Have you upgraded your Dr650? Leave a comment and let me know what you did! Also if you liked this video, check out my review of the stock Dr650 th-cam.com/video/6o60l1H2TXg/w-d-xo.html
All bikes need some mods to a degree. I got the DR as I prefer the lightness compared to other bikes. I'm 60 with back problems so picking up a heavy bike would really bugger up my day. A very under rated bike the suzuki. Reliable, fixable, no stupid electronic crap to mess up your day out. I for 1 am happy with mine.
When I bought my DR I promised not to try to make a KTM out of it. Then I spent $3k on upgrades AND bought a Beta RR-S. Doh! Best bang/buck: D606 / Scorpion Trail; Racetech Emulators and springs. Acerbis 5.3 tank, Sargent seat (not as nice as Concepts, but cheap.) ProTaper "Woods Low" bars. Luxury items: GPR steering stabilizer/fat bar riser (makes knobbies safer on the street and helps stream crossings.) Racetech shock re-valve. Magura hydraulic clutch (ends frequent cable replacement.) Oxford heated grips with controller built into left grip. The bike was "jetted" when I bought it, with 3 screen plugs in the airbox. It wouldn't rev until I put a stock main jet in it. Lots of bad advice WRT carbs on the internet, just leave it all alone.
After watching 3 of your videos I can also see you have improved a lot your driving skill 👍. I never comment on videos but yours are really easy to see and enjoy. Tks.
This video is phenomenal! Great cool shots like the turntable in low light. I too have wondered about all the money I put into my DR. I think ultimately what I came up with is that I wanted Japanese build quality for my motor and transmission. The DR650S and XR650L are the bikes still being produced in the old 80's Japanese style of build them strong, simple and reliable. The shortcoming is, building them that way also forgoes all the improvements of power, suspension and lightweight. All the mods are just an attempt to get closer to that side of the pie chart. I like owning a bike that has 3000 mile oil changes and can go 60000 miles before needing a rebuild. I can ride it in the dirt, and on the street too. Thanks for the awesome video, hope you keep on making more.
Thanks for watching and the kind words! The turntable shot took some sketchy diy to make happen but I am pretty happy how it came out! I agree, the Japanese big singles definitely have some charming characteristics. Simple, rugged, predictable and easy to maintain and work on. I will definitely be making more videos! Thanks again for watching
Thanks for the video my friend. Bought a 2015 off a guy about 2 weeks ago with only 1500kms since new, Been stored for a while, I'm still running it in. He'd spent a lot of money on it but things got in the way and I made him an offer. Here we go with the upgrades he's done... It seems to get along Ok Oxford hot grips, Renthal bars, Bark Busters. Ventura pack rack. BRB Bash plate. Acerbis tank, 20 litre ( white ) , New seat professionally built. Enlarged and lowered footpegs. New muffler ( GSXR600 ?) . Aftermarket sidestand. Airbox mod with Keihen carb replacing the original. All jetted and tuned Mitas tyres, offroad biased 80/20 road. Fuel filter and aftermarket fuel tap. Fork upgrade, FFRC plex valves and progressive springs. Moose counter shaft sprocket cover. New shock spring and FFRC piston and shim stack work done. Most receipts for the work done and I have the original parts as well. Look forward to continuing to run it in and , there's my upgrade. Mileage on the clock from today is 1703 kms. I wonder whether these bikes will hold or, appreciate in value in the coming years. ? Who cares... I'll hang on to mine for now. Christchurch , New Zealand
Cryptick: mate if they are no longer allowed in NZ (as in OZ) due to no ABS compliance there'll be no more new ones you won't lose any money. Keep it till you're too old to ride
My DR650 is all set up for me, about 4K over what I paid for the bike , it works great, for a DR.....Resale though? Buyers ignore or dont even know what the mods are. Mines an 03. It might be worth 2500. Maybe not....people simply dont realize a DR can run 100,000 miles.......a KTM 790 or 501......probably not going to run that long.
Bought a new 2024 DR650, I am an experienced 68 yr old trail rider. The stock DR650 shocked me for how good it was. The bike is just nearly perfect stock. My mods are a plastic skid plate, drill out fuel screw and add a washer to needle, and removed the snorkel that made the motor more powerful than my fully tweeked XR650L. My only other mod was to but washers on pegs to remove flex. Here is the controversial part, I love the seat, tank, bars, pegs, and tires. All you have to do to feel that way is ride my 2015 WR450R on pavement for 50 miles and you will love the DR as much as I do. In fairness I have way better trail bikes than DR so my goal was to do backroads and forest roads only and it works there great stock
Awesome. I'm looking at a low miles 17 that is basically half price as new...I love to tinker so the money saved will be put into making it mine...seat springs exhaust and tuning first...as parts are found...thanks!
modding potential is why we buy DRs. Unfortunately they can't be sold new in Australia any more because of a lack of mandated ABS as of end of 2022. I bought a very slightly used 2008 model in 2011 and was advised to do some trips before deciding what, and in what order, I wanted to change. That trip was a 7,000km ride (including lots of sand) to Australia's red centre from Sydney return, my baptism to off road adventure. My list of mods now, 12 years later are as follows: large exhaust pipe and 2002 GSXR750 muffler, TM40 pumper carb, bash plate, 17" road wheels/road tyres for suburban use and braided front line (this combination together with its relatively light weight makes it a very decent suburban stopper), rear spring and shock upgrade (ie my own shock recalibrated by a DR specialist) to suit my travelling weight, front guard aluminium stiffener, Ricoh intimidators for front forks, 22 litre Acerbic tank gives up to 400+ kms range, rear rack, side racks and soft bags, small deflector windscreen, heated grips, LED headlight, waterproof 12V heavy amp socket, and the usual precautionary fixes (NSU unit safety wired, rear upper chain guide removed, front sprocket seal), pivot pegs, BarkBuster hand guards. No doubt I'll edit and add to this. I have a KTM 790 Adventure for normal road touring with off road jaunts whenever possible but the DR I'd trust anywhere and it has a much lighter weight. I'll keep the DR650 forever. I have kept the standard bars. I've had no reason to change them to this point AND I've always been comfortable enough on the standard seat (I did 1100kms in a day on it once). The other thing, the main thing, I'd like to add is this. I would argue you'll bond more with your bike as a companion, friend even, when you take the time and thought to modify it yourself. Many people can plunk down a credit card for their latest fancy with all and any options added on by the dealer, but what incentive is there to keep it when the next big thing arrives? Just get out the card again - same old, same old.
Other than _maybe_ a slip on and associated minor carb tweaks, And the seat, I wouldn’t bother touching a single thing on the DR except the tires to match the terrain I’m riding on and maybe the handlebars. I’d _never_ bother changing the tank. Personally, I’m fine getting off the pig every hundred or so miles. The stock suspension is 100% fine if you get the sag and fluid wt dialed. No need to change the springs unless you’re huge or tiny. I’m neither. If you feel the need to try to make the dr into a lightweight trail bike, just get a drz400 and get on with it. And I suspect that after you’ve had it for a few years, you’ll feel the same.
Well done video. Thanks for publishing. Here are the upgrades on my 2017 DR. Some of these came with my bike and some I added. Procycle side racks. Procycle top rack. Mirrors are from Doubletake Pro Cycle Lower foot pegs. Acerbis 5.7 gallon tank. Acerbis bash guard Barkbuster Storm handguards Pro Grip 714 Rally hand grips. In line fuel filter. Warp9 handlebar risers Pro Taper handlebars. Cogent Dynamic Mojave rear shock Madstad windscreen Russell Day Long Saddle (yep that is not a typo!) Warp 9 Racing Starter Cap, Ball Bearing (no more squark noises) Procycle Brake Pedal Adjuster Bracket (puts the brake pedal where it needs to be) Procycle Remote Choke Cable Kit BST Runleader Digital Maintenance Tachometer Car Digital Voltmeter Gauge DC 12V, Waterproof LED Digital Display Voltmeter Magnetic drain plug Cogent fork springs .52 kg/mm Procycle Case Armor Plating for Engine Cases Mosko Moto Backcountry 35 panniers. PIAA thin line sports horns (helps move range free cows) JNS Engineering Case Saver with Sprocket Cover Parabellum Headlight Guard Warp 9 Inspection Time Engine Plug
@@rangeroadmoto It is a nice bike. I ride a lot of Forest Service roads in Idaho springs such as the IDBR. I have not upgraded the exhaust, carb or intake box. Happy with the power the bike has and don't want to screw up the works. 😁
Loved your video's on the DR650! Had one back in 2011. Sold it because I thought I was getting a bit old to be riding. Regretted that decision ever since! After watching your vid's, time to make amends. Will be sitting on a new DR within a month. Thank you!!!!
The upgrades to my DR650 include a heavy duty skid plate, Tusk Dsport tires, and a bright LED headlight. I think that's all. Everything else is stock. I actually like the seat, but the bars could be better but I really don't care, they work for me. My first DR650 was back in '05 and I loved it. The one I have now is a '21. I ride the bike in Colorado on 4x4 trails and single track, it's very capable, plenty of power, and easy to ride on gnarly, steep and rocky terrain with little effort. I find the suspension and gearing to work just fine for that type of terrain. When the day of riding is done, I get on the highway and ride back home, it's an excellent street bike as well.
