the DR650 thread

[drsmiley]

Originally Posted by SoPaRider

I recently bought a "new to me" '09 DR650 with 1,950 miles on it and I'm planning a ride on it from southcentral PA to northwestern Canada and AK on mostly unpaved roads in 2013. I'm considering spooning on a set of Heidenau K60 Scout's (90/90-21 & 130/80-17) if I can locate a set or two somewhere in the U.S., due to their multisurface abilities and high mileage tread design, has anyone tried the Heidenau's on a DR650 or suggest any other similar tire set up, such as the Conti TKC's, etc.. I'll probably have a second set of tires shipped ahead to AK no matter what I decide to go with.

Jeff

2009 DR650SE
2007 DL650AK7 wee-strom (abs)
1994 DR350SER/1996 DR350/441SET/19?? DR350 0ff-Road forked Hybrid

I've looked at trying the heidenau's, I've got a TKC 80 on the front and a Mefo Explorer on the rear currently. If you want some Heidenau's try RevZilla .com

[BergDonk]

Originally Posted by SoPaRider

I recently bought a "new to me" '09 DR650 with 1,950 miles on it and I'm planning a ride on it from southcentral PA to northwestern Canada and AK on mostly unpaved roads in 2013. I'm considering spooning on a set of Heidenau K60 Scout's (90/90-21 & 130/80-17) if I can locate a set or two somewhere in the U.S., due to their multisurface abilities and high mileage tread design, has anyone tried the Heidenau's on a DR650 or suggest any other similar tire set up, such as the Conti TKC's, etc.. I'll probably have a second set of tires shipped ahead to AK no matter what I decide to go with.

Jeff

2009 DR650SE
2007 DL650AK7 wee-strom (abs)
1994 DR350SER/1996 DR350/441SET/19?? DR350 0ff-Road forked Hybrid

Had a couple of bikes, a DR and KLR, fitted with K60 rears on our last Flinders trip. The K60 went well and is a good all rounder. Based on what I and my mates have experienced so far on our DR adventures, I've assembled this table FWIW, and YMMV:

Rears	Mud	Gravel	Rocks	Sand	Life
Heidenau K60	70%	90%	100%	80%	85%
Mitas E07	50%	80%	80%	80%	100%
Mitas E09	80%	90%	100%	90%	55%
Michelin T63	80%	90%	100%	90%	55%
Dunlop 606	100%	100%	95%	100%	40%
VRM 147	90%	80%	90%	80%	30%
Fronts	Mud	Gravel	Rocks	Sand	Life
Pirelli MT21	90%	90%	100%	85%	100%
Pirelli Scorpion Rally	95%	100%	100%	100%	100%
Mitas E09	50%	60%	85%	70%	60%
Dunlop 606	100%	100%	90%	90%	70%

Note that the MT21 and 606 fronts cup badly and need to be turned once or more times to get the life out of them.

For both fronts and rears 100% life equates to about 10,000 kms for me. For performance in the varied conditions, they are compared against themselves on the DRs.

My favourite right now is the Scorpion Rally front and either the 606, T63/E09, or E07 depending on the trip planned to balance kms against performance in the anticipated conditions.

Here is a pic of my current tyre stock, not all intended for the DR:


Steve

[SteelJM1]

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

112 links for 46 rear.
I run 46/14-15-16

14/46 is fine if you don't want to do any distance at >80-90kph.

I found 46/15 a good adventure compromise (same as 14/43 110 links) that lets you use the torque of the DR but still have the legs to cruise at 100-110kph.

I'm quite happy to spend 5min change the front sprocket at the trailhead.

Wouldn't you also need to adjust your chain tension every time?

[procycle]

Originally Posted by SteelJM1

Wouldn't you also need to adjust your chain tension every time?

If you mark the notches on the chain adjusters for each sprocket readjusting the chain is a snap

[SteelJM1]

Originally Posted by procycle

If you mark the notches on the chain adjusters for each sprocket readjusting the chain is a snap

Good point.. after initial chain stretch.

[Escaped]

Jay uses them on his DR650 on his trek thru Africa

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...556240&page=90

Originally Posted by SoPaRider

I recently bought a "new to me" '09 DR650 with 1,950 miles on it and I'm planning a ride on it from southcentral PA to northwestern Canada and AK on mostly unpaved roads in 2013. I'm considering spooning on a set of Heidenau K60 Scout's (90/90-21 & 130/80-17) if I can locate a set or two somewhere in the U.S., due to their multisurface abilities and high mileage tread design, has anyone tried the Heidenau's on a DR650 or suggest any other similar tire set up, such as the Conti TKC's, etc.. I'll probably have a second set of tires shipped ahead to AK no matter what I decide to go with.

Jeff

2009 DR650SE
2007 DL650AK7 wee-strom (abs)
1994 DR350SER/1996 DR350/441SET/19?? DR350 0ff-Road forked Hybrid

[dave43]

Originally Posted by SteelJM1

Good point.. after initial chain stretch.

