Looking into importing a DR650 into the UK
 

OK so here goes. I'm looking into buying a new or very low mileage DR650 in the USA and then importing it and registering it here in the UK, for a 3 month trip starting in April next year.

I read the thread started by Alan Hopkins who succesfully imported one in 2015.

My concerns are : When Alan imported his we were still under Euro 3 emission rules, however as of the end of 2016 we are under Euro 4 emission rules which are stricter. I am wondering if the bike will now be rejected.

But then I also wonder how Alan managed to get the bike through the emission test in 2015 at all when Suzuki stopped selling them almost a decade ago because they didn't pass emissions then.

So I'm a bit confuddled.:unsure:

I guess I am looking for certainty that I will be able to get it passed before going ahead and buying one, importing it etc etc.

I sent Alan a PM to ask about this but no response yet, I am hoping its because he's out of internet reach somewhere exotic enjoying his DR650!

Any guidance on the importing process, emissions testing, registration etc would be great. I read through the info on the DVLA website which seems fairly straight forward, its just the emissions test that concerns me. Perhaps there are other things I haven't considered that I need to know about before taking the leap?

aren't you guys going out of EU ? :thumbup1:

Ha yes we are but that is not for a while yet and I believe the emission rules will remain unchanged. I want to get the bike asap, and have time to prepare and test it thoroughly before I leave end April next year.

Have a look here, UK rules seem fairly relaxed and you might not need it. I looked into it a couple of years ago and it seemed all I needed was an MOT on the chassis number, fill in a few forms with relevant fees and get it inspected.
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/overview

Thanks for the link, I've read right through all the DVLA info, but it won't say whether or not the DR650 will pass, only that it will have to pass an emission test before it can be registered.

What kind of bike did you look to import? It could be that whatever you were trying to import at the time had up to date engine technology and would automatically pass. Problem is with the DR650 and its antiquated carburetors, its omissions are equally antiquated.

I really don't want to find that having bought the bike and shipped it here to find that it won't pass.

Will keep digging until I can find someone in the DVLA to tell me what the deal is!

What about buying DR in USA, then registering it in a USA state as per normal, then with new title and registration in hand, in your name, simply ship it to UK (or EU) as a tourist with USA plates attached.

You can worry about registering it in UK later, after your trip. Meantime, you can leave and travel on the bike with a legal title.

If you can't do it in the UK, then perhaps you could ship it somewhere in EU as tourist vehicle?

As long as you have legal title in your name, you should be able to travel the world, get visas and TVIP's as needed with this title.

Many Americans ship their own bikes to UK or EU as tourists every year. Might be something to look into. ??

As a side note: A friend lived/traveled around EU over 10 years. He had TWO California registered bikes in UK and Germany, stored. He rode them all over UK and EU off and on for YEARS and was never hassled, ever.

NOW ... getting a USA origin bike legally registered is another matter, but looks like you may be able to ride round on USA plates for years without a problem.

But this was over 10 years ago, things may have changed in UK or EU.
Dunno, maybe worth a look.

But the real expert on this is Alan. I assume you've gone back and read the couple threads he had over a year or so ago. I chimed in a few times on those, mostly with DR prep tips.

But he really dug into this and figured it out and looked at several options.
I'm sure he will surface soon and hopefully can help you out.

bier

I hear what you are saying about about having it registered as a USA bike but to me it's a bit of a messy solution, I wonder how that might work with insurance etc. As you say Alan is the man, hopefully I will manage to have a chat with him soon.

But failing all else your plan might be a way forward.....

I looked into this last year for a KLR. Then wrote it off so never did go through with it. I wrote up a bunch of notes on the process. If you pm your address i'll send it over (its a word doc).

The basic position ls that you get single vehicle approval at a test centre but can't ride the bike in the uk until you have this test done and then register the bike with the DVLA.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I bought a new Honda XR125 from South Africa and had it shipped here but in the end found I could get the registration transfered from the same model bike I had scrapped and still had the V5.
A friend has just registered a Triumph 250 that came in from the US which was fairly easy but that might be due to its age, I'll see him later and ask.

Temporaryescapee - I've just PM'd you my email address, many thanks for the help.

