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dr350-digest           Tuesday, June 8 1999           Volume 01 : Number 072




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Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 10:27:50 -0600
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) DR350 Tires

>I know this has been posted before,,,,but what is the largest size rear tire
>you can put on a DR350SE?  I put the stock size of IRC on mine, & it looks
>like there is alot more room for a fatter tire.
>
>Bryan in Dallas
>95 DR350SE


As I recall, Mike Walburn suggested not going larger than 120's but I wonder if
we couldn't go bigger. My XR200 tires are bigger than that...

Kurt

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

Date: Mon, 07 Jun 1999 09:58:13 -0700
From: Bryan Cowger <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Re: Converting SE to dirt-only

David,

I was in this situation last year -- I had a '97 SE, but wanted it more
dirt-worthy.  I played around with the suspension and carb a bit, but then
ended up selling the SE and buying a '96 DR350 that had been opened up to a
441.  The price of the dirt-only model, including shipping from Tucson to
Sacramento, was less than what I sold the SE for.

The advantages to a dirt-only model:

- - Significantly better suspension -- cartridge forks vs. damping rod forks.
The shock is also better, with rebound adjustment.
- - "Pumper" carb (instead of the CV model)
- - Lighter (plastic) gas tank
- - No battery or starter motor to haul around (plus gauges, emissions stuff,
etc.)


This short list alone is approaching $1k to convert your SE to these
features.  (The bike I bought also had a nice list of other goodies which
were basically "freebies".)

So my advise would be to sell, and then look around for something that is
already close to what you want to end up with.

Bryan



> >
> >I just purchased a '95 dr 350se I am guessing and plan on making it a =
> >full blown off road bike.(I guess this would be then considered a dr =
> >350.) Would like to know some suggestions on a pipe and carb specs.I am =
> >thinking of going with an FMF megamax or a cobra. But I am not sure what =
> >to do with the carb. Over the weekend I rode it pretty hard and the =
> >thing seemed like it was vapor-locking.Had to pull the choke to keep it =
> >running. Anyone have any idea what could be the reason for this? Also I =
> >am selling my dr250, which is stripped down for offroad only.It is a '91 =
> >model. Just needs a new seat cover.Other than that it looks new. Don't =
> >have any idea what it's worth.Any suggestions or offers?             =
> >David in Ft Worth=20

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

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 10:59:05 -0600
From: "Pokluda, Gino F" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: (dr350) DR350 Tires

>>Bryan,
              I had a 140/80 on my bike with no clearance problems.
Mike
98 DRSE

Bryan Nolastname wrote:

> I know this has been posted before,,,,but what is the largest size rear
tire
> you can put on a DR350SE?  I put the stock size of IRC on mine, & it looks
> like there is alot more room for a fatter tire.<<

I toasted the stock rear tire in under 2K miles.  So I'm going to try to
shoehorn a 140/90 Metzeler MCE Six Days on the rear this weekend. My guess
is that it probably will not fit.  But I want to see if I can change a tire
single handedly like Fred Hink.

Gino

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

Date: Mon, 07 Jun 1999 10:04:04 -0700
From: Scott Aldrich <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Battery maintenance

  While I was checking for loose bolts, I noticed that my battery didn't
seem to be snug in the battery case.  Actually, it was flopping around
in there.  I took the battery out of the case that holds the battery in
and I found that the foam that ships from the factory had been
compressed, probably due to my trail riding.

  The battery could easily flop around with the foam useless like that,
and I'm sure that can't be good for battery life.  I found some packing
foam and cut a piece that fit snug around the entire battery and put the
battery back in.  it's nice and snug now.

This was on a '98 DR350SE.

- --
Scott Aldrich / UN*X System Administrator

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

Date: Mon, 07 Jun 1999 10:37:57 -0700
From: Scott Aldrich <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) head lamp guard and brake/rotor guard

> Wez wrote:
>=20
> M & P do a head lamp guard and carrier for =A342.95 + P&P
> wed address is www.MandP.com

  I think I'd like to get a lamp guard but I have question to anyone
that has/is using one.

  Does the guard really provide enough protection to justify the
purchase and installation?  I can see how it would protect against
things flying at you, but I haven't ever been in a situation where this
is really a problem (I'm the one that's always in the lead :-).

  Also, has anyone found a plastic guard for the front brake and rotor
for the '98 and on DR350SE?  When I bought my bike, the first thing I
did was purchase the Maier guard that was advertised, but when it came
in I found out that it didn't fit.  Then I purchased the Acerbis, but I
I had the same problem.  These were listed as fitting the '98 model, but
I guess the companies didn't realize that there was a change in the
forks.  I got to play QA :-(  I contacted Acerbis and they apologized
but they said they didn't know when they'd be coming out with a model
that fit.=20

  I wanted to protect my forks and rotors, but I've been riding naked.=20
Not a good feeling, especially since I've already been in a head-on that
scratched my forks where I know that the guards would have prevented
it.  I still want to get the guards though because I have a feeling I'm
not done crashing yet :-)

- --=20
Scott Aldrich / UN*X System Administrator

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

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 15:06:14 -0600
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Fw: (dr350) Fw: BOUNCE [e-mail]:    Non-membersubmission fro...

