DR 650 Self destruct Screw

[tnt go east]

Just bought a Dr in Australia and getting it ready for a long outback trip.

Ive heard that there is a screw that sometimes comes loose and kills the motor.

I cant remember where this screw is.....Helpcould someone remind me please.

Thanks Tim

[MeridiaNx]

Hi Tim,

Had my own '99 DR for a couple of months now and am doing a similar prep. on it. So I've been doing my research to make sure I cover all bases, but I've never come across a 'loose screw destroys motor' problem.

The two most common issues are the base gasket oil leak and the starter motor idler gear which was installed on certain '98-'99 bikes from what I've read. That second one could destroy your engine - is that the issue you mean?

Repair is a simple swap of the gear, couple of washers and bushes, or so they say. Will probably be ordering my replacement parts for it soon, once I check to see whether it's already been done. But by all accounts, not a tough job to do.

HTH and maybe someone who knows about the screw will come along soon, in which case I'll learn something as well!

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by tnt go east

Just bought a Dr in Australia and getting it ready for a long outback trip.

Ive heard that there is a screw that sometimes comes loose and kills the motor.

I cant remember where this screw is.....Helpcould someone remind me please.

Thanks Tim

IIRC, the screw issue may be discussed in here; happy reading!
Also, take a look at the bottom left of this page, under bike tech.

[Lone Rider]

Refers to the screws in the neutral switch.
Mine were not loose.

[beddhist]

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

Refers to the screws in the neutral switch.
Mine were not loose.

And that kills the engine?

[Lone Rider]

Originally Posted by beddhist

And that kills the engine?

Never proven, to my knowledge, but the theory is that the screw(s) can get into the guts of the motor/tranny.

[LukasM]

Just to update this, the screws in question are indeed used on the neutral sensor. It is located under the clutch basket and can be accessed once you have the side cover off. With a right angle screw driver you can even leave the clutch basket in place.

You definitely want to either remove the whole sensor or at least loctite the screws. Several people on Thumpertalk and ADVrider have reported finding them halfway backed out, loose on the bottom or munched up in gearbox.

That being said, I recently checked mine (96 SE model with 30.000km or so) and they were still tight. Maybe it is only an issue on the newer bikes? Regardless, I will have to chance my clutch soon and will take off the sensor at that time. Once less thing to fail and it's basically useless since I also removed the Neutral safety sensor.

KISS is my motto!

Lukas

[cathal]

CCM Riders
Check this thread.
DR650 engines in CCM R30 Supermoto.
Common problem.