Mark Manley - any info much appreciated.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Temporaryescapee kindly sent me his notes on the importation process and I've read through them and all the links.

The whole deal still hinges on whether or not the DR650 will pass the Euro 4 emissions test.

What I really need is a copy of Alan Hopkins' test result from when he had his DR650 tested in 2015.

If I have that, then I can see if the bike will pass Euro 4 emissions.

Here's hoping Alan gets back on here and is able to help .......

UPDATE on importing a DR650 into the UK
 

I spoke with Spencer from Bridge Moto in Reading who used to import DR 650's up until a few years ago. He said to comply with UK rules you need to install a small running light into the headlamp, an easy add on.

He mentioned depending on where in the USA you buy the bike the indicators are 'on all the time' (no idea why that would be??) which also means a small rewiring job, not a biggie.

Other than that he used to take the bike down to the testing centre and some DR's passed first time, some didn't.

If it didn't then he would alter the tuning on the carb to get it to pass.

He always managed to get it to pass which is re-assuring.

"Always On" lights have been LAW in most USA states since late 60's. Nothing new. The little pilot light is a Euro only thing ... and even dumber than always on lights. doh

The Always On law is NOT enforced here really. It was the product of some govt. traffic safety knobs needing to "do something".
Some BS traffic study claimed better visibility for riders with headlights on during day light hours. There is some validity to it actually.

Many cars here also are "Always On". Most bikes are wired to cut out headlight when cranking starter ... but don't believe the DR is wired this way.

I put a headlight switch on mine (easy to do) to shut it off when starting. Only ever used the switch when running Gerbing jacket and heated grips. (100 W total) , so needed extra Watts and in day time, no need for headlight.

I'm betting a 100% standard DR650 could pass the test, unless the parameters have been changed recently. The stock DR runs very very lean, but many owners modify fuel screw (make it richer mixture) to get better running. So, simply screwing IN that fuel screw will LEAN OUT mixture and would hopefully allow DR to squeak by and pass the emissions test. :thumbup1:

You could do more to the Carb to pass the test:
Go to leaner position on needle. (move clip UP)
Go to leaner Main jet (only affects at half throttle or more)
Go to leaner Pilot jet (Zero to 1/4 throttle only)
Remove backfire screen, add more free flowing air filter (like Twin Air).
Remove air box side cover or Cut air box top open. (more air=leaner mixture)

Lean out fuel screw by screwing it IN. (as mentioned above)

This last one is the main way to get engine to run lean at idle. But if the test
includes running bike at half or full power then those other steps listed may need to be done. Suffice to say, the DR can run at very very lean settings. It will NOT over heat if moving!

OPTION: you may also be able to run a sort of primitive CAT convertor.

bier

Hi Mollydog,

Thanks for the info!

I must have misunderstood Spencer, I thought he said in some USA states the law is the indicators must always be on (and I assumed start blinking when you indicate left or right). Which I thought was a bit daft when he mentioned it. I must have misheard...

I am all for the main headlight being 'on' all the time. Sweden was the first country to require widespread daytime running lights in 1977. Its a great thing to have, all the better for being seen.

I am now reasonably comfortable I can get the DR to pass the test here in the UK, so am going to contact a few dealers on the west coast USA to see if we can swing a deal. Preferably a new bike or one with less than a 1000 miles on the clock. If I can find one which has had some of the mods already done then all the better.

Had a look at which state is the best to buy in and it looks like Oregon suits me best as there is no sales tax, and Procycle is also in Oregon. And its on the west coast, which is where I want to start from.

So my loose plan is to buy one going into this winter, when I am hoping the dealer will be keen to offer a good deal for old stock.

As I'm no mechanic I would like to get the bigger mods done by a bike shop some where near wherever I buy before picking the bike up in spring next year.

Then spend the summer wandering across the USA to New York before shipping the bike to the UK.

It will be a good way to run the bike in, and test all systems.

Going forward i see a couple of issues :

- I will need a USA address to register the bike to when buying it. Any way around this?

- Any suggestions for a competent mechanic, preferably someone who knows the DR650 to do the mechanical installs and alterations? I'm OK on the simple stuff but don't want to spend more than a day or two spannering when I get there to pick the bike up.

