Hi,

I've been lurking on Hubb for a while, reading and dreaming but now that my situation has come together and I'm almost ready for an adventure I figured I'd join up.

I'm pretty keen on getting hold of a DR650 for an indefinate RTW trip but as I'm in the UK and the imports are out of my price range I've been wondering about the pre '96 models as there are plenty around.

What's the deal with these, can they be upgraded for sensible money to be as trusty as the newer models? What are the differences between them?

Failing this approach, is there anywhere else in Europe with a good post '96 Dr650 secondhand market?

Last resort I will travel to US/AUZ and kick of the trip from there...

It was just some romantic notion I had of seeing England off in the mirrors.

Cheers.

Post '96 is the way to go for a number of reasons:
1. Post '96 DR650 is still in production, parts world wide.
2. Post '96 has loads of owner and aftermarket support, Pre '96 has very little,
parts can be hard to find.
3. Most important ... post 96 is the better bike ... by far. Significant upgrades from earlier model.

Keep reading, research. The DR is not perfect, but close enough.
Buying in USA is, IMO, best alternative. You may find imported DR's in UK but fairly rare and a bit expensive. Old ones tend to be junk. Not worth the trouble.

California and Arizona have many DR's for sale every week ... prices can range from $2500 USD for older too $4500 USD for newish low mile example. A dealer can help get the bike registered in your name and get insurance.

You've picked the best (IMO) ADV bike made in the last 20 years. Learn it's ins and outs, do the proper upgrades and you'll travel an easy 65,000 miles trouble free in comfort.

Ok great, that settles it... I appreciate the reply.

Now to pull my finger out and get this show on the road.

Hi Danny

Welcome to the HUBB

Agree with Mollydog, I owned a 93 DR650 and have a 2009, totally different bike, I would buy an XT600/660 in the UK over getting the older style DR650 personally, the post 96 is way better. The US is a great place to buy a well kitted out DR for peanuts and where all of the add-ons can be bought, especially from Procycle fairly cheaply compared to buying stuff in Europe.

https://procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html


Buy as close to new DR650 as you can find, with a bigger tank an aftermarket seat - and preferably the suspension already sorted, you should be able to find a nearly new, low mileage DR for a good price.

@ Mollydog, its good to see you back here on the HUBB chug

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

Cheers for that Griff.

There's a DR350 for sale atm not too far away which sent me off on a different tangent of perhaps going for something a little smaller but I'm not convinced by that particular bike... although I'm quite taken by a TTR250 near by.

Six hours at the screen and with square eyes and a fried brain makes me think I should stick with my gut.

Watch this space

Hi Danny,

With no pressing time frame for your trip, buying a smaller capacity bike makes a lot of sense, smaller bikes are cheaper to run on a multi year trip. I am a big fan of Yamaha 250's, (TTR, XT, WR) they are great little bikes with engines capable of high miles (AS LONG as they are looked after with regular servicing) they are rugged and easy to work on.
The DR350 is loved by many and is certainly capable, the extra bit of power is good over a 250, but it comes down to how well any used bike is looked after and what work has been done - or needs doing to make it ready for a big trip.

Take these bikes out on a test ride if possible and see which one 'feels' right for you to ride long distance. Look for blue smoke from the exhaust on start up, any rattles or odd noise. Any used bike with more than ~30K miles on it, I would change the clutch on it before I set off on a big trip and a 250-350 with ~50K on it, I would put in a new piston, rings, valve stem seals and new cam chain if it has not been done already. Get familiar and used to working on your bike at home if you are mechanically minded.

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca

I've had a fully modded DR650 2007ish and now own a modded 2002 TTR250. The TTR is a better bike for me. Better carb, lighter by far, better suspension etc. Plus you are backed by a Ttr only shop in the U.K. People will think I'm working for Steve but totally ttrs is a great business and he supports our little bikes all around the world .

The only reason I'd choose a DR is if you are doing long stretches on the highway. The TRR is simply better everywhere else.

