ftp.xmission.com/2014.06.ftp.xmission.com.tar/ftp.xmission.com/pub/lists/dr350/archive/v01.n061

Internet Message Format | 1999-05-26 | 17KB

From: [e-mail] (dr350-digest)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: dr350-digest V1 #61
Reply-To: dr350-digest
Sender: [e-mail]
Errors-To: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


dr350-digest          Thursday, May 27 1999          Volume 01 : Number 061




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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 18:53:34 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (dr350) EAR Exhaust on DR350SE

I'm Thinking about purchasing a EAR Exhaust for my 98 DR350SE. The stock Pipe
seems so damn Big and heavy. The EAR people say there is a 7% Power increase
at the same noise level. it looks like its about 10 pound lighter to
boot...I'd like to keep it at the same sound level. Also, I havent made any
other mods on the engine.

Mistake?  What do you think?


HAMMY

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 16:59:11 -0600
From: "Andy Foulkes" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 23:59:13 +0100

DR350R (Enduro Model) bored to 440cc. DEP silencer. Standard carb. Any ideas
on jetting anyone?

Thanks

Andy

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 16:55:07 -0700
From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Bryan's Pat-on-the-Back.

OK; I can back up my claim. I'll give you one example of my lack of talent,
maybe two. Or how about one of each: un-mechanic like traits and spodely skill?

In my DR experience "infantcy", after cutting a fresh, big hole in the air box
top, then adding some bigger carb jets, we loaded up the truck and we went to a
fine high-desert riding spot (two-hour drive).

Once the DR was fully warmed up, I began to test the limits, the fruit of my
labor, by wacking the throttle to the stop and back, weaving between the shrubs;
normally this is loads of fun. But the dang thing repeatedly sputtered and
popped; once stopped, caught it's breath, then sputtered and popped again, over
and over. This went on for the next 30 min or so until I couldn't take it
anymore; surely it is loading up (too rich?)

Once home I discovered the air boot had never been retighted; too much air was
getting by (too lean ya dummy!)

Now onto riding ability, or lack thereof (spode here.)

We went to a family enduro this last Sunday; first one since quiting them 20
years ago, but this would be my oldest's first, at my wife's prompting - no
kidding: she did want him to give it a try. (He ended up bypassing a gas stop
and burning a check by 10 min.)

Getting there the day before, we did a loop in that late afternoon. I ended up
needing to adjust the clickers - first time ever(!), front and back, to get rid
of some back-end kick (at rain cuts) and to add more front-end dive for riding
the tight, technical terrain. The following test spins *seemed* to confirm I was
adjusting in the right direction.

The next morning brought the event. I told my son to try to stay on time, and
get a real feel for timekeeping, but not to ride beyond his ability; he could
just follow me if it seems confusing.

I seemed to be doing fine until six miles out on the first loop; for some
strange reason got out of shape in real deep sand whoops (I hate them. Too
little fork rebound damping?); then being thrust forward, the bars dug into both
thighs, and my body rotated and fell onto the top of a mogul. Bounce! Moaning
and groaning followed. First thought was I pulled a muscle or fractured some
ribs. Then after struggling to get this 300lb. bike upright, my son motors on
by, not even stopping to say "you OK?" Mmmm - I did tell him go at his own pace.
:-P Then the terrible suggestive thoughts came: you'll lose a kidney over this
one, and, your out for six weeks, bud; maybe no more riding. Perish the thought!

Being too proud to wait for sweep, I get back on and with ensuing pain fish
through a few more miles of sand. Arrrggg! That hurt!

At the next rest stop, I caught up to him to say, in a quiet tone (it was
painful to move/ride/breath) "you can go the rest of the loop (gee, thanks dad);
just stay with the other guy on our number"....and off I was to the truck.

Being grateful for ending up with only three bruised ribs, my wife noticed I was
moving like an old man (getting closer every day!); she quips "the old gray mare
she ain't what she..." "hush...well, yes, but my last bike weighed 100 lbs
less!" Some excuses get you sympathy.

John




Bryan Cowger <[e-mail]> on 05/26/99 03:14:00 PM

Please respond to Bryan Cowger <[e-mail]>

To:   "[e-mail]" <[e-mail]>
cc:    (bcc: John D Gill/RSS/Rockwell)
Subject:  Re: (dr350) Service Manual & Our Resident Tech.





>> I'd like to unofficially nominate Bryan as the hands-on tech. writer of the
>> group - anyone who can competently repair their own shock and thereafter
write
>> an instructive, easy-to-understand tutorial deserves some honor; at the least
be

>John, you're far too kind!


>> available for pesky, detailed questions from knuckle-headed mechanics like
me.

>"Knuckle-headed" riding a self-built DR/MX441??  I don't _think_ so, Tim!
>:)

>Bryan

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 17:03:26 -0700
From: <[e-mail]>
Subject: [none]

Andy,

I use #142.5 main, #40 or 42.5 pilot, stock slide and needle in mid position.
How about you, Bryan?