Love your videos! The editing, filming, and general flow is top shelf! As a KLR owner always wondering if I should've gone down the DR rabbit hole.. this was fun to watch. Thank you!
@@rangeroadmoto Ive ridden a KLR that had a lotta mods, they are fun in a dumb ass sort of way, is what I thought. That huge whale of a tank, makes you sit well back on the bike, the forks have an angle like a chopper....so many parts are cheap pressed steel...........The DR is like a blank pallette, you just make it what you want it to be.
Damn dude that is a good deal! I kinda agree about buying a new one. Even most used ones where I live are getting priced so high it’s getting to the point where I would be looking at other bikes.
@@rangeroadmoto Indeed, the pigs are actually pretty good at the end of the day. I have owned a ton of motorcycles..I sold my 1st DR (1996) for like $1900...I regretted it as I bought a BMW GS1150 (too big) KTM450 (too much maintenance) Ducati Hypermotard 1100 (maintenance AND scared to drop it) KLR 650 (too heavy and underpowered) Yamaha 450 (too much horsepower and uncomfortable) so I am SUPER happy with the DR650. Its just PERFECT. I have other bikes to compensate for the above. Speed, Comfort and Maintenance..lol.
I've been thinking about buying an older ('91) DR650 off my brother, a kick start only model, and came across your videos. As a bigger guy with nearly 1,90m I finally felt like I sat on a bike that fit me, and this whole do everything ability of the bike is really growing on me. Your videos are amazing, extremely well put together and I enjoyed every single one I've watched so far! Keep it up!
You will learn to hate that kickstart at some point.............the early DR's, pre 96, actually weigh 50 lbs more, even with out the e-start..Very, very heavy bikes. Aftermarket parts for them dont much exist.
WE GOT A 2004 DR 650. THE REASON WE BOUGHT THIS BIKE .... THE UPGRADES !!!!! i enjoyed your video very much, watching what you did just solidified what we got. the upgrades are so similar, all the way to the racetech shock spring . however we have the led head lamp ,it even has a cooling fan to cool it, big plus, and an extended tusk shift lever. this also works well with boots. their are fun to ride and half the weight of other 650,s
I have 2 DR650s, a 2003 and 2013. They both have around 30K miles on them. What a hoot they are. I was going to park one in a storage unit out west, and fly out occasionally to ride different parts of the west Life got in the way. I still ride locally though.
@@rangeroadmoto ADVRider had a long-term ride report called "The Moebius Trip", or something similar. The people worked for the airlines and did that with their DR-Zs.
Ha, man I forgot I was subscribed to you, not exactly a consistent content drop, but love the content when you do. My DR set up B&B offroad after markets Front sprocket case saver Oil cooler guard Rear luggage plate and carry rack Front fender brace Swing arm chain guard Tail tidy Frame guard Engine case protectors All except the last item is powder coated black. LED headlight ( can’t remember the brand ). ODI handlebars ( yes, I never heard of the brand too, but they were cheaper and as sturdy ) FFRC ( Australian company ) suspension upgrade Delkavic full exhaust system Pannier rack Sargent seat Pivot pegz Peg lowering kit Acerbis 20 litre tank ( grey ) Bajarworx ( dark tint ) windshield Barkbusters The bike is a 2019 Model in grey, bought 2nd hand with 507km on the clock. With every after market in black and grey it looks awesome. Edit; it’s rejetted and drilled another hole in the air box too. Pretty standard.
haha thanks man! I am still around, maybe watching too much TH-cam instead of posting on TH-cam. That sounds like a sweet bike you got! I am assuming that's the same ODI that makes the grips? I always ran ODI longneck grips on my BMX's and I have a set of their grips on my DR. Thanks for the comment and watching the video!
@@rangeroadmoto tell me about it, I’ve a seperate channel where I do a newsroom satire. Writing, filming, editing. Hard to do when you come home from work and just wanna sit down and have a🍺 relax and maybe play the ps5. I don’t even put half the effort you do, by the looks. A green screen and a bat skull mask is about as far as I go. 🤣 yea looks as though it’s the same company as the grips.
I've ridden over 40 years, desert raced and enduro's. Rode and won on street legal modified xr 600's and 650r. Switched to ktm 525's in 06. I still have one but now my favorite bike for mountain and desert riders, believe it or not, is my 2019 dr 650. It's more fun and comfortable than my ktm 690. Started with a seat concepts seat and full fmf exhaust. Installed a fcr pumper 41mm carb with 170 main and 48 pilot. Now the engine has no hiccups and makes full power whenever you need it. Also opened up the airbox. For me the suspension was not even close so I put on 99 rm 250 usd forks and a revalved 89 cr 500 shock. Making the shock fit was the hardest part. I changed out the headlight for a light ktm unit along with a ktm front fender. Both in black. It saves weight and the fender is not floppy. Also took off the rear inner fender and stock taillight for a small universal led unit. Got rid of the steel tank for an acerbis 5.3 gallon and put pro taper bars with a 2 inch riser. I can carry a passenger comfortably down mountain trails now. This bike feels totally different from stock, it rivals some of the best bikes I've ridden. For what they cost, you can get one cheap and have a blast making it better with some of the best results I've seen once finished.
Thanks for the comment Scott! Sounds like you definitely know your way around a bike, especially the DR. I am curious about the 690, after recently riding one for the second time I thought it pretty awesome. Comfort definitely a downside for sure. But other than what do you prefer about the 650? Did you have issues with the 690? Thanks for watching the video btw.
@@rangeroadmoto one major issue I had was the fuel injector would clog up leaving me to limp home. I ride a lot of miles in a day and put my bikes through a lot, but maintain them well and the fuel injector issue I had with my 690 would make me leave that bike at home when I go out of state to ride or on long trips. It would flame out a lot when it started getting clogged then loose power. I put on extra fuel filters and cleaned the injector every few weeks, but it would still let me down. I also did not like the frame, it limits your steering lock to lock in a tight situation. I put different forks on it and lighter oil in the rear shock, but the bike had a harsh feel I could never get rid of. I think it is in the rear linkage, or possibly in the frame geometry. My 690 was an 09, and a friend has had 4 since, including 1 now. Whenever he is up he always would rather ride one of my bikes and wants me to fix his, but I still have not found a good way to make the 690 work for me. I love the power they are capable of making though, and they are a good Road bike. I wouldn't trade the suzuki for a 690 though. For the price difference you can make the suzuki a much better bike and still have spent several thousand less.
Thanks for the reply! That definitely echos some of what I’ve read about the 690. I think I need to try a tm40 on the DR, everyone keeps talking about how much of a game changer it is on that bike.
@@rangeroadmoto the fcr 41 I put on my bike was a game changer. The top end is the only area the 690 has it beat, and I think that is questionable. I haven't compared them back to back yet but I think the 650 is at an advantage having a carburetor. There is only so much you can do with fuel injection, and a pile of brass jets is a lot cheaper than a power comander, which is still limited. I'm going to bump up my compression on the 650 which is under 300 dollars. Once I do I'm pretty sure it will beat the 690 in every way. I have had more fun modifying the DR more than any other bike. It gives back better results than ant other bike I've had.
Amazing work on this video! Your DR looks killer. I agree on the D606's for sure. I'm getting tons of K's out of them. Really recommend the bigger front brake disc upgrade, makes the pig feel way safer and less locomotive like.
@@rangeroadmoto In their song 'zero', there's a lyric with cleanliness and godliness. As a non native English speaker, this was the first time I heard that line and thought it was odd, so it stuck. :) Nice song though, when you're 16. Edit; wrong song.
@@rangeroadmoto I bought it used with that muffler and a few of the mods already on it. It gives a nice sound when revved but idles quiet. Original comment edited to add a few mods I forgot.
Fun video!!! I know how much effort you put into it! And as a fellow frugal DR650 rider, I warn you that this post may potentially cost you more money. I've got my DR650 set up for touring and it's phenomenal for everything except busy/fast freeways. Beyond what you've already done, I would only suggest that you look into getting a larger front brake disc along with steel brake lines (makes a difference) and maybe looking into a pumper carb (made a massive difference in power). 🤙
Thank you! It was fun to make! Oh believe me I have been looking the tm40 pumper carbs since day one haha and fork swaps.. brakes could definitely use more stopping power. That’s a good idea! It’s really ever ending with these bikes. Thanks for watching!
Normally I keep my DR650's completely stock, engine-wise. But I think I'm going to get a pumper carb and a better pipe. I mean the bike runs great at high altitude for some reason, but not as well at lower altitude (I think it's way too lean).
I had a stock DR650, which I loved. Later I bought a DR650 with lots of bits on it - Tall comfy seat, bashplate, big tank, and a few other little bits. With the big tank and tall seat I really didn't like it - it made it really top-heavy and the reach to the ground was intimidating. I think I preferred my stock bike.
