Dr650 UPGRADES - Are they worth it?

In this video we look at upgrading the DR650
I've been collecting parts for over a year. I wanted to throw them all on at once, for maximum effect.
I used parts from Acerbis, RaceTech, BushPigPerformance, ProCycle, Dunlop, SeatConecepts and more. Some I bought new some I bought used.
Give it a watch and let me know how your DR is upgraded.
Check the link below for the signal lights and so much more. Tell em range road moto says hi!
(not a sponsored link, just some cool guys!)
www.bushpigperformance.com/

[@rangeroadmoto]

Have you upgraded your Dr650? Leave a comment and let me know what you did! Also if you liked this video, check out my review of the stock Dr650 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKCZYZ9nfZeHjsk

[@KSMotoCafe]

this editing was an eye candy! I don't even own a DR650 it was worth the watch!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks KS! You should try to get your hands on a dual sport and see how it feels. You’re living in dual sport heaven out there

[@skaragianis]

You put a lot of effort into this. We thank you. Tremendous! Great looking result and bike

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks so much Steffan! Definitely took me a while that’s for sure

[@MysticBarefoot]

You might enjoy this feature length Film on what it is like to ride a motorcycle around Australia. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6GTmKCPZslra9U

[@rangeroadmoto]

@@MysticBarefoot I'll check it out! Thanks

[@TurtleforHire]

This video is phenomenal! Great cool shots like the turntable in low light. I too have wondered about all the money I put into my DR. I think ultimately what I came up with is that I wanted Japanese build quality for my motor and transmission. The DR650S and XR650L are the bikes still being produced in the old 80's Japanese style of build them strong, simple and reliable. The shortcoming is, building them that way also forgoes all the improvements of power, suspension and lightweight. All the mods are just an attempt to get closer to that side of the pie chart. I like owning a bike that has 3000 mile oil changes and can go 60000 miles before needing a rebuild. I can ride it in the dirt, and on the street too. Thanks for the awesome video, hope you keep on making more.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching and the kind words! The turntable shot took some sketchy diy to make happen but I am pretty happy how it came out! I agree, the Japanese big singles definitely have some charming characteristics. Simple, rugged, predictable and easy to maintain and work on. I will definitely be making more videos! Thanks again for watching

[@roosterino]

The production quality of this is through the roof! Amazing video 👍👍👍

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks David! Appreciate that!

[@neutron6599]

After watching 3 of your videos I can also see you have improved a lot your driving skill 👍. I never comment on videos but yours are really easy to see and enjoy. Tks.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks so much, really appreciate that. I am definitely a lot more comfortable off road now than I used to be

[@jaybosher6144]

The intro was fantastic. Respect for the work you put into this

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you Jay! That intro definitely took me some time to figure out but I think it turned out pretty good.

[@212driller]

Upgrading and customizing is half the fun! I love my DR.

[@rangeroadmoto]

It sure is!

[@franciscopinto5557]

Your videos are just amazing. Really nice work, you deserve much more. Congrats!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you Francisco! That’s really nice of you to say.

[@C4_316]

I needed this in my life currently. Thank you so much for this. Outstanding

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thank you for watching!

[@knifecharlatan8912]

This is one of the greatest videos I've watched lately! So good!!!

[@rangeroadmoto]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@cinnamanstera6388]

Beautiful! Cool to see the places we shared the same ideas for upgrades, and places we differed. I think it is better bars and pegs for me next! Keep up the good work!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks Cinnamanster!

[@03bonneville]

Great job on the video and the DR. For the money these bikes can't be beat...super simple and reliable.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Couldn’t agree more! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@ethan.hk3994]

You’ve won me over. Love your editing and jokes, and educational! Wow!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you so much!

[@rugged04270]

Your videos are great! The number of subscribers you have should be criminal. Can't wait to see your channel grow!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks Josh! That’s nice to hear man! Thanks for watching

[@gbbluemonday]

A great video on my favorite subject. Thanks! Haven´t modded my DR yet but I will.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks so much! It definitely is a fun subject

[@aussiefarmer8741]

All bikes need some mods to a degree. I got the DR as I prefer the lightness compared to other bikes. I'm 60 with back problems so picking up a heavy bike would really bugger up my day. A very under rated bike the suzuki. Reliable, fixable, no stupid electronic crap to mess up your day out. I for 1 am happy with mine.