Any suggestions as to where to buy the bike (as always there are good dealers and there are bad dealers..), what to do (or not do!) would be great. When is the 'best' time to buy to secure a good deal? I would imagine somewhere between October and January?

I am slowly but surely reading through all the different mods people are doing and am making a list.

Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated.
:smile2:

Whether you buy NEW or USED, plenty bikes around, Oregon is good but will not have many used DR650's. Perhaps Jeff at ProCycle can help find a dealer in Oregon or may know a shop willing to do your mods?

Insurance I'm not sure about, but should be available for you. If you buy new, a dealer can help with this.

Prices will not vary all that much in Winter. Dealers can only go so low and most DR650's are already priced close to the lower limit.

Do some shopping:
https://www.cycletrader.com/search-r...trim=650|3247&

Scroll down, you will see a Bend, Oregon dealer. MSRP price is around $6500.
No sales tax, yes, but all dealers add on "fees" which I don't think you have in UK. (freight, Set Up, and more) On a $6500 bike could add on about $500.

If you want to save money, buy USED from a private party or buy a low mile used bike from a dealer, you may be able to do all the mods on the bike, then you pick it up in Spring.

I'm guessing new, with add on fees, a new DR650 will be close to $7000 USD on the road. Used, you can find really nice, low miles DR650 in the $4000 to $6000 area. Low miles being 5000 mi. or less.

Yes, makes sense. If you buy from a dealer (new or used) they should be able to install extras and do mods you want. This will not be cheap. (most USA shop rates are between $80 to $120 per hour depending where in USA) But if you buy a bike from them, I'm sure a deal could be struck on doing mods.

You don't necessarily have to register the bike in your name to tour round for a month or so. You can ride with current bike's registration (if valid)This is legal. But you will need proof of insurance, and on that I'm not positive how a NON US Citizen should proceed.

If you do register bike in USA you can use dealers address or ProCycle's address in Oregon or anyone here on the forum. (you can use my California Address if you'd like ... not a big deal) Just make sure person at address is willing to Forward mail to you as your new TITLE will be sent to that address in a month or few weeks after purchase.

Mollydog is skipping a couple of crucial factors, including:

You need an address in the specific state where you register the bike. "Anyone here on the forum" won't do.

Progressive Insurance is the standard go-to for foreign nationals.

Read all the fine print on the Oregon DMV site. It looks to me as if you are required to be an Oregon resident before registering a vehicle in the state, but you should confirm that yourself. Don't assume, and don't take anyone's word for it.

Emissions inspections are required for certain vehicles and in certain locations. if you buy used, don't hand over any money before determining that this requirement has been satisfied or is not applicable.

Washington and California are going to be easier.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

This thread will help clarify which US states allow a foreigner to buy /register a bike: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nals-can-58648

There's been a lot of talk about emissions. Part of the importation process of bikes into the UK is getting a road worthiness certificate called an MOT. In 25 + years of visiting bike MOT centres in different UK towns often several times a year (having owned multiple bikes simultaneously and a yearly MOT being needed for any vehicle over 3 years old ), no bike I've had tested, has ever had an emissions test, including when I imported a BMW into the UK from Germany. I've never seen an emissions testing device at any bike MOT station I've ever visited (I'm well into double figures for testing stations visited ). Cars yes, bikes no.

For what a DR is worth, while being an excellent bike, why pay freight, import tax and value added tax to bring it from the US, when you can buy a comparable other Japanese or European brand/model that is available for less money and hassle? Not to mention spares /parts availability (lack of ) for a vehicle not sold in Europe for years.

I should have clarified that said address must be in state where bike is to be registered. doh

I wonder if any non-resident USA riders have purchased insurance lately?
Is Progressive still the "Go"? Any better options found?

There are several semi-new players in the Motorcycle insurance market here in California ... might be worth it to check them out:
Dairyland, Markel, Geico, Foremost, Nationwide, Farmer's, AAA, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, National General and a few more.

Mark, do you have a list of states that require Emissions testing on motorcycles? I wasn't aware of ANY that do.