- -----Original Message-----
From: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] <[e-mail]>
Date: Monday, June 07, 1999 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: (dr350) Fw: BOUNCE [e-mail]: Non-membersubmission
fro...


>Dave;
>
>Having a dirt only version of this bike, it would seem that converting a
>street version to dirt only use would be, how shall I say, a waste of money.
>The big cost item would be swapping the carb for the off road only pumper
>carb (it has an accelerater pump in it). The CV (constant velocity) carb
>mounted to the road going version is susceptable to doing funny things when
>the going gets rough. If you purchase a '94 or later model of the DR350,
>you'll get cartridge forks (better) as opposed to the street versions damper
>rod forks (not the best). Pre '94 bikes, no matter which version, have the
>damper rod forks. All the dirt only versions have better rear shocks with
>rebound and compression adjustments in additon to the preload. You'll also
>have a sightly lighter machine with the dirt only version because it will
>lack the battery, starter and all the road going exotica. If dirt only is
>where you want to ride, sell the SE and get a plain DR350
>
>Whatever you end up doing, consider the noise factor before you plunk down a
>couple a hundred bucks for a "performance" exhaust. To get the FULL benefit
>from any of these exhausts, they will be VERY loud. Ratchet them down to
>acceptable levels of noise and you have a system just slightly better than
>the stock. Spend the money upgrading the suspenders, opening up the intake
>track (which is very effective and a very cheap mod to make), lacing on a
>good set of knobbies and save the thunder exhaust for the racers. Baja
>designs has an interesting statement on their website about big 4-strokes and
>"performance" exhaust systems; it's pretty heady stuff from a company that
>makes it's living selling aftermarket products. If you really must have one
>of these exhaust systems buy a Yoshimura; it is well made, very tuneable, the
>quietest of the aftermarket systems and costs a ton of money (about 300
>bucks). Stay away from the SuperTrapp systems.
>
>Mike
>'93DR350
>
>

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

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 17:01:15 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: (dr350) DR350 Tires

Bryan;

I've got a dirt only DR and the stock rear tire is a 110/100. It fills the
swing arm quite well. With /100 series tires, the width of the tread is
measured across the tire carcass, not across the full width of the knobs. A
110/100 knobby is about the equivalent of a 140/90 or /80 series tire. With
/90 and /80 series tires the tread is measured from the edges of the
outermost knobs so you get a better idea of the actual footprint the tire's
gonna lay into the dirt and a better idea of how the tire will fit the
swingarm.

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

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 19:03:23 -0600
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) NDR....DR650

>I am the happy owner of a 1991 DR 650 RS and I just wanted to know if there
>are other DR 650 owners on this list and especially DR 650 RS owners...
>
>I'd really love to hear from you...
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>Makis Kypraios
>3D Animator
>DR 650 RS


Makis, I'm sorry to say that this list is pretty much specific to the little
brother/sister it its several guises...I'm not aware of a DR 650 list (there should be
because it is the most popular of the big 650 Dual Sports) but you might try the DUST
list, or...better yet...do what I've done twice now...start your own list...it works.
Write off-line if you would like some help.

Kurt Simpson
Salt Lake City

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

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 19:23:26 -0600
From: "Tom Warr" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) DR350 Tires

I had no trouble fitting a 120/80, or whatever the next size up is,
(compared to 110/90, stock size).  A bigger tire significantly changed the
bike's handling - I had to adjust the suspension to compensate.  TW

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

Date: Mon, 07 Jun 1999 21:12:35 -0500
From: George Kovacs <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) DR350 Tires

Hi ,

a 120/100/18 knoby is in , with 3/4" left on each side of swingarm and about
1.5" room left on front to the  mudguard.
with a 14 teeth front sprocket it seems like a good combo.
I would not go bigger than that on the rear tire. This one hugs the dirt
pretty good.

George

Tom Warr wrote:

> I had no trouble fitting a 120/80, or whatever the next size up is,
> (compared to 110/90, stock size).  A bigger tire significantly changed the
> bike's handling - I had to adjust the suspension to compensate.  TW

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

Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 23:09:10 -0600
From: "Andy Foulkes" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 06:05:15 +0100

unsubscribe

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

Date: Tue, 08 Jun 1999 06:49:29 -0400
From: PATRICK ANDERSON <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Spark Plugs...