Chain stretch is minor. My current chain has done 10,000+kms and I still have it on the same setting as when fitted.
85% seal 15% dirt and regular lube. 8000km heavily loaded.
If you check the link measurements of a new chain against the recommended stretch limit in the bike manual its 1/32nd of stuff all.

[Kommando]

Originally Posted by SoPaRider

I recently bought a "new to me" '09 DR650 with 1,950 miles on it and I'm planning a ride on it from southcentral PA to northwestern Canada and AK on mostly unpaved roads in 2013. I'm considering spooning on a set of Heidenau K60 Scout's (90/90-21 & 130/80-17) if I can locate a set or two somewhere in the U.S., due to their multisurface abilities and high mileage tread design, has anyone tried the Heidenau's on a DR650 or suggest any other similar tire set up, such as the Conti TKC's, etc.. I'll probably have a second set of tires shipped ahead to AK no matter what I decide to go with

I run a 130/80-17 Kenda K761 rear that is similar to the K60. It currently has 6K miles on it and there is still considerable rubber left on it. I ran it at fairly high pressures, doing a lot of 2up. It will probably get better longevity if you use 25PSI instead of 30-32. Some people consistently get 8K-10K miles out of these rear tires.

At 5K miles, I started experimenting on the K761 with an Ideal grooving iron. With a groover, you can make the tire more aggressive for offroad, while retaining the onroad manners and longevity. This size runs about $60 at Motorcycle Superstore.

The front K761 is not as recommended by most who have used them. I'm going to try the Shinko 244 up front instead. I currently run an AMS Sand Snake knobby, which is NOT a pavement tire. The front end hooks up in sandy turns though, while in nasty stuff the back K761 propels the bike if I stay on the gas and slows it if I use the brake, even if lateral traction isn't nearly as good as in the front.

[Feelers]

Originally Posted by BergDonk

Had a couple of bikes, a DR and KLR, fitted with K60 rears on our last Flinders trip. The K60 went well and is a good all rounder. Based on what I and my mates have experienced so far on our DR adventures, I've assembled this table FWIW, and YMMV:


Note that the MT21 and 606 fronts cup badly and need to be turned once or more times to get the life out of them.

For both fronts and rears 100% life equates to about 10,000 kms for me. For performance in the varied conditions, they are compared against themselves on the DRs.

My favourite right now is the Scorpion Rally front and either the 606, T63/E09, or E07 depending on the trip planned to balance kms against performance in the anticipated conditions.

Here is a pic of my current tyre stock, not all intended for the DR:


Steve

Awesome Chart! Those Pirelli Scorpion Rallys look pretty good. I think you need a few additional categories like road performance, road noise, and wet road traction.

[BergDonk]

Originally Posted by Feelers

Awesome Chart! Those Pirelli Scorpion Rallys look pretty good. I think you need a few additional categories like road performance, road noise, and wet road traction.

Yep, thought about more categories, but for me its what I listed thats important, and for rest, they are all good enough. I understand of course that wet sealed road grip is important for many, as are the other criteria mentioned. Maybe others want to expand on this and we end up with a full listing. As long as its comparing against one or two that are listed, it should end up something usefull. The % assessment allows for variations in how peoplle judge things like wear, some will run them down to the carcass, others not so far, so I think this way is more helpfull.

Steve

[acesandeights]

Interesting chart. I have some MT21 to put on, just haven't had the time. I was told they wouldn't last as long as the Michelin T63, but it appears you've had very good luck with them.

[Mambo Dave]

Does anyone here have the knowledge to review the pros and cons of whatever case-guards (for the chain) are available?

Do any allow enough room for a 17 tooth front sprocket (just thought I'd ask, may not go that far... I'm on a 16 tooth now)?

I remember seeing a post from someone here who made their own... I'm wondering if I could bend metal enough with the typical tools I have to make one on the cheap, too, but we can save that for another thread.

------------

Man, if I could afford a big adventure trip, I'd try it on Shinko 705's just to tempt y'all.

[Tech23]

Does anyone have a pair of Factory DR 650 white plastic hand guards they would be willing to part with? I think white was available on 2000/2001/2009/and 2011 model years. If you've got a pair and you want to get them off the shelf in the garage drop me a PM please.





Thanks

Tech23

[MeterPig]

What about running a 13 or even 12 front sprocket?

[smilin jack]

Originally Posted by 3DChief

I went and tested the spark again, it is very intermittent and when it does spark, it is very weak yellow, not the normal bright blue. I would say it is only sparking about every 8-10 revolutions, sometimes it will go twice as long.

I ordered a new pick-up with next day delivery, guess I'll just enjoy the A/C for another day and hang out with our friends. At least it broke here. The next day delivery was more than the pick-up, but still way cheaper than a tow or hotel room!

Yep, that's what my 2006 did also. The spark was weak and other times there was no spark. Got the new pick-up coil and has been running great since the installation.

http://www.regulatorrectifier.com/ca...up-Pulser-Coil

Would recommend these guys. Took a few days to get to my door.

See this link for helpful info on doing the install.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...5295&page=4294

Dave