Author Topic: Martin's Suzuki DR650 (Read 6670 times)

lecap · « **Reply #80 on:** March 14, 2013, 10:29:29 am »

I have two bash plates left

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #81 on:** April 10, 2013, 04:49:33 pm »

Been hectic busy with work and studying the last 2 years

and not much riding been done . . .

During this time I think the only mod I did, was spraying the front fender white and changed to a fat DID Gold chain and bigger sprocket at the back

But, Hopefully I'll post an update soon.

Next upgrades will be:

- Progressive fork springs
- IMS or Acerbis Tank
- Making the seat a bit higher
- Spray rims black

Did a solo trip end of last year to the eastern cape, ride report a few months late (but still in the pipeline).

sidetrack · « **Reply #82 on:** April 11, 2013, 09:23:38 pm »

Quote from: Martin-DR650 on April 10, 2013, 04:49:33 pm

Been hectic busy with work and studying the last 2 years and not much riding been done . . .

During this time I think the only mod I did, was spraying the front fender white and changed to a fat DID Gold chain and bigger sprocket at the back

But, Hopefully I'll post an update soon.

Next upgrades will be:

- Progressive fork springs
- IMS or Acerbis Tank
- Making the seat a bit higher
- Spray rims black

Did a solo trip end of last year to the eastern cape, ride report a few months late (but still in the pipeline).

I would annodize the rims, not expensive if you diy and long lasting.

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #83 on:** April 12, 2013, 02:48:57 pm »

Will do, thanks for the tip Sidetrack

boland · « **Reply #84 on:** May 11, 2013, 09:10:02 am »

Hello martin. Great looking DR, sho! Did you remove the higher screen from the bike, and if so, why?

If that screen works well I will seriously consider getting a dr 650. Dont think there can be a better "go anywhere without hassles" adventure bike

Inprogress · « **Reply #85 on:** May 11, 2013, 02:20:54 pm »

Quote from: boland on May 11, 2013, 09:10:02 am

Hello martin. Great looking DR, sho! Did you remove the higher screen from the bike, and if so, why?

If that screen works well I will seriously consider getting a dr 650. Dont think there can be a better "go anywhere without hassles" adventure bike

One silly thing Suzuki still does though is sell the bike with that miniature fuel tank - I'm sure the Djebel 250 tank will be a nice fit in factory - that is 17liters. I mis mine.

lecap · « **Reply #86 on:** May 14, 2013, 08:35:48 am »

Get a 16l Clarke. Sorted.

Saw Suzuki South offering DR650SE on special R54k. Friggin' bargain!

DeepBass9 · « **Reply #87 on:** May 14, 2013, 09:18:28 am »

Quote from: Martin-DR650 on April 10, 2013, 04:49:33 pm

During this time I think the only mod I did, was spraying the front fender white

Do you have any tips on this, I am going to spray my DR soon. How did you prepare the surface and what primer and paint did you use?

lecap · « **Reply #88 on:** May 14, 2013, 10:18:18 am »

Don't spray the DR's body panels & front fender. It WILL crack and start to peel off. Sooner or later.

I have a brand new white fender. OEM & still wrapped. In case someone needs a new one.

DeepBass9 · « **Reply #89 on:** May 14, 2013, 11:12:35 am »

Quote from: lecap on May 14, 2013, 10:18:18 am

Don't spray the DR's body panels & front fender. It WILL crack and start to peel off. Sooner or later.

I have a brand new white fender. OEM & still wrapped. In case someone needs a new one.

I'm willing to take the chance on later!

MalcolmX · « **Reply #90 on:** May 14, 2013, 12:52:49 pm »

Martin, wanneer doen ek en jy atlantis??

adv · « **Reply #91 on:** May 14, 2013, 12:53:46 pm »

Quote from: Malcolm2T on May 14, 2013, 12:52:49 pm

Martin, wanneer doen ek en jy atlantis??

as jy wil gatskuur, pm my

Grumpleton · « **Reply #92 on:** May 21, 2013, 02:27:47 pm »

Quote from: lecap on May 14, 2013, 10:18:18 am

Don't spray the DR's body panels & front fender. It WILL crack and start to peel off. Sooner or later.

