the DR650 thread

[bross]

Originally Posted by davorallyfan

That bikes Danny's.

Yep, more fun too I reckon. Stepping down from a big twin you will be frustrated on the hwy (for a while till you adapt), but when corners tighten, or the road turns to dirt . I sometimes think they are the single that BMW should have made - simple, robust and adaptable.

They just did.
From Intermot, something for everyone...
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcevent...termot2006.mov

BMW's new line - the G650X series. Three different models based on the same upgraded Rotax thumper and a new steel-aluminium frame. Here, the G650Xmoto, the supermoto version. 17-inch front and rear wheels.


The G650Xcountry - also referred to as a scrambler. 19-inch front and 17-inch rear. It's the dual sport bike in between the previous street moto versiona and the next - the Xchallenge.


And finally the G650Xchallenge - a hard enduro model with a 21 inch front wheel nd 18-inch rear. The tuning of the suspension is different for each of the three models.

[kbuckey]

Originally Posted by rnr

hey, did a search, came up empty.

need to get a DR from Michigan to Texas next summer. In two days.

What are your top picks for a street tire on the DR?

I have Metzeler Tourances - 8000 on them so far and they still look like they'll give a couple thousand more. Great on road traction, OK on dirt roads too. I did manage to crash the beast going home from work on the 5th of October in rush hour traffic. One of those stop-go-stop-go-open up -whoops-stop scenarios and I got hard on the front brake at about 45 was doing fine then BANG front end goes away. I can't blame the tires cause it felt like the front wheel hit something with a drastically different coefficient of friction. ('Course the damn police say "you fall down you get ticket" - careless driving with injury - I tore up my ACL - so now I have a surgery date AND a court date AND I got to fix the forks and the left engine side cover where the shifter put a hole in it - but I digress....) Tires are great.

Kerry

[FatChance]

BMW G650X - simple, robust, adaptable? Hardly. Plus, for what they will end up costing, you can buy two DR650s.

[Django Loco]

Right, and there are many unanswered questions about this new crop of
bikes. I wish BMW well, but if history repeats itself we could see some of
the same mistakes made again on these three new bikes.

I have faith in the new Rotax motor more than BMW in general. So the motor I wouldn't stress about....but if its F.I. and I'm assuming it is....well then, who knows.

The chassis looks interesting. For an Aluminum frame and swingarm the
beams look quite small. Ok for street but not so sure about trail riding.
Lets hope they've tested this design enough over time.

Jap bikes are tested way beyond reasonable limits to assure they are
tough enough. The Japanese got into this back in the 70's when they
had a rash of cracked frames. They've also had their share of problems with cracked Aluminum frames on newer street and dirt bikes. But they've figured
out this stuff now.

When the new Suzuki Dual Sport based on the RMZ comes along in '08 or '09
I would bet the frame won't break after even years of trail riding.

Will be interested to read the first tests on these new bikes.

[SPEd600]

Originally Posted by shaftless

+1. Even if the upcoming, new Suzuki Dual Sport

What's all this about an upcoming, new Suzuki Dual Sport?

[poohduck]

I have on 06 dr650 and I can get a manual on cd for up to an 01 or 02 dr650 from ebay. Does anybody know if much has changed on the dr from 01 to 06?

[Speaker]

Originally Posted by poohduck

Does anybody know if much has changed on the dr from 01 to 06?

Graphics and paint.

[Max Kool]

Nope, get that manual.

[barko1]

Originally Posted by Max Kool

Nope, get that manual.

I have one unopened. Never used as I got the paper version. Happy to sell it cheap

[poohduck]

Originally Posted by Max Kool

Nope, get that manual.

Thanks

[gas_pig70]

Originally Posted by Mr Smith

Top thread, I think the GS may be put up for sale and a DR650 given the go. I like the simple design of the bike, with a few mods they look perfect for for the type of riding I do on the GS but with a little more manageability in the rough.
Any details about this bike?
Thanks
Brad

You could contact it's creator/previous owner... Burren Rider.

[Stackator]

I have the hard copy manual and it has a supplementary section in the back for different locations Eg California and Canada have different regulations. It also has an update for the 01' model and an update for 02'/ 03'/ 04'/ 05'

Originally Posted by poohduck

I have on 06 dr650 and I can get a manual on cd for up to an 01 or 02 dr650 from ebay. Does anybody know if much has changed on the dr from 01 to 06?

[poohduck]

Originally Posted by Stackator

I have the hard copy manual and it has a supplementary section in the back for different locations Eg California and Canada have different regulations. It also has an update for the 01' model and an update for 02'/ 03'/ 04'/ 05'

thanks bark01, I'd rather buy in australia (easier). Stackator, are you saying that yours is for sale? If so, how much do you want? I'm happy to get a cd off ebay, they are cheap and should be good enough. I realise the real deal paper ones are expensive (I paid $111 for a drz400e one).

[Django Loco]

Any one using the Symtec/Dual Star heated grips?

How is the performance? Any signs of weak battery or overheated wiring?

I'm running power off the extra switched pair in the headlight area. So far
so good. Should I be going via a relay and back to the battery? Dual Star
make no mention of this and simply say to tap into any switched wire. I did
not use their tacky little POS wire splice gadget but rather used my own
crimp connectors. Much better connection to power.

Also, I have a "heads up" regards the OEM throttle tube/grip!
Funny, I haven't heard anyone comment on this. The Throttle tube and Grip are ONE piece,that is...the grip is super-super glued onto the plastic throttle tube. You can't just peal it off like on most bikes. I've never seen this before.

I used a wire wheel to scrub off all the old grip material and get it even. PITA. I then installed the heating element and a new grip over it. What Suzuki were thinking here I can't figure. Liability from a slipping grip I'd guess?

Any tips or experience on this would be appreciated!

[sbruton]

Originally Posted by Django Loco

the grip is super-super glued onto the plastic throttle tube. You can't just peal it off like on most bikes. I've never seen this before.

HAHAHAHA - Thats an EXCELLENT point! If you are planning to install grip heaters you WILL need new grips! I tore my throttle grip all to hell trying to take it off...Pain in the azz doesn't quite describe the experience

Django - I'm running mine off the same switched connection behind the headlight..no problems at all. Hands are toasty warm and the battery is fine. Mine are from Kimpex, but I believe they are the same heaters. I soldered and shrink wrapped all my connections to avoid any potential problems...