DR650 2014 Transformation Stock to Tourer

[@scottjohnson1451]

Greetings from an American in Germany :) thanks for uploading your videos. Great to see natural footage of Australia and seeing what/how you guys do things over there. Thumbs up to you!

[@03bonneville]

Nice job, I'm picking up a DR650 this morning.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Scott, wow aren't you lucky being in Germany. Thanks for your comments. I'm still learning the art of videography but glad you have watched my videos. I still have some more of our South West trip to do which includes camping in tall timber (Karri tree) country. I can't wait to visit and ride the USA which is my dream trip. Good luck with your travels, Cairnstravellers

[@brucelafone2910]

By far one of the slickest DR650’s I have seen, nice job! That is almost exactly what I want to do with my DR. I was looking into getting the B&B tail racks but the price was holding me back, I will say they look phenomenal in your video! The pictures online do not do it justice. Awesome bike and thanks for the video!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Bruce Lafone. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Yes the DRs look great now but i seriously thought twice about buying one at the start cos of the looks of a stock bike. I had to think long and hard on how i wanted it to look and got there in the end. Definately get one. Im amazed of what it can do and how much it can carry and tour comfortably. My bike with 90kgs of gear weighs the same as some of the big adventure bikes without any luggage. The BnB racks are outstanding but are hard to adapt to rotopax or top boxes. Other than that they are the best in my opinion. Good luck with your choice.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Gary thanks for watching and the comment. I'm with the DR thru and thru. It's more powerful and for me better off road due to the power and its relative lightness. I've only dropped the DR once and been off road a lot more than when I had the KLR, which I dropped three times at home whilst trying to leave for a trip. I'm 5'7", 78kgs so had trouble with the KLR' weight and its distribution. Also the DR (newer ones) are bullet proof, unlike my KLR which had the usual issues, doohickey, stripped foot peg bolts, sub frame bolt, absolutely stupid vent for drawing air to the airbox which caused extremely dirty air cleaners on dirt roads. That being said, the KLR had a Sargent seat and was a dream to ride on the highway. The protection offered by the fairing was excellent. Which is prone to breaking when you drop it and don't have crash bars. If you are a big bloke, the KLR wouldn't be an issue. Good luck with your decision.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Terra Helix, thanks for your interest and taking the time to comment. Glad this video has s much interest. Take care n keep on riding the adventure.

[@brianshanahan3878]

Just brought home a brand new 2017 (leftover) DR650. I have already ordered the Seat Concepts (low) seat and can't wait to start the other mods. I removed the upper / forward chain roller and I'm searching for a rear rack now. Will probably pick up a Phillips x-treme H4 bulb today to see if that improves the lighting at night. Great video sir!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hey Doug, good to hear. Don't forget the airbox mod (cut out) if you do the carb upgrade. On the Missus bike we kept the standard carb and airbox but had it dyno tuned by a local genius and her bike runs great but still not as powerful as mine. Mine does sound different too probably cos it breathes better and has the better card. Thanks again for your interest and comments. Enjoy the ride!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there Betyoura. Thanks for taking the time to comment. No you need the rack to mount the luggage plate. The rack only has 3 screws and the DR fender is too soft. You can actually mount luggage on the fender rack. The plate is just better for wide loads and offers better support. I did consider the SW Motech/ Motorrad unit but the B&B one looks heaps better when the bike is empty. The Motorrad unit is far better to mount their top box though. Cheers

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi 2phalanges, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Pipe does sound like a FMF in the video but after doing the airbox and pumper carb, there is no comparison. Check out Biker Bits Dr650 desert series where Ken uses a FMF pipe. It does sound different. Cheers

[@AValentinoFilms]

Awesome video! Something I ended up adding to my DR was a locking petcock. The homeless situation in my city is just too crazy.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there, thanks for the sub and comment. Actually my KLR came with lowering links and after I swapped the seat for a low Sargent seat, the bike was low for me at 5'7". It needs to be cos of the weight which caused me to drop it a few times. I got the rear suspension on the DR done by to carry a lot of weight (80kgs) and the bike is very high at 890 mm. It performed faultless on a our last big trip so I wouldn't have done anything different. The bike is so balanced there were a couple of times where I came to a stop and checked my gear lever and boots and forgot that I didn't have any feet down but the bike didn't fall. I can't say enough about t the DR and it will blow away my KLR. There are probably better tourers but at 160kg, high carrying capacity, lots of power after a few simple mods, offroad capability and great price, I wouldn't have gone for any other bike. Good luck with your choice and am happy to help with explaining my mods. Cheers

