Tales from the Emporium

**NordieBoy** · 29th November 2006, 20:35

Hello, my name is NordieBoy and I've just bought a DR650.

Be gentle with me.

**Trudes** · 30th November 2006, 06:54

Oh crap mate, you're just asking for trouble by asking them to be gentle with you!!
But hey, welcome, have fun and

is about as gentle as it gets.

**Trudes** · 30th November 2006, 06:55

P.s, I know that's a pisstake. New bike goodness, cool!!!!

**clint640** · 30th November 2006, 07:08

WOO HOO! What year mate? The DR is the best big thumper for NZ adventuring I reckon, well apart from the KTM 640 Enduro of course

Cheers
Clint

**chris** · 30th November 2006, 07:56

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Hello, my name is NordieBoy and I've just bought a DR650.

Be gentle with me.

Good choice. Fit it with proper knobblies and away you go!

**Crisis management** · 30th November 2006, 08:01

Welcome to the esteemed ranks of DR riders, please feel no need to surpass my record for crashes in one day!
The 650 is a great choice (just bought my second one) and its just in time for summer.

**NordieBoy** · 30th November 2006, 08:26

2001 with 7000Km on the clock.

Givi screen.
ScottOiler Touring kit.
20L IMS tank (460km to reserve apparantly).
Corbin Seat (that's going to get an extra couple of cm of padding soon).
Ventura pack-rack and pack (dumping these and fitting my 45L Givi topbox).
Heated grips (ripping them off as soon as possible - too plasticy and fat - anyone interested?)
My spare mirrors off the other Nordie (no vibration and adjustable reach).

Apart from that, everything is stock inc the tyres.

Am thinking of one of THESE though.
A 14t front sprocket as well as maybe the SuperTrapp off the Nordie.

The Nordie is 13 years old and isn't designed for 5 hours a week of riding.
It's starting to need looking at and the DR seems to be the ideal replacement.

Power is down compared to the Nordie but with the extra 100cc the torque is spread far wider.
The Nordie is a grin factory, the power is good and then at 6500rpm is GREAT

but it's my work bike not just a fun bike so has to go

Front brakes are adequete but I'm comparing them to a bike that weighs the same and has twin 4-pot 280mm discs on the front to the DR's single 2-pot 290mm.

Anyone replaced the front brake lever with an adjustable one or one that's just a bit further away from the bars? I'm crushing my knuckles 2-finger braking.

Handles nicely and the stock tyres are fine for my riding (lack of) style and speeds.

The Nordie was a road bike that could be taken off road if you had to.
The DR is a motorbike - do what you want, it'll cope.

My brother is a mechanic at the local Suzuki dealers so that helps

So far, I'm happy with it esp. at the price I paid.

**Trudes** · 30th November 2006, 08:43

That looks like great fun. Do keep us road dwellers informed of your adventures.

**Crisis management** · 30th November 2006, 08:55

The DR looks great, I'm envious already! You might want to consider a bash plate for it, the cases seem a bit fragile and don't take a lot to damage or hole.

**far queue** · 30th November 2006, 10:20

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

2001 with 7000Km on the clock.

20L IMS tank (460km to reserve apparantly).

The Nordie was a road bike that could be taken off road if you had to.
The DR is a motorbike - do what you want, it'll cope.

So far, I'm happy with it esp. at the price I paid.

It looks real good.

RE the range, I get 16km/l and others seem to be getting between 16-20km/l, so I would expect your range to be 320-400km.

I like your description of a DR, I've found mine will do whatever I chuck at it.

So how much was it? Feel free to tell me to bugger off if you want

I'm curious to know where it came from? I didn't think black ones were sold here, although they were in Europe and Canada. Apparently the '07 model here will be available in black.