California has talked about this but so far ... no actual legislation. Much as I hate anti-MC laws, I must say I would not mind a NOISE testing requirement. (don't hate me for this!)

Even though the loud bike thing is MUCH better than just a few years ago ... there are still too many HD guys roaring around waking people up at 5 am ... daily. :censored:

Parts not much worry. One stop shopping at ProCycle is fairly painless, getting all (or most) of what you might need in one go. Not to mention giant private market of DR650 owners ... huge resource of everything DR650. Shipping will cost you, but if you consolidate, maybe not too terrible?

Aussie DR650 riders constantly buy and ship parts from USA to Oz cause it's cheaper than buying in Oz. Go figure.

But it's the hassle part that may have validity. Alan Hopkins did quite well but was some hassle getting it registered but managed it. I'm sure others have done similar with foreign bikes, no?

IMO, not many Euro or Japanese bikes match up that well with the DR650. Other 650 class bikes have also been banned for decades, are in very short supply: XT600, KLR650, XR650L. I guess XT's are around, but not really close to the DR650 IMO. One viable option would be the XTZ660 Tenere'. Potential in that bike, yes?

KTM's could work. (bring parts & tools!) Most KTM's not inexpensive and NONE as reliable as DR650 IMO. But great bikes, faster than DR650, better off road. Certainly on option. :mchappy:

You could go with a BMW F650GS or Sertao ... good bike, but also more $$$ than the DR and 25 kgs. heavier.

What could be done is to buy a DR650 already in the UK ... or EU? Heard of a few newish ones brought in ... so one may come up for sale once in a while.
No easy solution.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

The procedure for importing into the UK is you submit the bike for a MSVA test which ensures the bike conforms to UK standards, and part of this test is emissions. The MSVA is unlike the MOT test in that the MOT test makes sure the bike is roadworthy, whereas the MSVA test ensures the bike conforms.

If the bike fails the MSVA you can make some alterations and bring the bike back for a retest. Once it passes MSVA you can then register the bike and then take it for an MOT.

As far as I can tell from looking up the specs the XT660Z is 180kgs dry versus the DR650's 153kgs dry. That is just under 30kgs of weight savings which is fairly significant. Plus the DR is carburetted, which is relatively simple technology.

DR650 choice : I am trying to buy a fairly light bike (around the 150kgs if possible), and bomb proof, with simple reliable mechanics and reasonable horsepower for riding solo fully loaded up through remote areas (Mongolia/Siberia).

It seems to me the DR650 meets these criteria and is reasonably affordable although I'd happily pay more for a lighter bike if it was as reliable and dependable.

Xt660r
 

[QUOTE=Flying_Dutchman;570381

As far as I can tell from looking up the specs the XT660Z is 180kgs dry versus the DR650's 153kgs dry. That is just under 30kgs of weight savings which is fairly significant. Plus the DR is carburetted, which is relatively simple technology.

[/QUOTE]
The XT660R is considerably lighter, has a lower seat and does much the same job as the Z version without the "bling adventure" styling.

Neither is now sold new in the UK: the R version was dropped from the Yamaha UK range about 2 years ago and the Z more recently.
There are a few around at decent prices:-
Yamaha XT660R | eBay

I have a friend who is currently going through MSVA because it is a special built from parts, (Egli Vincent). I have never heard of a production motorcycle ever being subject to MSVA. Go to the DVLA website and follow the process. You absolutely will need to get NOVA certification for the import duty. Must be made within two weeks of import or they fine you £5 PER DAY after that !
I bought an old Peugeot import a while back, did the NOVA online. They charged me £14 (it was a cheap bike !), and then promptly gave me the money back when they realised how old it was.

I'm also looking at buying a DR650 in Europe - most of the ads I've seen so far are for bikes older than 15 years and lots of KMs, sometimes more than 50,000.

Lately I came across that one that was imported from the US: year 2014 and ~5000 KMs (although it's hard to check that as the original speedo was replaced by a digital aftermarket one).

Pros: Bike is already registered in Europe and has a larger Acerbis tank fuel + handguards + panniers mounts.

Cons: The digital speedo that makes it harder to check bike's history, a ding in the swingarm it seems... and the price. So yeah, that's over EUR 5300 / USD 6300.

