DR650 buying and suspension upgrades advice wanted

[bigboy]

Hi. I'm looking to get back in to some on/off road riding and have narrowed my search down to like a near new DR650.

I'm 6ft / 160kg and have been told a suspension upgrade is advisable, I'm happy to have this done or do myself.

I'm looking for advice on these upgrades. eg.. suitable upgrade, parts, place to have it done and buy parts etc.

Any replies appreciated, Thanks.

[Eddieb]

Make sure you put your bib on and you credit card away before visiting this site.

http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html

[bart]

Buy a KTM 950SE :cool:

[gav24]

Nah, just crank up the preload on the shock, put in 15 wt fork oil and replace the horrible standard bars for a higher bend. Great bike. I've been so happy with mine, definitely worth a pipe and jet kit and flat side carb if you have the $$.
A quick scan through the dr650 thread will give you heaps of food for thought.
Don't forget to get out and ride it though!

[gav24]

Buy a KTM 950SE :cool:

Traitor! Go the mighty DR.
Don't forget the black ones are the quick ones though, aye Bart...:msn-wink:

[bart]

Traitor! Go the mighty DR.
Don't forget the black ones are the quick ones though, aye Bart...:msn-wink:

Just saying. How much coin do you throw at a DR? In some cases it’d be money better spent to just buy something that’s already sorted from the factory.

You’re right though, the black ones are faster...

[TLDV8]

Just saying. How much coin do you throw at a DR? In some cases it’d be money better spent to just buy something that’s already sorted from the factory.

Just what I said in 2008 when I went looking for a simple bike,no radiators,ultra strong sub frame for carrying loads,able to sit on 130 km/h loaded (NT) simple maintenance as in no shim valve adjustments,carburetor etc etc.
I basically didn't know the DR650 existed until Google searches came back to it time and time again.
Other bikes on the list was a then new KTM 640 ($AU14000+) and KLR 650 (w/cooled)
My DR still has the stock frame and swing arm.
Cost I guess around two new DR's by now and oddly if I was to do it over again I would do it again,I was almost tempted to buy another new one and swap the good bits over to it.
Only thing I would change is buying either a Cogent or Wilbers rear shock absorber and maybe for ease of seal replacement a set of adjustable DRZ400 conventional cartridge forks.

[NordieBoy]

Springs front and rear and easiest would be a Cogent rear shock and their own emulators for the front.

[10bikekid]

Perhaps you need a Big(er) DR like one of these :eek5:

[NordieBoy]

Perhaps you need a Big(er) DR like one of these :eek5:
And then still have to do the suspension...

[10bikekid]

I'm suspicious our Dr rider in question required suspension upgrades due to his 160kg muscular build and that the larger DRs would be less effected by this (not to mention the fact that being larger framed they are more suited to real men)

Hypothetical off-course since hens teeth are easier to find than a these BIG DRs

(sure It was really just an excuse to post the pic) :laugh:

[dino3310]

i would be thinking just towards heavier springs front and rear to suit said weight at a minimum.

[Shoshoni]

i would be thinking just towards heavier springs front and rear to suit said weight at a minimum.

I was in the same boat I'm 6ft+ and 160kg+ on my DR I stuck in heavier front springs and 15wt fork oil and heavier rear spring.
All that made a huge difference no more front brake dive and no more rear end bottoming out, more stable = more fun.

[dino3310]

I was in the same boat I'm 6ft+ and 160kg+ on my DR I stuck in heavier front springs and 15wt fork oil and heavier rear spring.
All that made a huge difference no more front brake dive and no more rear end bottoming out, more stable = more fun.

most likely the cheapest option to:2thumbsup

[pete-blen]

Don't listen to the cheapskates..:violin:
Ohlins shock & USD forks...:woohoo:

Bye...:dodge:

[10bikekid]

Don't listen to the cheapskates..:violin:
Ohlins shock & USD forks...:woohoo:

Bye...:dodge:

Depends on the bike you buy,

Q, Was asked yesterday what mods have been done to the BIG's suspension

A, non, its stock, funny thing is that for my usage its better sprung than the KTM :scratch:

[R650R]

Buy a KTM 950SE :cool:

Yep he's right. By the time you buy all the go fast bits and suspension upgrades...

A quick tally up on procycles of the must haves that you'll buy eventually, tank, carb, shocks, brakes etc... $USD2500
Which with customs gst and shipping works out about $3800NZ !!!!
Note I haven't bought all the things in "The List" but damn its hard not too LOL

[bart]

Yep he's right. By the time you buy all the go fast bits and suspension upgrades...

A quick tally up on procycles of the must haves that you'll buy eventually, tank, carb, shocks, brakes etc... $USD2500
Which with customs gst and shipping works out about $3800NZ !!!!
Note I haven't bought all the things in "The List" but damn its hard not too LOL

Exactly, and if I were, umm, of larger stature...I’d be wanting 2 cylinders under me, not 1.

[Night Falcon]

Exactly, and if I were, umm, of larger stature...I’d be wanting 2 cylinders under me, not 1.

SE with 15inch wheels might suit you bro ?

[bart]

SE with 15inch wheels might suit you bro ?

Step ladder and trainer wheels for me. They’re certainly 6 foot plus bikes, but man I’d love one.

[JATZ]

Depends on the bike you buy,

Q, Was asked yesterday what mods have been done to the BIG's suspension

A, non, its stock, funny thing is that for my usage its better sprung than the KTM :scratch:

Mine was moar beterer with the wilburs :D I also put different oil in the forks, can't remember what now :scratch: it was that long ago.
Suzuki should start making them again, with f.i. :headbang:

[bigboy]

Thanks for your replies. Ive just bought a near new Dr650 that's had some suspension upgrades for the heavier rider.
Im no expert, but it seems ok to me. I will just use it as it is for now and save ne money for something else later on.
Maybe pipe and carb.

[10bikekid]

Spot on :niceone:

Have fun :woohoo:

[NordieBoy]

Maybe pipe and cardy.
No, that's BMW territory...