OK,
I've done the airbox thing finally and I am happy with the power
increase,  but it still hesitates a lot at less than 5000rpm with a full
throttle.  I rejetted and installed the needle and spring.  (I am sure
everyone is sick of hearing this!)  147.5 main, third or second clip
from bottom on the needle.   Checked the plug,  Sooty on the outer
electrodes (???),  and the insulator was gray.  Obviously not a hot
enough plug.  So I replaced the cr9ek with a cr8e.  Two diffferences in
the new plug;
1.  Hotter
2.  Has only one outer electrode
The new plug appears to be working beautifully,  no soot,  nice looking
center electrode.  The bike doesnt run any differently either.  So, I am
going to raise the needle another position,  and maybe mess with the
main jet some more.  (Bigger!!!???)  Questions;
1.  What is with that funny looking,  expensive,  plug?  The
conventional type plug works just fine for me.
2.  Is it normal to be spinning such big brass into the carb?  I guess
it is ok,  I live at sea level,  but I dont know.
You guys were definetely right about the hole in the air box mod!!  The
bike is a rocket ship now,  I cant wait to get the jetting exactly
right.  I read about guys cutting holes in the air box and only putting
in 135's,  must be at a different altitude, because I dont think my bike
would run on that.
Also,  who has experience with pilot jets?  I went from the stock 37.5
to a 40.  I couldnt get the bike to idle without turning the screw in
all the way,  made some black spark plugs too!
Sorry about the never-ending posts about jetting,  maybe we could set up
a website or something with a FAQ or Rider Profiles or something..
I have no idea how that works though,  REALLY,  no idea.
Thanks
PJ

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

Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 09:02:55 -0600
From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) Spark Plugs...

>Sorry about the never-ending posts about jetting,  maybe we could set up
>a website or something with a FAQ or Rider Profiles or something..
>I have no idea how that works though,  REALLY,  no idea.
>Thanks
>PJ


No need to apologize, that is what the list is for...sharing experiences. The
people who aren't interested in jetting can ignore and delete and start their
own thread...once the list is big enough we can have two or three threads
running all the time....glad you're making progress.

Kurt

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

Date: Tue, 08 Jun 1999 08:40:09 PDT
From: Bryan Nolastname <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) David's question

David, I'll check my NADA book to get a value for your 250.

As for your apparent "vapor-locking" after hard dirt riding, go to Kurt's
searchable archives & search for "T vent"....you should bring up numerous
messages that have been posted recently about how to improve the DR's
carburator vent.

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE


>From: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
>Reply-To: "Kurt Simpson" <[e-mail]>
>To: "dr350" <[e-mail]>
>Subject: (dr350) Fw: BOUNCE [e-mail]:    Non-member
>submission from [David Millhollon <[e-mail]>]
>Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 10:19:23 -0600
>
>
> >From: David Millhollon <[e-mail]>
> >To: "Dr350 (E-mail)" <[e-mail]>
> >Subject: dr350   dr250
> >Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 10:54:58 -0500
> >MIME-Version: 1.0
> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> >Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
> >
> >I just purchased a '95 dr 350se I am guessing and plan on making it a =
> >full blown off road bike.(I guess this would be then considered a dr =
> >350.) Would like to know some suggestions on a pipe and carb specs.I am =
> >thinking of going with an FMF megamax or a cobra. But I am not sure what
>=
> >to do with the carb. Over the weekend I rode it pretty hard and the =
> >thing seemed like it was vapor-locking.Had to pull the choke to keep it =
> >running. Anyone have any idea what could be the reason for this? Also I =
> >am selling my dr250, which is stripped down for offroad only.It is a '91
>=
> >model. Just needs a new seat cover.Other than that it looks new. Don't =
> >have any idea what it's worth.Any suggestions or offers?             =
> >David in Ft Worth=20
>
>
>


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

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

Date: Tue, 08 Jun 1999 11:18:16 -0500
From: George Kovacs <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) DR350 Tires

Hi,

Sure , the tire is a Dunlop 752 replica made by Kings tire company, $45  from
Midwest action cycle: Lake Geneva WI  :1-800-323-0079
!!!!   on it is says motocross only , not for hwy use.
It work very well in dirt ,it is a full knoby,  on the road, first i was  going
very slow riding like my grandma drives her car. I did not want to wear it down
to quickly and was not sure about traction either. Now that i have a few hundred
miles on it and the middle(highest part, center ) knobs wear even with the ones
next to the side, i feel more comftable on the road. I ride it like the
stocktire  , go full blast , it sticks pretty well, even in corners,  i can pull
wheelies on the asfalt no problem.( risky)  However 99% of the time i try to use
the frontbrakes for braking, to minimize the wear of the rear tire,
the tire is noiseier than the stock,
I did not try it on wet pavement yet, probably not a pretty picture.

 !!!!!   If  you decide to use , try it at your on risk, be responsible, it is
not a street tire.

George


[e-mail] wrote:

> In a message dated 6/7/99 9:11:25 PM Central Daylight Time,
> [e-mail] writes:
>
> << a 120/100/18 knoby is in , with 3/4" left on each side of swingarm and
> about
>  1.5" room left on front to the  mudguard.
>  with a 14 teeth front sprocket it seems like a good combo.
>  I would not go bigger than that on the rear tire. This one hugs the dirt
>  pretty good.
>   >>
>
> George,
>  What specific tire did you use? Also if it is not to much trouble give us an
> update on how it works out.
>
> Mike A.
> Nashville

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End of dr350-digest V1 #72
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