Matt's DR thread

[mattc]

Original miles when I got it in Norfolk, VA
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2230139.jpg

At mom's, for dinner.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/dr.jpg

That little windshield was a lifesaver. I took it off once it got warmer in Alabama, and had to pull over 30 miles later to put it back- it really made a huge difference!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/dr2.jpg

These Hondaline saddle bags were given to me- waterproof, simple, and fairly large. I love 'em!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/dr3.jpg



In its new home, after I adjusted the rear preload. When I lifted the rear wheel off the ground, the spring was not touching the adjusting ring :Tazer1: So out came the hammer and drift, and voila! It sits like a dirtbike is supposed to!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250149.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250147.jpg


I'll be updating as I do things- For starters, that 2 ft long rear fender thing has to go!

[scootertrash]

Good looking bike, was there a difference in the ride up on the KLR as the way back on the DR? I have always heard that the DR is more dirtbike, and the KLR was better on the road? Any comments?

[mcinfantry]

let me know if you need to come back by. i dig it! we can take a spin in clinton, whenever.

[scootertrash]

let me know if you need to come back by. i dig it! we can take a spin in clinton, whenever.

Can a DRZ400 tag along tooo Lee? Or is this a 600 or better ride? :stfu2:

[mattc]

Good looking bike, was there a difference in the ride up on the KLR as the way back on the DR? I have always heard that the DR is more dirtbike, and the KLR was better on the road? Any comments?

Huge difference. The KLR was way more highway friendly, The DR needs some sort of a screen and higher bars to be more comfy on the slab. It will roll 80 all day long though! The DR is geared way better IMO.

It's really what I wanted all along, and its shortcomings on the interstate are doable- you only get 100 mi before reserve, so your ass gets rest stops regularly. I think I'm really going to like this one.


let me know if you need to come back by. i dig it! we can take a spin in clinton, whenever.

I'll be up for a Clinton ride asap. I'll be putting Phillip's (Carl's) old 606's on today so I'll be ready for some real dirt.

[mcinfantry]

im sure. just not a whole hell of a lot to do..... its 650 acres though.....

[mcinfantry]

her farm is 20min from my house.

[mcinfantry]

heres the view from her front porch.
they have a skeet range and fishing too.
http://gallery.me.com/ltalessi/100309/IMG_1180/web.jpg

[scootertrash]

heres the view from her front porch.
they have a skeet range and fishing too.
http://gallery.me.com/ltalessi/100309/IMG_1180/web.jpg


On day I will have a scene from my front porch like that.... very nice!

[Navaho6]

The DR needs some sort of a screen and higher bars to be more comfy on the slab.

I may have some bars for you, Renthal Quadracer bend. I'm taking them off and putting on regular mx bend bars. Need to try it out first.

I may have a Corbin for sale too. I'm modifying the stocker.

I've tried another DR with a windscreen. Buffeting and wind noise were a big problem. Check out some opinions on various brands before you buy.

The DR650 with no screen has the cleanest air of any bike I've ridden but you have to be tolerant of the wind in your face and on your shoulders which can be tiring on long ride.

Did the previous owner change out the base gasket? They've been know to leak.

[scootertrash]

Pat you have anything laying around for a DRZ400?

[mcinfantry]

what size are the rims?

[mattc]

I may have some bars for you, Renthal Quadracer bend. I'm taking them off and putting on regular mx bend bars. Need to try it out first.

I may have a Corbin for sale too. I'm modifying the stocker.

I've tried another DR with a windscreen. Buffeting and wind noise were a big problem. Check out some opinions on various brands before you buy.

The DR650 with no screen has the cleanest air of any bike I've ridden but you have to be tolerant of the wind in your face and on your shoulders which can be tiring on long ride.

Did the previous owner change out the base gasket? They've been know to leak.

Let me know about the bars and seat. I'm planning on doing something with the bars pretty soon, they're just not a good height and bend for me.

I had some strange screen on it on the way home. Very loud, lots of buffeting, but I took it off and it was too uncomfortable, and I put it back on. It certainly is clean air. Like riding the SV with clipons and no mirrors.

Not sure about the base gasket, I doubt it has been changed. It does not leak at the time being.

*edit: Looks like a fiber gasket to me.

[mattc]

606's mounted (yes the front is backwards, trying to make it last!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250150.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250151.jpg



THANKS Phillip!!!

[scootertrash]

Who changed your tires? I want to put my front 606 back on the front.