Somehow it's hard to blame the seller: he had to pay at some point shipping (> EUR 500), import duty (10%), VAT (23% in Poland) and he went through the registration process...

On the other hand for EUR 6500 you can get a brand new SWM Super Dual, which is less charismatic and has fuel injection. But it's brand new...

Good points! I'd probably go for the SWM! As good as the DR650 is (mine has
over 60,000 miles on it) it would be more fun to try a new bike.

I don't know much of the history or SWM ... but if it looks good and rides good,
give it a try. Post up here what you find out!

Regards DR650 ... you can never truly know exact Odometer reading even with standard speedo. It takes literally 5 minutes to unscrew the speedo drive cable ... and sadly lots of unscrupulous owners have been known to do this!

You will learn more by looking at the bike carefully. I can tell the riding history of a DR by looking at it ... but I know the bike well and have seen MANY of them over many miles ... from brand new to 60K miles. Certain things can't be hidden.

Actually, that price is not to bad considering a new DR650 here now will cost OVER $6500 with tax and fees if bought new. Sure, you could find a older one for less ... but for a 2014 model ... not bad.
(I'd still buy the SWM!) :D

I get your point that inspecting the bike can give a hint on how much the bike was used. I'm not sure though I could make the difference between one bike that had 20,000 easy KMs on tarmac and another one that had only 5,000 but on rough trails.

Now what's putting me off is the ding in the swingarm that the seller omitted to mention. No idea how that could happen.

http://s1.tufotki.pl/2017/10/05/moWK3-Ent4R9.jpg?v=2

Re. the SWM, it's not available yet in Poland unfortunately.

Looks like a VERY nice DR650. I would not worry about the swingarm ding, no idea how that could happen.

If you have never ridden the DR650 I would try to get a test ride. The bike may surprise you. It's quite good on high speed motorway ... and great on tight back roads in the mountains.

Reliable, easy to work on yourself ... and will last a long long time.

But a test ride should help you make up your mind!
bier

Buying a DR 650 in Canada
 

If you are buying new, have you looked at the prices in Canada, I think with our exchange rate you could get a much better deal here.

Check Suzuki Canada site. $6099.00 CAD list for a 2017 model.

https://www.suzuki.ca/?q=en/node/4024

Suzuki USA, base price $6,499.00 US

Suzuki Cycles - Product Lines - Cycles - Products - DR650SE - 2017 - DR650S

Found a bike
 

Hello again,

I went ahead and bought a low mileage 2013 DR650 from a dealer in Minneapolis and will pick it up in springtime. Plan is to do a 12,000 mile trip through the USA for 2 to 3 months before shipping it back to the UK. Register it here and then prepare it for the trip from UK to Magadan starting in spring 2019.

Thanks for all your help and guidance fellas, much appreciated!

http://www.simplystreetbikes.com/201...nesota/6304034

Good luck with your DR650!
How many miles on that bad boy?
Minnesota Winters are serious and LONG ... hope weather is good enough to still have some Summer left by the time you can get in there and get on the road. :innocent: HEAD SOUTH! In California, we ride year round.

Let us know if you need set up help. BTW ... first up should be a better seat. I see a Seat Concepts sticker on your bike but looks like stock seat to me? Dunno ... but if it is the stock seat you won't make it past two hours! trust me.

If buying stuff from Pro Cycle in Oregon you could have it shipped to selling dealer so it's there when you come to pick up your bike.
You are very brave to buy the bike without a test ride. I would have withheld money until after a LONG test ride.

I see some possible incompetent round eye meddling on that bike. Twisted fork boots (easy to straighten) but indicates when who ever replaced the springs with Race Tech they screwed up getting boots back on correctly ... so what else did they miss? Race Tech are FAMOUS for OVER springing. If Original owner was a super fatty (quite possible in this country) springs could be too stiff.

If you are over 220 lbs then all OK ... but I would want to know what spring rates you've got front and rear. (forks and shock) Dealers rarely know this stuff unless they took notes from PO.