@@stevecrocker6904 yes, it was more top heavy with the big tank and the tall seat made it hard to reach the ground. That's why I preferred the stock bike.
Unreal video.. Intro was bad ass, collecting the parts was funny, and panning around the yellow backdrop with the measuring tape was a really cool visual. Probably the best content out of Alberta. Shout out from Calgary 🤙 Would you still recommend this over similar offerings? I'm not a fan of getting blown around on Deerfoot when riding the ktm500 but still want something I can hit trails with. Research leads me here.
Man thank you so much! That’s super nice to hear. So I actually just bought a 2013 ktm 500 exc. I have only put a couple thousand km’s on it so far. But the plan is to see how it does as a light weight adv bike. I was riding some gnarly (for me) single track the other day that I am pretty confident I would have turned back if I was on the Dr650, but the 500 was amazing off road. In one day I put over 600kms of off road and highway on the bike. I was dead when I got back. It wasn’t super windy that day but I am curious how much difference there is between the dr650 and the ktm in the wind. The 500 is definitely more vibraty. Especially in the feet. I have a seat concepts tall seat so the butt comfort is marginally different, just narrower than the 500. The power is night and say difference between the two that is for sure. I feel like at this point if I was going to get something bigger and more comfortable I would be aiming my sights at a 690 enduro R.
@rangeroadmoto majority of my KTM500 time was as a snowbike actually. I highly recommend getting a track kit for the winter 👌. For someone new to street riding the KTM500 was too tall and light for me to feel confident over 80km/hr (knobby tires probably didn't help) so I definitely want something with a lower center of gravity and a little more weight to build confidence in Calgary traffic. I think I'm gonna go with the DR650 because I can buy 2 for the price of a KTM690. Then I won't be afraid to push myself and drop it lol. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Maybe I'll see you out at the Wanderer event sometime in the future 👍
I bought a dr650 around christmas 2019, it needed a bunch of tlc and i adressed the ergomics of the bike. Rsw upper tripple clamp (strongly recommend, especially since it is the same price as risers) cr high fat bar, and foot lowered pegs. Rode it that way for 15,000 km at which point i did cogent ddc valves up front and revalved the shock and changed the springs, wow what a difference. Now another 13,000km later what a great bike it is. Unfortunately I discovered a crack in my frame yesterday so now its future is unclear.
Oh no! Thats the worst! Kind of odd because another DR owner was telling me about how his frame was cracked just the other day. Do you know how it happened?
@@rangeroadmoto im not sure but it may have happened when i cased a deep hole, however a section of the crack was rust so probably a long term fatigue thing. P.s. if you saw that on the ads forum. Thats me.
Beautiful! Cool to see the places we shared the same ideas for upgrades, and places we differed. I think it is better bars and pegs for me next! Keep up the good work!
I've put more money into upgrades than I paid for the bike (used). If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't do anything different, with exception to the seat. I'd go with the Seat Concepts seat instead of the Sargents seat that I have. In addition to the upgrades that most folks do, I added 4 accessory lights to the front, Steg Pegz (for the stand up game) and panier racks with Rotopax mounted on each side (yep, I have the 5.3 gal. tank too). Nice bike; good video.👍
Mine is almost identical to yours except I have flush mount turn signals (not the best idea tbh but they never break) and I have the Baja headlight. I also geared it down to 14/46 for unlimited torque, but its very slow on the road now.
I knew you'd decide to make changes eventually! It is only a matter of time before a box appears in your garage and your wallet becomes magically lighter. If it were me the next thing I'd reach for are some larger pegs. You don't realize it till you change em' but the DR's pegs are really small. If you want to change out your stock shock's valving to fit the spring feel free to reach out. I have shim stacks that worked good for the 8.0 and 8.3 springs. It's pretty cheap to do, ~$40 US for the shims and oil and whatever a nitrogen fill runs you in your area (usually $25-$40). Worst case scenario you go back in with all new wear components and those run you $70 or so extra. Still ends up being cheaper than buying a new drop-in unit. My DR got the sink thrown at it when I pulled it apart for a rebuild at 24K. Rides like a dream now. JE High Compression Pistion (If I did it again I'd just do the 790 kit) Procycle Muffler Weld-in Frame Reinforcements Powdercoated the frame gloss black TM-40 I got from Ebay and setup with the procycle kit DSA Body Kit in Blue Acerbis 5.3 Seat Concepts Tall JNS Down and Back Pegs & Skid Plate JNS LED Headlight Rox's Risers and Tusk CR-Mid bars Cogent Mojave Shock in the Rear and DDC's in the front with .63 springs Warp9 ADV Pegs Warp9 Wheels (18" in the back so I can run tubliss) Warp9 Levers
Wow that’s sounds like quite the Dr! I am curious about the frame reinforcements, I was riding a 690 enduro R and it felt so much more adjile. I know there are many many things that contribute to that but I wondered how much the modern trellace frame helped with that feeling. Just less flex.
@@rangeroadmoto The main section of the frame that cradles the engine is pretty strong. Not amazing but not anything that's worth attempting to fix. I focused on the subframe and area where the swingarm and subframe forces are concentrated and others had seen failures (left side). TLDR: I wanted to make sure the ass end didn't fall off. I definitely made it more rigid since I can now feel the slight hum of the chain through my seat every now and then. Suzuki took a lot of steps to make the DR's frame pretty limp. Lots of kinks and very few gussets and it makes me wonder what they were thinking about when making it. The DR's main frame flaw (and blessing) is being made of 1018 Mild Steel. Not something super strong or super light but we can weld on it ourselves. I used sections of 4130 tubing and 8mm 1018 rod for most of my stuff. Though I did all the cutting and fabbing, I paid a professional to weld it (though the pro got a kick out of being able to MIG it). Makes you wonder what a DR made out of chromoly would feel like. Probably 1K more expensive but stiffer and quite possibly stronger.
This is cool! I learned to ride on a DR650, it was uncomfortable and great. Also using gallons instead of litres to measure liquid while being Canadian is a sin.
I did all this plus got the ADV wheel set-up. That is, a fatter rear (150) and a 19" front (at 120 I think) -- That was expensive... and I feel made it look way better, added a fun factor for riding... but ultimately I compromised all it's off-road ability. In the end... although it gave me more smiles... once I got used to it, it just felt like it lost it's edge with those sumo style wheels. After 5 years I sold it. Now I ride a KTM 950sm... wish it was an SE, but whatever... I don't miss the DR as much as I loved her.
The 950 is an amazing bike! I’ve seen some sumo’d 650’s but never got the chance to ride one. The DRZ400sm does such a good job at it I would probably go that route. Thanks for watching!
I have not! But I would like to. They look like a blast. I was torn between the xr and the dr. Main reason I went with the Dr was the external boil cooler and less overheating issues, at least that’s what i read about them.
This has been on my watchlist for a while. Wow. I love the creativity that went into it. I chuckled a few times at your stock part analogies. And that transition on the spinner there to the frame of the bike, nicely done. What were you spinning it on? I’m still stunned by what a huge impact upgrading the suspension on my 500 exc had. You hear it all the time yet I hesitated for over a year to drop $500 on some coiled up bits of metal. When I finally accepted my bike was under sprung seeing it bottomed out in my photos and videos I took the plunge. The bike not only sticks to the ground where I ask it too, it also hops like a gazelle when I need to. I always thought I was just shitty at hopping drainage ditches but now I sail over them. I’m now going down the road of ECU remapping. The AUS map made a huge difference but I wanted to go to the outer limits and sent it away for a racing map. New pivot pegs went on this week and I’m eager to see what kind of an impact those have on my ride. I’d really like to try new bars but they’re pricy so right now I’m running 2” risers which seem to help. Yea it’s a rabbit hole for sure but man is it fun. I keep track of every mod and repair to my 2012 KTM 500 EXC for anyone interested: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158317185691007&type=3
It definitely is a rabbit hole! I will probably never own another off-road bike with at least swapping out springs for my weight. I did a video on the ktm500 if you haven’t seen it you should check it out. It’s got every mod you could ever do it on it.
