dr650 size?

[twotyred]

After surviving the roads for 20+ years I am considering coming over to the darkside... would the dr650 be suitable for a skinny guy,no muscles to speak of,5'11",73kgs... or would it be too much?:confused:

[YellowDog]

You sound an ideal size & weight for a DR650.

They're a little top heavy, but once you have got used to the balance; being 5'11" you won't have and problems. Plus, you will find the bike amazingly easy to manouver.

Being a single cylinder unit means that you have to ride it properly! Changing gear before the revs get too low is essential and if you let the clutch go in second gear when you should be in first, the back wheel will lock and down you go!

On the plus side, you will have great balance and control with a bullet proof engine that you can easily do anything you want to yourself.

DR650 is a great fun bike that is very easy bike to get used to and enjoy. One of the few 650s that you can upgrade to without being blown-away by the extra power.

[Crisis management]

would the dr650 be suitable for a skinny guy,no muscles to speak of,5'11",73kgs... or would it be too much?:confused:

You sure you're not confusing the light and nimble DR with the armchair like proportions of a GS1200? :dodge:

The DR weighs 170kgs wet, I can pick it up whenever it falls over (regularly it seems...particularly strong gravitational effects follow me around) and I'm a skinny white guy, smaller than you.

Go and ride one, after road bikes it will feel tall but very flickable, in fact all the medium size adventure bikes feel better than big road bikes.....

If your in Auckland PM me and you can have a play on mine.

[Ocean1]

What for?

As a road bike capable of the odd bit of open trail work? Or as road legal dirt bike?

[jim.cox]

would the dr650 be suitable for a skinny guy,no muscles to speak of,5'11",73kgs... or would it be too much?:confused:

It would be just great - you'll love it

[cooneyr]

What for?

As a road bike capable of the odd bit of open trail work? Or as road legal dirt bike?

Before this thread goes too far down that path have a read of some of these forums.
Which 650 to buy (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=65623)
Took one for a ride today (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=65780)
Newby post (nordieboy) (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=39743)

And just to keep it in perspective
DR650 - neutral light woes (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=62563)
DR650 gearbox whine (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=43626)

The last two are included to let you know about some of the issues with the DR650 though those two are pretty uncommon. Other two known issues are:
98/99 models - starter gears lack of torque limiter (all other years have it and without can result in catastrophic failure of engine cases but very easily fixed );
and early models (originally though to be 2001/02 but now I believe it is all pre 02's have a fiber cylinder base gasket which can leak where as the post 02 models have a metal base gasket. The fiber one is easily and successfully fixed with some silicon RTV. This is pretty uncommon.

The bigest issue is the 98/99 with the lack of torque limiter.

Back to the real question of the thread. Transalper (sorry about this dude :D) here in Chch rides a DR650 very happily and would be smaller than you. He can pick it up by himself but appreciates help after a couple of times. The DR's are easily lowered if height is an issue. They are the only 650 that has a factory built in facilities for doing so.

Cheers R

[Ocean1]

Before this thread goes too far down that path have a read of some of these forums. Cheers R

Yes, good ref's, and they're a great bike. But the question was to establish the intended use.

"Dark side" seems usually to mean "Motard", in which case it's worth investigating alternatives. If his plans include a lot of typical NZ bush tracks or high speed dirt fanging it's certainly worth looking at something lighter. If he's thinking typical NZ adv riding it'd be hard to go past a DR650 in terms of value for money.

[cooneyr]

Yes, good ref's, and they're a great bike. But the question was to establish the intended use.

"Dark side" seems usually to mean "Motard", in which case it's worth investigating alternatives. If his plans include a lot of typical NZ bush tracks or high speed dirt fanging it's certainly worth looking at something lighter. If he's thinking typical NZ adv riding it'd be hard to go past a DR650 in terms of value for money.

I completely agree with your questioning/sentiments re intended use. I just know that I've been through all of this before with the first two of the links I posted hence a third thread along the same lines..... Was a keeping KB tidy issue rather than disagreeing with you.

I've never quite figured out what the "dark side" is but always though it was based around the dirt/adv/motard bikes.

Cheers R

[Transalper]

Every Dark Side convert I've met is doing dirt adventures.

[warewolf]

"Dark side" seems usually to mean "Motard"Not in the "Adventure/Dual Purpose Bikes" forum it doesn't.

"Dark side" is always taken in context; usually means to "join us" in an evil-grin kinda way.

[Ocean1]

Not in the "Adventure/Dual Purpose Bikes" forum it doesn't.

"Dark side" is always taken in context; usually means to "join us" in an evil-grin kinda way.

Ah, indeed. I stand corrected.


I'll just go stand over in the corner and sulk a bit OK?

[NordieBoy]

early models (originally though to be 2001/02 but now I believe it is all pre 02's have a fiber cylinder base gasket which can leak where as the post 02 models have a metal base gasket.

