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 Helmut Koch - Vivid autumn colors in Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch
Vivid autumn colors in Canada



Like Tree22Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #91  
Old 12 Mar 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
At long last

Congrats to everyone who successfully steered themselves through this process. Its taken me months for some reason but it was well worth it as I received my V5 yesterday (the second one as first one they sent had an error so they cancelled it!). Went and got my plate and immediately took my partner for a spin around the country lanes. Well she has helped with all the paperwork after all. Good news is she hated it as it scared her half to death compared to the armchair that is my R1200R so I can fit a single seat and a big rack and keep it to myself. It did feel brilliantly skinny and fun to ride and well worh all the hassle. I'm going to strap on some ProCycle goodies and take it to the HU meet at Hay this year. Come say hi.
Alan
__________________
have fun with your helmet!

Last edited by alan hopkins; 13 Mar 2016 at 11:32.
Reply With Quote
  #92  
Old 12 Mar 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
How can I buy a DR650 in UK?-image.jpg
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #93  
Old 12 Mar 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
Btw. The speedo was okay as America measures speed in miles like us and the headlight is such a basic affair that it doesn't have the L shaped beam, it's symmetrical. I did however have to fit a position pea lamp which I too bought from fleabay.
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #94  
Old 12 Mar 2016
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Long road but you got there!
It's true, the DR is not so much favored as a Two-Up Barca Lounger like your RT (a wonderful bike!).

If your partner is petite it may work for her with a good custom seat like a Corbin or Sargent, otherwise a NO GO for long rides with pillion.

I advise riding your bike for a while before jumping in and making a bunch changes before you really understand what the bike is ... what it isn't and the SMART way to solve real or imagined "issues".

Most DR650 Noobs don't believe Suzuki know what they're doing and don't trust the recommended tire pressures listed. Trust them!
Suzuki suggest 22 psi front, 25 rear. These are the BEST pressures I've found ... after about 12 sets of tires of all kinds!

If two up or loaded you may go UP a pound or two ... but if you go too far handling will suffer ... especially in the wet where a well set up DR is simply amazing. Sticks like glue on wet roads.

To Do's:
I would remove the UPPER change roller. It can make "klacky" sounds and will make you insane trying to find the noise. Take it off, no need for it.

If riding at night on dark roads you'll want an headlight up grade. I run an inexpensive HID kit. ($25) More than doubles output and reach and draws 20 less watts than OEM H-4 bulb.

The seat is an abomination lose it. Pay good money for an good after market seat. Many brands available. See the forums. My Corbin seat allowed the DR to go from a 2 hour ride max to a 10 hour ride.

Shields:
OK if you can find a quiet set up. Folks who ride in severe cold or constant rain may consider a shield. I prefer NO shield ... nice and quiet, no turbulence.

A thousand things to buy at Pro Cycle, some useful and required, some fluff.
I'm at 65,000 miles. I spent $3,500 USD on the bike, added about $1200 USD in upgrades. (Ohlins shock, Emulators, racks, HID kit, Bark Busters et al)

After some of the basics listed above, IMO, suspension is most important upgrade you can make, especially if going off road.

Have fun!
Reply With Quote
  #95  
Old 13 Mar 2016
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Good Job Alan!


Glad you enjoyed the ride on the new DR
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #96  
Old 13 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
EU harmonisation regulations require Fuel Injection. That was a few years ago - now it is compulsory ABS.
Most of this technology is likely manufactured by the industries that lobby the EU - Bosch for instance?

ps
Frau Merkel clicked her fingers and the VW "scandal" is now forgotten, and forgiven, by the EU folks.
Traffic Technology Today
It's very likely that Bosch had an influence in the regulations.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #97  
Old 13 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
Congrats to everyone who successfully steered themselves through this process. Its taken me months for some reason but it was well worth
Alan
It will be faster for you next time around.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #98  
Old 13 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
Went and got my plate and immediately took my partner for a spin around the country lanes... Good news is she hated it as it scared her half to death compared to the armchair that is my R1200R so I can fit a single seat and a big rack and keep it to myself.

