> > Can anyone answer this question. I am in the process of changing thespring on my rear shock. I have both the lock nut and the pre-load nut
> loose on the shock body but neither one of them can be removed because
> of a boss that is cast into the upper portion of the shock body. The
> boss is where the banjo bolt attaches for the reservoir. I have removed
> the reservoir but there does not seem to be clearance to get the locknut
> or pre-load nut off. Without taking them off the spring cannot be
> removed.
>
> What do I do? Is there some 'trick' that I don't know? I would
> appreciate any help that some of you with more experiance can provide.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> --
> David Heverin
> (1) DR350-assembled
> (1) DR350-waiting for new shock spring anf Kouba link
>
> David, Assuming you have the stock rear shock, unscrew both preload nuts all the way untill they are up against the banjo connector. Do not remove the banjo fitting. Remove the 2 half circle retainers that are inside the collar on the lower end of the shock spring, and remove the collar and the spring off the bottom of the shock. When installing a heavier spring one my need to force the spring up (compress slightly) to get the 2 half circle retainers seated back inside the collar if the first
>
> Suzuki DR Suspensions
> Home of the Kouba Link
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 10:37:22 +0200
From: "Jakes Louw" <LOUWJE@telkom.co.za>
Subject: (dr350) KLX vs DR
** High Priority **
Hi all
I'm just out of lurk mode for some quick observations, and a request
for assistance:
I've been considering which mid-range 4-stroke dual-sporter to buy, and
while I'm saving up the green-backs, I'm doing some further research.
I'm lucky enough to be in a country where road-worthiness is pretty
easy to achieve, and my primary consideration is therefore: what can I
get for my money.
Pricewise, here are my choices: (most expensive first, least expensive
last)
1) Yamaha WR400
2) Honda XR400
3) Kawasaki KLX300
4) Suzuki DR350
Other bikes are available, like KTM, Cagiva, and so on, but I'm not
listing them as they are extremely expensive here. Also, spares and
support are difficult to acquire, especially in country areas.
So here is my summary:
1) Yam WR400: my first choice, but I would need an Acerbis or Baja
Design roadlegal kit to comply with traffic laws, and this will push up
the price with around $500. Seat height is a bit too high, and I'm a bit
scared about all the electronic things that can go wrong there. Very
expensive (around $7500 here, without any extras)
2) Honda XR400: Second choice. Almost as expensive here as the WR!!!
Some local dealers offer a roadlegal kit as part of the price, though.
Bike is a bit too heavy, and technology is a dated. Very high seat
height. (around $7000)
3) Kawa KLX: This is almost the ideal choice, except that the 300cc
engine and CV carb makes me think that it's going to be a bit of a sheep
in wolf's clothing. I understand that the suspension is only good for
lighter riders, or for very tame trailing otherwise. I would have to
upgrade this, as well as install the 330cc barrel/piston set, and a
pumper carb. Mucho dinero. Also, the roadlegal kit would have to be an
added purchase. Nice bike, but would cost too much to upgrade. (around
$6000, but the suspension and engine mods could easily add another
$1500).
4) Suz-box DR: Very pretty bike, with excellent welding and cosmetics.
The SE version is available here, so I get an electric start too. From
you-all on this list, I have determined that the suspension and engine
need some work, but the basic bike seems a better deal, and it's also
the cheapest mid-size DS bike available here. (around $5300, plus pumper
carb ($370), Stroker exhaust ($380) & big bore kits ($400?), and
suspension upgrades ($400): around R7000)
So the crunch question is: do I upgrade the DR, or do I bite the bullet
and buy the XR, and try and get the seat-height down? (This issue is
critical, because my better half says I can buy a bike if she can ride
it too, and she has a problem with anything around the height of the
XR).
Here are a list of bikes I've owned, so please be sure I'm not a
beginner:
1981 Yam XT550
1980 Suzuki PE250
1982 Yam IT175
1982 Yam IT465
1982 Kawa KDX200
1984 Yam TT600
1984 Honda CR250
1982 KTM 250
1984 Yam IT490
I can also import a Yamaha TTR250 or Honda XLR250 for around $3200, but
I don't know these bikes at all, and it would be a "grey" import,
without proper local dealer support.
Let's hear what everybody thinks! I'll appreciate the feedback.
Cheers
Jakes Louw
HP-UX Systems Administrator
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 6:56:52 PDT
From: Scott Aldrich <scott_aldrich@hp.com>
Subject: Re: (dr350) KLX vs DR
Jakes Louw wrote:
{snip very nice outline of bike buying decision}
You've covered quite well the trade offs between buying an
inexpensive bike and upgrading it to buying a bike already set-up.
