The DR650 thread

[gav24]

Hi, welcome to the thread.
Just to mention; off road riding doesn't really require the same capacity bikes as road riding, so many riders coming off road machines of 600cc plus can feel the need to stick at a similar capacity. This can be a big mistake for the rookie who's about to head out and scare themselves on their new rmz450 or Ktm530sx!
You mention the 400, but maybe a 250 would better suit your needs to start with? That's not meant to sound like a criticism or anything, but may change your perspective on bike choice....
Neither the 400 or 650 will tear your arms out their sockets or get you into too much trouble, as stock bikes, but their weight may prove to be less than confidence inspiring for a new off road rider.
You dont mention your size and weight either so factoring this in is important too. As a little xl100 isn't going to pull kimdotcom around too effectively!

Maybe some help there? Happy shopping!

[gav24]

Just re-read your post and I see your intended riding is fairly road/gravel based so I would go with a 650, but if you do want to get a bit more "muddy" then my previous comments probably point towards a 400 or even 250...

....phew, I got there in the end!

[pete376403]

After a 1200 Trophy, a DR 650 will feel reasonably light-to-middle weight.

[Darren W]

Thanks for that NordieBoy.

I am over 6 ft tall but was wondering whether the power of the of the 650 would have been to much to learn to off road on.

[Ocean1]

After a 1200 Trophy, a DR 650 will feel reasonably light-to-middle weight.

... depending on how many times you pick it up in any given day.

[R650R]

Coming from a big roadbike background you'll be fine on a DR650, hell their even a LAMS learner approved bike. My GSXR750WW spends a lot of time parked in the shed since I bought my DR650.
Previoulsy owned an 1100 and that and the 750 both been down gravel road missions too.
I'd only go for the smaller bike if you have easy access to some nice close single track technical trail stuff.

Bugger thought I had a pic scanned of the 750 on gravel. Anyway here's me mate on the 600 when we were off the beaten track in South Island.

gsxrtrip by DR650NZ, on Flickr

[Darren W]

Thanks for the comments guys. If I ever start needing a bike to do technical stuff then somewhere along the line of stepped well outside my comfort zone.

I have read previously that the DRZ leans more to the muddy techo riders and that the DR650 is more the "adventure" bike.

Sounds like the 650 maybe the way to go and I intend to do a couple of weekend adventure rider edu courses also to learn some basics

[Eddieb]

Anyone know where I can source a PICK-UP PULSAR COIL for the DR650 without paying twice as much for freight as the part of worth. The part is $30-40NZ and the cheapest shipping I can find is $60NZ.

[pomgolian]

Hi Eddie i looked all over for one when my DR played up thinking it was that before testing the plug caps individually as one was pulling down the coil causing it to cut out just like a coil or pulse coil. Check them first individually and NOT like the manual tells you through the coil.

If it is the pulse sender (the part that only comes with the generator coil from the factory) then i think the US option is the only option with freight or a second handy.

Paul

[Eddieb]

Hi Eddie i looked all over for one when my DR played up thinking it was that before testing the plug caps individually as one was pulling down the coil causing it to cut out just like a coil or pulse coil. Check them first individually and NOT like the manual tells you through the coil.

If it is the pulse sender (the part that only comes with the generator coil from the factory) then i think the US option is the only option with freight or a second handy.

Paul

I've replaced both plugs and caps, as the caps were pretty worn out and one was arcing through the plastic. I've run a multi meter over the coil outputs as per the service manual and the readings don't look right to me.

[NordieBoy]

Still looking through the dead dr engine box. Some of the bits are at NordieBro's place though…

[pomgolian]

Sounds like you need to try a coil then if the readings cap to cap are way out.

[TangoCharlie]

Check out Bike Exif for more details....

[bushy]

Does anyone out there have an original DR650 seat they would like to sell or swap? My new steed has a lowered modified seat which I find too low.
PM me if you can help out or want to see a pic of my seat.

Cheers

[fridayflash]

Does anyone out there have an original DR650 seat they would like to sell or swap? My new steed has a lowered modified seat which I find too low.
PM me if you can help out or want to see a pic of my seat.

Cheers

with a bit of luck someone may wanna trade for a low one eh, you could have foam added to approximate standard height by an upholsterer..altho that may require a new cover also