I'm going to strap on some ProCycle goodies and take it to the HU meet at Hay this year. Come say hi.
Alan
That trick always works My wife was happy enough to embrace the armchair that's the pillion seat on "our" GoldWing in the USA but the normal seats on the various bikes I have here don't, for some reason, seem to have the same appeal

I'll also be at the Hay HUBB - either on my little pink 125 Suzuki (as featured in this month's Bike magazine no less!) or my yellow CCM. If I miss your DR but you spot either of my bikes say hello.
Reply With Quote
  #99  
Old 13 Mar 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Long road but you got there!
It's true, the DR is not so much favored as a Two-Up Barca Lounger like your RT (a wonderful bike!).

If your partner is petite it may work for her with a good custom seat like a Corbin or Sargent, otherwise a NO GO for long rides with pillion.

I advise riding your bike for a while before jumping in and making a bunch changes before you really understand what the bike is ... what it isn't and the SMART way to solve real or imagined "issues".

Most DR650 Noobs don't believe Suzuki know what they're doing and don't trust the recommended tire pressures listed. Trust them!
Suzuki suggest 22 psi front, 25 rear. These are the BEST pressures I've found ... after about 12 sets of tires of all kinds!

If two up or loaded you may go UP a pound or two ... but if you go too far handling will suffer ... especially in the wet where a well set up DR is simply amazing. Sticks like glue on wet roads.

To Do's:
I would remove the UPPER change roller. It can make "klacky" sounds and will make you insane trying to find the noise. Take it off, no need for it.

If riding at night on dark roads you'll want an headlight up grade. I run an inexpensive HID kit. ($25) More than doubles output and reach and draws 20 less watts than OEM H-4 bulb.

The seat is an abomination lose it. Pay good money for an good after market seat. Many brands available. See the forums. My Corbin seat allowed the DR to go from a 2 hour ride max to a 10 hour ride.

Shields:
OK if you can find a quiet set up. Folks who ride in severe cold or constant rain may consider a shield. I prefer NO shield ... nice and quiet, no turbulence.

A thousand things to buy at Pro Cycle, some useful and required, some fluff.
I'm at 65,000 miles. I spent $3,500 USD on the bike, added about $1200 USD in upgrades. (Ohlins shock, Emulators, racks, HID kit, Bark Busters et al)

After some of the basics listed above, IMO, suspension is most important upgrade you can make, especially if going off road.

Have fun!

Cheers mollydog. I did get some Procycle basics with the bike based on previous reading. Big tank, comfy seat, suspension upgrades etc. but I want to ride it as standard first so I can rate the upgrades properly. My road bike incidentally is the R not the RT. I can't fault that bike and have found it almost impossible to replace. It does everything really well from cafe runs to trans continental winter tours and is in my opinion the best kept secret in motorcycling. Better handling and lighter than a GS which on the whole rarely tackle anything more than a dry track in any case. I did try the 800gs in my last attempt at a "one bike does all" but that was in my opinion way too tall, too top heavy and tall geared and a topple would see me spending the price of a DR in replacement BMW plastic.
No, I'm really happy that I eventually found my own sweet spot in terms of motorcycles.
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #100  
Old 13 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
My road bike incidentally is the R not the RT. I can't fault that bike and have found it almost impossible to replace.
Please don't be shy of writing up the R Beemer in the BMW tech section.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #101  
Old 14 Mar 2016
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
Cheers mollydog. I did get some Procycle basics with the bike based on previous reading. Big tank, comfy seat, suspension upgrades etc. but I want to ride it as standard first so I can rate the upgrades properly. My road bike incidentally is the R not the RT. I can't fault that bike and have found it almost impossible to replace. It does everything really well from cafe runs to trans continental winter tours and is in my opinion the best kept secret in motorcycling. Better handling and lighter than a GS which on the whole rarely tackle anything more than a dry track in any case. I did try the 800gs in my last attempt at a "one bike does all" but that was in my opinion way too tall, too top heavy and tall geared and a topple would see me spending the price of a DR in replacement BMW plastic.
No, I'm really happy that I eventually found my own sweet spot in terms of motorcycles.
Cheers!
Some good mods there!
But you've not found the sweet spot quite yet.
Wait till you get your DR off road. At just 367 lbs. WET (stock tank) the DR is roughly 150 to 200 lbs. lighter weight than the mentioned F800GS or R12GS. HUGE difference. So no surprise you were put off the heavier bikes. When one is laying on you ... you will really notice it!