This is a great video and it really highlights the uniqueness of this bike. The beauty of the big DR, like you alluded to, is it’s a “blank slate” …a great foundation upon which to build; IMHO, it’s greatest asset and biggest curse. As a new Bush Pig owner, you're inundated by all the "must do" mods ...and everyone will tell you they are all "must-do" mods. They're not. You need to critically evaluate them and do some research. However, there's *is* one *essential* mod; the Neutral Sending Unit ...which you didn't mention. For whatever reason, Suzuki either didn't use, or use enough of, thread locker on the small bolts holding the plastic neutral sensor to the case. Over time, the copious engine vibrations loosen these small bolts to the point they fall out and drop into the gearbox. End of story. This would be "job one" for any new owner of a pre-owned DR. Anything and everything after this is strictly optional. The DRRiders Forum is the online "go-to" for all things "Bush Pig"; it is 100% DR650 and a massive store of information to mine about the bike. So, you can make the bike just about whatever you want based on your intended riding style. The fact the bike has zero technology and is grandfathered into current emissions laws makes working on it easy. For US versions, the sum total of emissions is the fixed (non-adjustable) stock needle jet; score the Canadian needle and you get a proper adjustable needle jet. There’s a ton of aftermarket support for the bike. And therein lies the curse. Does your Bush Pig become nothing more than a “bling magnet” or are you able to make a plan, decide and do the upgrades you feel are suitable to adapt the bike to your riding intentions …and then stop. Quoting from your "swansong" video, when you made the decision to sell your DR; "I don't want peace, I want problems! Always!" Well, you can certainly have it that way but it doesn't *need* to be that way. Blindly doing mods because someone ...or everyone else ...says they're necessary (or, wants to sell you their swifty, keeno, neato jet kit that'll turn the Bush Pig into a Rocket Pig or whatever "sponsored" content is offering up) is a great way to make sure you don't get peace with your bike. Because if you can’t stop, always heeding the call of the latest “must do” TH-cam or Forum fad, then you’ll find yourself spending more and more money on a machine that will always be second class behind the more modern dual sport bikes (which are decidedly based on off-road machines). If you can decide your course, make the mods to attain it and maintain it, you’ll end up a long-term and happy Bush Pig owner. I had to laugh about your "adventure" with the exhaust system (and to some degree the carb). My'12 DR was already graced by the PO with a hideously loud SuperTrapp IDS2 Quiet(?) system poorly mated to an FMF Powerbomb header. I lived with and tweaked this cheezey combo for about a month. With two discs in the IDS2 I found the noise level acceptable. The header/mid-pipe joint I couldn't fix; the FMF pipe is designed to work with FMF silencers; the IDS2 mid-pipe diameter was smaller (same as stock head pipe). So much for a smooth exhaust flow. So I had to wonder how effective this ~ $800US mish-mash of parts was with regard to the stock exhaust setup ...I figured little to none. I reinstalled the stock system, which was included when I bought the bike, and couldn't have been happier. I noticed no drastic drop in power (which led me to believe I was right in my assumption) and I was able to reset the sketchy intake and carb jetting work; I bought the aforementioned adjustable needle jet and a stock 140 main jet and I listened to this relatively small voice from Motolab (not to be confused with Moto Lab). The needle was set one notch richer than the US fixed version. I closed up the drilled openings in the air filter side access panel on the airbox, removed the airbox snorkle (which the OP had strangely left in place) and the backfire screen. The idle mixture and idle speed were tweaked proper. Throttle response is excellent, the bike pulls hard, has that tractor-like torque and runs like a champ. My Bush Pig brings my 157 pound ass to 70mph about as fast as I care to have it moved, thank you. The moral of the story is you *don't* have to spend a small fortune on this bike to get improvements in performance and a lot can be done using the stock parts.
Hey thanks for the comment! And you are 100% correct about the NSU, I did address mine when I was replacing the clutch disks but definitely should have mentioned it in the video. But I suppose if people are watching my video they are probably watching lots of others and someone else will mention it.
Mike, and that the modifications can be done in virtually any order and when cash flow permits is another bonus. Buy something from your list of "to be done" when advertised cheaply and cross it off the list
Are you ever going to do other power mods? High compression piston, big bore kit (the 790cc interests me), stroker kit, hotcams, etc. Should definitely come back with another great video if you do any of that. Maybe a dirt race track review before and after? If you still have the bike that is.
@@rangeroadmoto For sure.. I do. All the exhaust, intake, jet, front suspension, bars, tires, lights, gas tank.. pretty happy were it's at now. Just right. Cheers man.
Amazing videos! I’m thinking about buy one. My only fear is the heat from the engine when it rides on the city. What are your thoughts about this? Cheers! From NZ.🙏👍💪
Thanks for the kind words! I wouldn’t worry about the engine over heating. I have ridden it in pretty hot conditions 37c (98f) in stop and go traffic and it was totally fine. It’s probably the coolest running bike I have ever owned. The factory external oil cooler was a big reason I chose the DR650 over the Honda xr650.
@@rangeroadmoto I just happened upon this again as I'm debating between this bike and the Tenere 700 which I have an opportunity to purchase. I just got done watching your other video about it. After having a chance to ride the Tenere 700, do you find yourself wanting one over your DR650? I fully built a DR650 in the past and miss it. But the T7 is the new shiny. I'm not ashamed to admit that making content on it would help me to grow my channel. The videos I did on the CRF300L have WAY more views than any of my others.
Have you upgraded your Dr650? Leave a comment and let me know what you did!
Also if you liked this video, check out my review of the stock Dr650 th-cam.com/video/6o60l1H2TXg/w-d-xo.html
this editing was an eye candy! I don't even own a DR650 it was worth the watch!
Thanks KS! You should try to get your hands on a dual sport and see how it feels. You’re living in dual sport heaven out there
You put a lot of effort into this. We thank you. Tremendous! Great looking result and bike
Hey thanks so much Steffan! Definitely took me a while that’s for sure
You might enjoy this feature length Film on what it is like to ride a motorcycle around Australia. th-cam.com/video/ep0gmY1d85s/w-d-xo.html
@@MysticBarefoot I'll check it out! Thanks
All bikes need some mods to a degree. I got the DR as I prefer the lightness compared to other bikes. I'm 60 with back problems so picking up a heavy bike would really bugger up my day. A very under rated bike the suzuki. Reliable, fixable, no stupid electronic crap to mess up your day out. I for 1 am happy with mine.
When I bought my DR I promised not to try to make a KTM out of it. Then I spent $3k on upgrades AND bought a Beta RR-S. Doh!
Best bang/buck: D606 / Scorpion Trail; Racetech Emulators and springs. Acerbis 5.3 tank, Sargent seat (not as nice as Concepts, but cheap.) ProTaper "Woods Low" bars.
Luxury items: GPR steering stabilizer/fat bar riser (makes knobbies safer on the street and helps stream crossings.) Racetech shock re-valve. Magura hydraulic clutch (ends frequent cable replacement.) Oxford heated grips with controller built into left grip.
The bike was "jetted" when I bought it, with 3 screen plugs in the airbox. It wouldn't rev until I put a stock main jet in it. Lots of bad advice WRT carbs on the internet, just leave it all alone.
When you understand jetting and get them right they will make you all giddy
After watching 3 of your videos I can also see you have improved a lot your driving skill 👍. I never comment on videos but yours are really easy to see and enjoy. Tks.
Thanks so much, really appreciate that. I am definitely a lot more comfortable off road now than I used to be
This video is phenomenal! Great cool shots like the turntable in low light. I too have wondered about all the money I put into my DR. I think ultimately what I came up with is that I wanted Japanese build quality for my motor and transmission. The DR650S and XR650L are the bikes still being produced in the old 80's Japanese style of build them strong, simple and reliable. The shortcoming is, building them that way also forgoes all the improvements of power, suspension and lightweight. All the mods are just an attempt to get closer to that side of the pie chart. I like owning a bike that has 3000 mile oil changes and can go 60000 miles before needing a rebuild. I can ride it in the dirt, and on the street too.
Thanks for the awesome video, hope you keep on making more.
Thanks for watching and the kind words! The turntable shot took some sketchy diy to make happen but I am pretty happy how it came out!
I agree, the Japanese big singles definitely have some charming characteristics. Simple, rugged, predictable and easy to maintain and work on.
I will definitely be making more videos! Thanks again for watching
Thanks for the video my friend. Bought a 2015 off a guy about 2 weeks ago with only 1500kms since new, Been stored for a while, I'm still running it in. He'd spent a lot of money on it but things got in the way and I made him an offer. Here we go with the upgrades he's done... It seems to get along Ok
Oxford hot grips, Renthal bars, Bark Busters. Ventura pack rack. BRB Bash plate.
Acerbis tank, 20 litre ( white ) , New seat professionally built. Enlarged and lowered footpegs. New muffler ( GSXR600 ?) . Aftermarket sidestand.
Airbox mod with Keihen carb replacing the original. All jetted and tuned Mitas tyres, offroad biased 80/20 road. Fuel filter and aftermarket fuel tap.
Fork upgrade, FFRC plex valves and progressive springs. Moose counter shaft sprocket cover.
New shock spring and FFRC piston and shim stack work done. Most receipts for the work done and I have the original parts as well.
Look forward to continuing to run it in and , there's my upgrade.
Mileage on the clock from today is 1703 kms.
I wonder whether these bikes will hold or, appreciate in value in the coming years. ?
Who cares...
I'll hang on to mine for now. Christchurch , New Zealand
Excellent motorcycles ! Enjoy. -Ohio 🇺🇸.
Cryptick: mate if they are no longer allowed in NZ (as in OZ) due to no ABS compliance there'll be no more new ones you won't lose any money. Keep it till you're too old to ride
My DR650 is all set up for me, about 4K over what I paid for the bike , it works great, for a DR.....Resale though? Buyers ignore or dont even know what the mods are. Mines an 03. It might be worth 2500. Maybe not....people simply dont realize a DR can run 100,000 miles.......a KTM 790 or 501......probably not going to run that long.
