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

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

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

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

Dr 650
 

The DR 650 is a great bike for the money and unlike the KLR has decent brakes !:thumbup1:

Ciao, Danimal

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)