Show us ya DR650!

[XF650]

Came accross this one in Havelock this week - it's KB Nathan from ChCh. He's on one hell of an adventure ride - nearly finished the South Island, then on to the North Island. After that, Australia!! So far he's been using a 4WD guide book so I pointed him to Coonyer's adv route web site.
Good luck Nathan, safe riding & post your progress on KB if you can.

[Nathan]

Hi XF650,

The Maungatapu track you pointed me too was a great ride. A little sketchy in parts on a fully loaded bike, but that just adds to the fun.

I'm now in Wellington searching for a new helmet today. I left my helmet on my bike at Farewell Spit and the wind blew my bike over crushing my faithful old Arai. Luckily, the DR didn't get damaged.

Since this is a DR thread, I'd better talk about my bike. Farkles include a Sarari tank, B&B bash plate, Moose Racing hand guards, and Suzuki rear rack. The engine is completely stock and I'm running stock Trailwing tyres. I opted for soft luggage since hard panniers just add too much weight in my opinion and I'm paranoid about them breaking my leg in a bad situation. So far the bike has been utterly reliable and always starts easily even when it's cold. The only real complaints I have is the overly-high first gear and the uncomfortable seat.

After doing a couple of quite gnarly DoC 4WD tracks, I'm convinced that smaller, single-cylinder bikes are the way to go. I've had so many occasions where a fall was saved by sticking my leg out, which just isn't really an option with the bigger bikes. And it's nice to be able to lift your bike (see pic ).

[NordieBoy]

And it's nice to be able to lift your bike (see pic ).

Park it on the logs and wait for the river to flood?

[Aslan]

Hi XF650,

After doing a couple of quite gnarly DoC 4WD tracks, I'm convinced that smaller, single-cylinder bikes are the way to go. I've had so many occasions where a fall was saved by sticking my leg out, which just isn't really an option with the bigger bikes. And it's nice to be able to lift your bike (see pic ).

my experience as well - having wrestled with an 1150GS previously - I now reserve the Beemer for gravel road rides - even a DR650 is relatively heavy compared to some of the smaller bikes like the DR350 I owned previously - 'she's a hrad thing to get the perfect bike eh?' - Cheers S

[TLDV8]

After that, Australia!!

[Aslan]

mine in the Whangehu Valley - returning from Central Plateau Ride Nov 08

[TLDV8]

[buggsubique]

whats the story??

[NordieBoy]

whats the story??

Wrong shade of blue. Clashed with his eyes.











Or a hole/fault and the factory said cut it up and we'll send another.

I like the 1st version better.

[Kaituna]

Probably dropped a contact lens in looking for the bottom of the tank?

[TLDV8]

whats the story??

Multiple cracks. (I was set for a 10000 km loop last week also)

Replacement is on the way and the old tank will be tested and batch numbers checked.
Cut up is easier and cheaper to send.

[TLDV8]

GPS loaded for a early start tomorrow,found another four WWII airstrips in the bush using GoogleEarth.

I noticed my range had dropped by quite a bit last week end and had noticed the smell of fuel but it could not be.........................................

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...a/IMG_1421.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...a/IMG_1411.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c3...a/IMG_1406.jpg

What a POS and AU$700 to date,the CSR is only 4 months away and this thing can't even handle light duties.

[junkmanjoe]

Hi all
i will have a biger tank on my dr650 shortly.
setting it up for future distance rides. have been putting bike through a few testing tracks lately.

cheers.

[TLDV8]

Hi all
i will have a biger tank on my dr650 shortly.
setting it up for future distance rides. have been putting bike through a few testing tracks lately.

cheers.

I hope its not a Safari

Stock tank back on and ready to go explore (with plenty of fuel stops!!)

It just occurred to me.

First tank cracked and leaked,second tank leaked within a few weeks,Belstaff jacket leaks,Ohlins shock leaked its gas out... ??

[NordieBoy]

< croc mick > Now that's a leak! < /croc mick >