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Ganabetis, thank you. I love it too. I've looked at other bikes when I'm travelling and am glad I went this way. Never stop dreaming. Good luck with achieving your dreams, Cairnstravellers

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi NC Adventures. Thanks for the compliment and for watching. Take care n keep on riding the adventure.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there 4x4East Coast. Thank you for the sub and taking the time to watch and then comment. They are a fantastic bike and quite light for what they are and what they can carry. I love how balanced they are too. Best of luck with yours too Cheers

[@goldeniron8989]

The Bike look's Sick and the Exhaust is a Deep Growl just Awesome

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Dougie, thanks for taking interest in my video and taking the time to comment. The slip on has a built in spark arrestor. I had a huge back fire once and no fire exiting the pipe. I was thinking of taking it out but it’s fairly loud as it is. I once got stopped at a random breath test with 6 police officers and no comment or unroadworthy sticker. Hope this helps

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Brian.Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Great choice of bike if I don’t say so myself. Yes, Seat Concept are the only ones to get. I have a Sargent and Procycle seat spare after making the wrong choice. I forgot that I did the upper chain roller mod too and didn’t go for a head light upgrade. I went for LED spots and am over the moon about it. Enjoy your new ride.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Doug, good on you. When you first start the bike with the new exhaust on there will be a lot of smoke until the oils burns off the steel wool sound deadening material. Also if you havent done so, your carby may need minor work to stop the occasional stalling when idling. I didnt do anything for ages but was very happy when I did the carby upgrade to Mikuni TM40 Pumper carb and airbox mod. My bike now blows the Missus bike away. Have fun with the upgrade.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Paul, yes the intermittent stalling was a result of the exhaust only and no other mod. The stock exhaust has a very small outlet compared to the Barrett. I instantly noticed the huge amount of exhaust gases exiting the Barrett after the mod so I gather it must be running lean. I’m no expert but lots of gases out and the same fuelling as before must equal lean running. The new carby fixed the fault instantly but is an expensive mod. Believe me the power difference was worth it for me. A cheaper fix may be to rejet your original carby. I didn’t want to tackle that so I put the missus bike in for dyno tuning for nearly a third of the price. The result is a very economical bike that doesn’t stall and starts like a dream, albeit there’s no comparison between the power in my bike and hers. Even had my insurance cancelled after a bike service due to the mods so I had to find an insurer that allows modified bikes. Who knew, bike must make less than 50hp and was an insurance risk👍😂

[@fridaycat]

Got it installed today. People can here me now,might save my life.More power also, seems to run great but I am thinking about a carb upgrade. Thanks for your videos!

[@Nostrildomus]

As I lay on my back holding my port side ,(two broken ribs) blooded right sheen I new Doug is correct . The vacuum carb cant atomize enough fuel down low to keep it lit . Thanks

[@Nostrildomus]

Knew . . .

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Shannon, sorry to hear about your crash. One of the best thing I ever did was to use the Mikuni TM40 pumper carb. The power difference is amazing and I never have stalling issues anymore. This and the and airbox mod are the only differences between mine and the missus bike and you should hear the difference between the two. Keep, on riding Mate

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi David, cheers for watching and taking the time to comment. Yes I love the exhaust and it’s Australian made by a great company Barrett. They did the side pannier racks too. Take care

[@davidc1961utube]

Cool set of mods and it is easy to hear why the exhaust is your favourite one!

[@cairnstravellers]

To SouthernAlp Phil, sorry for not replying earlier. I can't seem to find your comment on you tube but got the notification by email. I prefer the DR hands down. The KLR was comfortable and beautiful to ride on the open road with the fairings great wind protection but too top heavy for me and no where near as powerful. I carry more weight on the DR than I've ever did on the KLR and it handles it much better. I would never go back.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Antonio, sorry I missed the second part of your question. The work has been ongoing and evolving to the point that I installed a new fuel tank last week and spotlights this week when they arrive. However I was happy with the bike Feb last year. The mods on this video could take 2 weekends for those who work. The handlebars took me the longest. Realistically, money is the biggest issue, so you buy mods one by one and instal them and that is what takes time. Hope this helps.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Jose, thank you so much for watching and your comment. It is a great bike. I haven't thought of upgrading because it is so good. It handles highway speeds and is reasonably light for off road. Cheers.