Bought a new 2024 DR650, I am an experienced 68 yr old trail rider. The stock DR650 shocked me for how good it was. The bike is just nearly perfect stock. My mods are a plastic skid plate, drill out fuel screw and add a washer to needle, and removed the snorkel that made the motor more powerful than my fully tweeked XR650L. My only other mod was to but washers on pegs to remove flex. Here is the controversial part, I love the seat, tank, bars, pegs, and tires. All you have to do to feel that way is ride my 2015 WR450R on pavement for 50 miles and you will love the DR as much as I do. In fairness I have way better trail bikes than DR so my goal was to do backroads and forest roads only and it works there great stock
Outstanding!
The production quality of this is through the roof! Amazing video 👍👍👍
Thanks David! Appreciate that!
The intro was fantastic. Respect for the work you put into this
Thank you Jay! That intro definitely took me some time to figure out but I think it turned out pretty good.
Awesome. I'm looking at a low miles 17 that is basically half price as new...I love to tinker so the money saved will be put into making it mine...seat springs exhaust and tuning first...as parts are found...thanks!
That’s a good way to do it! I think if you can find a good used DR it’s the best way to go!
Upgrading and customizing is half the fun! I love my DR.
It sure is!
modding potential is why we buy DRs. Unfortunately they can't be sold new in Australia any more because of a lack of mandated ABS as of end of 2022.
I bought a very slightly used 2008 model in 2011 and was advised to do some trips before deciding what, and in what order, I wanted to change. That trip was a 7,000km ride (including lots of sand) to Australia's red centre from Sydney return, my baptism to off road adventure. My list of mods now, 12 years later are as follows:
large exhaust pipe and 2002 GSXR750 muffler, TM40 pumper carb, bash plate, 17" road wheels/road tyres for suburban use and braided front line (this combination together with its relatively light weight makes it a very decent suburban stopper), rear spring and shock upgrade (ie my own shock recalibrated by a DR specialist) to suit my travelling weight, front guard aluminium stiffener, Ricoh intimidators for front forks, 22 litre Acerbic tank gives up to 400+ kms range, rear rack, side racks and soft bags, small deflector windscreen, heated grips, LED headlight, waterproof 12V heavy amp socket, and the usual precautionary fixes (NSU unit safety wired, rear upper chain guide removed, front sprocket seal), pivot pegs, BarkBuster hand guards. No doubt I'll edit and add to this.
I have a KTM 790 Adventure for normal road touring with off road jaunts whenever possible but the DR I'd trust anywhere and it has a much lighter weight. I'll keep the DR650 forever.
I have kept the standard bars. I've had no reason to change them to this point AND I've always been comfortable enough on the standard seat (I did 1100kms in a day on it once).
The other thing, the main thing, I'd like to add is this. I would argue you'll bond more with your bike as a companion, friend even, when you take the time and thought to modify it yourself. Many people can plunk down a credit card for their latest fancy with all and any options added on by the dealer, but what incentive is there to keep it when the next big thing arrives? Just get out the card again - same old, same old.
Other than _maybe_ a slip on and associated minor carb tweaks,
And the seat, I wouldn’t bother touching a single thing on the DR except the tires to match the terrain I’m riding on and maybe the handlebars. I’d _never_ bother changing the tank. Personally, I’m fine getting off the pig every hundred or so miles. The stock suspension is 100% fine if you get the sag and fluid wt dialed. No need to change the springs unless you’re huge or tiny. I’m neither. If you feel the need to try to make the dr into a lightweight trail bike, just get a drz400 and get on with it.
And I suspect that after you’ve had it for a few years, you’ll feel the same.
Well done video. Thanks for publishing.
Here are the upgrades on my 2017 DR. Some of these came with my bike and some I added.
Procycle side racks.
Procycle top rack.
Mirrors are from Doubletake
Pro Cycle Lower foot pegs.
Acerbis 5.7 gallon tank.
Acerbis bash guard
Barkbuster Storm handguards
Pro Grip 714 Rally hand grips.
In line fuel filter.
Warp9 handlebar risers
Pro Taper handlebars.
Cogent Dynamic Mojave rear shock
Madstad windscreen
Russell Day Long Saddle (yep that is not a typo!)
Warp 9 Racing Starter Cap, Ball Bearing (no more squark noises)
Procycle Brake Pedal Adjuster Bracket (puts the brake pedal where it needs to be)
Procycle Remote Choke Cable Kit BST
Runleader Digital Maintenance Tachometer
Car Digital Voltmeter Gauge DC 12V, Waterproof LED Digital Display Voltmeter
Magnetic drain plug
Cogent fork springs .52 kg/mm
Procycle Case Armor Plating for Engine Cases
Mosko Moto Backcountry 35 panniers.
PIAA thin line sports horns (helps move range free cows)
JNS Engineering Case Saver with Sprocket Cover
Parabellum Headlight Guard
Warp 9 Inspection Time Engine Plug
Thanks for the kind words Jim!
That sounds like an amazing bike! I bet it rides awesome and will take you anywhere you want to go.
Thanks for sharing!
@@rangeroadmoto
It is a nice bike. I ride a lot of Forest Service roads in Idaho springs such as the IDBR.
I have not upgraded the exhaust, carb or intake box. Happy with the power the bike has and don't want to screw up the works. 😁
You’ve won me over. Love your editing and jokes, and educational! Wow!
Thank you so much!
Loved your video's on the DR650! Had one back in 2011. Sold it because I thought I was getting a bit old to be riding. Regretted that decision ever since! After watching your vid's, time to make amends. Will be sitting on a new DR within a month. Thank you!!!!
That’s awesome! And encouraging to see there isn’t really any age that’s too old for riding! Hope you have a blast on the DR, thanks for watching.
lovely lighting and photography.
Many thanks!
The upgrades to my DR650 include a heavy duty skid plate, Tusk Dsport tires, and a bright LED headlight. I think that's all. Everything else is stock. I actually like the seat, but the bars could be better but I really don't care, they work for me. My first DR650 was back in '05 and I loved it. The one I have now is a '21. I ride the bike in Colorado on 4x4 trails and single track, it's very capable, plenty of power, and easy to ride on gnarly, steep and rocky terrain with little effort. I find the suspension and gearing to work just fine for that type of terrain. When the day of riding is done, I get on the highway and ride back home, it's an excellent street bike as well.
How do you like the Tusk tires?
like you, I actually get on well with the stock seat. And the standard bars aren't bad enough to change them
A great video on my favorite subject. Thanks! Haven´t modded my DR yet but I will.
Thanks so much! It definitely is a fun subject
Cool man. I’ve been watching videos every night on dr builds for like 2 weeks.😂 this is what I’m doing when I find one.
Do not stop making videos, you are truly great at it !
Thank you my dude! I have been away a bit but I am working on a new one as we speak!
Nice, I am eager to see it !
I needed this in my life currently. Thank you so much for this. Outstanding
Hey thank you for watching!
This was fantastic, I loved the creative approach! Great video and I’m glad to hear of your experience after modifying your DR.
Great job on the video and the DR. For the money these bikes can't be beat...super simple and reliable.
Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for watching 🙂
This is one of the greatest videos I've watched lately! So good!!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Love your videos! The editing, filming, and general flow is top shelf!
As a KLR owner always wondering if I should've gone down the DR rabbit hole.. this was fun to watch. Thank you!
Thank you! Before I bought the Dr, I was looking at KLR’s and XR’s.. they are all awesome bikes. Just slightly different depending on how you ride
@@rangeroadmoto Ive ridden a KLR that had a lotta mods, they are fun in a dumb ass sort of way, is what I thought. That huge whale of a tank, makes you sit well back on the bike, the forks have an angle like a chopper....so many parts are cheap pressed steel...........The DR is like a blank pallette, you just make it what you want it to be.
I LOVE how that bike sounds! Almost like a deep throated two stroke, absolutely beautiful!
Yeah! That procycle exhaust really made it sound a whole lot better
Picked up a used 2009 DR650 for $1200 running and stock. Thats when its worth it. When you buy them new....its a toss up. Thanks for the vid!
Damn dude that is a good deal! I kinda agree about buying a new one. Even most used ones where I live are getting priced so high it’s getting to the point where I would be looking at other bikes.
@@rangeroadmoto Indeed, the pigs are actually pretty good at the end of the day. I have owned a ton of motorcycles..I sold my 1st DR (1996) for like $1900...I regretted it as I bought a BMW GS1150 (too big) KTM450 (too much maintenance) Ducati Hypermotard 1100 (maintenance AND scared to drop it) KLR 650 (too heavy and underpowered) Yamaha 450 (too much horsepower and uncomfortable) so I am SUPER happy with the DR650. Its just PERFECT. I have other bikes to compensate for the above. Speed, Comfort and Maintenance..lol.
Your videos are great! The number of subscribers you have should be criminal. Can't wait to see your channel grow!
Hey thanks Josh! That’s nice to hear man! Thanks for watching
I've been thinking about buying an older ('91) DR650 off my brother, a kick start only model, and came across your videos. As a bigger guy with nearly 1,90m I finally felt like I sat on a bike that fit me, and this whole do everything ability of the bike is really growing on me. Your videos are amazing, extremely well put together and I enjoyed every single one I've watched so far! Keep it up!