What I most like about my DR350SE is that it is street legal without
any modifications, yet it's good enough off road that I can easily
ride with my friends. My friends ride:
'86 Honda XR600R
'99 ATK 605
'99 Yamaha 250
'97 Honda XR400R
'96 Suzuki RMX250
'82 XL185S
'82 Suzuki RM125
So you see we cover a wide range of bike types. Some are
experienced, and some are novice. We don't race, and we have no plans
to do so. We ride in Poker Runs and Dual Sport events, yet these
aren't competition. So you see, the DR350SE in stock trim fits my
needs just fine. The Honda guys are very jealous of the magic button
:-)
The Dual Sport event that I just finished was in Reno Nevada and it
covered over 350 miles in two days. The riding type was everything
from desert to High mountain riding (over 7500 feet). We took all of
the expert level cut offs and I only broke the rear chain guide for
the whole trip.
With that in mind, if I were to enter a competition event, I would
either be looking at modifying my DR350SE (such as what you outlined),
or I would buy a different bike. I personally feel that the DR350SE
in stock trim would hold me back if I wanted to race (too heavy,
suspension needs to be upgraded and not enough horsepower).
So I guess what I'm saying is that what bike you get depends on what
type of riding you need to do.
Regarding your wife, I don't know how experienced a rider your wife
is, but mine has ridden for a couple of years and she still rides her
'74 Yamaha DT125. I can't convince her to even try my DR350SE even
though I know she could easily ride it. The reason she won't try it
is because it's too tall looking.
> Jakes Louw
>
> HP-UX Systems Administrator
Cool!, so am I...going on 13 years now.
- --
Scott Aldrich / EPSG UN*X Administrator
Agilent Technologies
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 1999 08:15:34 -0600
From: "Kurt Simpson" <ajax@xmission.com>
Subject: Re: (dr350) KLX vs DR
>So the crunch question is: do I upgrade the DR, or do I bite the bullet
>and buy the XR, and try and get the seat-height down? (This issue is
>critical, because my better half says I can buy a bike if she can ride
>it too, and she has a problem with anything around the height of the
>XR).
>
>Here are a list of bikes I've owned, so please be sure I'm not a
>beginner:
>1981 Yam XT550
>1980 Suzuki PE250
>1982 Yam IT175
>1982 Yam IT465
>1982 Kawa KDX200
>1984 Yam TT600
>1984 Honda CR250
>1982 KTM 250
>1984 Yam IT490
Jakes, the answer to your question may be in the last two paragraphs.
Take the last first. Which of the bikes that you've owned were best
suited to the kind of riding you want to do with your new bike and why?
What kind of riding experience does your SO have? Seat height is going
to be a real issue with all of the bikes mentioned except the DR. My SO
just started riding and loves the DR. However, depending on your size it
may be difficult to set the bike up for your needs and retain the best
riding characteristics for her. Is the Yam XT-225 too sedate for your
tastes? How about the new Kaw Super Sherpa? I would recommend electric
start for your SO also.
Kurt
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 16:24:53 +0200
From: "Jakes Louw" <LOUWJE@telkom.co.za>
Subject: Re: (dr350) KLX vs DR
** High Priority **
Scott
Thanks for the nice reply.
I suppose I could classify my riding level as "Intermediate Veteran":
I'm 37 next month, and not as fit as I used to be, but I certainly ride
a lot better than some people I know!
This bike-decision thing is really carving me up. My wife has the same
"it's too tall" problem, so I'm even considering 2 bikes!
I'd love to race again, but due to various historical problems (do a
Web search on "apartheid"), the bike market has been in a slump here
since the mid-1980's: it's only recovering now. Also, riding areas are
not designated like in the US, and we have un-ending hassles from the
authorities.
The only way to stay out of jail/court/whatever, is to ride a
road-legal bike, and then plead innocence. (Or else escape! ....:-)...)
By the way, I'm around 90 KGs (200lbs), so most "stock" suspensions
irritate me after the first decent jump, and especially after hitting
whoops or those little dunes one gets in the desert.....
I recently sold the IT490, as it was getting more and more difficult to
repair without a major rebuild. I've been without a ride for almost a
year, and the "itch" is really setting in...
By the way: I've been a UNIX admin for 6 years, and was in mainframes
for 7 years before that!
Regards
Jakes Louw
HP-UX Systems Administrator
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 16:34:19 +0200
From: "Jakes Louw" <LOUWJE@telkom.co.za>
Subject: Re: (dr350) KLX vs DR
** High Priority **
Kurt
Thanks. Like Scott, your reply is certainly useful.
It would appear 2 bikes is the only option......
The XT225 (they call it the Tecate?) is certainly far too sedate. Tell
me more about the Super Sherpa?
I'm looking at a 400-class thumper because even when I was fit, hauling
a Yamaha TT600 (145 KGs dry) around was more chore than pleasure. OK, I
used to challenge the other guys on their 2-strokes, but still, I reckon
if I tried to do that now, I'd be seeing the inside of a hospital pretty
soon...
I sat on an XR400 with the optional MX seat the other day, and I must
admit it felt good.
The DR350, on the other hand, just feels to low for me. But that "magic
button" sure is tempting.
Now I understand that the Yamaha TTR250 is quite good: chassis based on
the YZ, and a revamped 250cc SOHC with some work done on the valves,
header, exhaust and carb, but basically the same motor as the old XT250.