[@flyinguy123]

Hi from Van BC, Great seeing your build on the DR, a great bike for FNQ...till seeing this I thought the best thing coming out of Cairns was Debbie Davies!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Kev. Hey thanks for watching and then commenting. Good to hear from viewers in Canada 😁

[@flyinguy123]

@@cairnstravellers PS, I lived in Cairns and Mission Beach.....one of the very first overseas river guides for Raging Thunder and R'nR". back in 85/87

[@cairnstravellers]

@@flyinguy123 Wow nice Kevin. I loved Mission Beach when I went there for a weekend. My other half used to go white water rafting but around Cairns. The weather there is a bit better than yours now hey🥶

[@cairnstravellers]

Cheers Don, thanks for watching my video and then taking the time to comment

[@ozjohnno]

you seem to have it all...... One thing I would suggest is case armour as especially the gear lever will go through the case when dropped on the left hand side. Check out vince strang, the armour costs $89 and is a good investment

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi John. Hey thanks for taking the time to comment. You know ive considered case armour before but saw Biker Bits do it and thought i might do such a good job and have been putting off. Thanks for the reminder and where to get the best deal. I'll see to it when I am confident I wont muck it up. Keep on riding

[@ozjohnno]

I put the case armour on mine after the gear lever went through my case. Its a simple job, just use plenty of RTV silicon and she will be apples

[@cairnstravellers]

Thanks John. I’m not the best with silicon but eventually I’ll have to give it a go.

[@Mr2fast4uall]

I have the same bike although mine is a 2015 same color scheme. Here in the states the 2014 is grey. Did some mods on mine as well although I haven't done the seat yet.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there. Thanks for your question and interest. No the fuel range did not reduce one bit. I thought the carby upgrade might have caused increased fuel consumption as the bike is so much more powerful but it didn't either. I think the three mods, exhaust, carby and airbox cut out allowed the motor to breathe and run better. I don't have to use as much throttle to get up to highway speed or ride slowly around town. That might explain why my fuel consumption hasn't increased. Hope this helps.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi MR Tebi7. Hey firstly thanks for watching and then taking the time to comment. Cheers for the compliment. Take care now

[@MrTebi7]

Awesome vid mate thanks for taking the time to put it together. Triple thumbs up and ride safe

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there. Love the name. I’ve never thought of the locking petcock. Might be a mod in the future. We do lock our luggage up when we stop. If it’s overnight we place a motorcycle cover over the bike and lock with one of those alarm locks. The net and cover was recommended by a South African Adventure tourer. Out of sight out of mind. Cheers 😊

[@Betyoura]

The B&B rear fender protector with the added luggage rack looks a little redundant. No way to mount the luggage mount without the fender protector? Other than that it looks great!

[@johnbradley1599]

good to see that you lost the rear mudguard extension - and your bike looks great.

[@owenrichardson3026]

Great vid mate, i also have been on the journey of moding the DR crossed the simpson Desert and had a lot of fun doing so and would do it again great bike and Great video :)

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Owen, thanks for taking thew time to reply and for your comments. I also agree on what a good bike the DR is. I wouldn't want anymore. I'm seriously envious with your journey. Thats the Holy Grail of Adventures like our Canning Stock Route. One day I'll do the same. Take care and keep on riding the adventure.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there BellamyCMR, thank you sir for watching and then taking the time to comment. Take care 👍

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Doug, how are you going Mate? DR’s are both great and thanks for asking. Still got lots of footage to cut an upload. Hang in there I’ll get there soon.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there, hey I really appreciate comments and other people's experiences. I tried Sargent Low seat, Procycle seat cover with gel over the DR seat pan and the Seat Concepts std seat and I know I personally wouldn't buy anything but Seat Concepts. The std seat is very high for us shorties 5'7" but worth putting up with. Isn't it a great bike? Always makes me smile when I go for a ride.

[@MrStevecro]

Nice bike - available new in Ausrtralia no more (would need to have ABS fitted). But can you call it a tourer with only a 13 litre tank? Geez, it would have taken me a lot of refills on my Sydney-Cooktown adventure 😜. I always have 2 bikes but the DR650 never gets replaced. A gem

[@dougiequick1]

The slip on muffler? Does that ruin the exhaust as an approved spark arrestor??

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Antonio, are you sitting down? Total costs as of September last year including all my luggage is $4331. Since then I've added a Safari 30ltr tank $650 and some led spotlights at $240 includes mounting brackets. All are in Australian dollars. However with the initial cost of the brand new bike, it comes up to $13721 to date. I could have done it cheaper too by not using top brand names but I'm very happy with what I have. Also some of the DR's competitors are dearer and then you have to buy the accessories. Good luck with your choice and adventures.