You will learn to hate that kickstart at some point.............the early DR's, pre 96, actually weigh 50 lbs more, even with out the e-start..Very, very heavy bikes. Aftermarket parts for them dont much exist.
hmm, I'd consider the electric start later models
That intro was so sweet bike looks sick spinning
Thanks! It was massively sketchy to get it to do that ahaha
WE GOT A 2004 DR 650. THE REASON WE BOUGHT THIS BIKE .... THE UPGRADES !!!!! i enjoyed your video very much, watching what you did just solidified what we got. the upgrades are so similar, all the way to the racetech shock spring . however we have the led head lamp ,it even has a cooling fan to cool it, big plus, and an extended tusk shift lever. this also works well with boots. their are fun to ride and half the weight of other 650,s
Hey thanks for watching! I also got an LED headlight, sounds like a similar model to the one you got.
They definitely are fun!
I have 2 DR650s, a 2003 and 2013. They both have around 30K miles on them. What a hoot they are. I was going to park one in a storage unit out west, and fly out occasionally to ride different parts of the west Life got in the way. I still ride locally though.
Man that would be the way to do it, I really like that idea
@@rangeroadmoto ADVRider had a long-term ride report called "The Moebius Trip", or something similar. The people worked for the airlines and did that with their DR-Zs.
Ha, man I forgot I was subscribed to you, not exactly a consistent content drop, but love the content when you do.
My DR set up
B&B offroad after markets
Front sprocket case saver
Oil cooler guard
Rear luggage plate and carry rack
Front fender brace
Swing arm chain guard
Tail tidy
Frame guard
Engine case protectors
All except the last item is powder coated black.
LED headlight ( can’t remember the brand ).
ODI handlebars ( yes, I never heard of the brand too, but they were cheaper and as sturdy )
FFRC ( Australian company ) suspension upgrade
Delkavic full exhaust system
Pannier rack
Sargent seat
Pivot pegz
Peg lowering kit
Acerbis 20 litre tank ( grey )
Bajarworx ( dark tint ) windshield
Barkbusters
The bike is a 2019 Model in grey, bought 2nd hand with 507km on the clock.
With every after market in black and grey it looks awesome.
Edit; it’s rejetted and drilled another hole in the air box too. Pretty standard.
haha thanks man! I am still around, maybe watching too much TH-cam instead of posting on TH-cam.
That sounds like a sweet bike you got! I am assuming that's the same ODI that makes the grips? I always ran ODI longneck grips on my BMX's and I have a set of their grips on my DR.
Thanks for the comment and watching the video!
@@rangeroadmoto tell me about it, I’ve a seperate channel where I do a newsroom satire.
Writing, filming, editing. Hard to do when you come home from work and just wanna sit down and have a🍺 relax and maybe play the ps5.
I don’t even put half the effort you do, by the looks. A green screen and a bat skull mask is about as far as I go. 🤣
yea looks as though it’s the same company as the grips.
Yeah that’s for sure! But it’s good fun when you get something done
@@rangeroadmoto agreed. It’s like you’ve put a little bit of yourself out there and it’s fun/interesting seeing how people interact with it.
A feast for the eyes, ears and head. Excellent. Now subscribed.
Thank you Eric! I’m glad you enjoyed it
I bought mine upgraded with everything. Its incredible.
That’s awesome! They are pretty awesome when they are upgraded
I've ridden over 40 years, desert raced and enduro's. Rode and won on street legal modified xr 600's and 650r. Switched to ktm 525's in 06. I still have one but now my favorite bike for mountain and desert riders, believe it or not, is my 2019 dr 650. It's more fun and comfortable than my ktm 690. Started with a seat concepts seat and full fmf exhaust. Installed a fcr pumper 41mm carb with 170 main and 48 pilot. Now the engine has no hiccups and makes full power whenever you need it. Also opened up the airbox. For me the suspension was not even close so I put on 99 rm 250 usd forks and a revalved 89 cr 500 shock. Making the shock fit was the hardest part. I changed out the headlight for a light ktm unit along with a ktm front fender. Both in black. It saves weight and the fender is not floppy. Also took off the rear inner fender and stock taillight for a small universal led unit. Got rid of the steel tank for an acerbis 5.3 gallon and put pro taper bars with a 2 inch riser. I can carry a passenger comfortably down mountain trails now. This bike feels totally different from stock, it rivals some of the best bikes I've ridden. For what they cost, you can get one cheap and have a blast making it better with some of the best results I've seen once finished.
Thanks for the comment Scott! Sounds like you definitely know your way around a bike, especially the DR.
I am curious about the 690, after recently riding one for the second time I thought it pretty awesome. Comfort definitely a downside for sure. But other than what do you prefer about the 650? Did you have issues with the 690?
Thanks for watching the video btw.
@@rangeroadmoto one major issue I had was the fuel injector would clog up leaving me to limp home. I ride a lot of miles in a day and put my bikes through a lot, but maintain them well and the fuel injector issue I had with my 690 would make me leave that bike at home when I go out of state to ride or on long trips. It would flame out a lot when it started getting clogged then loose power. I put on extra fuel filters and cleaned the injector every few weeks, but it would still let me down. I also did not like the frame, it limits your steering lock to lock in a tight situation. I put different forks on it and lighter oil in the rear shock, but the bike had a harsh feel I could never get rid of. I think it is in the rear linkage, or possibly in the frame geometry. My 690 was an 09, and a friend has had 4 since, including 1 now. Whenever he is up he always would rather ride one of my bikes and wants me to fix his, but I still have not found a good way to make the 690 work for me. I love the power they are capable of making though, and they are a good Road bike. I wouldn't trade the suzuki for a 690 though. For the price difference you can make the suzuki a much better bike and still have spent several thousand less.
Thanks for the reply! That definitely echos some of what I’ve read about the 690.
I think I need to try a tm40 on the DR, everyone keeps talking about how much of a game changer it is on that bike.
@@rangeroadmoto the fcr 41 I put on my bike was a game changer. The top end is the only area the 690 has it beat, and I think that is questionable. I haven't compared them back to back yet but I think the 650 is at an advantage having a carburetor. There is only so much you can do with fuel injection, and a pile of brass jets is a lot cheaper than a power comander, which is still limited. I'm going to bump up my compression on the 650 which is under 300 dollars. Once I do I'm pretty sure it will beat the 690 in every way. I have had more fun modifying the DR more than any other bike. It gives back better results than ant other bike I've had.
Wow that’s pretty impressive. I’ve never ridden a properly set up DR with different carb. Is there a reason you went with the fcr41 over the tm40?
Amazing work on this video! Your DR looks killer. I agree on the D606's for sure. I'm getting tons of K's out of them. Really recommend the bigger front brake disc upgrade, makes the pig feel way safer and less locomotive like.
Thank you! Yeah I was pretty happy with them too! Might try Motoz next, been hearing good things.
Braided stainless brake hoses have been enough for my brakes.
@@RKmndo Same.
This was a surprisingly high quality video!
I’m glad you enjoyed!
Thanks man, now I'm having smashing pumpkins flashbacks. Great video!
Why’s that??
@@rangeroadmoto In their song 'zero', there's a lyric with cleanliness and godliness. As a non native English speaker, this was the first time I heard that line and thought it was odd, so it stuck. :) Nice song though, when you're 16.
Edit; wrong song.
Oh ok! That makes sense. I get what you’re saying
That intro was insane!
Thanks man! That one took a lot of effort and trial and error
Great content! Agreed, as my DR650 is an instant smile inducer.
Mods on mine:
Lynx Fairing by Brittania Composites
5.3g Acerbis fuel tank
TM40 Pumper Carb
Two-Brothers Exhaust
Seat-Concepts seat
TKC80 tires
Tail-tidy brake light
Yoshimura turn signals
Bark busters (Acerbis?)
Tail cargo rack
Tusk Excursion saddlebags
Front fender (Acerbis)
Thanks Marcus! That sounds like a sweet bike. I'll have to check out two brothers exhaust, I have never heard of that company before.
@@rangeroadmoto I bought it used with that muffler and a few of the mods already on it. It gives a nice sound when revved but idles quiet. Original comment edited to add a few mods I forgot.
well done video with some great humor thrown in. Thumbs up.
Thanks for watching!
The into was amazing!!! Nice work man!!
Thank you!
Great presentation with good content.. great work
Thanks for watching!
Wicked video thanks for taking the time to make this video
Thanks for watching!
Fun video!!! I know how much effort you put into it! And as a fellow frugal DR650 rider, I warn you that this post may potentially cost you more money.
I've got my DR650 set up for touring and it's phenomenal for everything except busy/fast freeways. Beyond what you've already done, I would only suggest that you look into getting a larger front brake disc along with steel brake lines (makes a difference) and maybe looking into a pumper carb (made a massive difference in power). 🤙
Thank you! It was fun to make!