BTW ... simply replacing springs on the DR650 is NOT a suspension fix. Not even close. The forks are NON cartridge type. Hopefully they not only put in those Race Tech springs but also put in a Race Tech emulator kit ... which is actually pretty good ... if it's been done correctly. You have to drill holes in the damper rod and lots get this all wrong and install emulator valve wrong.

Also looks like both sprockets are dirty, also grease up around front sprocket.
Looks like either someone used gooey chain lube and never cleaned or the bike may have very high miles. ?? Get ready for a serious clean up when you remove the plastic cover over the front sprocket.

High miles not a worry for the engine ... but components DO wear out.

I would closely evaluate chain and sprockets condition before departure.
New DID 525 X ring chain and either OEM sprockets or JT (pro cycle sells them)
or shop around for best price for chain and sprockets. Stock DID O ring chain only good for about 12K miles.

Good luck! Pray for mild Winter!

Thanks for the tips Mollydog!

I know its a bit of a stab in the dark to buy a DR650 when I've never even sat on one, but from reading all the great websites and forums I see there is so much you can do to this bike to make it fit, or fix whatever needs fixing. I'm assuming (perhaps naively...) that the basics on the bike are sound as this is being sold by a reputable dealer who puts all their bikes through a thorough check prior to sale.

The one has 4800 miles on it. It comes with a 1000mile / 1 month warranty which I suppose offers some comfort if it goes wrong.

I asked the dealer to contact the seller with a long list of questions I had, including which option he went with for the RaceTech suspension set up.

The owners incomplete answer was :

The previous owner did the suspension himself. It’s the heaviest spring rate that was available. He also put heavier fluid in the rear shock and forks. So you should be good for having luggage on there because he said it was sprung for 280lbs total.

The chain roller has been removed.

The countershaft seal has been secured.

Pegs are aftermarket – he wasn’t sure the brand, but he got the best reviewed ones on the forums to hold his size.

The pannier rack rack is D&S from Canada.

I asked if I could call the owner to get more background on the bike but he declined to talk with me.

My route through the USA takes me past Race Tech and I will get them to have a look at what has been done, and to change the suspension if necessary to suit me.

This bike is a long term project that will have to carry me for something like 30,000 miles and I like to evaluate, assess and then change to make step by step improvements, but if there is something that is obvious then of course I will change it right away.

The bike is currently still with the dealer in a heated and secured storage along with 300 other bikes that the dealer stores for clients every winter.

I will be collecting it and starting my journey as soon as the snow and ice is gone!

Yes, quite adjustable in many ways :thumbup1: For you, doing touring, the SEAT is IMO is pretty important. Stock seat will make for short riding days and mucho discomfort. :nono:

You can add risers to raise bars if you like or change bars for different bend to suit. You can buy lowered foot pegs to add to leg room. So ergos can be fiddled nicely to fit ... but for me the standard riding position is not bad at all. I've done several 400 mile days ... back to back to back. My Corbin seat makes a BIG difference. Magic.

Sounds like just broken in, like new. :thumbup1:

Unless you're a huge guy around 300 lbs, it may be quite stiff.

And adding in heavier fluid violates most suspension rules (this especially true for the shock ... 5 wt oil only) ... but in certain rare circumstances can be useful to go slightly heavier in forks ... NOT shock.

To get more rebound damping out of your shock you'll need to re valve it. See Cogent Dynamics in N. Carolina USA to have that done. Cogent also sell their famous DDC valves for your forks ... better than the Race Tech emulators I have in my bike. But kinda splitting hairs here ... it's all good it SET UP RIGHT for your weight and load, you'll be fine.

Race Tech have dealers/shops techs nationwide where the tech has taken Race Tech seminars and been certified. Most will be OK, not all. But for sure they could do an eval and make a few simple and cost effective adjustments if needed.

You have to decide. Most major USA cities will have Race Tech service or some sort of suspension service ... it's easily done on the DR650.

This is a standard "must do" mod. FYI, it's the UPPER chain roller that gets removed, the lower one stays in place. As you read you'll learn about WHY that roller is not useful and may damage frame. For me, it's about the clatter it makes contacting the chain.

This seal holder now comes standard on new DR650's. 5 minutes to install. It holds countershaft seal in place ... but for most DR's ... that seal never comes out. I'm at 60K miles ... no problems. But can't hurt, leave it on there.