[@dougiequick1]

Tough pill to swallow if there are more powerful high end bikes already done up new for less money than you spent? KTM? 690? ...oh wait these are aussie dollars? I dont know the exchange rate for US ....maybe the total is close to 10k US???? If so? Cant beat that I recon

[@charlesmattina3787]

@@dougiequick1 I think about that too, with my DR650 and all the mods being done to it (suspension, carb, etc). I think if one includes the luggage and stuff its still a decent amount less than the 690 and a more reliable/easy to work on.

[@0xsergy]

@@dougiequick1 lol, if you can stand the vibrations. I just rode one, my hands were numb after like 5 minutes. Thanks but no thanks, it's not a touring bike. And the guy had a ton of money invested in repairs.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there Goldeniron8989- thank you for your comment. It's is an awesome bike. The sound is amazing too. I was lucky a Mate put me onto the right parts. Take care

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi John, thanks mate for the comment and watching my video. OEM guards are always bad 😀

[@363rs]

hey. good job . what are these side racks? brand? i need something like that for my future giant loop round the world soft panniers.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there 363rs. Hey thanks for taking an interest and taking the time to They we’re from Barrett direct, www.barrettproducts.com.au/exhausts.html. They are strong as and believe it or not, I now have Giant Loop Round the World Panniers on them using Touratech pucks. They worked a treat and I absolutely love the new panniers. They allow me to hold more weight low on the bike too. Best of luck to you😊👍

[@cairnstravellers]

Also thanks for the sub. The footage will get better or that's what I think anyway. The first few days were a rush to get to the destination. Then we learnt to stop more and explore

[@billhamilton2366]

You are the runt of the litter... 6 ft and 260 # on a wee bike like this is tough

[@gromit576]

Hello, how is the windscreen holding up? It is attached with only 3 bolts, does it vibrate at 100-200k speed? What is the price? I watched you video last month and bought a used DR last week. I hadn't even heard of DR650 a few months ago!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Gui, no problems people who watch my videos are never a bother. Wow it sounds like you have a dilemma. Personally it really sounds too hard to get a DR or DRZ. Are there any other bikes such as Yamaha WR250R, Honda CRF250l or SWM 650?? Even some of the 450's from Yamaha WR450f or Kawasaki KLX450, the road registered versions. I am seriously thinking of doing the Yamaha 250 as a lighter smaller bike for tougher trails and wouldn't hesitate to buy any of the others. I would always walk away from a bike that looks like it's had a hard life or not looked after.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there, thanks for the compliment and comment

[@jlacerda14]

Hello there! Thumbs up for your video. I'm about to buy a DR650 '18 (not able to find older). I was wondering if you might listing the mods you made, including where to find them. Thank you very much!!!

[@riderpop]

wow super nice awesome finish ! thanks for sharing.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Jr, hey thanks again for commenting and watching. It’s great to see the biking community so positive and helpful. Keep on riding mate 👍

[@frankmorris2603]

Nice job. Lots of ideas to help my future plans thanks.

[@cairnstravellers]

Thanks Robert, glad I can be of help. If I can offer any advice, choose carefully. I’ve ended up with lots of luggage, fuel tanks from trial and error. The safari tank is the only tank to go for for touring and I went with Giant Loop Round the World panniers and a Motorrad top rear bag. This is by far the best combination I’ve found. Hope to put it in an new video. Cheers for watching and taking the time to comment 😊👍

[@frankmorris2603]

@@cairnstravellers Good to get an Aussie perspective. I'm looking forward to more of your videos.

[@cairnstravellers]

Thanks Toby750. You too, take care and keep,on riding.

[@cairnstravellers]

Will do. USA is my dream holiday with a motorbike ride to the Grand Canyon.

[@johnoz1978]

Great vid. Just got a Dr650 at the age of 66. Must be regressing to my wild and misspent youth. Love the bike, absolutely hate the seat. Couldn't catch the make of seat you replaced yours with. Would you mind letting me n=know please. Ride safe.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi John Thanks for watching land then taking the time to comment. Great choice in bikes. We've just returned from the South West again and had a ball with a lot of dirt riding. The seat in the video is a Sargents low seat as I'm 5'7" and with the suspension job made the bike very high. It's okay but on a long ride your backside can get a bit sore. A mate put me onto Seat Concepts Standard and I've never looked back. You can get covers that fit over the DR shell. Make sure if it's cold you put the cover in the sun so its easier to stretch tight and staple over the DR shell. Ive also tried the Procycle cover amd its hard as. Best of luck to you and enjoy your bike. 👍

[@2phalanges]

pipe sounds like the quadcore. great looking bike.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there. Thank you for the compliment and watching my video. Is the quadcore pipe you are talking about by FMF? Ive had powercore on a KLR and there is no comparison. The Barrett is more refined and better sounding, to my ears anyway. Cheers