[@josevarona7885]

Cool man. I’ve been watching videos every night on dr builds for like 2 weeks.😂 this is what I’m doing when I find one.

[@tomkruze2749]

Outstanding!

[@michaelhrivnak1719]

Loved your video's on the DR650! Had one back in 2011. Sold it because I thought I was getting a bit old to be riding. Regretted that decision ever since! After watching your vid's, time to make amends. Will be sitting on a new DR within a month. Thank you!!!!

[@rangeroadmoto]

That’s awesome! And encouraging to see there isn’t really any age that’s too old for riding! Hope you have a blast on the DR, thanks for watching.

[@WD-sr8qz]

The into was amazing!!! Nice work man!!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you!

[@joshuaseidel8183]

I LOVE how that bike sounds! Almost like a deep throated two stroke, absolutely beautiful!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yeah! That procycle exhaust really made it sound a whole lot better

[@beborodner930]

Love your videos! The editing, filming, and general flow is top shelf! As a KLR owner always wondering if I should've gone down the DR rabbit hole.. this was fun to watch. Thank you!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! Before I bought the Dr, I was looking at KLR’s and XR’s.. they are all awesome bikes. Just slightly different depending on how you ride

[@bradsanders6954]

@@rangeroadmoto Ive ridden a KLR that had a lotta mods, they are fun in a dumb ass sort of way, is what I thought. That huge whale of a tank, makes you sit well back on the bike, the forks have an angle like a chopper....so many parts are cheap pressed steel...........The DR is like a blank pallette, you just make it what you want it to be.

[@bartertrek1789]

Great vid mate. Slowly adding all the bits and pieces to my DR.

[@rangeroadmoto]

That’s the best way to do it! Thanks for watching

[@brainspace3133]

Excellent vid mate. Really enjoyed it .well done👍👍

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks for the kind words! And thanks for watching

[@northernmotion090]

Awesome vid, thanks for the hard work! Great result!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks Nils! Appreciate the kind words.

[@greensocks4507]

Thanks for the video my friend. Bought a 2015 off a guy about 2 weeks ago with only 1500kms since new, Been stored for a while, I'm still running it in. He'd spent a lot of money on it but things got in the way and I made him an offer. Here we go with the upgrades he's done... It seems to get along Ok Oxford hot grips, Renthal bars, Bark Busters. Ventura pack rack. BRB Bash plate. Acerbis tank, 20 litre ( white ) , New seat professionally built. Enlarged and lowered footpegs. New muffler ( GSXR600 ?) . Aftermarket sidestand. Airbox mod with Keihen carb replacing the original. All jetted and tuned Mitas tyres, offroad biased 80/20 road. Fuel filter and aftermarket fuel tap. Fork upgrade, FFRC plex valves and progressive springs. Moose counter shaft sprocket cover. New shock spring and FFRC piston and shim stack work done. Most receipts for the work done and I have the original parts as well. Look forward to continuing to run it in and , there's my upgrade. Mileage on the clock from today is 1703 kms. I wonder whether these bikes will hold or, appreciate in value in the coming years. ? Who cares... I'll hang on to mine for now. Christchurch , New Zealand

[@Davido50]

Excellent motorcycles ! Enjoy. -Ohio 🇺🇸.

[@stevecrocker6904]

Cryptick: mate if they are no longer allowed in NZ (as in OZ) due to no ABS compliance there'll be no more new ones you won't lose any money. Keep it till you're too old to ride

[@bradsanders6954]

My DR650 is all set up for me, about 4K over what I paid for the bike , it works great, for a DR.....Resale though? Buyers ignore or dont even know what the mods are. Mines an 03. It might be worth 2500. Maybe not....people simply dont realize a DR can run 100,000 miles.......a KTM 790 or 501......probably not going to run that long.

[@elouan6803]

Do not stop making videos, you are truly great at it !

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you my dude! I have been away a bit but I am working on a new one as we speak!

[@elouan6803]

Nice, I am eager to see it !

[@ericcournoyer1595]

A feast for the eyes, ears and head. Excellent. Now subscribed.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you Eric! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@clutchitup8565]

Wicked video thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@bgm1911]

well done video with some great humor thrown in. Thumbs up.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@intrigue175175]

Great production.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks!

