Suzuki DR650SE - the bottomless thread

[Trailrider]

some only do 99

Get the Sigma, it has the third digit up to 199

Why would I need a 3rd digit? 

Thanks Topbox, I'll make sure. Where do you buy the small cheap digital clocks? Clicks? Game?

[topbox]

some only do 99

Get the Sigma, it has the third digit up to 199

Why would I need a 3rd digit? 

Thanks Topbox, I'll make sure. Where do you buy the small cheap digital clocks? Clicks? Game?

you need to be prepared, what if you fall off a cliff 

sigma also has the time, otherwise i have seen a few watches with straps removed for the time

[bobnob]

some only do 99

Get the Sigma, it has the third digit up to 199

Why would I need a 3rd digit? 

Thanks Topbox, I'll make sure. Where do you buy the small cheap digital clocks? Clicks? Game?

Hi Trailrider

Get yourself the bike speedo.

Has everything you need.

What I like about it is the dual ODO's

You can have a ODO for your current tank distance and then have another one for your total trip distance.

Also have clock, etc.

Yes you can buy it at any cycle shop.

I got the Sigma 506 can go upto 199 so that should be more than enough for falling down a cliff 

Best part is they have a Lifetime warranty.

The first one i mounted on the TT's handle bar without placing a bit of foam pading between the speedo and the metal bar.

Lets just say after 100km it was busted! The TT should it into its m03r!

They swapped it out and I placed a little bit of foam on the bar and 1200km later the motor went boom but the clock is working perfectly.

http://www.sigmasport.com/en/produkte/bikecomputer/topline_wired/bc506/?punkt=features

Cheers
bobnob

[MrBig]

I use the Cateye Velo 8 on the Twin - have done almost 15000km's without problem.

It's easy to set up with different tyre sizes and has an odo + trip meter.
Cost something like R150 from a cycleshop.

[LuckyStriker]

This is how I marked the fuel level on my tank:
Why do it? Because I don't have a fuel gauge and it'll help with the estimated range guesswork.

First, I drain the fuel and refill it with 100ml of petrol. That should be enough to get me to the nearest garage.
It is not.
The bike sputters to a halt about halfway to the pumps. Turns out the last 100ml or so is useless because it wonā??t reach the tap. Silly me. So I push the bike to the garage. Fortunately itā??s not heavy

33lā?¦ Ebagom!
Even the pump jockey is impressed


On the return journey I test the brakes. The bike does nose-dive a little more than with a lighter fuel load, but itā??s not too bad and to be expected.

Back in my garage I push the rear wheel up against a crate and tie the bike down in an upright position. This will hopefully allow both sides of the tank to drain at the same rate, thereby simulating an upright riding position.


The following pic is animated, showing how the fuel level drops in 5litre increments. The image size is quite large, sorry (1.5mb).


As the fuel level drops, I mark every five litres starting at 30litres.




To avoid the parallax error, I wave a torch over the tank to get sharp line indicating the precise fuel level (Oh god Iā??m sadā?¦).

As you can see I applied the markings to the front and inside of the tank. It is perhaps less practical than marking it on the side of the tank but, sometimes function should follow form, for the sake of aesthetics.

With the tank now completely dry, I return 15litres to it and pour the rest into my bakkie.
No point in riding around with a full tank of petrol.


Some factoids:

1. The bike's new fully fueled wet weight is now approximately 190kg (give or take a kilo)
2. The fuel in the two-lobed tank starts to drain separately at around the 10litre mark. The right side empties quicker because the cavity is smaller than the left.
3. The plastic appears to be polished and even a permanent marker has slight difficulty writing on it.
4. I don't know how much 33litres of petrol weighs but my guess is about 32kg?


Next:
How I installed the handlebars, how I mounted the tank, etc. All with pictures!
Also look out for a report on how Iā??ll make a carrier, do the twin headlight mod and much, much more!

Zang!

[growweblaar]

Anorak! 

[LuckyStriker]

Anorak! 

That's it!
you are now banned from this thread

[Kaboef]

Check the animated picture.

see how the bike rises every time the fuel level changes?

Maybe you need to turn op the preload a bit when riding with a full tank. Or the rebound - to stop the bike from wallowing.

Nice progress LS. The bike looks even better in the flesh. She's reeeaaaal purdy.

[Trailrider]

Cool! I love that animated pic! Man, you have to much time on your hands...

[bobnob]

very cool LS!!!!

you bring new meaning to the term : anal retentive 

i luv that tank!

all DS bikes should have at least 30l tanks!!!

[bobnob]

LS have you found the headlights that you were looking for?

[LuckyStriker]

LS have you found the headlights that you were looking for?

Nope, not really
http://www.startline.co.za/ has a very affordable item but it's slightly too big

Would prefer the twin headlights off a pre-sling GSXR. Those will be perfect

[bobnob]

LS have you found the headlights that you were looking for?

Nope, not really
http://www.startline.co.za/ has a very affordable item but it's slightly too big

Would prefer the twin headlights off a pre-sling GSXR. Those will be perfect

try ryan's in town

http://www.bikefinder.co.za/ryans_mcc/superbike_spares.htm

[LuckyStriker]

try ryan's in town

http://www.bikefinder.co.za/ryans_mcc/superbike_spares.htm

Ja I know, I plan to go there on Monday morning. I'm also getting braided hosing from them.

I also phoned Craigs in Maitland - those buggers are asking R250 per light! What a rip-off

[bobnob]

try ryan's in town

http://www.bikefinder.co.za/ryans_mcc/superbike_spares.htm

Ja I know, I plan to go there on Monday morning. I'm also getting braided hosing from them.

I also phoned Craigs in Maitland - those buggers are asking R250 per light! What a rip-off

craigs are very expensive and they have never ever had anything i looked for...

and they are also not very helpful with information that might save you some $$$

[buzzlightyear]

try ryan's in town

http://www.bikefinder.co.za/ryans_mcc/superbike_spares.htm

Ja I know, I plan to go there on Monday morning. I'm also getting braided hosing from them.

I also phoned Craigs in Maitland - those buggers are asking R250 per light! What a rip-off

craigs are very expensive and they have never ever had anything i looked for...

and they are also not very helpful with information that might save you some $$$

You sort of get the impression they are doing you a huge favour to even talk to you, let alone sell something to you.

[sidetrack]

LS know it sounds silly but lots of DR 650 riders have fitted Buell double headlights on their bikes which includes a little screen as well.



Looks ok and gives good light, also not that expensive from your Harley / Buell dealer but I reckon bigger is better.

[bobnob]

now that looks good!

that i like - not a fan of the super bike dinner plate size lights

[Trailrider]

Yep. That looks nice!

[Frank Warner]

This is how I marked the fuel level on my tank:
Back in my garage I push the rear wheel up against a crate and tie the bike down in an upright position. This will hopefully allow both sides of the tank to drain at the same rate, thereby simulating an upright riding position.

Errr ummm .. I only look at the fuel level when teh bike is parked .. not when riding along...
So I'd mark it up when it is on teh side stand with teh luggage ..


Fuel density is about 0.8 .. meaning
weight in kg =  0.8  * capaity in litres

So 33l = 26.4 kg.

------
My tip (to digitaldan and others) .. mount the front indicators (blinkers) so they are directly under the hand guards and back a bit - that way the hand guards protect them too.