John




"Andy Foulkes" <[e-mail]> on 05/26/99 03:59:11 PM

Please respond to "Andy Foulkes" <[e-mail]>

To:   [e-mail]
cc:    (bcc: John D Gill/RSS/Rockwell)
Subject:  (dr350) Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 23:59:13 +0100




DR350R (Enduro Model) bored to 440cc. DEP silencer. Standard carb. Any ideas
on jetting anyone?

Thanks

Andy

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 19:47:26 -0500
From: Phil <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) (no subject)

unsubscribe

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 20:49:50 +0000
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (dr350) New Thoughts On Riding

Just got back last week from an awesome week of riding at the
Motorcycling Vacation Resort in Sequatchie,TN. Thought I'd share a few
thoughts:

Lots of DRs to play on - from a 125s, 250s and a 350SE to two full on
dirt 350s. Lodging was excellent - I went with a friend and as we were
both very new to biking, we had the 2 day newbie package, then a day of
trail riding after a day off sightseeing. I learned a lot about what the
bike can and can't do (I rode the '95 350SE) and more importantly what I
can and can't do :-)
    I would highly recommend this type of deal for those of us who are
less experienced - it's great to watch a video of some bloke getting big
air or tackling bogs and rivers, but trying it without some experienced
guidance is nuts.
    As for the DR - I bought a '97350SE for $2700 two weeks before I
left. I now know what a good choice this was. I've followed the threads
re. mods/power/suspension etc and am convinced that for a modest outlay,
this can be a very off road worthy bike with plenty of potential to not
become boring. I did experience one episode of the infamous 'sideways
kick' on bottoming the rental, but I will fix this on mine with a
heavier rear spring and maybe go with the Koubas. For now though, I
think I'll just learn to be a better rider and find some trails near my
home in NH.

As for Tennessee - good trails (lots of varied terrain and very
competant guides - thanks Laura and Randy!), good maintenance tips
(thanks Tony) and excellent food (I am now way too fat).

Happy Riding

Chris

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 22:38:00 -0600
From: "Tom Warr" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) EAR Exhaust on DR350SE

Hi there, Hammy.

I think the claimed power increases are overstated with aftermarket exhaust.
I put an EAR on my DRS (while the engine was still stock), and I couldn't
notice anything except for more noise.

If you do get an EAR, be sure to also get an exhaust deflector, else the
exhaust gases will melt your fender.  TW

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 22:38:36 -0600
From: "Tom Warr" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) 90/90 tires

I have used a 90/90 front tire (MT21) for so long I don't remember the
difference.

By the way, I use the Race Tech cartrage emulators in the forks and I really
feel they helped the steering precision - now much less vague.  TW

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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 00:44:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail] (James Adler)
Subject: (dr350) MegaMax

John,
  There may be several different factors giving you & your friend the
results you are seeing. Very possibly unavoidable production tolerances
may give you a slightly more powerful bike.  Your friend's bike may need
more fine tuning of the carb (jetting), also the less discs the closer
to stock it gets. Different pipes  increase power in different ways
which may not show up in a drag race, IMHO  from you have said I believe
you have a slightly faster engine stock, it happens.
                                Jim A.



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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 00:49:55 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail] (James Adler)
Subject: (dr350) EAR

Hammy,
 I agree with Tom, the EAR will not increase power and the weight
difference is minimal.
It will be quieter than some others and looks better than stock, that is
about all.
                                    Jim A.

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

Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 23:29:29 -0700
From: Brian Bucknam <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Re: 90/90 tires

Gino wonders:
> Anybody out there running a 90/90X21 (as opposed to the 100/?X21) on there
> DR350SE?  Any adverse affects?

My DR350S (1992 model) has had a 90/90X21 MT-21 on it since I bought it.

Never ridden it any other way, so nothing to compare it to.  I had assumed
that Suzuki never changed the width of the front rim over the DR model
years... correct assumption?

Brian
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Brian Bucknam         [e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 07:30:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail] (john miller)
Subject: (dr350) rim

Banged the front rim on my 98SE up pretty bad the other day.It needs to
be replaced.I wondered if anyone knows of a good place to get this.It
will cost a fortune from the dealer.I got a buddy who just picked up a
90 drse last night and it needs a front rotor so we can both benefit
from a front rim(and split up some of the cost)

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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 07:41:11 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: (dr350) EAR Exhaust on DR350SE

Hammy;
Just my biased 2 cents worth (okay, maybe 5 cents...)

<I'm Thinking about purchasing a EAR Exhaust for my 98 DR350SE. >
Spend the 200 plus bucks suspension improvements and opening/improving the
intake side.

<The stock Pipe seems so damn Big and heavy.>
Actually it's the muffler that's big because it has to be to quiet the noise
sufficiently. Also, due to how the exhaust gasses flow out through the discs
(in a 360 deg pattern), you stand a very good chance of melting and/or
discoloring the end of your rear fender with the EAR/SuperTrapp system.

