Age related downsize continues

Craig · Feb 27, 2022

I sold my Ducati ST3s yesterday to a fellow Duke club member … day before I had found a kitted up ‘19 Suzy dr650 with only 6500kms … so the shed now holds the GT1000, CT90-Trail and in a couple wks the dr will arrive ( from Quebec) … this dual sport is a return to my first all season ride the ‘80 xl500 ! … I sat on a dr in locale dealer and could just get my toes to touch , may need to lower a bit if I venture way deep on local logging paths other than a larger fuel tank every other mod I would consider has been done …. dropped my total bike weight by +/-600lbs … from the 4 I had in shed last spring … looking forward to finding the many remote waterfalls that I haven’t laid eyes on in 40 plus years ! …. Any suggestions on mods I may not have thought of , thinking it will be 60/40 road/gravel use ….

Big_Jim59 · Feb 27, 2022

I did this a year ago. I sold my 5th gen Honda VFR, probably the best all round bike I ever owned, and bought a Guzzi Quota. It was time. My knees were just not up to the VFRs riding position anymore.

Time Warp · Feb 27, 2022

Craig said:
‘19 Suzy dr650 with only 6500kms …

Which is a 1996 DR650SE Craig, they never changed much besides colours and decals.
I bought mine new in January 2008 with no test ride.

There is a thread devoted to the DR650 on ADVRider.com (13000+ pages, 274000+ replies, over 34 million views and you can post anything from DR to what you might have for lunch)

the DR650 thread

there are hundereds of threads on the dr650 so why not have a meeting point for all dr riders in one place, ask questions, ride reports, pics,...

www.advrider.com

DR650 | ProCycle.us

procycle.us

If it still has the stock rear shock (two lower pivot bolt holes) it can be lowered as can the front forks via a spacer reversal by 1 inch.
It would depend on its current spec.
The seats can be a little uncomfortable on longer rides (I got a Corbin)
The stock suspension is good enough but a little soft.
The stock tank might go 190 kms to reserve (20 km/l)

They are a less is more bike with a strong following world wide.
I am familiar with them down to the crankshaft on the bench.

Craig · Feb 27, 2022

Thanks for info TW ! …. I did do some reading … stock seat and a pro cycle seat included , will wait on delivery and better weather before decide on lowering …. I do like the simplicity and the long production run …. Comes with a fairly shield mounted and not sure that will stay …. see you fly screen on yours , does it work to keep some wind off chest …. Hope j ya up don’t fielding some questions in coming months ! have signed on the ADV rider site too …

johnm · Feb 28, 2022

I have had a DR 650 for three years now and at this moment riding it on the West Coast South Island Nz.

I'm 6 ft tall so height is not an issue once I'm on it but I have a weak left knee so have lowered it for convenience.

Many are just lowered by dropping the stantions in the triple clamps but the proper factory way requires moving a spacer in the forks . Very easy job but you do need to get to a nut down in the fork. Honestly can't remember how I did it now. I think I jammed something down there. The rear shock has a lower mounting hole but you do need to flip a spacer as well . A lower seat can help and if you really need to go lower you can get adjustable "dog bones" and drop the stantions in the triple clamps. You do need to check for tyre clearance if you go that far.

The 20 litre Acerbus tank is very useful.

If you do a lot off road lower the gearing too.

gortnipper · Feb 28, 2022

johnm said:
I have had a DR 650 for three years now and at this moment riding it on the West Coast South Island Nz.

I'm 6 ft tall so height is not an issue once I'm on it but I have a weak left knee so have lowered it for convenience.

Many are just lowered by dropping the stantions in the triple clamps but the proper factory way requires moving a spacer in the forks . Very easy job but you do need to get to a nut down in the fork. Honestly can't remember how I did it now. I think I jammed something down there. The rear shock has a lower mounting hole but you do need to flip a spacer as well . A lower seat can help and if you really need to go lower you can get adjustable "dog bones" and drop the stantions in the triple clamps. You do need to check for tyre clearance if you go that far.

The 20 litre Acerbus tank is very useful.

If you do a lot off road lower the gearing too.

You with the Ducati club guys who just posted about coming over from Murchison?

Craig · Feb 28, 2022

Have been reading some on our ECDC forum bout possible riding trip in the in UK , wish I was joining them , just not in the cards for me … ….WHOOPS , while some members of our East Coast Ducati Club are planning a fly & ride trip to UK , you were not talking to me , sorry !

johnm · Feb 28, 2022

gortnipper said:
You with the Ducati club guys who just posted about coming over from Murchison?

Nope. I'm actually camped in Murchison right now beside the Buller but no Ducatis. Heading to Ross today.

Age related downsize continues

Craig

Big_Jim59

Time Warp

.......back to the 70's.

the DR650 thread

DR650 | ProCycle.us

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johnm

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