96-2003.5 had the fibre base gasket and it will leak.
It's just a matter of when. Some have after 1000km and mine hasn't yet after 20000km. It seems that overfilling the oil and pressurising the crankcase dosn't help.

A smear of ATV often fixes it for thousands of km more...

The starter idler torque limiter is about $170US + postage.

[NordieBoy]

"Dark side" is always taken in context; usually means to "join us" in an evil-grin kinda way.

Kinda like your avatar then...

[skidMark]

I was just looking at the dr650 the other day at haldanes.

then i saw the price....

only 7 grand.

guess what i'm saving for.

they have a white 848 too **blows load** fuck thats one horny bike. $26,495 though. :(

[warewolf]

Kinda like your avatar then...Yup, the full version is my profile pic, it was taken when we arrived back at base at the end of 2006's Capital Coast Adventure. Need I say more?

[twotyred]

Thanks for all the generous info... now just gotta find one!... back to Tardme I go...

[far queue]

A smear of ATV often fixes it for thousands of km more...Why would you want to smear an All Terrain Vehicle on your bike? Surely that wouldn't be too good for it? :doh: Some Room Temperature Vulcanising adhesive I could understand :msn-wink:

[NordieBoy]

Why would you want to smear an All Terrain Vehicle on your bike? Surely that wouldn't be too good for it? :doh: Some Room Temperature Vulcanising adhesive I could understand :msn-wink:

Depends.
If the ATV has some RTV in it's toolbox then you're RTG.
IMHO OK?
YMMV


Personally I just use that gasket goo stuff that's in my toolbox.
Dunno what it's called.

You're lucky I don't go and edit my original post, then [b]you'd[b] be the one looking acronimically challanged, not me :lol:

[TLDV8]

After surviving the roads for 20+ years I am considering coming over to the darkside... would the dr650 be suitable for a skinny guy,no muscles to speak of,5'11",73kgs... or would it be too much?:confused:

I am under 5' 9" / 82kg and have no problems on the DR,there is the option of dropping it around 40mm via the rear link and forks but i didn't bother.

Excellent bike. :niceone:

<img src=http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/DSC07371.jpg>

[skidMark]

I am under 5' 9" / 82kg and have no problems on the DR,there is the option of dropping it around 40mm via the rear link and forks but i didn't bother.

Excellent bike. :niceone:



What a silly place to park your jet plane. :wari:

[Dutchee]

After surviving the roads for 20+ years I am considering coming over to the darkside... would the dr650 be suitable for a skinny guy,no muscles to speak of,5'11",73kgs... or would it be too much?:confused:
Not sure I should say anything, but I'm under 5'3" and under 60kg and ride a DR650. also female, so not much upper body strength (give me my kdx anytime over the bush pig - yeah and the kdx ain't a lightweight either).
I've found her too heavy in the bush, but will happily ride gravel and road.
Long distance, I need to stop regularly. She also has a small tank (around 240k, but it depends).
After 30,000k, still happy with the bike. She did decide to start leaking oil when I bought her little sister (same day, obviously female & jealous).
Oh, if you want to drop it (why?) you can buy the lowering links & shorted stand from Suzuki. (yes, I have ridden it off road, but am choosy about where - Woodhill & Riverhead forests have been undertaken on her with me onboard - I did need male help once or twice, but that was more rider fuck-up than bike).

[twotyred]

Not sure I should say anything,

whyever not?? all opinions are most welcome,thanks very much for your thoughts

[$CENSLS1$]

I too am looking at purchsing a DR650 once I've graduated from my klx250 :niceone:
From what I've heard they sound like a great 'jack of all trades' bike which is exactly what I'm after. Thinking about buying some 17" 'tard rims at the same time just so I've got a set of wheels+tyres for commuting and doing tarmac/gravel miles on and a set for when I hit the dirt/beach/any sandy stuff.

Really looking forward to getting on one and having a go :msn-wink: Can't wait!!!

[twotyred]

Really looking forward to getting on one and having a go :msn-wink: Can't wait!!!

me neither although there are none in Wellington bike shops to check out.

Wellington MC had none and when I asked the sales rep when they were likely to be getting some his helpful answer was... "...dunno" :doh:

[Gizzit]

After surviving the roads for 20+ years I am considering coming over to the darkside... would the dr650 be suitable for a skinny guy,no muscles to speak of,5'11",73kgs... or would it be too much?:confused:

I'm going to do the same thing .... coming off a big road bike ... my choice is because of an old shoulder injury reappearing, and needing to get on a lighter bike. My choice has been either the 2008 DR650SE or a KLR650. I'm 5'11" and weigh "about" 88Kg, and I think either of those bikes will fit me fine. I would imagine you would find them to fit you well, probably withoutlowering the DR.
I think going to a dual purpose bike is a really good choice! As soon as my CB1300S sells, Thats what I'm going to buy. However, I don't think there are any(many) 08 KLR's around until April's new shipment. I think the DR's are more readily available. Good luck with your choice. I'd be keen to hear what you find.

