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dr-digest           Monday, January 17 2000           Volume 01 : Number 008



Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700
Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700
Re: (dr) Which one?
Re: (dr) Improvements to the DR650SE
(dr) Fw: DR650 vs others
(dr) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 09:38:50 -0000
Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700
(dr) Re: DR650, Impressions

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

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 14:50:27 -0700
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "njkouba" <[e-mail]>
To: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Cc: <[e-mail]>
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 12:16 PM
Subject: Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700

excellent question Norm and it anticipates my task this week. I'll work with the
folks there so that the DR350 archives are incorporated into the DR archives and
provide an update on location if there is any change...

Kurt


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

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 15:49:56 -0700
From: njkouba <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700

What more could we ask for.  Thanks   Norm

Kurt Simpson wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "njkouba" <[e-mail]>
> To: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
> Cc: <[e-mail]>
> Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 12:16 PM
> Subject: Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700
>
> excellent question Norm and it anticipates my task this week. I'll work with the
> folks there so that the DR350 archives are incorporated into the DR archives and
> provide an update on location if there is any change...
>
> Kurt
>
> -
>  to unsubscribe to dr, send an email to "[e-mail]"
>  with "unsubscribe dr" in the body of the message.
>  For information on digests or retrieving files and old messages send
>  "help" to the same address.  Do not use quotes in your message.

- --
HyperTerminal 1.0 -- HyperTerminal data file
Please do not attempt to modify this file directly.






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

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 17:29:21 -0800
From: "Arne Larsen" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr) Which one?

From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr) Which one?


> I am going to buy a 2000 dr400 to use as a dualsport bike. My question is
> Which one should I buy, the dr400E or the dr400S. I know this sounds like
a
> stupid question the "S" is already a dualsport, so get that one. The
problem
> is it weights 29# more that the E. Even with the a Baja designs dualsport
kit
> the E would only gain 3-5#.
> My question is will it be easier to make the DR400S lighter and ready to
go
> off road or to get the DR400E ready to use as a dual sport. I will use the
> bike on the road about 50% of the time.

Considering that you want to ride 50% on the street, and that the difference
between the two bikes from the factory is only a few hundred dollars, and
also considering that the Dual Sport version is 50 lbs lighter and has more
power right out of the crate as compared to my KLR650, I'd go for the
dual-sport version.  According to Baja Designs, their kit is 9 lbs.

If it's important to you, the DS version also has a larger front brake...
less likely to warp and should dissapate heat more efficiently.  When you
say 50% of your riding will be on the street, what kind of riding will you
do?  You might also want to consider that the Dirt version will need a new
set of tires to run on the street... that's another additional cost.
_______________________
Tom Warr asked:

> Of course I am biased, but how about buying an older DRS350
> and upgrading the engine, suspension, etc.  You may be able to
> do that cheaper than buying a new one, and still have a very fast bike.

The DR 400 is a completely re-designed machine... not just a DR350 with a
new water-cooled engine.  It sits a couple inches taller, has more ground
clearance, a different frame, kick-ass suspension, longer wheel-base etc..

As there are no used DR400 parts available to attempt an upgrade on the
cheap, one would have to go completely new... I think it would still be
expensive.

Whichever bike you get... I'll be jealous.  =^)

Cheers,

Arne
KLR650 Listmeister
Eh 13

www.mac-d.com    MAC-D Homepage
http://members.dencity.com/candidcamera   My Motorcycle Rides Page



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

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 23:21:55 -0800
From: Wayne Marsula' <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr) Improvements to the DR650SE

Bill,
    Here's some suggestions for you, from what I've tried. For dual sport
riding, I have a BMW GSPD that I've been riding in Baja and elsewhere
for eight years, and a DR350 that is relatively new to me. I live in
Escondido, just north of San Diego.

> The 650 sits so uniquely in the middle of the street/offroad split,
    As does my Beemer.
>
> I'm probably 80% offroad, 20% street (so I can get to the offroad site
> and maybe the mini-mart). Here's what I've done with my 1999 DR650SE:
> 1. One less tooth on the front sprocket. Much better for climbing now
> especially considering the 5 speed rather than 6 speed gearbox.