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TTR250 - a very underrated adventure bike

You guys are lucky to have a TTR specific shop there. USA does not get this bike in street legal form, and dirt versions are now over 25 years old. Inside knowledge is great to have when prepping a RTW bike. Parts and aftermarket support is GREAT too.

I agree with lots of points on the TTR but the DR650 has it's high points too, and it is affordable and available in USA.

Lots depends on nature of your trip (realistically), how much and how technical your off road riding will be and how much luggage you like to carry.

Can you really avoid long highway riding everywhere and stay on small roads or tracks? (answer: No, you can't)

I wonder what the TRUE wet weight of a prepped for RTW TTR is? I was shocked to see how much the WR250R weighs, I expect the TTR is lighter?

Why are modern bikes heavier? Easy answer!
Beefier frames, swing arms, liquid cooling, stronger wheels, bigger forks, stronger sub frames. All this adds weight. (but adds strength and toughness too)

Dry weight for DR650 is 324 lbs. (Wet weight: 368 lbs.) Fully loaded with RTW set up/luggage, 5 gal. fuel, tools, parts, spare tubes, clothes et al: 420 lbs. (190 kg.) Weighed on certified cargo scale.

A well set up DR650 rides a lot lighter than it's actual weight. Suspension upgrades make a BIG difference. But the DR won't match a TTR in deep sand or on a long muddy stretch. TTR wins.

But with a good rider aboard, the DR is actually quite good off road, even a tough road. Single track is OK if not too technical, but won't match a TTR in tough, tight enduro like conditions. Win TTR.

But how often do you encounter such conditions on a RTW ride? Do you go looking for trouble when 5,000 miles from nowhere?

The DR is FANTASTIC riding any paved road ... from tight twisty mountain goat tracks to Super Highways cruising at 75 mph for 10 hours a day ... the DR can do it easily with rider in full comfort. (good seat a MUST!)

DR Long term reliability and longevity is great. Easily good for 65,000
miles with just moderate care, many have done 100K miles on original engine.

Fuel economy the DR loses vs. the TTR or any 250. DR returns only 50 MPG. I have a 230 mile range on my bike. OK, but won't match TTR, WR or CRF250L. 90% of the time, 230 miles is adequate with some pre-planning.

You'll appreciate a 650 once up over 3000 meters. A 250 will wheeze and struggle, a 650 simply carries on. Two up? DR650, no question. Luggage?
Easy on the DR650, a challenge on a little 250.

Agree with many of your points mollydog. Just to clarify, once set up with jetting and a pipe, a TTR will use virtually the same fuel as a DR. So that's not a saving. The TTR only weighs 120kg wet so that's a plus.

Another plus is that you don't have to upgrade a TTR nearly as much as a DR to do the same thing. The TTR already has better suspension, a great seat and a pumper carb. The carb is a godsend in tight terrain - even properly set up the carb on a DR is a real bitch at anything you want to tackle in first gear. It surges and is no where near as responsive as a pumper. Hence why many upgrade to a pumper on a DR.

MY DR set up to tackle adventure touring was over $8,000 aud. My Ttr is about half that set up to the same level - that includes bike purchase and all of the necessary farkles.

If you plan on lots of interstate I totally agree that a bigger bike is better. Although I'd argue you only need interstate capability in first world countries when you're in a rush. Anywhere is Asia or Africa or anywhere you don't need to do 130kph everywhere a 250 will be plenty big enough. Mine will sit on 120kph on the flat all day. As you rightly said though Mossproof, elevation is a bit of a killer on a 250. The Ttr isn't that far behind on horsepower though and is only 2/3 the weight. That and the pumper carb on the TTR is better in elevation changes too than the DR.

I love both bikes. Each has their advantages. The aftermarket industry is more geared to the DR so is easier to set up. That said, great little businesses like totally ttrs make it easier with the little TTR.

Goodluck with the choice and keep us informed Danny

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TTR250 - a very underrated adventure bike

I've always fancied a DR650Se and a TTR250 (Or Raid)

I travelled with some guys in Africa on DR650s. They're generally a bit heavier than an XT600,DRZ400 or XR650L but they really excel on the highway over the others and they're much smooth due to their big flywheel. But no real personal experience. And they were bloody reliable and economical too.