I wonder if they are the lowered peg kit? This is popular for the long legged. Wider pegs are more comfy for standing off road.

No idea which one that is.

30K no problem for the DR. The stock chain will be worn out somewhere between 12K to 15K miles ... so prepare for that ahead of time.

You can do it yourself if you're handy or a good shop can do new chain and sprockets in about 2 hours labor charge. Be sure to up grade to an X Ring chain. I much prefer it over the standard O ring chain that comes on the DR650. I like OEM rear sprocket and JT sprocket is fine for front sprocket.
Bring a spare, change every 8K miles to extend chain life.

So, if you're at 5K miles now that means try to change chain at around 15K miles or a bit more. The X ring DID chain should go past last 20K miles if you change out front sprocket at 8K mile mark. (very easy job)

In a month or so you'll have learned the bike. Hope it works out. Stay in touch here, let us know how it's going. If you get stuck, LOTS of help on ADV Rider DR thread and on DRriders.com.

bier

Thanks Mollydog, I will keep in touch!


:mchappy::mchappy::mchappy:

I’m back
 

Hi John. Sorry I missed your message. I don’t spend much time on here any more but I left you a long phone message and a long reply to your pm.
UPDATE see you bought one, well done. I haven’t regretted buying mine for a second. I rode loaded up with kit and spares I hadn’t had time to fit like suspension springs front and rear, carb kit, lowered pegs etc. It was all day comfortable, I did the HUMM (badly) and crashed snapping clutch lever, bending gear lever and twisting the forks. I went a fair old whack but the bike started straight away and I bent the levers back and loosened the forks and bounced them straight. No real damage and I was so glad I was on a skinny bike as I fell off in sloooooow motion. It really is the ideal bike. Newer are all much much heavier, they have to be with all the crap they have to install. Likewise the XTZ is pure concrete in comparison ie. no comparison. It’s a peach of a bike and covers distance in comfort loaded up once you’ve done the mods.
I was told (by whom I can’t remember) that the bike would pass the emissions test and it did too on the standard pipe. Then I put a Gixer titanium on and did essential carb mods. It’s having to come back from Spain for its first mot so I’ll update on that soon.
The test centre in Derby where I had to get the bike uk tested was straight forward and the guy was really helpful. Yes a government department helpful! He’s probably been sacked by now for ‘conduct’ but track the place down and phone them up. I got step by step info on what I needed to check.
No idea about euro 3/4 as my bike was imported pre that but I will say it’s proved impossible to transfer it to a spanish number plate as it now lives in my place in Spain because it’s a USA import and therefore no Enumber. Unbelievable that I got it into Europe yet can’t transfer it between member states. It’s a right old Farage!
I’ll be back in a week from now so can drag out my paperwork for you.
Ask away.

Hello,
I am quite new in this forum so I apologize if the same topic has already been discussed.
I had a DR650 imported from the USA but had to sell it 7 years ago when I became a father and had no time to ride it.
Now, I decided to prepare for a long trip across Europe and of course my first choice was the DR (brand new or a low mileage one).
However, I am facing some issues in my EU state (Bulgaria).
I can organize the import from Canada/US, but unfortunately I won't be able to register the bike as it does not meet the Euro4 regulations which seem to be applicable in my country (and probably in all EU states).
Reading this thread I understand a few people (Alan Hopkins and Flying Dutchman) have managed to go through the registration process.
Therefore, I am considering the option of Importing the bike into the UK, registering it there and changing the registration plates in my country (should not be a problem I hope).
I first tried with Bridge Moto, but they said they were no longer importing DR650s into the UK.
I also talked to the guys from "Motorcycle Giant", but they seem to import rare bikes only from Japan and unfortunately the DR is not offered on the domestic market.
My two questions to the knowledgeable people in this thread are:
1. Is it is still possible to register a DR in the UK (MSVA, tweak the carb to meet EUR4) ?
2. If 1. still holds true, do you know of any reputable UK bike dealer I can rely on to import a DR into the UK?

Of course, any other options are welcome.
Thanks a lot

Philip