[mattc]

Me Myself and I.

[Juice]

Kev, I have a H.F. changer out the house.....Bring um by and we will change um for ya.
Who changed your tires? I want to put my front 606 back on the front.

[Navaho6]

Pat you have anything laying around for a DRZ400?

Sorry Kev. I gave it all to the new owner.

[Navaho6]

Not sure about the base gasket, I doubt it has been changed. It does not leak at the time being.

*edit: Looks like a fiber gasket to me.

Metal gasket is what you want. There is also a known issue with the starters. These issues were resolved on later models.

[scootertrash]

Kev, I have a H.F. changer out the house.....Bring um by and we will change um for ya.

The rear 606 is on the bike, I just want to take the death wing off the front. I already almost washed out a couple times in the dirt.

[mattc]

Metal gasket is what you want. There is also a known issue with the starters. These issues were resolved on later models.

I figure I'll leave the gasket alone until there's a problem. What's the starter issue? I haven't heard about that.



Just removed the fenda extenda thing and remounted the plate, removed theclutch safety switch (I live dangerously!), and drilled the A/F plug and adjusted the mixture.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250152.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250153.jpg


Now to go ride some gravel and see how she does.

[Navaho6]

I figure I'll leave the gasket alone until there's a problem. What's the starter issue? I haven't heard about that.



You may not be affected as it was only a brief timeframe when it occurred. From Kientech Engineering:

DR650 update on the 650 grenade issue. 1998 and early '99 were equipped with a solid idler gear that created a problem when the engine kicked back during shutdown, breaking out the gear bearing bosses. This also breaks out and destroys the left case half due to its ridged design. The case halves always come in matched pairs and cost in excess of $650.00 not to mention labor charges to change all internal parts into new cases. This should not be taken lightly. '96 and '97 had the torque limiter gear that is designed to slip due to a preloaded slip clutch arrangement. Well they went back to this design in mid '99 after vin # X2100561 so if your Vin # predates this you should consider installing this updated item shown above.

http://www.kientech.com/DR650TorqueLimiter.html

[Fitty]

Nice bike Matt. Looks like you did good.

[Navaho6]

Here's the best web info on the DR:

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=41

[mattc]

Nice bike Matt. Looks like you did good.

Thanks. I'm really enjoying it.



Here's the best web info on the DR:

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=41

Thanks for the link on the starter, and this. I've seen the dr TT forum before.

[mattc]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250155.jpg

Anyone need a dose of formaldehyde? Plenty here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P2250156.jpg

[scootertrash]

Wish I was out riding some gravel... :(

[Navaho6]

FCR-MX pumper carb info: http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=553922&highlight=fcr

Best $ I've spent on the DR. The carbs are on ebay but you have to modify them or have "mx rob" do the work for $220. The 39 mm FCR-MX comes off the Yamaha YFZ450 fourwheeler. Rob will send you instructions how to modify it, if you want to do the job yourself. He has tested this set up thoroughly with A/F meter on the dyno and knows what the best jetting should be.

I'm sure the actual HP improvement is less than 10% but other DR owners who rode my bike have said it feels like +25%. Fuel economy will be 45 - 48 with a performance exhaust which is as good or better than with the Dynojet carb kit. The DJ kit actually causes problems - surging at steady throttle.

[six fiddy]

congrats on the dr; looks exactly like mine; i just supermotarded mine with 17 inch rims and distanzia tires ; really enjoying it; looking forward to yalls next dualsport ride into mississippi; youll get a chance to see it; what year model is youre bike mine is an 2003; navaho i am thinking about the carbeurator change on my dr ; have read the thread in thumper talk and it gets great reviews;

[Swampy]

That is a cool bike Matt... And the 606's look bad ass..:gay::gay:

[Rocky]

Congrat's she sure is purty.

[mattc]

Fuel economy will be 45 - 48 with a performance exhaust which is as good or better than with the Dynojet carb kit. The DJ kit actually causes problems - surging at steady throttle.

Yea I stay away from DJ stuff- never had a good experience with them.


I'm getting 40ish MPG, and everything is stock. Right at 100 miles per tank, and 2.5 gallons.

[thedrizel]

FYI. If a bike is surging it's not the fault of the kit but the fault of the tuner. Remember, the instructions on jetting is simply a baseline and can vary wildly.

[mattc]

FYI. If a bike is surging it's not the fault of the kit but the fault of the tuner. Remember, the instructions on jetting is simply a baseline and can vary wildly.

