Sardine's DR650 - The Adventures of Sardine and James

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
May 27, 2013
Messages
3,801
Reaction score
955
Location
Gauteng
Bike
Suzuki DR650
At last... I have joined the realm of big bikes. After years (literally) of research, and jumping between sports bikes, naked bikes, and dual sport bikes, I have sealed my fate with the purchase of a 2010 DR650.

My, my. What a bike.
43 000km, and in general, not bad condition. However, its orginal owner lived in Pringle Bay, so there is quite a bit of rust that needs sorting out.

To Do:
1 (on-going) - get rid of rust. Q20 for now. But I will start from the front of the bike and work my way back, cleaning it up, and replacing rusty bolts etc.
2 - sort out that stock exhuast. It sounds like a scooter! * DONE!
3 - check the NSU screws, just in case... Goal 2.9 Download workshop manual * DONE!
4 - fit a screen. * DONE!
5 - make a plate for the (giant) top box to fit to * DONE!
6 - fit crash bars/bobbins. I don't plan on taking it offroad any time soon (horrible thing to say, I know), but I can see myself dropping it in a parking lot. What do you suggest that won't break the bank? * Handguards - DONE!

Rode it from Pinelands to Somerset West on the N2, in one heck of a wind. Got blown around here and there, but at no point did I feel unstable on the bike. It chugged (yip, that really is the best way to describe what a DR does) along happily at 110km/h. And if I needed to overtake, all I had to do was give it bit more power, and before I knew it I was accelerating through 120km/h. Really awesome feeling after doing a 80km trip on the TZR125 this morning.

Sure, the seat is hard, but it isn't excruciating (granted I was only on it for 30min). The riding position is super comfortable (must. not. fall. asleep). And the bike in general just feels gooooood.

My first bike was a Suzuki TS50, so I'm a bit biased towards the Zooks. The grin is still there, and I think I'm going to be really happy with my new ride.  :ricky:

Now to find space for it in the garage...  :3some: * DONE

** First mud experience. And first proper fall. - Page 4
** James gets some farkles - Page 6
** Solo trip along Clarence Drive, and James hit 46 000km - Page 6
** Helshoogte with Dux - Page 7
** Solo trip, Sir Lowry's Pass, Viljoen's Pass, Elandskloof, Franschhoek Pass, Helshoogte Pass - Page 7
** Canola run in Caledon - Page 7
 

Attachments

  • 20140111_165639_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_165639_RESIZED.jpg
    141 KB · Views: 1,306
  • 20140111_180338_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_180338_RESIZED.jpg
    173.4 KB · Views: 1,213
  • 20140111_170043_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_170043_RESIZED.jpg
    115.6 KB · Views: 1,225
  • 20140111_170016_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_170016_RESIZED.jpg
    104 KB · Views: 1,233
  • 20140111_165902_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_165902_RESIZED.jpg
    153.1 KB · Views: 1,277
  • 20140111_165743_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_165743_RESIZED.jpg
    148 KB · Views: 1,284
  • 20140111_165714_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_165714_RESIZED.jpg
    117.3 KB · Views: 1,279
  • 20140111_165649_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_165649_RESIZED.jpg
    145.3 KB · Views: 1,296
  • 20140111_164328_RESIZED.jpg
    20140111_164328_RESIZED.jpg
    200.4 KB · Views: 1,315
Top