Advice needed Dr650

[nickpl]

I'm buggering off abroad and recently purchased a 1997 DR650 14000 miler to take with me. Sold my BMW's, concerned about parts and servicing in said country.

Anyhoo, have been reading about various upgrades to perform but am at a loss as to where to start.

First couple of mods would be the front and rear suspension. Have read its good to swap the forks for a set off a KTM but I'm unsure as to which ones exactly I need and also what do I stick under the arse end. I'm 6ft and just under 15 stone.

Would welcome any other suggestions or info.

Thanks

Nick.

 

[Dazzle]

Look here for mods http://www.kientech.com/

 

[Timolgra]

Brilliant bikes....if you take care of them

Not really worth the hassle of fitting a KTM front end otherwise why not buy a CCM 644?....which even with their mods were fairly shite by comparison to other bikes, although a WP front end would obviously improve things and give you an easy option for some decent brakes.

What I'm saying is a DR650 is a great, reliable bike but will never be a KTM 640 etc.

These are some of the improvements I made to mine.
Uprated and progressive forks springs. A must!
Uprated rear spring and shock revalved to suit.
18" rear wheel
Acerbis tank.
Renthal bars etc.
Fitted a HD 530 chain and sprocket set, it's the same as the CCM644

 

[nickpl]

Thanks gents.

Nice pics. Went for the Suzuki, assuming it would be easier to get bits for it.

What was involved in changing to an 18" wheel.

Ta.

 

[Timolgra]

Thanks gents.

Nice pics. Went for the Suzuki, assuming it would be easier to get bits for it.

What was involved in changing to an 18" wheel.

Ta.

Either get a rim and have it built or buy a DR350 rear wheel and use that, I did have to modify something forget what, but it was easy enough.

Main reason for an 18" rear was to widen tyre choice for proper trail riding but it really depends what you're going to use it for as there's plenty of 17" rears. MT21s for instance.

 

[Timolgra]

Oh, I fitted a HD clutch after this too

 

[Timolgra]

They're quite gaudy for my taste.

 

[Timolgra]

So also changed the seat cover, fork gaiters etc.

 

[Timolgra]

Had a good result in the Cambrian Rallye on it too

 

[nickpl]

Looks like fun...

Intention is to strip service upgrade etc before I leave...

 

[Timolgra]

Looks like fun...

Intention is to strip service upgrade etc before I leave...

I used to get through a fair number of rear wheel bearings, particularly the sprocket carrier side. Best fit new seals as well

 

[nickpl]

Do you have a recommended supplier for serviceable bits. Bearings etc

 

[Timolgra]

Do you have a recommended supplier for serviceable bits. Bearings etc

Get the numbers off the bearing eg 6205, and buy them from a local supplier.

 

[fayeslane]

As mentioned;
Bigger tank and upgraded suspension are a must.

You might want to modify the seat too. I found that the standard seat was like riding with a spud up your arse (DAMHIK ) It's easy enough to remove the seat cover and reshape the foam with an orbital sander or similar. You could also use a narrow Airhawk cushion.

At 6ft you might also consider a footpeg lowering kit for extra comfort.

This site is Aussie but contains heaps of useful info.
http://www.vincestrangmotorcycles.com.au/

Accepted wisdom over here is at least 50,000kms without major maintenance, plenty have done in excess of 100,000kms.

Top bike for the money, sorry I sold mine and am looking around for another one.

 

[Fanum]

These are some of the improvements I made to mine.
Uprated and progressive forks springs. A must!
Uprated rear spring and shock revalved to suit.
18" rear wheel
Acerbis tank.
Renthal bars etc.
Fitted a HD 530 chain and sprocket set, it's the same as the CCM644

I've got this bike now, and it's available as a spares package for £1000

So you'd get a spare engine, frame, everything, all in one package

It's got a CRM 'zorst as well