Attention all DR650SE owners ...

[Gizzit]

Ok, I have now made my mind up. (Sold the CB finally .. :( ) I'm going to buy a new 08 DR. I'm just getting down to tin taks with a few dealers to get a good package price.

I want a blue bike (the 08 blue one is faster I'm told :cool: )... with skid plate, wind screen, and pac-rack installed ready to go. (then it's off to McDonalds Trimmers to get a new Rider seat!)

The help I need is with choice of screen and skid plate. I'd like to be able to buy them locally if possible .... but if they are way cheaper ... I'll buy one in from overseas.

I have had a quote of $329 for a Suzuki bash plate, and $220 for a Givi A601 Universal screen.

Has anyone got any recommendations, hopefully with pictures or a web site I can see the product on a DR ?
Thanks for any help. I am hoping to place a bike order by the end of the week. And no ... I'm no good at making stuff, so wont be cutting out a two litre milk bottle for a screen, or bending up an old hubcap and taping it to the frame for a bash plate ! :lol:

Other mods (handlebars, fork brace, tryes eventually) will have to wait.

Cheers,
Grant.

[twotyred]

nice choice I'm thinking :2thumbsup:


I have had a quote of $329 for a Suzuki bash plate,

Ouch! ... might be worth a look at this thread

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=45142

[Gizzit]

nice choice I'm thinking :2thumbsup:



Ouch! ... might be worth a look at this thread

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=45142

Thanks for that ..... but Farrrrrk they are butt ugly !!! I'm sure i've seen better looking plates than that, that are still reasonably effective! I bet they are noisey!! :blink:

[twotyred]

Thanks for that ..... but Farrrrrk they are butt ugly !!! I'm sure i've seen better looking plates than that, that are still reasonably effective! I bet they are noisey!! :blink:

who cares what it looks like!? it's gonna be covered in mud 'n' crap anyway! :yes:

[Qkchk]

In the same boat.............

Waiting to hear back on those prices for a bash plate, Bark Busters, Gel Seat and Ventura Rack. Will let youknow what prices I have been given when I get them!

F.Y.I. I had a look on www.suzuki.com and priced them all up then converted to NZD$........ so it could be better to get them direct from the USA with the excellent exchange rate!

[Gizzit]

who cares what it looks like!? it's gonna be covered in mud 'n' crap anyway! :yes:

Oh shit .... no I can't possibly get it dirty ... !!!!! :mad: :crybaby: :lol:

[GaZBur]

Ok, I have now made my mind up. ....I want a blue bike (the 08 blue one is faster I'm told :cool: )....
Congrats on the decision, judging by most of us here we are really happy with the choice. I agree, blue bikes are faster, well they look like they should be faster anyway!!!



.... And no ... I'm no good at making stuff, so wont be cutting out a two litre milk bottle for a screen, or bending up an old hubcap and taping it to the frame for a bash plate ! :lol:

Grant.
Hell there are a such a range of us here - from real craftsmen to,, well some of us are butchers at making mods. :whistle:
You will get real good advice on here (but I can only advise on colour, blue is good) as I have asked a few questions and got good help from those that know.
Enjoy your new DR.


Thanks for that ..... but Farrrrrk they are butt ugly !!! I'm sure i've seen better looking plates than that, that are still reasonably effective! I bet they are noisey!! :blink:
You ain't seen ugly till you seen my cut out of the side of a computer case housing bash plate that i quickly covered in crap so nobody could see it.

[Gizzit]

Enjoy your new DR.

Thanks .... I'm sure I will !!


You ain't seen ugly till you seen my cut out of the side of a computer case housing bash plate that i quickly covered in crap so nobody could see it.