[@strictlystreet1517]

cairnstravellers I have the 2013 DR650SE/790 big bore with fcr pumper carb, over sized valves and ceats, 5 angle race port from Ct racing in California, Fmf power core header, Fmf Q4 silencer, air box mod, seat concepts seat , warp 9 rims , levers and shifter dsa concepts plastic and a bunch more... I just mentioned in one of your other videos that I just purchased a 58 liter givi top case and was wondering how difficult to install? Do you happen to have a video where you featured your install ? Thanks from Clifton park, New York, United States 🇺🇸 of America

[@2phalanges]

yes sir fmf. sounds like a tigers roar. my dr650 just broke 50k and still riding like a beast. love this bike. ride safe dude.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hey there Strictly Street. Thanks for your continual participation and watching my videos. Wow nice mods. Hows the US of A going? I don't have a video on the instal. All i did was use the Motorrad plate as a temple and cut out a recess. The plate has a raised centre which acts as a locating pin to stop it from moving around. I botched the job so badly as i didn't have the right power tool. It does the job but is a bit embarrassing to show. Needless to say, i should have done my homework and bought the right rack first. I liked the B&B rack for looks not for practicality. I would've preferred the Give case. It appears to be a lot stronger and i could've used the extra capacity. I don't think Givi has a rack for the DR650. I wanted their panniers and waited 2 months for the dealer to come back on how to mount them because he had a lot of trouble trying to work out ho it would be done. I don't think it will be an easy job unless you can fabricate some sort of metal mount. Take care and keep on riding, from Perth western Australia.

[@toby7504]

i absolut love this bike. petty they dont sell it in norway anymore...like what you have done with it

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Toby, thank you for the feedback. It is a crime they don't sell it there. Always good to hear from our overseas friends. I love the bike too, wouldn't want anything else and it's cheap to set up.

[@toby7504]

+cairnstravellers They was sold here in the old days but not anymore. I have a cheap 04 dl 650 and it works for all my tasks. i just enjoy it. like your videos..keep it going and ride safe

[@guicampos5377]

hi there, sorry to bother you, but that machine is my dream bike. i have a problem tho, i live in portigal and suzuki does not sell dr or drz models around here any more, and the ones i found second handed have been almost beaten to death. i can import the bike, even if it gets expensier (and it will) but im not sure if it pays over or not, and then, the bike whould come stock and id need some upgrade parts for it that i dont know if portuguese dealers could demand, whats your opinion on the subject?

[@1995dresser]

I have a 2015 also bought it brand new best bang for the buck

[@cairnstravellers]

Wow that looks like a great ride. Been there exploring by 4wd, the bikes will be next

[@nokithecat]

Good to upgrade your brake light too Lots of idiots like tail gating and good to make sure they see you in poor weather or poor lighting conditions

[@cairnstravellers]

Kitty Cat - hey there. Thanks for the interest and comment. Actually the brake light is stock. The only thing i did there was a fender eliminator bracket. Must be different over here to other countries. I do agree with mixing it with other road users. Can be a bit hairy at times

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Was considering a KLR , but it just seems a little boring, but then considered the DR as it has a better motor & spend the extra money on the tank,seat & screen .But I'm not sure if I should just get an XT660z as the modification of the DR would end up being in that same $ price bracket.🙈 ow so confusing with too many options.lol

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Wicked Lee Loopy. my deepest apologies, your comment ended up unnoticed in my likely spam folder. Unless you are big, i'd stay away from the KLR. Its heavy and not as balanced as my DR. My KLR was so underpowered in comparison too. I looked at the XT660Z too but decided on the DR and I haven't looked back and wouldn't change ever. Maybe look at the available suppliers of accessories and parts beforehand and what you need. The XT is water-cooled isn't it? I went Dr due to reliability and being air cooled. Just one less thing to go wrong. The DR comes with an oil cooler, which if it breaks you can buy a bypass hose and fittings to get you home or to a repair. I do sympathise with you though. I had heaps of trouble making my mind up but a friend with heaps of knowledge , mechanical skills and money to burn went to the DR so i knew i was making the right decision. He rode the Canning Stock Route, Gibb River Road, Greta Central Road in Western Australia and it performed faultlessly. Best of luck on your decision.

[@johnhamilton2680]

I dig your stuff. Nice music too.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there John. Cheers Mate for the comments and for taking the time to watch my video. The Music is free with KZbin but I can’t thank the band enough. Hope it’s worth their time and effort.

