DR350 info

**cynna** · 29th May 2007, 09:14

im just after some in info about a 1997 dr350 im looking at buying.

i havent ridden a trail bike for about 12 years but am looking to get back into it. i would mainly use it for going to work with the odd trip off road. would this bike suit my needs? probably be about 80% on the road.

how much would a 97 model in good condition with 20 000km on the clock be worth?

are there any problems with this year/model i should look out for?

any other worthwhile info about this or similar models would be appreciated

thanks in advance

**Steam** · 29th May 2007, 11:04

Pwoar, sounds great, that's what I want!

**merv** · 29th May 2007, 18:30

Aslan has a 1999 and he seems happy with it perhaps he might comment.

My Bro has a late 1996 SE version electric start and is happy with it too and has had no major issues with it. Just the usual Suzuki things like how they aren't made like a Honda so he has had control switches break and stuff like that - its the little things that annoy but the engine and running gear have been fine.

The 350 I am sure was a better model than the DR/DRZ250.

**bart** · 29th May 2007, 18:54

I had one (a 1993, but they're all the same). It was great for around town, but didn't like constant throttle open road stuff.

Very capable off road also.

Bitch to kick over some times if stalled when hot.

Electric start is magic for short buggers like me, hence the DRZ400.

**oldguy** · 29th May 2007, 19:01

Originally Posted by bart

I had one (a 1993, but they're all the same). It was great for around town, but didn't like constant throttle open road stuff.

Very capable off road also.

Bitch to kick over some times if stalled when hot.

Electric start is magic for short buggers like me, hence the DRZ400.

DRZ400 Worth a look.

**pevs** · 29th May 2007, 19:27

This (see link below)is a DR and DRZ web site.. tons of info.. bear in mind it's all a bit one eyed as they're all DR owners!!
maximum-suzuki

**Ivan** · 29th May 2007, 20:09

Yeah the DR350 is awsome,

I got myne its got Weisco Piston, 385 bored out FMF pipe it goes so fucken hard

**Storm** · 29th May 2007, 20:12

Or get an SG350 - DR350 engine in a road setup

**Denniso** · 29th May 2007, 23:08

Had 3 of them great bikes only problem I found was not being able to get anything for them from wreckers as they don't end up there. starting hot is easy once you work out what they want, I found that if you go just past where the decomp clicks then give it a boot they will start first time ( no throttle ) and if you tip it over give it a few kicks full throttle , decomp in , then start as per normal . Only got rid of last one as I rooted my knee and cant trust it to stay in place in the dirt.

**clint640** · 30th May 2007, 08:18

Bloody good bikes according to anybody I've talked to, there's some info on multisurfacemotorcycling.com (or something like that)

Cheers
Clint

**cynna** · 31st May 2007, 03:48

thanks for your replies

this one has had the indicators, tailight etc disconnected. is it just a case of putting them back on and joining the wires or is it a job for an auto electrician?

**merv** · 31st May 2007, 08:24

Originally Posted by cynna

thanks for your replies

this one has had the indicators, tailight etc disconnected. is it just a case of putting them back on and joining the wires or is it a job for an auto electrician?

Depends whether they've just been unplugged or more of the wiring ripped out.

**clint640** · 31st May 2007, 08:27

Originally Posted by cynna

thanks for your replies

this one has had the indicators, tailight etc disconnected. is it just a case of putting them back on and joining the wires or is it a job for an auto electrician?

That stuff should be plug & play, have a look, if you're lucky all the wires should be tucked away somewhere with plugs still attached & matching colours to the wires on your lights.

If it's a bit of a mess check any loose wires out with a test light, to find what does what - check fuses too - you might just have to join some wires & crimp on some plugs. if it still doesn't make sense, then go to an auto sparky.

Cheers
Clint

**Aslan** · 31st May 2007, 13:22

[QUOTE=merv;1074736]Aslan has a 1999 and he seems happy with it perhaps he might comment.

hi - I've had my street legal dirt version '99 kickstart model for 5,000Km. As the owner of a large dual sport (1150GS) the DR is perfect for more challenging rides for which the GS is too heavy - I should have bought a DR years ago

Here's a couple of useful links Jesse Keintz - DR enthusiast http://www.kientech.com/index.htm

And a thread on ADV where you can see mine among others. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...t=suzuki+DR350

I chose this over the DRZ - despite realising the DRZ is a more serious dirt bike because of the 350's relative simplicity. The only limitation I find on overnight trips is the lack of luggage capacity that I'm used to with my beemer.

I have not found starting to be a issue - push kickstart down til you feel piston is at TDC - choke on cold (none when hot) throttle closed and a single prod has her firing first time - Good luck with your purchasing - Cheers Aslan