[@garywinkworth3380]

sounds and looks good

[@brunosimoes6382]

I've been thinking about buying an older ('91) DR650 off my brother, a kick start only model, and came across your videos. As a bigger guy with nearly 1,90m I finally felt like I sat on a bike that fit me, and this whole do everything ability of the bike is really growing on me. Your videos are amazing, extremely well put together and I enjoyed every single one I've watched so far! Keep it up!

[@bradsanders6954]

You will learn to hate that kickstart at some point.............the early DR's, pre 96, actually weigh 50 lbs more, even with out the e-start..Very, very heavy bikes. Aftermarket parts for them dont much exist.

[@stevecrocker6904]

hmm, I'd consider the electric start later models

[@RandomGRK]

I bought mine upgraded with everything. Its incredible.

[@rangeroadmoto]

That’s awesome! They are pretty awesome when they are upgraded

[@arihurjamarine]

Nice vid man! Like your style, keep on going! 👍

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@clutchitup8565]

That intro was so sweet bike looks sick spinning

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks! It was massively sketchy to get it to do that ahaha

[@AarPlays]

Wonderfully edited video. Well done

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@GM-he3um]

Pretty nice...I want to do exactly that...not too much but my focus is off road and you hit the mark!

[@rangeroadmoto]

It worked great for me!

[@fontanajim]

Well done video. Thanks for publishing. Here are the upgrades on my 2017 DR. Some of these came with my bike and some I added. Procycle side racks. Procycle top rack. Mirrors are from Doubletake Pro Cycle Lower foot pegs. Acerbis 5.7 gallon tank. Acerbis bash guard Barkbuster Storm handguards Pro Grip 714 Rally hand grips. In line fuel filter. Warp9 handlebar risers Pro Taper handlebars. Cogent Dynamic Mojave rear shock Madstad windscreen Russell Day Long Saddle (yep that is not a typo!) Warp 9 Racing Starter Cap, Ball Bearing (no more squark noises) Procycle Brake Pedal Adjuster Bracket (puts the brake pedal where it needs to be) Procycle Remote Choke Cable Kit BST Runleader Digital Maintenance Tachometer Car Digital Voltmeter Gauge DC 12V, Waterproof LED Digital Display Voltmeter Magnetic drain plug Cogent fork springs .52 kg/mm Procycle Case Armor Plating for Engine Cases Mosko Moto Backcountry 35 panniers. PIAA thin line sports horns (helps move range free cows) JNS Engineering Case Saver with Sprocket Cover Parabellum Headlight Guard Warp 9 Inspection Time Engine Plug

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for the kind words Jim! That sounds like an amazing bike! I bet it rides awesome and will take you anywhere you want to go. Thanks for sharing!

[@fontanajim]

@@rangeroadmoto It is a nice bike. I ride a lot of Forest Service roads in Idaho springs such as the IDBR. I have not upgraded the exhaust, carb or intake box. Happy with the power the bike has and don't want to screw up the works. 😁

[@parcadv419]

WE GOT A 2004 DR 650. THE REASON WE BOUGHT THIS BIKE .... THE UPGRADES !!!!! i enjoyed your video very much, watching what you did just solidified what we got. the upgrades are so similar, all the way to the racetech shock spring . however we have the led head lamp ,it even has a cooling fan to cool it, big plus, and an extended tusk shift lever. this also works well with boots. their are fun to ride and half the weight of other 650,s

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks for watching! I also got an LED headlight, sounds like a similar model to the one you got. They definitely are fun!

[@MD-jp5oc]

Looks great with the Berg front fender!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yeah I agree. I prefer it over the stock.

[@denniswarner2150]

Terrific video. Really enjoyed it! Love my 2020 DR.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching! That’s awesome, did you get that gun metal grey colour?

[@denniswarner2150]

Yes. Love the gray.

[@modshiftmotion]

You covered all the good stuff. Cool video man. I guess it's worth it!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks man! You got much done to your DR?