[@cairnstravellers]

Thanks for the comment David

[@ncadventures311]

Very nice mods. She sounds like a true "Thumper" now. Ride safe & keep posting the good vids !

[@louiewatson9389]

I live in Winston Salem, where you at?

[@Movieman1965]

Hey, Great Conversion to Tourer! Curious what was your cost all in for the mods? Also how much time to complete them?

[@kkunkel8]

Did you fuel range go down with the new exhaust?

[@toby7504]

l have a old dr600 i need a cylinder head for. Do yo know any online shops to order parts for them. Here in norway it seems impossible.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Toby 750, apologies on taking so long to get back to you, the 12 hour shifts keep me busy. I have used Procycle.us for parts. Also have a look at rockymountainatcmc.com and motorcycle superstore USA. I don't shop with them now due to our Aussie dollar being so devalued against the US. Watch for freight costs, they can be high. Best of luck to you, cheers!

[@toby7504]

cairnstravellers thanks mate. im going to check it out. no worries about time. work kan be pain some times. love the bike

[@cairnstravellers]

Thanks again Toby 750, good luck with your project.

[@sheepdog819]

I was looking at those racks too. Why do you need two racks? I understand the top rack but, why the bottom? Why not just buy a luggage rack for less $? Honestly, it's the only thing holding me back from purchasing.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Sheepdog, thanks for watching and commenting. At the time there wasn’t much around especially in Oz. I liked the B&B racks but you have to have both. Now racks are everywhere. In hindsight had I planned to have the top box, I would’ve have gone with Motorrad Garage’s rack. But it doesn’t look as good. I agree, Look around, there are plenty out there 👍

[@sheepdog819]

@@cairnstravellers ty. Great job on the bike though, she looks gorgeous.

[@cairnstravellers]

@@sheepdog819 Thanks Mate. I still Lobe the bike. Just returned from a trip Midwest Western Australia and the bike ran superb through soft sand, wash always and rocks 😀

[@BikerBytes]

Great job on the bike mate. Thinking of swapping my F800GS for the dr650 tanamin edition 👍

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there Biker Bytes. Thanks for the comment and cheers for watching my videos. Wow that’s a swap. I haven’t ridden a BMW and can imagine from watching videos that they would be a very comfortable and capable bike. You have to accept the DR for what it is and it won’t have the mod cons that the F800 has. It can have a bit of vibration being a single cylinder bike but you would enjoy the difference in weight. Off-road, I know which bike I would rather be on. Good luck with your choice and if you do buy the DR, welcome to the club 😄

[@BikerBytes]

@@cairnstravellers i owned a KLR650 before the f800 should be familiar ground 👍

[@cairnstravellers]

Ok, yes you would be on familiar ground and will enjoy the increase in power. I found the DR to be a better balanced bike too.👍

[@BikerBytes]

@@cairnstravellers well, a year on and rewatching your video. I eventually took the plunge and got a DR about 7 months ago and building it up slowly. Have the barrets exhaust and procycle jetting kit on order to squeeze out the power 💪. Hope you’re still enjoying bike mate. ATB Jason 👍

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there Biker Bytes. Good on you with your purchase. I still love my DR when I get on it and that’s the problem. I used to think my DR was heavy until I rode Harleys. Now it’s a piece of cake to wheel around our home. Make sure you do the air box mod with the pumper carb and Barrett exhaust. You will unleash so much more power. There are a lot of videos on how to do this. From memory Procycles included instructions on how to do this. Only hassle is the air filter gets a lot dirtier than without the mod. I still know which one I prefer. Keep on riding and enjoy the mods 👍

[@juddbowen3858]

Hi mate,Just wondering if you still have the DR650 and how it is going? I am thinking of setting up a touring rig and the DR650 seams to be the go, did the pumper carb make much of a difference in combination with the exhaust to power and economy as well as throttle response.Thanks,Judd

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there Judd, cheers mate for watching and taking the time to comment. All I can say is do the pumper card. It provides much more power, especially on take off due to the mechanical accelerator pump. The standard carb is vacuum actuated. This matters on take off from idle. It starts a lot easier and doesn’t stall as easy as standard. It works well with after market exhaust. Of course I will only recommend Barrett for a slip on. They sound so good and the likes I get when I rock up at any servo for fuel says it all. DR’s rarely stop people in their tracks for a look but I get them all the time. If you are in Australia the problem will be where do you buy it from? I purchased mine from Procycle’s in the USA but the dollar isn’t very good now. I only went there because at the time there were hardly any sellers here. I know you can get them from Adventure Bike Australia prejetted for typical mods such as exhausts. I’ve used them for other parts and their service is outstanding and cheap postage. I just had a look and the Mikuni Pumper is $649 so it’s not much dearer than the US where I bought it from when our dollar was much better. Incidentally I got the Missus stock carb Dyna tuned with the same exhaust and it was a waste of time. Stick to the Mikuni Pumper. Good luck Mate! 👍