<The EAR people say there is a 7% Power increase at the same noise level. it
looks like its about 10 pound lighter to boot...>
What do you figure a DR puts out HP-wise? 30-35HP? A 7% increase would be
less than 2.5 HP, if you even got that level of increase (the bike tested was
a stock Honda XR600R). Find the actual weights of the stock muffler and the
EAR system as you'd use it; I think you'll see there's not much savings. With
a bike that already weighs close to 300 lbs, saving ten pounds is not gonna
make much difference. I've read postings elsewhere regarding the EAR series
of exhausts and none have been too praise worthy. If you just gotta have an
aftermarket exhaust, go with the Yoshimura. It is the quietest of the
"performance" exhausts, is very tuneable and is mucho expensivo....

<I'd like to keep it at the same sound level. Also, I havent made any
other mods on the engine.>
Keep the stock exhaust. Unless you're going to do major engine work (big bore
kit, cam, carb work) you're wasting your money on the exhaust.

<Mistake?  What do you think?>
 I would get the bike to handle better, work the intake side (open the
airbox, better flowing air filter, do the magic jet and needle trick and
whatever else to keep the CV carb from hiccuping the minute you hit the dirt,
etc.) and get a good set of street legal (DOT approved) kobbies. There's a
good statement on the Baja Designs website about big 4-strokes and
"performance" exhaust systems; it basically says you can improve the HP a
little but the cost is a BIG increase in noise and the consideration of where
you ride comes into play; it's pretty heady stuff from a company that makes
it's business selling aftermarket stuff.  IMHO, ride quietly so you can......


Mike
'93 DR350

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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 06:14:00 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) power loss

I'll take a shot....

I too have a 135 main and a MegaMax2 muffler.  Did your friend experiment w/
trying different disc combinations on the end of muffler?  You can run it
full open (LOUD!), w/ silencer core, with up to 11 discs, or any combination
of the latter two.  Also, did he adjust the pilot valve?  I have the Scott
T-handle pilot screw, which makes fine-tuning a snap; 3.25 turns out is
where mine is happy, with all 11 disks on end of muffler (no quiet core).
Did he replace stock needle & spring?  I have the JX needle/spring sold by
Thumper, & raised the needle one position from the middle where Thumper had
it.  Did he modify airbox & use new Uni or K&N filter? (dont get the
K&N...its a bitch to install/remove).  Doubt if it matters much, but I also
used my Dremel tool to grind off an excessive bead weld on the inside of the
stock header pipe.

The above represents my mods, and I know for a fact that my 95SEset up as
above is noticeably faster/stronger/more responsive than the stock 98 SE I
demo'd from dealer.  Your bud CAN get much better results than your stocker.
  If he has more time than money or doesnt like mechanical work, he should
consider a shop that has a dyno that can get all the elements working in
harmony for max effect.

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE

>From: [e-mail] (john miller)
>Reply-To: [e-mail] (john miller)
>To: [e-mail]
>Subject: (dr350) power loss
>Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 16:29:30 -0400 (EDT)
>
>I'll post this again and hope to get some responses.My friend and I have
>identical 98 DRSE models.He has the FMF megamax2 muffler and the carb
>jettet up to 135 from127.5. My bike is completely stock we raced to see
>his gains and my bike beat his by a good margin.What could be wrong with
>his bike?We are both shocked and confused I am now going to wait to buy
>my muffler till we figure this out.His upgrades cost him about 300 bucks
>and his bike is slower than a stock unit.I dont think he has all the
>discs in his muffler.What could be wrong?
>
>
>


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 06:16:31 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) EAR Exhaust on DR350SE

Its not that much lighter...I was surprised to find how light the stocker
was when I took it off.  Also, I've heard mostly bad reports about the EAR
for the DR350.

Bryan in Dallas
95DR350SE

>From: [e-mail]
>Reply-To: [e-mail]
>To: [e-mail]
>Subject: (dr350) EAR Exhaust on DR350SE
>Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 18:53:34 EDT
>
>I'm Thinking about purchasing a EAR Exhaust for my 98 DR350SE. The stock
>Pipe
>seems so damn Big and heavy. The EAR people say there is a 7% Power
>increase
>at the same noise level. it looks like its about 10 pound lighter to
>boot...I'd like to keep it at the same sound level. Also, I havent made any
>other mods on the engine.
>
>Mistake?  What do you think?
>
>
>HAMMY
>


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

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

Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 07:20:24 -0600
From: "Pokluda, Gino F" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (dr350) 90/90 tires

>>I have used a 90/90 front tire (MT21) for so long I don't remember the
difference.<<

Thanks for the info.  A friend is selling his Metzeler MCE Six Days which
are brand new for a very good price.  The front is a 90/90.  I didn't think
there would be much difference, but you never really know.

Gino

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

End of dr350-digest V1 #61
**************************