DR650 Clutch and Fork Seal Life
 

Not sure if this question is bike specific, but what have owners of DR650's been seeing as the average life for the Stock Clutch Plates? (I don't envision doing any hardcore off-roading). Secondly, the same question for Fork Seals? Basically I expect to have 5,000 to 7,500 miles on my bike before I leave, and I think the trip will take me 20,000 miles or so. Is replacing these parts inevitable on the road? Thanks!
Jeff

Clutch and seals
 

Hi Jeff. The problem with clutches is that the length of time they last depends a lot on how they are used. I have known people to wear out a clutch IN A DAY, abusing it in swamp or sand. Personally, I have never had to replace a clutch on any bike that I have owned, unless it was shagged when I bought it. My F650 BMW which has a reputation for only being moderate in clutch life (40-60,000km on rental bikes) has not had it's clutch changed for at least 80,000km and is still strong. The DR650 is a strong bike. Respect it and assume a clutch life in the region of about 40-50,000 miles. Hammer it with wheelies etc, and you could be up for a new one from anything around 5-10,000 miles. What's your style on the clutch lever?
As for the seals, they take up so little space and are pretty easy to change, once you have done one! I would throw a pair in the spares kit anyway.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

I usually carry a fork seal. Usually only one goes at a time .. and that alows replacement and procurment at the next place of spares.

Clutches .. I've replaced 2 on the R80G/S .. it has over 200,000kms on it (and some of them fairly rough) .. and I'm replaceing the one on the K11LT at 160,000 .. seal is leaking so it needs it ..

A clutch will give some signs of failure .. at least enough to get to the next town/village. Forkseals just make a mess, not much to start with but increasingly worst.. you can wrap a clath around it and just wring it out at the end of the day - saves messing teh bike up too much. ..

I'm in Spiti now and the first fork seal is gone at 110000 km. Clutch is still original, but it feels like the basket will need working on soon, as it doesn't disengage all that well any more.