[@cairnstravellers]

PS Judd, a good friend of mine who out me onto DR’s and all the right mods bought a pumper carb un modded and spent a lot of time jetting and getting it to run perfect. I was happy with the out of box product I bought and haven’t touched it. Yes it uses a bit more fuel than the Missus but it’s well and truly worth the power gain. Where she would get 5 Ltr to 100k’s, I would get in the 6’s but I give mine a flogging😂

[@cairnstravellers]

Also, yes I can see and smell that it runs a bit rich but I’m not prepared to touch it yet. My next move will be to dyno tune it st Dynotime in Wangara. Russell there is fantastic. And yes we still have the DR’s. Wouldn’t sell them ever

[@juddbowen3858]

@@cairnstravellers have you done any remote desert trips eg canning stock route? There is another Dr650 rider from your way called Mongrel dog production he has done a lot of remote trips on his DR650.

[@cairnstravellers]

Judd Bowen, hi there Judd, no I haven’t done any remote desert trips yet. I’ve given up two opportunities with a mate at work who put me onto DR’s and mods. He did the Canning with fuel tank panniers from a mob over East and then he did the Simpson. The fuel capacity for the Canning exceeds what I can carry until I do that mod as well. Plus I would run his setup on the pumper carb because fuel economy would be crucial to complete that trip. Our holidays never matched up unfortunately. I’m pretty certain he won’t ever do the, again I.e been there done that. I’ve never caught up with Mongrel Dog. Thanks for asking, cheers Mate 😄

[@garylewis9748]

Great video mate. I noticed you also owned a KLR650. I'm currently tossing up between a DR650 and a KLR as a second bike for dualsporting. Let me ask you, having owned both, in your opinion how do they compare? I know opinions are subjective but I would love to hear your thoughts. I have a dirt bike background but have been riding road bikes for the last 10 years, however, would love a duallie to get back into some all-roads touring. Happy New Yr and Happy Adventures! Cheers, Gaz.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Gary, please forgive me. your comment disappeared to the bottom of my list and escaped my attention. DR650 wins hands down in power, weight, build quality (refer KLR650 footed bolts, doohickey, subframe bolt etc). To me its better balanced as well. I've only dropped it once because the road gave way and i carry a lot more weight and do far more dirt than ever. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@adamkeren5651]

hey man! i just bought my new 2016 brand new dr650.... i would like to know where did you buy the windscreen and the seat please! regards , ADAM

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Adam, Great choice in bikes. The screen is from www.screensforbikes.com/shop/suzuki/dr-650/ Peter is great to deal with and was very reasonably priced. The missus screen is better in the dark tint than mine (light tint). Also went for the HD screen on hers. The seat, you need to shop around as the Australian dollar vs US isn't helping you. I got mine from shop.adventuremoto.com.au as a seat cover. Can also try adventurebikeaustralia.com.au. great service from both. The Seat Cover isn't hard to do with a staple gun, your seat with the cover removed, spray glue and some time in the sun to soften the fabric. The missus seat came whole, direct from Seat Concepts when our dollar was doing better. I've tried Sargent (on my old KLR650) and Procycle and won't move away from Seat Concepts but that is my opinion only. Also i stayed with the standard height seat and even though I'm height challenged (5'7") the comfort outweighs standing on tippee toes. Hey if you ever need power, the TM40 Pumper carb, airbox mod and rear pipe makes a huge difference. I find the missus bike gutless compared to mine. Good luck Adam

[@adamkeren5651]

thank you so much for the useful info. i just can't wait to get the beast out of this bike :)

[@cairnstravellers]

Ps all the best for 2017 too. Cheers

[@douglasrhine4640]

How is the dr these days .?

[@chadmiller2494]

My 14 is all grey. Wasn't aware they did multiple colors for one year

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Chad, Suzuki didn’t. Mine is the colour from 2014 and the Black one is a 2015 model. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment👍

[@cairnstravellers]

Sorry, I’m Western Australia anyway that was all that was available, cheers 😁

[@jeffpotter7656]

What bar design did you choose?

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Jeff, thanks for watching my video and commenting. I chose the Protaper Fuzion 1 1/8 bar but only because it was the only option at the dealer where I bought my bike. However I’m very happy with the bar. Cheers and have a merry Xmas.