(Sorry .... I couldn't resist) "Oh ... that was very PC of you" .... :shifty:

[twotyred]

Oh shit .... no I can't possibly get it dirty ... !!!!! :mad: :crybaby: :lol:

Thats exactly why I have decided not to buy new:I'd just get all anal about keeping it looking 'just so" and that just wouldn't do! :nono:

[Gizzit]

Just ordered a Skid Plate from:

http://www.utahsportcycle.com/store/index.html

http://utahsportcycle.com/store/dr650pic.htm (picture)

I think it it looks pretty good for my use, and is US$102 shipped to NZ.
What do you all reckon ??

I've just got to source a good screen now. Maybe the Givi A601 Universal ?

http://www.givi.it/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=75&lang=en

Anyone got any other ideas ?
Thanks,
Grant.

[far queue]

I have had a quote of $329 for a Suzuki bash plate


In the same boat.............F.Y.I. I had a look on www.suzuki.com and priced them all up then converted to NZD$........ so it could be better to get them direct from the USA with the excellent exchange rate!I wouldn't bother with the genuine Suzuki job, it not a bash plate but a skid plate (http://www.suzukicycles.com/Accessories/detail.aspx?modelId=60863ec2-67cb-4e81-ab62-c6570dd35464&accessoryCategoryId=&accessoryId=4ed7f263-ed73-4c7c-9431-e4d708b6acc2), it doesn't have the parts out the side to give protection to the crankcase side covers and it's a rip off price as you'd expect with genuine parts. Get the B&B bash plate, it's bomb proof and good value for money. If there's a few of you looking maybe you can negotiate an even cheaper price.

[far queue]

Just ordered a Skid Plate from:

http://www.utahsportcycle.com/store/index.html

http://utahsportcycle.com/store/dr650pic.htm (picture)

I think it it looks pretty good for my use, and is US$102 shipped to NZ.
What do you all reckon ??That looks OK, and if that's the landed price, that's bloody good at around NZ$130.

[Kaituna]

Dude, there are plenty of pics and opinions on advrider.com. Not to say that KB hasn't got a great depth of good opinion. I have the givi 601 on my DR650 and some no name bashplate. The screen works best if you lay it back to about the same angle as the headlight shroud. You will really love the bike. Oh, and I bought the screen for $40.00 and the plate for $80.00 from tardme.

[Dent]

Hey now this is a great thread. Im pretty set on a DR650 myself, and close to buying.
I found that B&B bash plate, looks good. As for a rack, the one on Ebay named the BBQ rack by the americans on various forums (not the seller) seems good, as it also offers some protection for the indicators in a low speed fall - which you know is inevitable if you ride on gravel/mud etc :) Its also about $165 NZ shipped.

I'd like to know what brand bark-buster fits well etc. Ive read a lot of people saying how hard they can be to fit, due to the throttle grip being glued on. Also not all models will fit over the stock levers. I've considered asking the dealer to fit them as part of the deal if its really that challenging.

Kaituna was the bash plate on tardme a 1 off or does someone supply? Ive not seen one.

This is the rack:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear-Cargo-Rack-Suzuki-DR650-dr-650-se-1996-2008_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10066QQihZ008QQite mZ180219592975QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[merv]

I see you've ordered your bashplate already but I've never thought the B&B was ugly either - here's ours http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=84553&d=1202293105

Nice coverage and protection for the engine but as per that other thread I already said they do make the bike sound noisy from the pilot's seat.

[Rosie]

I'd like to know what brand bark-buster fits well etc. Ive read a lot of people saying how hard they can be to fit, due to the throttle grip being glued on. Also not all models will fit over the stock levers. I've considered asking the dealer to fit them as part of the deal if its really that challenging.

I can't comment on the DR specifically, but Clint640 and I both have Zeta Armour handguards. I fitted mine to the sherpa myself, the hardest part was making little holes in the end of the grips (a sensible person might have bought new grips that already had holes in the end). A can of silicone spray and the long skinny tube thing that fits onto the nozzle encouraged the glued-on grips off my bike fairly easily, but Kawasaki may use an inferior glue to Suzuki, I don't know.

