My DR650 died today.

**Eddieb** · 14th April 2009, 19:52

Well if all else fails I fixed the front brake line on the 800 tonight so if I can get a WOF on it this weekend it'll be all good to go if you need it.

**Woodman** · 14th April 2009, 22:05

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

was phoned up from suzuki this arfo.

cam chain broken. has not been running on the guide correctly, has bent a couple valves.

What is the normal service life of a cam chain?

**CrazyFrog** · 14th April 2009, 22:06

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

umm thats the easy part.
now they want to know why it has happened, so this means bikes not fixed till there happy....
here comes the warranty point the finger game.

At least they're attempting to find the cause, not just fix and forget.
I had a Gixxser a few years back which snapped a camchain at 11,000km, total engine destruction, but out of warranty, so I had to suck it up. They said "sorry faulty camchain, sometimes it happens" which was of no real comfort. A $50 part destroying a $3000 engine will always leave you feeling a little pissed

**dino3310** · 14th April 2009, 22:13

Originally Posted by Woodman

What is the normal service life of a cam chain?

lugging that super tanker around would strain any motor.
i thought 40-50,000 would be a good time to replace camchain

**junkmanjoe** · 14th April 2009, 22:37

do you think its a weight thing, just out off interest, as they shop guys asked what the extra alloy bracket was for.
as i took off the big tank, put standard one on.

**Eddieb** · 14th April 2009, 22:41

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

do you think its a weight thing, just out off interest, as they shop guys asked what the extra alloy bracket was for.
as i took off the big tank, put standard one on.

It's a lot less weight than having a pillion on the back and they come with rear footpegs to allow that so I wouldn't have thought a few extra litres of fuel would do it.

**Woodman** · 14th April 2009, 22:41

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

do you think its a weight thing, just out off interest, as they shop guys asked what the extra alloy bracket was for.
as i took off the big tank, put standard one on.

No it is not a weight thing.
What is the difference between a 70 kg rider and a 110kg rider?

**junkmanjoe** · 14th April 2009, 22:45

a tank off gas.....

**junkmanjoe** · 14th April 2009, 22:49

going by the secvice history,
cam chain was checked and ajusted twice with in 4 months last year, around august, but never since, next service from when i brought it, at xmas time, is at 18,000km which is another 300kms away.
he said the chain was not sitting in the guide correctly.
if it broken wont it fall to the bottom of the caseing, or stay hung up.how would they know that.

**howdamnhard** · 14th April 2009, 23:34

If you have had the bike serviced by a registered Suzuki dealer at the appropriate intervals as laid down in your manual I can't see how they can point the finger at you for it being broken and try worm out of the warranty.

**NordieBoy** · 15th April 2009, 08:26

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

going by the secvice history,
cam chain was checked and ajusted twice with in 4 months last year, around august, but never since, next service from when i brought it, at xmas time, is at 18,000km which is another 300kms away.
he said the chain was not sitting in the guide correctly.
if it broken wont it fall to the bottom of the caseing, or stay hung up.how would they know that.

Checked and adjusted twice?
It's got an automatic cam chain tensioner.

**tri boy** · 15th April 2009, 09:20

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Checked and adjusted twice?
It's got an automatic cam chain tensioner.

Some workshop service sheets use a generic "tick box" system that gives just a overview of work done.
Don't read too much into that. Although, a good mechanic would write "Auto Adj" next to the box.
I have noticed that many manufacturers have reduced the quality/plate numbers on cam chains over the years.
ie, Gn250's were a 5-4 chain originally I think, but the new ones are 4-3.
Not sure about DR650's.
Chains do fail, but it is fairly rare. Generally it is due to a faulty Auto Tensioner, and I would be pulling that apart in the course of evaluation.
Good luck with getting back in time for your ride

**warewolf** · 15th April 2009, 10:13

Originally Posted by howdamnhard

If you have had the bike serviced by a registered Suzuki dealer at the appropriate intervals as laid down in your manual I can't see how they can point the finger at you for it being broken and try worm out of the warranty.

And legally that is not required, despite anything the dealer/importer will tell you. Servicing by other than an authorised dealer does not invalidate your warranty.

**Eddieb** · 15th April 2009, 10:30

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

going by the secvice history,
cam chain was checked and ajusted twice with in 4 months last year, around august, but never since, next service from when i brought it, at xmas time, is at 18,000km which is another 300kms away.
he said the chain was not sitting in the guide correctly.
if it broken wont it fall to the bottom of the caseing, or stay hung up.how would they know that.

They can probably tell if it hasn't been sitting in the guide correctly by wear marks on the guide, or on the sides of the guide or chain tunnel.