Oh believe me I have been looking the tm40 pumper carbs since day one haha and fork swaps.. brakes could definitely use more stopping power. That’s a good idea! It’s really ever ending with these bikes.
Thanks for watching!
Normally I keep my DR650's completely stock, engine-wise. But I think I'm going to get a pumper carb and a better pipe. I mean the bike runs great at high altitude for some reason, but not as well at lower altitude (I think it's way too lean).
First thing I changed was front sprocket 14t
Pretty nice...I want to do exactly that...not too much but my focus is off road and you hit the mark!
It worked great for me!
Looks great with the Berg front fender!
Yeah I agree. I prefer it over the stock.
I had a stock DR650, which I loved. Later I bought a DR650 with lots of bits on it - Tall comfy seat, bashplate, big tank, and a few other little bits. With the big tank and tall seat I really didn't like it - it made it really top-heavy and the reach to the ground was intimidating. I think I preferred my stock bike.
I’m sure you could find someone that would happily trade you your aftermarket parts for their stock parts haha.
@@rangeroadmoto LOL - Sold it ages ago. Riding an Africa Twin now.
@@actstuntcam : isn't that taller in the seat as well as much, much heavier?
@@stevecrocker6904 yes, it was more top heavy with the big tank and the tall seat made it hard to reach the ground. That's why I preferred the stock bike.
Great vid mate. Slowly adding all the bits and pieces to my DR.
That’s the best way to do it! Thanks for watching
Your videos are just amazing. Really nice work, you deserve much more. Congrats!
Thank you Francisco! That’s really nice of you to say.
Unreal video.. Intro was bad ass, collecting the parts was funny, and panning around the yellow backdrop with the measuring tape was a really cool visual. Probably the best content out of Alberta. Shout out from Calgary 🤙
Would you still recommend this over similar offerings? I'm not a fan of getting blown around on Deerfoot when riding the ktm500 but still want something I can hit trails with. Research leads me here.
Man thank you so much! That’s super nice to hear.
So I actually just bought a 2013 ktm 500 exc. I have only put a couple thousand km’s on it so far. But the plan is to see how it does as a light weight adv bike.
I was riding some gnarly (for me) single track the other day that I am pretty confident I would have turned back if I was on the Dr650, but the 500 was amazing off road. In one day I put over 600kms of off road and highway on the bike. I was dead when I got back. It wasn’t super windy that day but I am curious how much difference there is between the dr650 and the ktm in the wind.
The 500 is definitely more vibraty. Especially in the feet. I have a seat concepts tall seat so the butt comfort is marginally different, just narrower than the 500.
The power is night and say difference between the two that is for sure.
I feel like at this point if I was going to get something bigger and more comfortable I would be aiming my sights at a 690 enduro R.
@rangeroadmoto majority of my KTM500 time was as a snowbike actually. I highly recommend getting a track kit for the winter 👌. For someone new to street riding the KTM500 was too tall and light for me to feel confident over 80km/hr (knobby tires probably didn't help) so I definitely want something with a lower center of gravity and a little more weight to build confidence in Calgary traffic. I think I'm gonna go with the DR650 because I can buy 2 for the price of a KTM690. Then I won't be afraid to push myself and drop it lol. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Maybe I'll see you out at the Wanderer event sometime in the future 👍
I bought a dr650 around christmas 2019, it needed a bunch of tlc and i adressed the ergomics of the bike. Rsw upper tripple clamp (strongly recommend, especially since it is the same price as risers) cr high fat bar, and foot lowered pegs. Rode it that way for 15,000 km at which point i did cogent ddc valves up front and revalved the shock and changed the springs, wow what a difference. Now another 13,000km later what a great bike it is. Unfortunately I discovered a crack in my frame yesterday so now its future is unclear.
Oh no! Thats the worst! Kind of odd because another DR owner was telling me about how his frame was cracked just the other day. Do you know how it happened?
@@rangeroadmoto im not sure but it may have happened when i cased a deep hole, however a section of the crack was rust so probably a long term fatigue thing.
P.s. if you saw that on the ads forum. Thats me.
Have no fear tis welded back up just dandy. What are you replacing the dr with?
I love your cheesy creativity.
Well thank you James! The world could always use more cheese
Beautiful!
Cool to see the places we shared the same ideas for upgrades, and places we differed.
I think it is better bars and pegs for me next!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Cinnamanster!
Best do it all dual sport for the money. Quality video production.
It is great! Thanks for watching
Great production.
Thanks!
I've put more money into upgrades than I paid for the bike (used). If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't do anything different, with exception to the seat. I'd go with the Seat Concepts seat instead of the Sargents seat that I have. In addition to the upgrades that most folks do, I added 4 accessory lights to the front, Steg Pegz (for the stand up game) and panier racks with Rotopax mounted on each side (yep, I have the 5.3 gal. tank too). Nice bike; good video.👍
sounds and looks good
Excellent vid mate. Really enjoyed it .well done👍👍
Hey thanks for the kind words! And thanks for watching
Mine is almost identical to yours except I have flush mount turn signals (not the best idea tbh but they never break) and I have the Baja headlight. I also geared it down to 14/46 for unlimited torque, but its very slow on the road now.
That sounds awesome! They are so fun once upgraded.
That sounds awesome! They are so fun once upgraded.
😭😭😭😭 I need a bush pig in my life! ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍 Great video and great looking piggy!
Thanks! You should get one!
@@rangeroadmoto coming soon! I'm selling my street bike and an old ATC.
I bought my DR for $4500. Spent like $1200 on all the usual upgrades. Wouldn't trade it for any of the new middle weight adv bikes.
I knew you'd decide to make changes eventually! It is only a matter of time before a box appears in your garage and your wallet becomes magically lighter. If it were me the next thing I'd reach for are some larger pegs. You don't realize it till you change em' but the DR's pegs are really small. If you want to change out your stock shock's valving to fit the spring feel free to reach out. I have shim stacks that worked good for the 8.0 and 8.3 springs. It's pretty cheap to do, ~$40 US for the shims and oil and whatever a nitrogen fill runs you in your area (usually $25-$40). Worst case scenario you go back in with all new wear components and those run you $70 or so extra. Still ends up being cheaper than buying a new drop-in unit.
My DR got the sink thrown at it when I pulled it apart for a rebuild at 24K. Rides like a dream now.
JE High Compression Pistion (If I did it again I'd just do the 790 kit)
Procycle Muffler
Weld-in Frame Reinforcements
Powdercoated the frame gloss black
TM-40 I got from Ebay and setup with the procycle kit
DSA Body Kit in Blue
Acerbis 5.3
Seat Concepts Tall
JNS Down and Back Pegs & Skid Plate
JNS LED Headlight
Rox's Risers and Tusk CR-Mid bars
Cogent Mojave Shock in the Rear and DDC's in the front with .63 springs
Warp9 ADV Pegs
Warp9 Wheels (18" in the back so I can run tubliss)
Warp9 Levers
Wow that’s sounds like quite the Dr!
I am curious about the frame reinforcements, I was riding a 690 enduro R and it felt so much more adjile. I know there are many many things that contribute to that but I wondered how much the modern trellace frame helped with that feeling. Just less flex.
@@rangeroadmoto The main section of the frame that cradles the engine is pretty strong. Not amazing but not anything that's worth attempting to fix. I focused on the subframe and area where the swingarm and subframe forces are concentrated and others had seen failures (left side). TLDR: I wanted to make sure the ass end didn't fall off.
I definitely made it more rigid since I can now feel the slight hum of the chain through my seat every now and then. Suzuki took a lot of steps to make the DR's frame pretty limp. Lots of kinks and very few gussets and it makes me wonder what they were thinking about when making it.
The DR's main frame flaw (and blessing) is being made of 1018 Mild Steel. Not something super strong or super light but we can weld on it ourselves. I used sections of 4130 tubing and 8mm 1018 rod for most of my stuff. Though I did all the cutting and fabbing, I paid a professional to weld it (though the pro got a kick out of being able to MIG it).
Makes you wonder what a DR made out of chromoly would feel like. Probably 1K more expensive but stiffer and quite possibly stronger.
I'll really appreciate your efforts and feedback. I've been fighting in my head on what I want.
Glad I could help! Everyone’s opinions are different on modifications and you might value some things more than myself but they worked well for me
Love the channel guys!
Thanks so much Lars!
This is cool! I learned to ride on a DR650, it was uncomfortable and great.
Also using gallons instead of litres to measure liquid while being Canadian is a sin.
Hahah I love that. I should have put a Canadian translation in there. If Miles are freedom units what are litres to Canadians!
“3700 Freedom Units” 😂😂😂😂
Subscribed!
😬😬😬 ahahha
I did all this plus got the ADV wheel set-up. That is, a fatter rear (150) and a 19" front (at 120 I think) -- That was expensive... and I feel made it look way better, added a fun factor for riding... but ultimately I compromised all it's off-road ability. In the end... although it gave me more smiles... once I got used to it, it just felt like it lost it's edge with those sumo style wheels. After 5 years I sold it. Now I ride a KTM 950sm... wish it was an SE, but whatever... I don't miss the DR as much as I loved her.