This is very true. My opinion is why buy their stuff if you're going to have to tune it anyway, just make your own homebrew jet kit. Most of the value is just the needle.

[I_FLY_LOW]

I miss mine.. it's a tossup between that, or one like kevin's...
Nice find, Matt!

[scootertrash]

I miss mine.. it's a tossup between that, or one like kevin's...
Nice find, Matt!

I am going to have to try a corbin or get a more road oriented bike.... The DRZ is fun, but I am not sure I can make a decent bike for day to day riding. We shall see. I did hit the interstate last night and that bike surprised me... wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

[Juice]

I'm going to be selling the strom for around 4k this fall........
I am going to have to try a corbin or get a more road oriented bike.... The DRZ is fun, but I am not sure I can make a decent bike for day to day riding. We shall see. I did hit the interstate last night and that bike surprised me... wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

[scootertrash]

I'm going to be selling the strom for around 4k this fall........

We shall see, the fall is a long time away my friend....:bow2:

[mattc]

Got a rack so I could mount my givi plate, finally. I got to go grocery shopping for the first time since I got rid of the KLR!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P3100289.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P3100290.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/P3100292.jpg

[scootertrash]

Check it out, getting all high class now! lol

[I_FLY_LOW]

Where did you get the mounting plate for the Givi?
I know someone that may need one of those, for an 05.......

[mattc]

It's a Pat Walsh rack, lowered. Found it used on ADV.

[I_FLY_LOW]

Cool! I'll let him know.......

[Britton]

Congrats on the DR. I had a 1998 for a while and it was a great bike!

[mattc]

Phil, tell him it's a quality product. He can even keep the grab handles if that fits his needs better.

Austin, I agree, a great bike overall. I'm very happy with it.



Today Pat gave me some ATV bars, along with some bark busters that I just finished putting on. Haven't taken it for a spin yet, but I like the way it feels sitting and standing on the pegs. Thanks Pat!

[Fitty]

I got to go grocery shopping for the first time since I got rid of the KLR!!
and that's a good thing!

[Navaho6]

FYI. If a bike is surging it's not the fault of the kit but the fault of the tuner. Remember, the instructions on jetting is simply a baseline and can vary wildly.


That may be a true statement for most jetting kit problems but I believe it is the fault of Dynojet in this instance. The stage two Dynojet mod for the DR is not just a needle and jet change. You change out a spring, remove a stock spacer and cut a big hole in the top of your air box. One or two of those changes causes sporadic surging at steady cruise speed.

I tried richer and leaner settings and added spring tension above the needle, and it improved but never totally went away. I searched all over the internet but never could find a cure. Right about then a guy on TT retrofitted an FCR pumper carb. Every DR should come with one of these from the factory.

[mattc]

Updates:

I switched out Pat's bars for a set of ProTapers that I robbed off of my XR. Still have the bark busters, now with stronger mounts.

The dinky windscreen is back on, with the "lip" at the top chopped off. Much better, less turbulence and can cruise at 80 without having to fight the wind. Still looks like shit!

Got a barley used "natural" IMS 4.9 gal tank, and installed it yesterday. Filled up today, hopefully my range will be about 160 or so before reserve, as my fuel mileage sucks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/drtank.jpg

[Juice]

Only 160 miles on 4.9 gallons? Man that sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Updates:

I switched out Pat's bars for a set of ProTapers that I robbed off of my XR. Still have the bark busters, now with stronger mounts.

The dinky windscreen is back on, with the "lip" at the top chopped off. Much better, less turbulence and can cruise at 80 without having to fight the wind. Still looks like shit!

Got a barley used "natural" IMS 4.9 gal tank, and installed it yesterday. Filled up today, hopefully my range will be about 160 or so before reserve, as my fuel mileage sucks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/mattc522/drtank.jpg

[mattc]

We'll see. I'm getting 40mpg and with ~1gal in reserve... 4galx40mpg=160mi

[I_FLY_LOW]

I noticed with my last fill up, mine was getting 40 mpg...
we shall see...
I have 120 something maybe a few more on it so far, and looks to be maybe 1/3 of a tank left....

[BradyM]

I get also get about 40mpg. Stock exhaust 155 Dynojet airbox top cut.

[mattc]

Dang, 2 more low mileage DR's with shitty mileage... Carl and I filled up, rode at the same pace, and filled up again. He got 55ish, I got 43ish. WTF!?!?!? Maybe they finish breaking in at around 10k miles haha!