[GaZBur]

I too am looking at purchsing a DR650 once I've graduated from my klx250 :niceone:
From what I've heard they sound like a great 'jack of all trades' bike which is exactly what I'm after. Thinking about buying some 17" 'tard rims at the same time just so I've got a set of wheels+tyres for commuting and doing tarmac/gravel miles on and a set for when I hit the dirt/beach/any sandy stuff.

Really looking forward to getting on one and having a go :msn-wink: Can't wait!!!
Yep -they are a great all rounder. I preferred to stay on standard rims rather than go to 17" for two reasons. 1.Steering stays the same as does ride height so no worries about replacing the stand and 2.Keeps you in the Sportsmans class for open Motards if you feel like racing. Can recommend them as a heap of fun, cheap to buy and run and (comparitively) low maintenace.

[Gizzit]

Hey GazBur,
Is this actually an 06 model ??

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=142936003

it kind of looks like an 08 tank colour scheme ??

[GaZBur]

Hey GazBur,
Is this actually an 06 model ??

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=142936003

it kind of looks like an 08 tank colour scheme ??
Well buggered if I can tell any difference between any of the models. That looks identical to mine which was new in 06 but called a K5 model so assume its the same as the 05. Same paint job as mine too.
Looks ok - and they are pretty impossible to thrash to bits as mine is taking the punishment without any complaints.

For the size question - I'm 5'11" 76 kgs and the DR is real comfortable as set up standard(apart from the bum numbing seat).

[Gizzit]

Well buggered if I can tell any difference between any of the models. That looks identical to mine which was new in 06 but called a K5 model so assume its the same as the 05. Same paint job as mine too.
Looks ok - and they are pretty impossible to thrash to bits as mine is taking the punishment without any complaints.

For the size question - I'm 5'11" 76 kgs and the DR is real comfortable as set up standard(apart from the bum numbing seat).

Oh ok ... Thanks for that. And yes ...... anyone who thinks the stock DR seat is comfortable, probably enjoys having hot needles poked in their eyes !! ..... That has to be a given that it's the first thing to "modify".

If I do get a DR, I'll be off to Tauranga to get the McDonalds to do a new "Rider" seat for me. Do you know any DR riders that have got McDonalds to do a new seat ? I'd be interested to see a picture. .... and No .... these McDonalds don't do hamburgers and fries !!!! :rolleyes:

[thepom]

So how does an xt600 compare to the DR?...:banana:

[cooneyr]

Well buggered if I can tell any difference between any of the models.

Since 2003 there has been absolutely no changes so just get the best condition you can afford and dont worry about the year too much. Pre 03 there was a couple of differences though - start clutch gear issue in 98 99 and all pre 03 had fibre cylinder base gasket which will leak eventually.


Oh ok ... Thanks for that. And yes ...... anyone who thinks the stock DR seat is comfortable, probably enjoys having hot needles poked in their eyes !! ..... That has to be a given that it's the first thing to "modify".

Ummm - I dont like hot needles but I dont find the seat that bad. Did the Dusty Butt (1000kms in 21 hours) on it. I'm pretty long limbed so sit well back on the seat where it is nice and wide though :D

Cheers R

[GaZBur]

Ummm - I dont like hot needles but I dont find the seat that bad. Did the Dusty Butt (1000kms in 21 hours) on it. I'm pretty long limbed so sit well back on the seat where it is nice and wide though :D

Cheers R
When travelling any distance I pack all the soft stuff in one end of my bag and strap it onto the passenger seat so that it acts as a lumber support /back rest and allows you to go over 100kph without having to hang on, takes a bit of the pressure of the butt!
No bloody way I would handle 21 hours in the saddle, I am not worthy!!!:clap:Amazing effort!

[Gizzit]

Ummm - I dont like hot needles but I dont find the seat that bad. Did the Dusty Butt (1000kms in 21 hours) on it. I'm pretty long limbed so sit well back on the seat where it is nice and wide though :D

Cheers R

You're a bloody legend mate !! those seats are not a lot more comfortable than a 4" x 2" :2thumbsup

[mazz1972]

One of our mates has an 07 DR650 . He has a short wheel base, so put it on the lower setting. But when you do that the stand is too long and the bike sits practically upright (and at the wrong angle for the stand foot). He bought the shorter stand but I still reckon it's too upright.

Another piece of info that may be helpful. The owner filled in and sent off the customer satisfaction survey and got a call back about it (but I'm not sure if the survey was from Suzuki or from the dealership). He had commented on the form that he didn't like the speedo being in miles. Hey presto it was replaced through the dealership free of charge with one in km's, without him asking.

I'm not sure whether the DR650's speedo are usually in miles, or whether the bikes sold at the Suzukifest price were an excess shipment originally intended for another country, so sold off here at a cheaper price (Suzuki do that occasionally) hence the speedo being in miles.