[@modshiftmotion]

@@rangeroadmoto For sure.. I do. All the exhaust, intake, jet, front suspension, bars, tires, lights, gas tank.. pretty happy were it's at now. Just right. Cheers man.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

I've put more money into upgrades than I paid for the bike (used). If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't do anything different, with exception to the seat. I'd go with the Seat Concepts seat instead of the Sargents seat that I have. In addition to the upgrades that most folks do, I added 4 accessory lights to the front, Steg Pegz (for the stand up game) and panier racks with Rotopax mounted on each side (yep, I have the 5.3 gal. tank too). Nice bike; good video.👍

[@tedcrum]

When I bought my DR I promised not to try to make a KTM out of it. Then I spent $3k on upgrades AND bought a Beta RR-S. Doh! Best bang/buck: D606 / Scorpion Trail; Racetech Emulators and springs. Acerbis 5.3 tank, Sargent seat (not as nice as Concepts, but cheap.) ProTaper "Woods Low" bars. Luxury items: GPR steering stabilizer/fat bar riser (makes knobbies safer on the street and helps stream crossings.) Racetech shock re-valve. Magura hydraulic clutch (ends frequent cable replacement.) Oxford heated grips with controller built into left grip. The bike was "jetted" when I bought it, with 3 screen plugs in the airbox. It wouldn't rev until I put a stock main jet in it. Lots of bad advice WRT carbs on the internet, just leave it all alone.

[@jackheinemann1994]

When you understand jetting and get them right they will make you all giddy

[@advriley]

AWESOME video Blake 🏍🐷

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you mr.Riley!!

[@carsthatlast441]

Your videos are really well done. Subbed. Thanks!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! And thanks for watching :)

[@ricardofabia]

Excellent video!

[@justincase8901]

This was a surprisingly high quality video!

[@rangeroadmoto]

I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@larsm.kristensen530]

Love the channel guys!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks so much Lars!

[@kens5871]

Great presentation with good content.. great work

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@wipperwil]

Thanks for posting amigo!!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching !

[@bmxkelowna]

Absolutely love it, those trails look like a blast I need to bring the drz out there next summer for sure

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks Logan! You really do. We can make a drz vs dr video

[@jsey12]

Good stuff! Have you ever road an xr650l?

[@rangeroadmoto]

I have not! But I would like to. They look like a blast. I was torn between the xr and the dr. Main reason I went with the Dr was the external boil cooler and less overheating issues, at least that’s what i read about them.

[@spacelamaglama]

very nice build!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you!

[@chasingtrail]

What a fantastic video, you deserve a lot more views!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! If we all watch it 10,000 times each it’ll happen

[@chasingtrail]

@@rangeroadmoto I just happened upon this again as I'm debating between this bike and the Tenere 700 which I have an opportunity to purchase. I just got done watching your other video about it. After having a chance to ride the Tenere 700, do you find yourself wanting one over your DR650? I fully built a DR650 in the past and miss it. But the T7 is the new shiny. I'm not ashamed to admit that making content on it would help me to grow my channel. The videos I did on the CRF300L have WAY more views than any of my others.

[@chain.driven]

This has been on my watchlist for a while. Wow. I love the creativity that went into it. I chuckled a few times at your stock part analogies. And that transition on the spinner there to the frame of the bike, nicely done. What were you spinning it on? I’m still stunned by what a huge impact upgrading the suspension on my 500 exc had. You hear it all the time yet I hesitated for over a year to drop $500 on some coiled up bits of metal. When I finally accepted my bike was under sprung seeing it bottomed out in my photos and videos I took the plunge. The bike not only sticks to the ground where I ask it too, it also hops like a gazelle when I need to. I always thought I was just shitty at hopping drainage ditches but now I sail over them. I’m now going down the road of ECU remapping. The AUS map made a huge difference but I wanted to go to the outer limits and sent it away for a racing map. New pivot pegs went on this week and I’m eager to see what kind of an impact those have on my ride. I’d really like to try new bars but they’re pricy so right now I’m running 2” risers which seem to help. Yea it’s a rabbit hole for sure but man is it fun. I keep track of every mod and repair to my 2012 KTM 500 EXC for anyone interested: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158317185691007&type=3

[@rangeroadmoto]

It definitely is a rabbit hole! I will probably never own another off-road bike with at least swapping out springs for my weight. I did a video on the ktm500 if you haven’t seen it you should check it out. It’s got every mod you could ever do it on it.