    I've been considering the same thing on my 350, perhaps someone can
give me advise on that, I weigh 240 and don't want to give up too much
highway speed.
> 3. More dirt-worthy tires. Am trying IRC Trail.
    That's the same tire I'm planning on when stockers are worn out.
> 4. GPS mounting. If you offroad in wilderness areas, you could
> probably use a GPS receiver. Mounting bracket is aluminum "L" bracket
> with soft foam padding and Velcro strap (pet collar). Mounting
> transmits much less vibration than the $90 bracket you might otherwise
> buy. Using Garmin GPS II Plus, great size and function for offroad
> use.
    You are right on about the "$90 mounting bracket" not being needed. But
I don't feel you need to worry too much about vibration with the Garmin.
I've been running first a Garmin 12 with a solid mount, a friend now has
it, still going fine. Now run a Garmin III on a solid mount from M.A.P.
($45?), very similar to what you describe, but without the foam. I've
run it for three years now on some very rough stuff in Baja. The first
mount I used was an A-Loop ($20), but prefer the M.A.P. only as it has a
screw into the back of the Garmin which makes pilfering a bit more
difficult. Also doesn't need a strap over it, which got in the way.
> Ran 12v from battery to cigarette lighter socket with built-in
> flap, near handlebars.
    Forget the cig lighter socket, they are notoriously unreliable. Just
get a two prong trailer jack that can only go one way. Use it for other
accessories as well, such as an electric vest or an air pump (see below)
>5. Cheap Casio wristwatch wrapped around vinyl bundle under cowl. No
> more problems with sun, shock, or water like with cheap stick-ons.
> Easy to see because out of direct sunlight.
    The Garmin has a clock in it.
> 6. Auto compass mounted on handlebars. Lots of times it's good to know
> basic direction of travel. Less of a need if using GPS, but GPS can't
> tell direction if standing still.
    The GPS direction indicator (arrow) will stay at the direction of
travel you were going when you stopped.
> 7. Rear brake control mounted as second lever above clutch. I know
> it's a cop-out, but plain fact is it's saved my ass several times when
> descending steep terrain with small pebbles on hard-packed rutted
> dirt. Allows continuous braking force even during evasive maneuvers.
    Gotta agree with you on that one! Anybody done this?
> Here's what I'd like to do:

> 1. Find strap-on gel seat for two riders. Amazing how much choice is
> out there, but haven't found anything like a general purpose
> two-person strap-on for "banana" seats. Existing seat's not too bad,
> but can be tiring after a couple hours of hard riding.
    I just ordered a Corbin. Will let you know what I think, but it gets
good marks on the list.
> 2. Get explicit details on how to achieve better performance without
> side effects, probably through enlarging the air intake along with
> other carburetor changes. Don't want to sacrifice low end torque.
    Better performance? Are you going racing, or just riding?
> 3. Yes, there are much noisier bikes, but the biggest enemy of gaining
> access to offroading territory in places like San Diego is noise. No
> one, not even you, wants to listen to exhaust noise all the time. If
> there was a way to silence the 650, I'd do it in a flash, even if it
> meant a loss of a few horsepower.
    Boy you make a good point there. I wish everybody would understand what
you have to say. We stand to lose a lot for a small gain, gain a lot by
staying quiet. I have a Supertrapp on my BMW, but make sure I keep it
packed.
> 4. Permanently mount a small 12v air pump with built in pressure gauge
> to allow quick and easy pump up for street riding after the
> low-pressure offroad ride.
    I use the "guts" out of a cheap Pep Boys compressor. Thought of
mounting it, but decide not to. It's easier, smaller, lighter to have a
long cord than a long hose. It is small enough to fit in your hand, even
with a large gauge, could put a small one on. Carry it in a pack or
pocket. Also makes it easier to let your friends use it, when they get
tire of pumping by hand or run out of CO2.
>
> Any thoughts?
    Hope these help. Let's get together and ride, were not very far apart.
I am free (retired) so have lots of time available.
>
> Bill

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

Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 23:16:35 -0800
From: "Joe Smith" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr) Fw: DR650 vs others

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Smith <[e-mail]>
To: <[e-mail]>
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 11:28 AM
Subject: DR650 vs others


> I am glad to see that we now have the DR650 owners on the list now.  I
have
> been looking at the 650 and weighing it against my 93 DR350 as well as the
> KLR 650.  I would be curious to know how the DR650 owners rate their
> machines against the others.  Some of the areas I am specifically
interested
> in are;
>     Reliability;  Especially as it relates to adverse off road conditions.
> My 350 has been pretty solid.  The DR650 looks rugged enough with the
> possible exception of that oil cooler hanging out there, which looks
> vulnerable in spite of the guard to protect it.  The KLR apparently has
made
> its bones but clearly those funky shrouds on the tank are vulnerable and I
> have always wondered about the wisdom of water cooling, although it seems
to
> work well enough.
>     Longevity;  Anyone had one of the newer DR650s long enough to comment
on
> how well they hold up to high mileage?
>     Off road ability; probably the most subjective part.  I consider my
> DR350 to be a pretty good trailbike, not an especially good streetbike
> though.  I suppose the limiting factor is generally weight and how much
you
> are willing to pick up when it falls.  Anyone know the relative weights of
> these machines?
>     Street ability;  As I said I don't consider my 350 an especially good
> streetbike.  How is the 650, especially compared to the KLR.
>     Modifications;  What do you think it needs?  My guess would be a
bigger
> tank and better seat for starters.  What else would you guys like?
>     Thanks for any thoughts.
>     Joe S
>
>


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

Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 02:39:47 -0700
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (dr) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 09:38:50 -0000

I'm still on air from sunny England!  Bike's still wonderful after 35,000
miles and I get to keep my licence.  About to go for a 440 conversion and a
louder pipe...mainly to increase the hooligan appeal and wheelies rather
than coz I need any more performance (I tend not to use many straight roads,
and have a GPZ500 for when I have to)  The appeal of the DR400 has gone
since sitting on one!  I thought the 350 seat left a little to be desired,
comfort-wise, but I reckon I'd need to put a condom on the 400 and sign up
for the 'Village People'

Andy

'96 DR350SES

So I sent the reply to the 350 list 1st time!  Hope this gets there!

