Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Jul 2006
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
1998 DR650SE Comments?

Hi
It's the first time I'm looking at the Suzuki forum. A mate has an aircooled 1998 DR650 SE for sale and I'm interested in buying it.

To be used for:
European dirt travel: eg Finland, Iceland, Romania and similar. Possible trips outside Europe.

It has v low miles +/-3000, a big combined 44L fuel/10L water plastic tank, a different seat (tool box underneath it) and stronger Wilbers front fork springs. I'll use soft bags and travel light.

Any comments on weaknesses, advice on spares to take etc?

Ride safely,
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Jul 2006
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Patrick
Thanks for the info.

I should have said that my friend bought 2 identical standard bikes, 1 for him, 1 for his girlfriend. Their planned trip is now not happening. The stock bike I saw looks and rides very new. For the past 3 years it has been stored in a heated garage!

The extras I mentioned were from a different bike and have been to Algeria twice. They show the cosmetic signs of usage you would expect.

Cheers
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Sep 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Belgium , Wi. USA
Posts: 30
98 DR650 starter gear train problems

The 98 and early 99's had a problem with the starter gear train, that cased case damage. you can read about it here http://www.kientech.com/DR650TorqueLimiter.html
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Sep 2006
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Thanks for the comments. I've decided against the DR650 in general and the 98 version in particular for the reasons you have mentioned and the fact that they are so rare in the UK. Also I have no real need for 44 + 10 litres of liquids between my knees (there's a rude joke there somewhere?!)

Am now considering something lighter like a DRZ or XR 400, or possible XT&TT600/XR650L/KLR650. KTM's are out of my price league.

Rgds
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Sep 2006
danvelo1973's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NEW MEXICO
Posts: 22
Dr 650

The DR 650 is a great bike for the money and unlike the KLR has decent brakes !

Ciao, Danimal
__________________
LUNATIC
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Sep 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
DR starter gear and foot gasket

The starter gear torque limiter can be very easily replaced using the part from the 1997 or 2000ff DR 650 SE.
From my experience the cylinder foot gasket problem is caused by rudely overheating the engine (very hot conditions, low gear, full throttle). Once the oil starts to leak you will have to fix it as it gets worse with time and comes to the point when your engine and right boot is covered in oil.

Although being the less capable offroader compared to the various DR400 I prefer the 650 for being more comfortable on road and performing more than good on dirt (usually hard and dry) down here (South Africa)
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Needs comments to cross Russia Vladivostok to Germany LKK Northern and Central Asia 5 11 May 2005 07:48
lowering a DR650SE, 2000 model goggstrotters Suzuki Tech 2 21 Mar 2005 18:07
"comments" on my tstory and spam... Ness Website Feedback 0 25 Dec 2004 22:21
1998 KLR 650 for sale! ryper Kawasaki Tech 0 17 Sep 2002 00:47

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:30.