I don't know your back ground riding off road ... but do highly recommend getting into it slowly with some good tutoring. You won't become an expert over night, but if you work at it and have some instruction ... in a year you'll see huge improvement. I used to teach kids and old geezers dirt riding ... so have a bit of a clue on this.

While the DR is no Enduro race bike it's actually quite capable on moderate trails, most two track, deep sand and does GREAT on very rough washboard roads that would literally tear your R1200R BMW to bits. Been there, seen this in person. The DR is tough. Street bikes are not if put to the test.


before it's recent paving, this famous Baja road destroyed many bikes ... and big tough SUV's. Dinged wheels, parts lost and worse. Best take a road like this at SPEED. Over 50 mph works best. Smooths things out. I did this on my V-Strom 1000 and several times on DR650. (DRZ and XR250 shown)

You mention cost of body work. Good point! One of my fav's on the DR is it's wonderful crash survival. Mine has tumbled over dozens of times, most times just a few scrapes, maybe a bent or broken lever. It's really good in this regard.

While the DR won't match your R1200R on smooth Euro pistes or California Freeways, or roaring through the Alps and 85 mph. But when the road narrows, or disappears, the DR is a joy. Add rain, it's even better.

Deep sand? With good tires and good riding technique you're there. Sand riding takes practice ... even riding the DR650. But if I can do it ... anyone can.

Reply With Quote
  #102  
Old 12 Apr 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1
I have one for sale

I lived in Australia and bought one new in 2009, brought it back to UK with me. It's done 35500 miles as done fair bit touring. Well serviced and maintained....bark busters, bb bash plate and racks. Lovely bike condition is used but never abused. Message me if interested and I'll get pics posted etc. IMS tank and stock available. I love this bike just typing this tugs the heart strings.

Last edited by Kellogs; 12 Apr 2016 at 23:25. Reason: Additional info.
Reply With Quote
  #103  
Old 10 May 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
Good tips, great pics

I meant I've found my sweet spot in terms of motorcycles because I have a fondness for high speed jinks and continental touring as well as dirt travel so no one bike will ever cover those three bases. The new Aftica twin made a good stab at it but would in my opinion still be too heavy off road and too compromised on road. Nice bike though. No, my R puts a smile on my face every time I go for a ride. Be it a Sunday morning blast or a multi country tour and in the short time I've had the DR I'm feeling the same proud smug sense of "I got it right now" for my personal needs and tastes anyway.
Love those desert pics. They remind me of when I'm riding around southern Spain. I'm always straining my eyes left and right, tempted by the vast amount of mountain trails and dried river bed tracks I see disappearing off into the distance. My baptism will be the HUMM in Valencia later this year.
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #104  
Old 16 May 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
Tin men

Had this made up at a local fabrication shop from my plywood templates. Well please with the results. Much better use of space than the default three square box setup

How can I buy a DR650 in UK?-image.jpg
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
Reply With Quote
  #105  
Old 16 May 2016
alan hopkins's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Birmingham on Sea - England
Posts: 208
More pics

How can I buy a DR650 in UK?-image.jpg
__________________
have fun with your helmet!
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
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
How to buy a dual-sport bike in Bolivia - it's easier than you think! artia SOUTH AMERICA 4 7 Mar 2017 06:34
Buy the bike in Mexico, or USA? FordQuarterman Trip Paperwork 0 29 Dec 2014 20:28
Is this bike worth the price? Walace Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 26 Apr 2012 17:06
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination SOUTH AMERICA 20 30 Oct 2009 17:02

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 12:14.