The 950 is an amazing bike! I’ve seen some sumo’d 650’s but never got the chance to ride one. The DRZ400sm does such a good job at it I would probably go that route.
Thanks for watching!
Range Road Moto
Can you please give us a list of the exact parts that you put on in the description? Also will all these fit the DR 650SE?
Absolutely love it, those trails look like a blast I need to bring the drz out there next summer for sure
Thanks Logan! You really do. We can make a drz vs dr video
Good stuff! Have you ever road an xr650l?
I have not! But I would like to. They look like a blast. I was torn between the xr and the dr. Main reason I went with the Dr was the external boil cooler and less overheating issues, at least that’s what i read about them.
Terrific video. Really enjoyed it! Love my 2020 DR.
Thanks for watching! That’s awesome, did you get that gun metal grey colour?
Yes. Love the gray.
Dunlop 606 130 rear Pirelli MT 21 front For me best on road and off road , have done 84 thousand kilometres and have tried many options
You’ve done 84,000km on your DR??
That must be like 40 d606 tires haha
Wonderfully edited video. Well done
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
very nice build!
Thank you!
thanks for this video it's great I'm about to want to make those improvements but I don't know if I should change the shock
Thanks for watching! Upgrading the suspension was the best place I spent money on the Dr650
looks really fantastic
Thanks!
Great Vid! And a cool look at a fun hidden little local riding spot! did you find the old car?
Haha! I did yes
Love Suzuki motorcycles! Can't go wrong 👌.
It was always good to me!
Excellent video!
Thanks for posting amigo!!
Thanks for watching !
This has been on my watchlist for a while. Wow. I love the creativity that went into it. I chuckled a few times at your stock part analogies. And that transition on the spinner there to the frame of the bike, nicely done. What were you spinning it on?
I’m still stunned by what a huge impact upgrading the suspension on my 500 exc had. You hear it all the time yet I hesitated for over a year to drop $500 on some coiled up bits of metal. When I finally accepted my bike was under sprung seeing it bottomed out in my photos and videos I took the plunge.
The bike not only sticks to the ground where I ask it too, it also hops like a gazelle when I need to. I always thought I was just shitty at hopping drainage ditches but now I sail over them.
I’m now going down the road of ECU remapping. The AUS map made a huge difference but I wanted to go to the outer limits and sent it away for a racing map.
New pivot pegs went on this week and I’m eager to see what kind of an impact those have on my ride.
I’d really like to try new bars but they’re pricy so right now I’m running 2” risers which seem to help.
Yea it’s a rabbit hole for sure but man is it fun. I keep track of every mod and repair to my 2012 KTM 500 EXC for anyone interested:
facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158317185691007&type=3
It definitely is a rabbit hole! I will probably never own another off-road bike with at least swapping out springs for my weight.
I did a video on the ktm500 if you haven’t seen it you should check it out. It’s got every mod you could ever do it on it.
This is a great video and it really highlights the uniqueness of this bike. The beauty of the big DR, like you alluded to, is it’s a “blank slate” …a great foundation upon which to build; IMHO, it’s greatest asset and biggest curse. As a new Bush Pig owner, you're inundated by all the "must do" mods ...and everyone will tell you they are all "must-do" mods. They're not. You need to critically evaluate them and do some research. However, there's *is* one *essential* mod; the Neutral Sending Unit ...which you didn't mention. For whatever reason, Suzuki either didn't use, or use enough of, thread locker on the small bolts holding the plastic neutral sensor to the case. Over time, the copious engine vibrations loosen these small bolts to the point they fall out and drop into the gearbox. End of story. This would be "job one" for any new owner of a pre-owned DR. Anything and everything after this is strictly optional. The DRRiders Forum is the online "go-to" for all things "Bush Pig"; it is 100% DR650 and a massive store of information to mine about the bike.
So, you can make the bike just about whatever you want based on your intended riding style. The fact the bike has zero technology and is grandfathered into current emissions laws makes working on it easy. For US versions, the sum total of emissions is the fixed (non-adjustable) stock needle jet; score the Canadian needle and you get a proper adjustable needle jet. There’s a ton of aftermarket support for the bike. And therein lies the curse. Does your Bush Pig become nothing more than a “bling magnet” or are you able to make a plan, decide and do the upgrades you feel are suitable to adapt the bike to your riding intentions …and then stop. Quoting from your "swansong" video, when you made the decision to sell your DR; "I don't want peace, I want problems! Always!" Well, you can certainly have it that way but it doesn't *need* to be that way. Blindly doing mods because someone ...or everyone else ...says they're necessary (or, wants to sell you their swifty, keeno, neato jet kit that'll turn the Bush Pig into a Rocket Pig or whatever "sponsored" content is offering up) is a great way to make sure you don't get peace with your bike.
Because if you can’t stop, always heeding the call of the latest “must do” TH-cam or Forum fad, then you’ll find yourself spending more and more money on a machine that will always be second class behind the more modern dual sport bikes (which are decidedly based on off-road machines). If you can decide your course, make the mods to attain it and maintain it, you’ll end up a long-term and happy Bush Pig owner.
I had to laugh about your "adventure" with the exhaust system (and to some degree the carb). My'12 DR was already graced by the PO with a hideously loud SuperTrapp IDS2 Quiet(?) system poorly mated to an FMF Powerbomb header. I lived with and tweaked this cheezey combo for about a month. With two discs in the IDS2 I found the noise level acceptable. The header/mid-pipe joint I couldn't fix; the FMF pipe is designed to work with FMF silencers; the IDS2 mid-pipe diameter was smaller (same as stock head pipe). So much for a smooth exhaust flow. So I had to wonder how effective this ~ $800US mish-mash of parts was with regard to the stock exhaust setup ...I figured little to none. I reinstalled the stock system, which was included when I bought the bike, and couldn't have been happier. I noticed no drastic drop in power (which led me to believe I was right in my assumption) and I was able to reset the sketchy intake and carb jetting work; I bought the aforementioned adjustable needle jet and a stock 140 main jet and I listened to this relatively small voice from Motolab (not to be confused with Moto Lab). The needle was set one notch richer than the US fixed version. I closed up the drilled openings in the air filter side access panel on the airbox, removed the airbox snorkle (which the OP had strangely left in place) and the backfire screen. The idle mixture and idle speed were tweaked proper. Throttle response is excellent, the bike pulls hard, has that tractor-like torque and runs like a champ. My Bush Pig brings my 157 pound ass to 70mph about as fast as I care to have it moved, thank you. The moral of the story is you *don't* have to spend a small fortune on this bike to get improvements in performance and a lot can be done using the stock parts.
Hey thanks for the comment! And you are 100% correct about the NSU, I did address mine when I was replacing the clutch disks but definitely should have mentioned it in the video. But I suppose if people are watching my video they are probably watching lots of others and someone else will mention it.
Mike, and that the modifications can be done in virtually any order and when cash flow permits is another bonus. Buy something from your list of "to be done" when advertised cheaply and cross it off the list
Are you ever going to do other power mods? High compression piston, big bore kit (the 790cc interests me), stroker kit, hotcams, etc. Should definitely come back with another great video if you do any of that. Maybe a dirt race track review before and after?
If you still have the bike that is.
The video I just posted will answer that question, haha. And I did look into some engine mods, and fork swaps
You covered all the good stuff. Cool video man. I guess it's worth it!
Thanks man! You got much done to your DR?
@@rangeroadmoto For sure.. I do. All the exhaust, intake, jet, front suspension, bars, tires, lights, gas tank.. pretty happy were it's at now. Just right. Cheers man.
Awesome video!
Thank you!
Awesome vid, thanks for the hard work! Great result!
Hey thanks Nils! Appreciate the kind words.
Amazing videos! I’m thinking about buy one. My only fear is the heat from the engine when it rides on the city. What are your thoughts about this? Cheers! From NZ.🙏👍💪
Thanks for the kind words! I wouldn’t worry about the engine over heating. I have ridden it in pretty hot conditions 37c (98f) in stop and go traffic and it was totally fine. It’s probably the coolest running bike I have ever owned. The factory external oil cooler was a big reason I chose the DR650 over the Honda xr650.
the heat when riding suburbia does not give me the slightest trouble - and that is during Sydney summers
Nice vid man!
Like your style, keep on going! 👍
Thanks for watching!
What a fantastic video, you deserve a lot more views!
Thank you! If we all watch it 10,000 times each it’ll happen
@@rangeroadmoto I just happened upon this again as I'm debating between this bike and the Tenere 700 which I have an opportunity to purchase. I just got done watching your other video about it. After having a chance to ride the Tenere 700, do you find yourself wanting one over your DR650?
I fully built a DR650 in the past and miss it. But the T7 is the new shiny. I'm not ashamed to admit that making content on it would help me to grow my channel. The videos I did on the CRF300L have WAY more views than any of my others.
Great vid.
Thanks for watching Paul!
Looks awesome 👏
Thanks David!
Great video👍
Thanks friend
Yessssss sirrrrrr! Keep up the videos
I definitely will! Thanks for watching!
Great video!
Thank you Jacob!