in the near future...

Excellent motorcycle.  A jack of all trades.  Not a lot of excitement but a great bike.  Any version of 650 Suzuki Vtiwn is just a great motorcycle.   I'd take one over a Sportster any day. 

[Guzzistajohn]

A DR would be perfect for some of the Ozark backroads in my area, I like getting back in the boondocks. But I don't have time to ride the bikes I have <shrug> I guess I'll just haul the KTM 250EXC to the woods, geeze, it's 25 miles to Chadwick Motorcycle area in Mark Twain National Forest............. ..........SIGH  :wink   https://www.mobilemaplets.com/showplace/4142

[80CX100]

I love big singles, imho, the DR is one of the best; It's as simple and reliable as a stone hammer, but like any other bike, there are some issues to keep in mind or address.

Early model DRs needed a seal retainer for the output shaft behind the front sprocket, the factory added one to the design many years ago, so it probably won't be an issue, but verify it's there, next time you work in that area of the bike.

The NSU (neutral sending unit) is made of plastic and with heat and time, shrinks and the 2 screws/bolts can loosen, they should be verified tight and secured, I used med strength loc tite (a cut down 5? mm allen key made this job doable), verify the primary nut if you go in the engine to do the NSU bolts.

The 5 speed tranny is solid, but with sticky tires on pavement and a heavy throttle hand, 3rd gear has been known to go, I love twisting the throttle on my DR, but I consciously am a little gentler for 3rd gear on pavement.

I passed up some DRs that had been lowered, I do find it a bit high (I'm 6'), but my bike had been well set up by a PO and came with lots of extras. Risers and a set of Renthal bars w barkbusters, improve the comfort and surprisingly weather protection, a better seat would be nice, but I've used beads and it wasn't bad. My DR is anything but boring, an open Kerker exhaust gives it a glorious bark and with the FCR 39 carb and the front sprocket dropped 1 tooth, there is some serious bite,lol. It does run out of breath around 65-70 mph and I keep reaching for the 6th gear that isn't there,lol.

I put a set of Shinko 705s on it (70-30, 80-20 ? tires), I found them great on pavement, lovely on curvy back roads, and good on gravel roads and non technical trails, but real loose gravel corners should be done with common sense.

Mr DR was my town bike, a great urban assault weapon, I took it off the road a couple of years ago, when I stopped going into the city, but I think it's a great bike.

I think you'll love the bike, and if you don't, the market is always strong for them.

Wishing you many safe miles on it.

Kelly

[LesP]

https://youtu.be/spAq8JuXVUY

[Perazzimx14]

I love big singles, imho, the DR is one of the best; It's as simple and reliable as a stone hammer, but like any other bike, there are some issues to keep in mind or address.

Early model DRs needed a seal retainer for the output shaft behind the front sprocket, the factory added one to the design many years ago, so it probably won't be an issue, but verify it's there, next time you work in that area of the bike.

The NSU (neutral sending unit) is made of plastic and with heat and time, shrinks and the 2 screws/bolts can loosen, they should be verified tight and secured, I used med strength loc tite (a cut down 5? mm allen key made this job doable), verify the primary nut if you go in the engine to do the NSU bolts.

The 5 speed tranny is solid, but with sticky tires on pavement and a heavy throttle hand, 3rd gear has been known to go, I love twisting the throttle on my DR, but I consciously am a little gentler for 3rd gear on pavement.

I passed up some DRs that had been lowered, I do find it a bit high (I'm 6'), but my bike had been well set up by a PO and came with lots of extras. Risers and a set of Renthal bars w barkbusters, improve the comfort and surprisingly weather protection, a better seat would be nice, but I've used beads and it wasn't bad. My DR is anything but boring, an open Kerker exhaust gives it a glorious bark and with the FCR 39 carb and the front sprocket dropped 1 tooth, there is some serious bite,lol. It does run out of breath around 65-70 mph and I keep reaching for the 6th gear that isn't there,lol.

I put a set of Shinko 705s on it (70-30, 80-20 ? tires), I found them great on pavement, lovely on curvy back roads, and good on gravel roads and non technical trails, but real loose gravel corners should be done with common sense.

Mr DR was my town bike, a great urban assault weapon, I took it off the road a couple of years ago, when I stopped going into the city, but I think it's a great bike.

I think you'll love the bike, and if you don't, the market is always strong for them.

Wishing you many safe miles on it.

Kelly

3rd gear issues were unofficially resolved in 2006 and around 2013 the NSU screw were locktite'd from the factory.

If you do the NSU fix it is far easier to just remove the clutch basket. The extra 10 minutes it takes saves about 30 minuutes try to work around it. Then you have free and clear access to really clean out the 2 screw holes with carb cleaner (several  times)  to make sure there is no oil residue so that the blue locktite will properly adhear. Some folks drill the bolt heads and safety wire them but if everything is clean blue locktite is all you need.

[SIR REAL ED]

3rd gear issues were unofficially resolved in 2006 and around 2013 the NSU screw were locktite'd from the factory.

If you do the NSU fix it is far easier to just remove the clutch basket. The extra 10 minutes it takes saves about 30 minuutes try to work around it. Then you have free and clear access to really clean out the 2 screw holes with carb cleaner (several  times)  to make sure there is no oil residue so that the blue locktite will properly adhear. Some folks drill the bolt heads and safety wire them but if everything is clean blue locktite is all you need.

I went the simpler route and just removed the NSU.  Easiest bike in the world to find neutral.

Much lighter weight was additional secondary benefit....... it handles so much better now......

[SIR REAL ED]

You don't have to try and convince me.
Bought new in January 2008... 53 hp / 50 ft/lbs.

LesP,

I would like to hear more of the details of your DR650 (s?).  White one has DRZ400SM forks I assume?  53hp/50ft-lbs is using the ProCycle 790cc kit?

thanks in advance!

[ozarquebus]

nice bike, larry. wish i had a dr

[BillinPA]

Good for you Shorty, I had a DR350 25 yrs ago,  dirt model, great bike. The DR 650 is on my should get one list.