TTR250 looks good too. The 6 speed gearbox is luxury which I can't understand why more of these enduro bikes don't utilise. I'll get one eventually. Probably a RAID model though. I did hear a lot of stories about the TTR running out of power quickly. You'd have to pack VERY light if you don't want it to turn into a chore.


I had a TT600RE for a while. On paper is should work ! But it doesn't. It's a bloody nightmare to start unless you drain the carb, turn off taps etc. It's also a pig to hot start too. And the small battery doesn't help. It's good points were the strong XT engine and good suspension.

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I'm surprised your TTR gets such poor fuel economy. No doubt pumper carb is the culprit. But a well set up carb should do better? Check jetting, fuel squirt duration/angle, Air leak jets, check accelerator pump integrity. (they wear out)

I don't know the TTR so can't confirm that claim, but the DR's got the basics but suspension does need help. But the 43mm KYB forks are quite good once set up with easy drop in valves and different springs.

I believe most of problems you're having is WEIGHT related, not just Carb or suspension.

I replaced my shock with an Ohlins. Other options available, but there is cost involved.

I have NO PROBLEM with my Carb. If you're having trouble in technical, slow going off road on the DR, it's gearing that needs addressing first thing. DR650 is geared VERY high.

However, a well set up pumper does respond well at low RPM. I tried two DR's with Pumpers (Mikuni TM40), did not like them. Very stiff throttle, poor fuel economy.

The pumper is harder to service on side of road than stock BST. And ... a properly set up BST can work beautifully. If yours is surging ... you've bodged up your carb or air box in some way.

BST carb is long term reliable, easy to work on side of road. I've dealt with plenty of pumpers ... prefer stock BST on DR650.

DR650's are cheap here in California. Mine was $3500 near new, I've put $1500
into it since. Now at 60,000 miles with only basic servicing since new.

So true. 250's are the perfect bike in many countries, light, easy to handle and FUN ... and cheaper and easier to ship if that is required, also lower Carnet charges.

250's are hit hard once up over 3000 meters in my experience. Stock DR will run perfectly up to and over 3000 meters. Loses some power but runs OK. My modded Carb needs help up that high, but adjustments not too hard to do. (fuel screw, idle adjust)

Yes, both great bikes. If going into Asia or parts of Africa I'd go TTR. But if doing North and South America, the DR650 is a good choice too.

My carb is healthy. I'm just a large mammal and with the throttle pinned and the loaded bike doing 110kph, I get the same economy as the DR650 (which was always about 6.5 litres per 100kph, fast or slow). However if I slow down or am trail riding, I can get as low as 4 litres per 100km on the TTR.

My issue is I ride the bike at the limit everywhere generally - I do that on any bike I own, hence the 250 cc. On my old fjr1300, I constantly wore out rear tyres in under 2500kms. Even hard touring tyres. So I'll stick with riding my 250 at the limit as I can still get my riding buzz, but will be flat out at 120kph.

Pluses and minuses for each bike. I just love my little bike, especially as it has a little lie down on most rides in the bush and I can pick it up so easily.

Ps - don't buy a used bike from me

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TTR250 - a very underrated adventure bike

I realise this has gone way off topic so I'll keep it brief...

I've picked up a tidy little 2006 TTR250 with 1750miles on the clock

After a bit of careful consideration and some good advice received here I decided it's going to be the best bike for the job. I'm very green when it comes to riding off road - think sweetcorn - So it made sense to go for a small capacity, light weight bike... I'll cut my teeth on the TTR and upgrade to a DR650 once I get within easy access to them.

I took a crf 250L for a ride and also the TTR - they both felt like decent bikes... what swung it for me was a combination of the TTR forum and shop support, the carb as opposed to the EFI, the weight and the mechanical simplicity of the bike.

Thanks for all the input - I hope to be able to return the favour in the future.

Cheers,

Dan