Looking at this as my first off road machine. Any good??

Skippy

Skippy

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Believe it to be a DR 350 SE from 1998.

Is it and is it any good for some proper green laning and off roading. Is it tough enough and will I have to spend much mod'ing it?

One pic is a library shot (from my earlier post). The other is the actual bike.

Thanks, Skippy.
 

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This would make an excellent first green lane bike , the SE has electric start which makes life a lot easier. May need to add bar risers etc but that is all personel preference. I have a DR250 as a green lane bike and find it nice and light and will go pretty much anywhere, as long as the bike your looking at is in good condition and has not been abused it is a good starter bike.
 
Thanks. I'm trying to arrange someone to take a look at it (It's near Liverpool and I'm in Reading!)
Said to have extremely low miles. in original condition. I really want it but need it checked out. Fingers crossed.
 
Yep, I agree with all Ferret said ....he's rarely wrong:D
The DR350 was the forerunner to the highly acclaimed DRZ 400:thumb

Too many go out and buy a full on enduro race bike as their first offroader, which will either flatter their riding or put them in hospital.

Put some decent tyres and correct gearing on a DR350 then ride it until your worn out, the do it all over again:)
 
Timolgra said:
Yep, I agree with all Ferret said ....he's rarely wrong:D

Too many go out and buy a full on enduro race bike as their first offroader, which will either flatter their riding or put them in hospital.

Put some decent tyres and correct gearing on a DR350 then ride it until your worn out, the do it all over again:)
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Sounds about right.:D

This looks like a good starting point so as long as I can arrange a viewing and then get it home to Reading, I'm on the way.

Guess I need a new wardrobe to go with it !!:rolleyes:
 
Skippy said:
Sounds about right.:D

This looks like a good starting point so as long as I can arrange a viewing and then get it home to Reading, I'm on the way.

Guess I need a new wardrobe to go with it !!:rolleyes:
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There's been loads of threads with good advise about clothing, it needn't be expensive to start with.

Good boots and knee protection's important, road type helmets tend to be claustrophobic when your gasping for breath, if like me you don't get on with goggles, buy cheap safety glasses, you won't really want to be wearing too heavy gloves, cheap heated grips are available to fit under the existing grips, just power them off the dip beam wire.

And so on ..........:beerjug:
 
Ah the gentlemans off roader. As above they are fantastic. Those who laugh because they are on full race bikes should feck off and go racing, the dr is what green laning os about. Sensible maintainence schedules, good road manners and very economical, if it's straight, legal and priced well it will be perfect for you.
Loads of goodies to add if you want to, but the most important will be bars and pegs. Factor in a new chain and sprocket at some time in the near future (I don't think I've ever bought an off roader that didn't need one 2-3 months after purchase) they are available cheaply enough, and also stock up on oil and filters so you aren't waiting for Mr postman when you should be out riding.
Hope it's a good one for ya.
 
When it comes to kit i bought some decent knee/shin protectors and some body armour for wearing over that i got some cheap army surplus goretex jacket and trousers the only down side with camo is when i launch myself into the undergrowth i may not be found :eek:
Got my first bike for the lanes earlier in the year and now wish i had done so sooner.
 
Norfolk Tiger said:
When it comes to kit i bought some decent knee/shin protectors and some body armour for wearing over that i got some cheap army surplus goretex jacket and trousers the only down side with camo is when i launch myself into the undergrowth i may not be found :eek:
Got my first bike for the lanes earlier in the year and now wish i had done so sooner.
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That's fuggin funny about the camo!:D

:beerjug:
 
It's funny, but my first green lane bike was a DRZ400E and whilst it was ok I didn't find it easy to ride off road as a novice; too (top) heavy and tall. Where as I've ridden a few 350's over the years since having the 400 and find them much nicer bikes for laning - I've never really 'got' the hype over the 400's but, there again, I am shite off road so what do I know :D

Andres
 
Good Choice !!
If you get it, and it does not start easily pm me cos i got a wee tip from a really good bike mech , that works!
We don,t agree on the why, but it does work every time !!
ps did the fpt arrive ?:beerjug:
 
boatman said:
Good Choice !!
If you get it, and it does not start easily pm me cos i got a wee tip from a really good bike mech , that works!
We don,t agree on the why, but it does work every time !!
ps did the fpt arrive ?:beerjug:
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Thanks, I will.

Arrived at the office today. Not had a minute to even open the box. Lovely bit of packaging though.:D

:beerjug:
 
My first off-roader was an N plate DR350. Great bullet proof bike. MT43 on the back and it would be good for just about anywhere in Devon/Cornwall.. Even after being totally submerged in a river in Duloe woods it never broke down! And it's pretty decent for short commuting.
 
SteveBSW said:
My first off-roader was an N plate DR350. Great bullet proof bike. MT43 on the back and it would be good for just about anywhere in Devon/Cornwall.. Even after being totally submerged in a river in Duloe woods it never broke down! And it's pretty decent for short commuting.
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I'm trying not to get too excited! Will everyone stop telling me how brilliant these machines are please.:D
 
Skippy said:
I'm trying not to get too excited! Will everyone stop telling me how brilliant these machines are please.:D
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I had an early one, kickstart & it was the most unreliable piece of shite to start ever - hot or cold..................so make sure the battery is good

Usual Suzuki build quality, everything corroded and seized on it

I'm sure the passage of time hasn't helped

Luckily it got nicked and with the insurance I bought a new Honda XR, which were flawless in comparison

Just to balance up, the equation

Make sure you've been to Specsavers when you view it
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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