I have a brand new white fender. OEM & still wrapped. In case someone needs a new one.

Do you have a white headlight cowling ,

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #93 on:** May 22, 2013, 10:15:41 pm »

Quote from: boland on May 11, 2013, 09:10:02 am

Hello martin. Great looking DR, sho! Did you remove the higher screen from the bike, and if so, why?

If that screen works well I will seriously consider getting a dr 650. Dont think there can be a better "go anywhere without hassles" adventure bike

Thanks, The screen worked well and all...but with the riding I do I had to always remove the screen and then it's in my way bla bla bla..so I just sold it again.

Quote from: DeepBass9 on May 14, 2013, 09:18:28 am

Quote from: Martin-DR650 on April 10, 2013, 04:49:33 pm
During this time I think the only mod I did, was spraying the front fender white

Do you have any tips on this, I am going to spray my DR soon. How did you prepare the surface and what primer and paint did you use?

a friend of mine did it for me, so not sure how they did it. But I know they sprayed a primer on. . .It works, but mine now after a year got a few tiny cracks at some places. (not that it bothers me, just puting it out there)

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #94 on:** May 22, 2013, 10:20:04 pm »

Fitted new Progressive springs recently. . .and oh my, what a nice improvement on the bike, feels like I wanna try stoppies on the DR...haha

Cant wait to try it out and see what it does off-road.

For R1500. . .not a bad investment at all.

lecap · « **Reply #95 on:** May 23, 2013, 08:11:48 am »

Quote from: Martin-DR650 on May 22, 2013, 10:20:04 pm

Fitted new Progressive springs recently. . .and oh my, what a nice improvement on the bike, feels like I wanna try stoppies on the DR...haha

Cant wait to try it out and see what it does off-road.

For R1500. . .not a bad investment at all.

I also was very impressed when I fitted the first set to my private bike a few years ago. If you compare the Wilbers ProMoto springs with the OEM (also progressive) they don't look that different and even the spring rates aren't drastically different.

MalcolmX · « **Reply #96 on:** May 23, 2013, 11:42:18 am »

Quote from: Martin-DR650 on May 22, 2013, 10:20:04 pm

Fitted new Progressive springs recently. . .and oh my, what a nice improvement on the bike, feels like I wanna try stoppies on the DR...haha

Cant wait to try it out and see what it does off-road.

For R1500. . .not a bad investment at all.

Ons sal jou eers moet leer wheelie voor jy daai traai!

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #97 on:** May 23, 2013, 06:38:41 pm »

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #98 on:** August 07, 2013, 10:46:38 pm »

Future plans...

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #99 on:** November 21, 2013, 07:50:47 pm »

DR650 - FORK SPACERS:

The DR's front suspension is not that great, lets be honest, it's waay too soft. . .

I Invested in a set of progressive fork springs, been riding with them the past few months, It was a great improvement from the standard (OEM) springs,but I still wasn't entirely happy with it. . .

. . .so I did some research and found out that the guys use a PVC spacer to fix the problem. . .

but nowhere on the net is there Steps showing what to do, or how to go about it, so here is my version, It's very simple actually:

Step 1: Get bike on stand, so that the front forks/wheel are of the ground.

Step 2: Loosen the top clamp bolts - size 14

Step 3: Loosen the top fork cap - size 22

Step 4: Insert the spacer, and screw the cap and clamp bolts back on.

DONE !

I couldn't find the right diameter PVC spacer, so I machined 2 spacers out of steel. 37mm diameter X 25mm High X 5mm Thick.

I just inserted these ontop of the OEM spacers (40mm in height), But the correct way would be to do 1 solid piece/spacer.

Took it for a quick spin, I cannot describe what a big difference it makes, the bikes forks feel really good now (you have to ride the bike to understand), and I have gained an extra 25mm in ground clearance/seat height.

This is a very easy upgrade that makes a world of a difference !

Enjoy