The DR650 thread

**MarkH** · 31st December 2014, 19:19

I think for adventure biking type activities I'll need some luggage capacity.
I've ordered this rear rack:

I'll probably order the side racks and some saddle bags too.

Then there is the Vapor dash & Scottoiler.

I'll have to ask the previous owner about the FCR carb he has fitted, reading up on them it seems that there are a bunch of different ones.
I'm hopping that it is the FCR 39 - apparently (backed up by dyno testing) that is the best carb to have on a DR650.
But if the carb is working well I'm not going to change it at this stage.

Picking up the bike tomorrow, travelling by car to Auckland, plane to Blenheim, bike to Picton, Ferry to Wellington, Bike to Palmerston North, Sleeping overnight, Bike to Morrinsville.
I'll be getting in a good 700km of riding over the next 2 days - sweet!

**pete376403** · 31st December 2014, 19:29

Bring wet weather gear . pissing down in Wgtn at the mo

**MarkH** · 31st December 2014, 19:43

Originally Posted by pete376403

Bring wet weather gear . pissing down in Wgtn at the mo

Got wet weather gear but met service shows clearing tomorrow - fingers crossed!

**R650R** · 31st December 2014, 20:39

Originally Posted by MarkH

I've only got 2 days until I pick up my DR.
I've spent hundreds on it even though it isn't in my possession yet (buying farkles online) and I was thinking about a Scott Oiler.
Anyone put one on their DR?
Easy to install?
Opinions?

Yes and Yes... but might as well just run the chain dry I reckon. Those big single pulses wear the chain and sprockets just as fast as the tyres.
Got 15,000km on my first set of chain n sprockets, but my bikes always working for it in fun mode, no easy commuting km/s etc....
The scotty did its job though and that's to keep the orings from drying out which keeps the original grease inside the chain. But it would be interesting to run chain with no lube and see difference.... any donor bikes out there

**Tigerpig** · 1st January 2015, 19:46

Originally Posted by R650R

Have you ever noticed much difference in engine temps???

I quite like not knowing on the DR, less to worry about

Never saw any alarming temps even in tight stuff on a hot day. Temp is a non issue for a dr IMHO

**R650R** · 1st January 2015, 20:52

Originally Posted by Tigerpig

Never saw any alarming temps even in tight stuff on a hot day. Temp is a non issue for a dr IMHO

Thought as much. Unlike the GSXR where town traffic sees it skyrocket and the gearbox gets yucky....
If anything I think maybe tape up the DR oil cooler on cold days like with RGV250's. Been a few winter rides where I thought the engine would be plenty warm but still condensation in oil window.

**MarkH** · 3rd January 2015, 09:03

I picked up my new baby and brought her home!

I took the Port Underwood road from Blenheim to Picton and stopped a couple of times:

Damn, that's all the pics I took of the bike, didn't get any on the North Island, I knew I'd be having so much fun riding that I'd forget to take photos!
It went great on the Gentle Annie, guy following on a CBR1100 chatted a little with me when I stopped at the end - he was amazed at how quick I was going. he said he had an XR650 but it didn't go nearly as quick on the road as my DR. I enjoyed that ride so much that I turned around and rode the other way - I must have ridden a bit hard because I almost used all my fuel (took over 18l to refill) when I got back to Taihape.

It turns out that the previous owner had the 40mm pumper carb fitted - seems to perform very well, pulls great out of corners.
He had also ordered a Vapor dash, or at least thought he did but it was actually the add on bit with the lights. I've ordered the Vapor dash since it will allow me to use this add-on bracket & put the neutral, turn & high beam lights in a better place.
I've also ordered a Scottoiler and a grunge brush, it must be a good idea to look after the chain.

The rear tyre doesn't have much left on it really, I'll have to see what is available.
Maybe a Mitas E07? That would match the front tyre.
Or a Shinko 244 maybe?
Or a Heidenau K60?

**NordieBoy** · 11th January 2015, 17:20

Can't go wrong with an E07 rear.

**MarkH** · 25th January 2015, 16:30

Got the Vapor dash working well, got the Scottoiler running too.
Replaced the rear worn down Trail Wing with a nice new Shinko E700.

Also:
I have an action cam that I bought for US$74 with worldwide free shipping - total landed cost was ~NZ$99.
It is basic but takes 1080p 30fps and has waterproof housing and a bunch of mounts.
I tried it out today:
http://youtu.be/JHlnQ0EqDyc
http://youtu.be/rO9jUBciFyo
Not entirely the best mounting spot, I'm thinking of getting a Ram mount to attach to the top of the brake reservoir. The Ram mount would allow a bit more flexibility for positioning and direction it points.
But the footage didn't come out too bad and for under a hundred bucks it seems pretty reasonable.
I'll upload another 3 minute clip from a gravel road, it'll take a little while though (400mb).

**Night Falcon** · 25th January 2015, 17:00

Camera takes pretty good videos Mark and the sound was great as well. Couldn't help remembering my last ride was a bit like that through country back roads on a great day......

**MarkH** · 25th January 2015, 18:01

Originally Posted by MarkH

I'll upload another 3 minute clip from a gravel road

Here it is: http://youtu.be/-RcN3XaB5RE
Just fucking around today and went for a ride to check the calibration on the Vapor and to test the camera, such a nice day for a wee ride.

The DR is getting really close to what I want, just need my rear & side racks for enough luggage to make this a decent adventure bike.
I've gone with moto-racks.com and ordered the large rear rack and the side racks.
I have a huge waterproof bag I can strap to the back but I'll have to decide on and buy some good saddle bags.

**Waihou Thumper** · 26th January 2015, 03:38

Originally Posted by MarkH

Here it is: http://youtu.be/-RcN3XaB5RE

You went all the way over to the Thompson track but never took it up there?
Just got myself a DR 650 with all of the trimmings...luggage included. Wolfman racks and bags.
The only reason I got it was because it has literally everything done and is included in the price.
Get it Waitangi weekend.