The DR650 thread

[Waipukbiker]

Well after many sleepness nights, pages of techincal drawings, working with consultants and threatening nasty letters to procycle, Ive finally come with a highly technical solution to getting a lowered DR650 up onto the centre stand, (Ok, enough talking a load of shit)

Back the bike up onto a bit of 4x2 then rock it back on to the stand

[humphrt]

A 2x4 is a rather large bit of kit, might need a bigger tool box

[NordieBoy]

Roll it up onto your boot instead...

[R650R]

Have you taken the standard pipe off yet. Remember in my younger days had a race stand made for my GSXR1100L with no thought at all to the pivot angles and leverage involved. Result was one hell of a back braking pull to drag it up there with standard twin boat anchor pipes on. Became manageable with a 4-1 yoshi fitted later lol.

[humphrt]

Oil change time. Anyone care to share what oils they've tried and how they performed?

[NordieBoy]

I use Total HIPERF 4T SUPER. Comes in 5L containers which is sweet for 2 changes.

Any motorbike specific oil will be sweet.

[Waipukbiker]

I always carry a small pack on the Ventura frame so a short bit of 4x2 in the bottom is not a prob.

I managed to fit the HID light kit along with an on/off switch on the handle bar working through a relay.
Wouldnt work to start with so on the phone to Wade and a ride to his place and a bad earth was found to be the culprit.

[Waipukbiker]

Typical, Just when you want to go for a ride to check something out, visitors turn up.
Nice and dark so HID light testing time, The beam is much wider than stock so would be an advantage on a twisty road, the actual distance out in front is much the same as stock but the light is much brighter, adjusted it as best I could on a straight bit of road but really needs to be set on a wksp beam setter. When you first turn them there is a brief flash and the light is quite dim then it slowly gets brighter.......... and brighter........ and brighter....and brighter. My procedure for checking the light after fitting it was to stand out in front and look at the headlight

Thanks Wade for the help in getting it sorted.

[humphrt]

Am after a 45 or 46 tooth rear. Can anyone elaborate as to where they got theirs?

[NordieBoy]

Am after a 45 or 46 tooth rear. Can anyone elaborate as to where they got theirs?

Keintech does a 45t in 525 width.
http://www.kientech.com/DR650ConvNst...rocketkits.htm

An RGV250 sprocket is the right one in 520 width.

[Waipukbiker]

Just curios, have you tried going down 1 in the front? Mine came with 15/43, changed the front to a 14 and Im more than happy with it.
100kph is approx 4,300 rpm and its much nicer to ride.
JD Sprockets and Vortex do a 46 tooth I think but it may only be in 520
Procycle do a 46 tooth but only in 520
Just discovered kientech do a steel 45T in 525, oops, Nordie beat me too it

[humphrt]

Mine came 15/41 way too high. Went to 14/41 still too high for my style of riding, but want to keep that option for highway riding. Works out the same as 15/45 then can swap front to 14 for more adventurous riding

[NordieBoy]

Mine came 15/41 way too high. Went to 14/41 still too high for my style of riding, but want to keep that option for highway riding. Works out the same as 15/45 then can swap front to 14 for more adventurous riding

Easy option is a Freewind 43t rear sprocket and a 14t front.
I think you'll find it'll do almost everything with that combo.


I'm running 15/46 which = 14/43.

I rode down to the DB1K on 16/46 (15/43 equiv) and it felt too high geared.
Switched to 14/46 for the ride to Fairlie and it was sweet. Except for 100kph road sections
First day of the DB, I ran 14/46 and it was fine bar the aforementioned road sections.
2nd day I changed to 15/46 and it was much nicer all round. It let the bike use the torque more and still had the legs for 100-110kph on the seal.

14/46 is relegated for Erzberg type use now.

I also find the 14/43 - 15/46 ratio is almost perfect in 50, 70 zones. No lugging. 3rd gear in 50, 4th in 70.

[humphrt]

Awesome thanks. Now this may seem like an odd question. I've read that some people run a 520 rear on a 525 chain and front to a) make the most of sprocket sizes and b) apparently it helps keep the chain clear of mud/dirt/grit etc. thereby extending chain life... blah blah blah. Thoughts?

[Waipukbiker]

I found the 14/43 is excellent on shingle, much easier when standing than a 15/43, tractors out of the corners better at the lower revs.
On the road I found it was easier to change down for passing but don't have to now, Just twist and go.
Cant help you with the mix and match 520/525 set up. Others on here prob can.