Hopefully my new CB will get better mileage:rotfl:

[scootertrash]

You going to commute on the 750? Or make it into some hybird Dualsport?

[mattc]

Probably commute and use it to pick up the ladiezzzzz... they love the rat bikes:rotfl:

[allanj255]

Going to look at a DR750 later in the week for one of my mates - hoping to get a good deal

[allanj255]

Last deal fell through but my mate just won this on eslay paid £750 a bit over the odd's but looks a good bike, going to pick it up at the weekend. If I know him it will be painted black soon
DR 750
http://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/11/67/56/77/dr75010.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=16&u=11675677)

[I_FLY_LOW]

Talk about rare! There are dr850's too... never senn one before, though...

[six fiddy]

is that a stock dr 750 or a rebuild; what about the 850 is that a stock engine or a rebuild; if its a stock engine id like to order a jug and put it on my 650 motor; matt i have a 16 tooth front sprocket that probably helps a little on the mileage plus i like it better; let me know what yall find out about the bigger motors; do they just sell them overseas or something

[six fiddy]

i would think a 850 would have 8 or 10 more horsepower ; id sure like to have that; plus more torque

[allanj255]

750 is a stock UK bike, never seen a 850 in uk but they did do a DR800 - Doctor Big as some call them. but not many about

[six fiddy]

went to suzukidr750 on internet and found out the dr 800 had 54horsepower and about 44foot pounds of torque; anyone know how much the dr 650has;

[six fiddy]

the article said they went from a 750 to a 800 in 1990; i want to find out if the engines are compatible and if i can order parts somewhere;

[I_FLY_LOW]

sorry... it's a dr800...
http://www.suzukicycles.org/DR-series/DR750-800S-Big.shtml
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_dr_800_s_1998.php

[six fiddy]

so youre bike is a 800; id like to take a look at the bike to see how similiar they are; i found out the dr 650 has 43 horsepower compared to 54horsepower and more torque quite a substantial difference; id be willing to spend a few bucks to gain the power if i can get the parts and if they are interchangeable; my bike is a 2003 i wonder why they went from a 800 to a 650 or if it is just sold in europe

[six fiddy]

i would think if you need engine parts there would be a place for you to obtain them considering it is a suzuki bike

[allanj255]

750's and 800's are big and heavy. They have basicaly the same engine - the 800 has a 6mm longer stroke - the bores are the same. Electronic ignition different between the 2 bikes but can be switched over.They changed to 800 in 1990. The DR range of bikes totaly changed in 1996 so no frame or engine parts are interchangable from early to later bikes.

[mattc]

Last deal fell through but my mate just won this on eslay paid £750 a bit over the odd's but looks a good bike, going to pick it up at the weekend. If I know him it will be painted black soon
DR 750
http://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/11/67/56/77/dr75010.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=16&u=11675677)


That thing NEEDS to be painted black!





In the news of my bike, I put my Duro's on it Tuesday, but have only ridden it 10 miles since. Certainly handles the pavement better though.

[allanj255]

That thing NEEDS to be painted black.

we were up all night :rotfl::rotfl:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff268/allanj255/dr750w.jpg

[mattc]

B.S Hahahaha nice try! :rotfl:

[six fiddy]

thanks for the info;

[mnormand]

Not to jack your thread, but seems like a good place for other DR's..

I just added the sport bags this week.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/mnormand/P1050015.jpg

[I_FLY_LOW]

That's a cool set, what kind are they/where'd you find them?

[mnormand]

That's a cool set, what kind are they/where'd you find them?


http://tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Sport-Saddlebags-p-149_31.html

tourmaster.com cortech sport bags.... about $115 at motorcyclesuperstore.com Like most bags, they need brackets underneath to keep out the tires / muffler. There was a guy on advrider making some nice simple alum guards, I got those.

[allanj255]

Last deal fell through but my mate just won this on eslay paid £750 a bit over the odd's but looks a good bike, going to pick it up at the weekend. If I know him it will be painted black soon
DR 750
http://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/11/67/56/77/dr75010.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=16&u=11675677)

As I said my mate would have the black paint out soon. I got back from Florida Sunday and this is what greated me when I called at his house (phone cam pic so quality not great!
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff268/allanj255/Picturedr750b.jpg
Looks a much better/meaner bike to me
Note he has left the side stand blue - :fireangry:just to annoy me