[Skinny_Birdman]

Thanks for that ..... but Farrrrrk they are butt ugly !!! I'm sure i've seen better looking plates than that, that are still reasonably effective! I bet they are noisey!! :blink:
I think that the award for the most... um.... striking bash plate goes to Nordie's DR 650. I have a B & B bashplate on my TT ($220 from DAS), I think it looks :apumpin: and it certainly isn't noisy...

[Mole_C]

Buy a second hand bike, there way better. Just happens that mine is for sale :innocent:

[OregonKiwi]

Has anyone got any recommendations, hopefully with pictures or a web site I can see the product on a DR ?


Try this site-

http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Brand/Suzuki/DR%20650%20Skid%20Plate.htm

I mainly use other sites for my KLR gear (these guys are normally more expensive-very knowledgeable & support global rides though), thought you might like a look.

Seems like it still works out alot cheaper at your end.

Neil.

[Transalper]

Just ordered a Skid Plate from:

http://www.utahsportcycle.com/store/index.html

http://utahsportcycle.com/store/dr650pic.htm (picture)

I think it it looks pretty good for my use, and is US$102 shipped to NZ.
What do you all reckon ??....When I got my DR it had that one of those on it, still does, but when I put one on Js DR I choose B n B and would like to get a B n B sometime to replace the one on mine.
I just like the BnB more, I like the way it mounts (counter sunk bolts etc) and the way it gives more cover.
Still at that price the one you ordered should see you happy and may in fact be better value for money.

[Transalper]

Barkbuster (http://www.barkbusters.net/Products.htm) brand of Bark busters is my choice for a good easy fitting quality bark buster. It's the VPS ones.
They have a long leaver model that works just fine with the DR650.
You also choose the mounting kit specific to your bars.
Cost a bit though.

[Qkchk]

Barkbuster (http://www.barkbusters.net/Products.htm) brand of Bark busters is my choice for a good easy fitting quality bark buster. It's the VPS ones.
They have a long leaver model that works just fine with the DR650.
You also choose the mounting kit specific to your bars.
Cost a bit though.

Any other brands out there that are priced well and not mongrels to fit?

[far queue]

Cost a bit though.But well worth it! Mine have taken a beating and done their job perfectly. Highly recommended.

[Gizzit]

I see you've ordered your bashplate already but I've never thought the B&B was ugly either - here's ours http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=84553&d=1202293105

Nice coverage and protection for the engine but as per that other thread I already said they do make the bike sound noisy from the pilot's seat.

No .... looking at that picture, the plate looks fine , ..... it's you thats ugly !!! lol :)

[merv]

No .... looking at that picture, the plate looks fine , ..... it's you thats ugly !!! lol :)

Thanks, and what do you say to your friends?

[cooneyr]

Any other brands out there that are priced well and not mongrels to fit?

Moose bark busters aren't too bad. The bar and guards come separately but that way you can get the larger guards that protect your hands from the wind and cold better (about or slightly less well than the BB that Transalper and Far queue talk of). The guard is a soft plastic though which is more like a hard rubber so stays in place till pressed on. It would be impossible to break.

Cant remember cost but was cheaper than the original BB. Had to loose my balls (no not those ones) on the end of the levers but if I'd spend more time and bent them into shape I might not have had this issue.

This (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53059&d=1170790937) is about the best pic I can find of them at work.

Cheers R

[Qkchk]

Moose bark busters aren't too bad. The bar and guards come separately but that way you can get the larger guards that protect your hands from the wind and cold better (about or slightly less well than the BB that Transalper and Far queue talk of). The guard is a soft plastic though which is more like a hard rubber so stays in place till pressed on. It would be impossible to break.



Had a look around http://www.bikesport.co.nz/product_info.php?cPath=466_370&products_id=101623 and they have Barkbuster brand hand guards - sounds like I can score a set for $169 (must include the clamps etc) think its a good price? Even better they are in Helensville so I can pop around when I get the bike and measure them up.

