Another DR'er soon, hopefully?

[hamjet]

Hi guys. I have been lurking for some time and have enjoyed this section with its great trip reports. You Kiwi Dual sporters have all inspired me to hunt down a DR650. I have decided this is the bike for me having been bikeless for 25 years!
One question, the later models (07s) that seem to come up second hand with the larger (square) tail light.... are there any issues with them that I should know about. I seem to recall reading somewhere that they where left overs from another market.
Any horror stories out there or can one buy with reasonable confidence?
Cheers.

[Kaituna]

Just get one dude. I have the smaller flat tail light which I like. I think the bigger square jobby is for some other foreign market. I love my DR and the only trade off is the hard as seat and less HP than KTM or BMW but a much easier bike to thrash and do fuckall maintenance on. Try that on yer $$$$ european beasty.

[Aslan]

Hi guys. I have been lurking for some time and have enjoyed this section with its great trip reports. You Kiwi Dual sporters have all inspired me to hunt down a DR650. I have decided this is the bike for me having been bikeless for 25 years!
One question, the later models (07s) that seem to come up second hand with the larger (square) tail light.... are there any issues with them that I should know about. I seem to recall reading somewhere that they where left overs from another market.
Any horror stories out there or can one buy with reasonable confidence?
Cheers.

I'm with Kaituna. As I understand it, last summer a number destined for the Canadian market - with MPH speedometers were sold here as part of the Suzuki 'Summerfest' promotion for $7995 + on road costs. This years summerfest pricing is $8,600 + on road costs.

I have had a 2007 registered K6 ie 2006 model I'm very thrilled with for the past month.

They have a great following - are simple to work on and relatively bullet proof.

Cheers S

[warewolf]

but a much easier bike to thrash and do fuckall maintenance on. Try that on yer $$$$ european beasty.

Get with the program! The days of fragile Euros are long gone.

5000km oil & filter change, check the valve lash, what's the big deal?

[Padmei]

You poor poor bastard - don't do it to yourself

[johannvr]

You poor poor bastard - don't do it to yourself

Padmei - repeat in front of mirror:

"I bought a (s)lime green KLR and I should be happy about it and stop lurking about on threads that talk about how bulletproof and and and and DR's are and stop trying to talk the ones that have seen the light out of their good decisions"

[Padmei]

yeah but but but they've got hard seats......

[NordieBoy]

Yeah DR's are hardass

[Qkchk:Me]

We purchased 2 new DR650s earlier this year. Qkkid (hubby) has a K7 which has the big block taillight - (Im sure they are an overflow from the Canadian market) and mine is a K8 with the flat taillight. Only difference I have found is the overseas model is geared ever so slightly lower than my one. Otherwise, bugger all difference.

I would suggest these mods when you get one - Bush bars, pack rack and an engine guard (aka skid plate) and if you plan on doing some adventure rides get rid of those horrible Trailwing tyres and put some Conti TKC's on. They rock!

[NordieBoy]

We purchased 2 new DR650s earlier this year. Qkkid (hubby) has a K7 which has the big block taillight - (Im sure they are an overflow from the Canadian market) and mine is a K8 with the flat taillight. Only difference I have found is the overseas model is geared ever so slightly lower than my one.

Yours will have a 41t rear spocket vs 42 on Qkkid's.
His muffler will have a bigger hole and the bolts under it for the carbon screens.
He's got the ugly brake light.
You'll have the micro switch on the right side of the carb.

[Aslan]

Fran - you're a wealth of Knowledge abt these machines

[Qkchk:Me]

Yours will have a 41t rear spocket vs 42 on Qkkid's.

Glad Im not losing the plot then.......

[NordieBoy]

Glad Im not losing the plot then.......

Stick a Freewind one on and you'll have a 43t... Me like.

[dutchman49]

Had my 06 for 2 years (18000kms) and have been everywhere on it. Most important mods for me have been a larger tank, better tyres and a modified seat. Otherwise it has been just perfect.

[socialites]

(QUOTE) I would suggest these mods when you get one - Bush bars, pack rack and an engine guard (aka skid plate) and if you plan on doing some adventure rides get rid of those horrible Trailwing tyres and put some Conti TKC's on. They rock![/QUOTE]

To right, also, I am of the opinion that its way better to buy new, as a new 08 DR would only set you back approx $8500 incl. on road depending upon who you go to.
The bash plate could be obtained from Ballards in ozzy at approx NZ$200, or could be self made for about NZ$10. I also suggets a 18L after market tank, can be bought from Just Tanks in the USA for about NZ$ 420. The hard seat can be rectified by a place in Tauranga for about $130. As for the luguage racks, my suggestion would be panier bars, self made, to accomedate the Ventura soft panier bags combined with the Ventura seat bag. This keeps the wheight low and more easily manuvarability though the tights and rough terain. I swap my tyres from the Duel purpose types to the knobblies depending on the terain of the ride I will be doing, but again, as I say in all my posts, each to their own.