[@4x4EastCoast]

Great video mate. The DR is a great bike.

[@shadowturtle96]

shame... I went out for a ride yesterday through mundering up to the fire lookout on dale road

[@fridaycat]

Cool I ordered that exhaust last Friday

[@benoconnell22]

Gorgeous bike man. Thanks for the video.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Ben, thanks for your comment and for watching. Yes I love the bike but have to admit it took awhile to buy the DR. I thought it was too old school looking initially. That's all changed now, I wouldn't have any other bike. Plenty of power, carrying capacity and not too heavy. Have a great Xmas

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Stephen, yes Western Australia

[@nedt]

Verry nice mate, quite tastefully done!

[@cairnstravellers]

Thank you so much for the comment. Good luck with yours whatever you do.

[@nedt]

+cairnstravellers I'm not done yet..... ;) Why the DR over the KLR? I am in the market for a step up from my xr250 (riding it on the road is like strangling a cat, noisy, painfull and and screams). I'm 95% sold on the DR if only for the support here in AUS from Top blokes like yourself and bikerbits.

[@nedt]

+maXim0200 and Adventureoz of course.

[@cairnstravellers]

hey there, sorry had to go. Well Klr was a good bike to ride the roads and for the bigger guys. The fairing is awesome for wind protection and the seating position with the right seat is great. I found it hard work in the scrub and it is heavy. I can carry 30kgs and my DR still wouldn't be as heavy as the KLR. As for power, it's chalk and cheese. My DR wins hands down. Sounds heaps better too. I originally had a stock muffler on the KLR that had the baffles out and it sounded like crap so I know what you mean with your bike. I like that the DR is air cooled and so don't have a radiator to puncture or carry coolant. I've also never had a problem with the DR overheating even on a 47 degree day, but I do watch my idling time.

[@nedt]

+cairnstravellers great points, thankyou!

[@Mainrollman]

That's a great looking bike.

[@miradockal9795]

What a bike,👍🏻nice and simple! Great review too. Look after your self. Mira

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Mira, thank you for taking interest in my video and your comments. Isn't riding motorbikes the best thing out. You take care too!

[@АлександрФилеков-к8ч]

Супер!!! Хочу такой же!!! Супер!!! Ai laikit !!!

[@joselopez-gx3yn]

nice very nice....good motorcycle the best off road,,,,,,,

[@jsroy3455]

can you make a list of all your mods and where you got those plz!!!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Js Roy, sorry to take so long to reply. I don't think it will fit into these comment sections. The list is huge as well as the suppliers. I'll see what else i can do or will make a video which means i can explain in detail. Thanks for your patience and for watching and your comments

[@pjodysseus2746]

how do u like your DR compared to a KLR?!

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi pj odysseus, thanks for your comment and for watching. i sold the KLR n have been glad ever since. The DR seems more balanced to me.being 5'7" and the power is 10 fold better. i miss the KLR fairing except when i dropped it twice. For me the DR wins hands down. Cheers

[@MarinheiroPortugues]

Awesome. Just putted an Safari tank os 30up to 35lts and nothing else to do

[@cairnstravellers]

Good on you Nuno, best mod I’ve done too. I find the bike handles better with all the weight on the rear and more weight up the front 👍

[@brymanable]

Hmmm to put this remake over the top would be LED indicates, 👍

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

For the money the Barrett exhaust should be made out of gold. $500 for a straight tube muffler?

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi there, Thanks for watching and commenting. At the time of purchase they were comparable in price to other quality mufflers in Australia. I had FMF units on my KLR 650and CRF250L that we’re similar in price. I just checked AdventureBikeAustralia.com.au and they sell the FMF Q4 for $649 and Powercore for $549 so the Barrett is great value at $495. In my opinion and only my opinion, sound wise, looks etc.I know which one I prefer 👍

[@bellamycmr]

Great video.

[@davidhastings7714]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ganabetis]

my dream bike!!!!

[@cairnstravellers]

Thanks again Don

[@marcosperez6024]

How much for all the mods?

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi Marcos, I’ll get back to you on this ASAP. The list is huge and not cheap. Might even do a video to show the final mods. Thanks for watching and commenting👍😀

[@marcosperez6024]

@@cairnstravellers thatd be great Thank you!

[@davidj4662]

Nice job.

[@cairnstravellers]

Hi David J, thanks for the compliment and for watching.

[@cairnstravellers]

Wow Mike, really??? You know music is subjective. You know as insignificant as your opinion is, your opinion is only your opinion.