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

Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 04:38:52 -0800 (PST)
From: Jonathan Moon <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 19:26:21 -0700

OK.

- --- Kurt Simpson <[e-mail]> wrote:
> Hi listers, I'm wanting to test that all is well
> with the new list. If you receive
> this will you simply reply to me and to the list
> just once? Lets make sure everything
> is working...
>
> Kurt
>
>
> -
>  to unsubscribe to dr, send an email to
> "[e-mail]"
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> old messages send
>  "help" to the same address.  Do not use quotes in
> your message.
>

=====
Jonathan L. Moon
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Georgia

Voice (706)-542-1713
Fax   [phone]
email:  [e-mail]
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
http://im.yahoo.com

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

Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 14:40:14 +0100
From: Rainer Knape <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr) Re: DR650, Impressions

Hello all you guys, hello Joe !

I have a DR650SE since '96 and an older DR350SHC.
My comments and impression of the DR 650 SE:

Reliability: I didn't have any problems yet and suggest you to mount a
big skid plate.
I use the original Suzuki part, wich I have enlarged by welding some
hand-formed Alu-plates to the sides (could even be higher). I do not
want to send a picture as attachment (would bother all of you who are
not interested) but I can mail it to you if you want.
Mounted Acerbis handguards

Longevity: Unfortunately I don't find much time to ride the bike - so I
have no experience
(I was riding my old DR600S to 68.000 km (then it was crahed by a
probably drunken guy in Houston)
 an had the following 'bigger' repairs:
 35.000 km: new brake disk, new clutch-springs
 46.000 km: generator changed
 47.000 km: new cylinder, rework of bore (honing), valves and
valve-seats, new camshaft
 61.000 km: 1 valve seat loose -> new valve seat
 I have found that my DR's need new rear wheel bearings from time to
time)

Off road ability: Of course this bike has much weight, but for a dual
sport enduro I am very satisfied with this bike off road.
I think that there could be done a lot of suspension imprrovement - what
I did was to increase the damping of the rear shock und use of stiffer
springs front and rear. Now it is much more bottoming safe but it still
could be better.
I am thinking of using those RaceTech GoldValves and cartridge emulator
- - hase anybody expirience with them ??
I had them asked by e-mail about the recommended settings for the DR650
but i didn't get an answer...
There are also Oehlins and Technoflex shocks available - but expensive.
The bike is definitly better than my old DR600 and much better off road
than an older KLR 650 that I was riding for about 6000 miles (from
Houston to the Grand Canyon and back).
I am using a front sprocket one size smaller than stock and a slighly
bigger rear sprocket (14/43) off road.
This is a big improvement for slower trails - I feels much safer now
(and it gives me the feeling to have some more hp's !)
For longer road trips I use the stock 15' sprocket.

Street ability: This bike is just great on narrow, curvey streets !
What I don't like so much is the seat - ok, it's an enduro. I am about
185 cm and so I lowered the footpegs about 1/2" by cutting them off and
rewelding them.
Now I have a second pair of wheels, so I can use both street an off road
tires (MT21).

Modifications:
I plan to mount a higher handlebar for a better position on the bike -
any suggestions ?
The stock suspension is easily improved - stiffer springs (ore more
preload) and more rear damping are a good start
For longer tripps a bigger  tank would be helpfull - I have an Acerbis
tank (from the older DR650) but didn't find the time to mount it yet.
A better seat would be comfortable, but the corbin is way too expensive
for me (does it work with the stock tank ?)
And of course: more power / torque at low / mid rpm are always welcome.
Obviously faxtory racing offers a jet kit (thanks for the link Kurt) - I
sent them an email asking for details (price, settings, availability...)
but no reply...
The flatside carb must be a great improvement with better throttle
response - but the bike won't be street legal anymore and it cost some
money.
If any of you has been succesfull in getting more power - please let us
know !
I would like to have some 'grease nipples' at the rear axle and the
suspension system - would it be sufficient to drill holes and screw the
nipples in ?

I am wondering that Bill says he would like to silence his DR. Maybe the
US modell is louder then the german model - in fact the DR is in my
opinion an extremely silent bike. For me it was even to silent, because
I nearly didn't hear the engine. Removing the rubber 'snorkel' from the
airbox was sufficient to get a better feeling for the rev's.
(Now I have a Supertrapp EAR Silencer which is a bit louder, but no
power gain)

Btw: My bike is starting very bad in when it's cold - any suggestions
(jetting) ??
(My old DR600 startet very easy -  I am glad to have an e-start at this
bike !)

Feel free to ask for details / pics - and thanks for your thoughts and
hints.

Rainer
Germany


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

End of dr-digest V1 #8
**********************

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