Thanks for all your input guys, I really do appreciate it. :yeah:

[cooneyr]

Had a look around http://www.bikesport.co.nz/product_info.php?cPath=466_370&products_id=101623 and they have Barkbuster brand hand guards - sounds like I can score a set for $169 (must include the clamps etc) think its a good price? Even better they are in Helensville so I can pop around when I get the bike and measure them up.

Thanks for all your input guys, I really do appreciate it. :yeah:

For that price you really cant go too wrong. As long as you think they provide enough wind protection for your hands they go for it.

Cheers R

[Qkchk]

Ordered x2 B&B Bash plates over the net last night - cost A$325.90 landed here............. and that is through Bikebiz (http://www.bikebiz.com.au/enter.html?lmd=39506.716238) in Auzzie.

[Lucy]

Hey I was going to start a thread called this!

But mine was going to be aimed at you Suzuki fest buyers....next year when you are selling me your DR 650, don't bother trying to tell me you paid $8995 ok! I know you paid $7995.....:drool:

But a lovely guy let me test ride his BMW last night, so I might not be getting a DR after all......heh heh heh.

[Gizzit]

Hey I was going to start a thread called this!

But mine was going to be aimed at you Suzuki fest buyers....next year when you are selling me your DR 650, don't bother trying to tell me you paid $8995 ok! I know you paid $7995.....:drool:

But a lovely guy let me test ride his BMW last night, so I might not be getting a DR after all......heh heh heh.

What you get up to at night with lovely guys.... is your business, but a BMW ????????? :) and to mention it even .... in a DR thread !!! :spanking: :)

[Kaituna]

Kaituna was the bash plate on tardme a 1 off or does someone supply? Ive not seen one.

The bash plate was a one off.

[Dent]

Well, just when I was fairly certain a DR650 was for me, a very tidy DRZ400 came along. My friends have more MX oriented bikes, so it may be a better fit for keeping up with them offroad :)

[Qkkid]

Hey I was going to start a thread called this!
But a lovely guy let me test ride his BMW last night, so I might not be getting a DR after all......heh heh heh.

Lucy needs a bloody good spanking:Oops: putting this in a DR650 thread :yes:

[simonantz]

Yep its been 25 years but i did it...had the 900s and now somthing a bit different......the dr650 is bit like riding a horse, but i love IT!! Good luck with your one !

[Gizzit]

Yep its been 25 years but i did it...had the 900s and now somthing a bit different......the dr650 is bit like riding a horse, but i love IT!! Good luck with your one !

I tell you I am enjoying riding more ... on the DR ! It's basic, but bloody good fun, and can really handle the twisties .... and I still have no problems going past most tin tops with relative ease !!! :buggerd:
I hope you enjoy the legendary DR !

[dutchman49]

Have had my DR650 for nearly 2 years now. Bought it new. Luv the damn thing. Have put on 2 bros muffler, dynojet kit, drilled the hell out of the airbox with a 40mm hole saw. Installed K&N filter. Geared down 14t front 55t back. Made my own screen although got smashed off in the CCA last weekend. This bike really flies for under 50hp. Have toured the whole country mainly gravel roads. Have a plan to build a bash plate but too busy riding. Have pissed off plenty of sports bikes if the road is twisty enough. At under $9k these things are a bargain. There were at least 30 DRs at the CCA.

[cooneyr]

Have had my DR650 for nearly 2 years now. Bought it new. Luv the damn thing. Have put on 2 bros muffler, dynojet kit, drilled the hell out of the airbox with a 40mm hole saw. Installed K&N filter. Geared down 14t front 55t back. Made my own screen although got smashed off in the CCA last weekend. This bike really flies for under 50hp. Have toured the whole country mainly gravel roads. Have a plan to build a bash plate but too busy riding. Have pissed off plenty of sports bikes if the road is twisty enough. At under $9k these things are a bargain. There were at least 30 DRs at the CCA.

You sure you mean a 55 rear sprocket? It must be fair screaming on the road!

Cheers R