Also has electric start! Anybody seen one?
Regards
Jakes Louw
HP-UX Systems Administrator
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 08:56:12 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <vfrman@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: (dr350) KLX vs DR
Hi Jakes-
I assume you're in South Africa---? -so I would thing reliability would be
one of your top considerations. All the bikes you're considering are great,
but I think the XR & the DR are the most bullet-proof.
I've had my 95 DR350SE for about 7 months now, and have been very happy with
it. I've put about 2000 miles on it in that time, about half hiway/half off
road....its never let me down, always been fun to ride. I've spent some $$$
on suspension, intake & exhaust modifications. Current performance is
amazing when compared to how it performed when stock. The DR has tons of
performance potential, and if you're willing to spend the money, probably is
the best option for upgrading to a larger engine: Thumper Racing in Texas
makes a 435cc kit for it that everyone says is excellent & very reliable.
But I've decided not to do this, since I'm so happy with the performance I'm
getting from the stock engine w/ the new Vortex airbox and jetting changes.
And of course, if you get the DR, you've got this list as a valuable
resource of info!
Good luck-
Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE
>From: "Jakes Louw" <LOUWJE@telkom.co.za>
>Reply-To: "Jakes Louw" <LOUWJE@telkom.co.za>
>To: <dr350@lists.xmission.com>
>Subject: (dr350) KLX vs DR
>Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 10:37:22 +0200
>
>** High Priority **
>
>Hi all
>
>I'm just out of lurk mode for some quick observations, and a request
>for assistance:
>
>I've been considering which mid-range 4-stroke dual-sporter to buy, and
>while I'm saving up the green-backs, I'm doing some further research.
>
>I'm lucky enough to be in a country where road-worthiness is pretty
>easy to achieve, and my primary consideration is therefore: what can I
>get for my money.
>
>Pricewise, here are my choices: (most expensive first, least expensive
>last)
>
>1) Yamaha WR400
>2) Honda XR400
>3) Kawasaki KLX300
>4) Suzuki DR350
>
>Other bikes are available, like KTM, Cagiva, and so on, but I'm not
>listing them as they are extremely expensive here. Also, spares and
>support are difficult to acquire, especially in country areas.
>
>So here is my summary:
>
>1) Yam WR400: my first choice, but I would need an Acerbis or Baja
>Design roadlegal kit to comply with traffic laws, and this will push up
>the price with around $500. Seat height is a bit too high, and I'm a bit
>scared about all the electronic things that can go wrong there. Very
>expensive (around $7500 here, without any extras)
>2) Honda XR400: Second choice. Almost as expensive here as the WR!!!
>Some local dealers offer a roadlegal kit as part of the price, though.
>Bike is a bit too heavy, and technology is a dated. Very high seat
>height. (around $7000)
>3) Kawa KLX: This is almost the ideal choice, except that the 300cc
>engine and CV carb makes me think that it's going to be a bit of a sheep
>in wolf's clothing. I understand that the suspension is only good for
>lighter riders, or for very tame trailing otherwise. I would have to
>upgrade this, as well as install the 330cc barrel/piston set, and a
>pumper carb. Mucho dinero. Also, the roadlegal kit would have to be an
>added purchase. Nice bike, but would cost too much to upgrade. (around
>$6000, but the suspension and engine mods could easily add another
>$1500).
>4) Suz-box DR: Very pretty bike, with excellent welding and cosmetics.
>The SE version is available here, so I get an electric start too. From
>you-all on this list, I have determined that the suspension and engine
>need some work, but the basic bike seems a better deal, and it's also
>the cheapest mid-size DS bike available here. (around $5300, plus pumper
>carb ($370), Stroker exhaust ($380) & big bore kits ($400?), and
>suspension upgrades ($400): around R7000)
>
>So the crunch question is: do I upgrade the DR, or do I bite the bullet
>and buy the XR, and try and get the seat-height down? (This issue is
>critical, because my better half says I can buy a bike if she can ride
>it too, and she has a problem with anything around the height of the
>XR).
>
>Here are a list of bikes I've owned, so please be sure I'm not a
>beginner:
>1981 Yam XT550
>1980 Suzuki PE250
>1982 Yam IT175
>1982 Yam IT465
>1982 Kawa KDX200
>1984 Yam TT600
>1984 Honda CR250
>1982 KTM 250
>1984 Yam IT490
>
>I can also import a Yamaha TTR250 or Honda XLR250 for around $3200, but
>I don't know these bikes at all, and it would be a "grey" import,
>without proper local dealer support.
>
>Let's hear what everybody thinks! I'll appreciate the feedback.
>
>Cheers
>
>
>Jakes Louw
>
>HP-UX Systems Administrator
>
>
>#Visit dr350 archives at http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=dr350
>#Subscribe to Dual Sport News...write to Editor@dualsport.org for info.
>Unsubscribe by sending message to majordomo@lists.xmission.com. Leave