[@davidrivera1727]

Looks awesome 👏

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks David!

[@1naashun]

“3700 Freedom Units” 😂😂😂😂 Subscribed!

[@rangeroadmoto]

😬😬😬 ahahha

[@chuddledollops]

Amazing work on this video! Your DR looks killer. I agree on the D606's for sure. I'm getting tons of K's out of them. Really recommend the bigger front brake disc upgrade, makes the pig feel way safer and less locomotive like.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! Yeah I was pretty happy with them too! Might try Motoz next, been hearing good things.

[@RKmndo]

Braided stainless brake hoses have been enough for my brakes.

[@ridenm7748]

@@RKmndo Same.

[@rienkhoek4169]

Thanks man, now I'm having smashing pumpkins flashbacks. Great video!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Why’s that??

[@rienkhoek4169]

@@rangeroadmoto In their song 'zero', there's a lyric with cleanliness and godliness. As a non native English speaker, this was the first time I heard that line and thought it was odd, so it stuck. :) Nice song though, when you're 16. Edit; wrong song.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Oh ok! That makes sense. I get what you’re saying

[@577buttfan]

Great video man

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you Mr.ButtFan!

[@solitudebychoice]

Such a positive video!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yea, I think there’s enough negative stuff out there I don’t need to add to it.

[@nuttynate797]

That intro was insane!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks man! That one took a lot of effort and trial and error

[@BrettCarstens]

Fun video!!! I know how much effort you put into it! And as a fellow frugal DR650 rider, I warn you that this post may potentially cost you more money. I've got my DR650 set up for touring and it's phenomenal for everything except busy/fast freeways. Beyond what you've already done, I would only suggest that you look into getting a larger front brake disc along with steel brake lines (makes a difference) and maybe looking into a pumper carb (made a massive difference in power). 🤙

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! It was fun to make! Oh believe me I have been looking the tm40 pumper carbs since day one haha and fork swaps.. brakes could definitely use more stopping power. That’s a good idea! It’s really ever ending with these bikes. Thanks for watching!

[@trevorjameson3213]

Normally I keep my DR650's completely stock, engine-wise. But I think I'm going to get a pumper carb and a better pipe. I mean the bike runs great at high altitude for some reason, but not as well at lower altitude (I think it's way too lean).

[@motoric5188]

Loved it, AWESOME!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@EwePeople]

😭😭😭😭 I need a bush pig in my life! ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍 Great video and great looking piggy!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks! You should get one!

[@EwePeople]

@@rangeroadmoto coming soon! I'm selling my street bike and an old ATC.

[@marcusjacobstown]

Great content! Agreed, as my DR650 is an instant smile inducer. Mods on mine: Lynx Fairing by Brittania Composites 5.3g Acerbis fuel tank TM40 Pumper Carb Two-Brothers Exhaust Seat-Concepts seat TKC80 tires Tail-tidy brake light Yoshimura turn signals Bark busters (Acerbis?) Tail cargo rack Tusk Excursion saddlebags Front fender (Acerbis)

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks Marcus! That sounds like a sweet bike. I'll have to check out two brothers exhaust, I have never heard of that company before.

[@marcusjacobstown]

@@rangeroadmoto I bought it used with that muffler and a few of the mods already on it. It gives a nice sound when revved but idles quiet. Original comment edited to add a few mods I forgot.

[@capaiz11]

thanks for this video it's great I'm about to want to make those improvements but I don't know if I should change the shock

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching! Upgrading the suspension was the best place I spent money on the Dr650

[@SWATT101]

Awesome. I'm looking at a low miles 17 that is basically half price as new...I love to tinker so the money saved will be put into making it mine...seat springs exhaust and tuning first...as parts are found...thanks!

[@rangeroadmoto]

That’s a good way to do it! I think if you can find a good used DR it’s the best way to go!

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

Great vid.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching Paul!

[@chrisrossouw2230]

Awesome video!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you!

[@PeterR0035]

💓GREAT! thank you!

[@rangeroadmoto]

My pleasure!

[@christopherkonzelmann348]

Fantastic!!! 😀👌🏼

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks!!

[@christianmalone5005]

Yessssss sirrrrrr! Keep up the videos

[@rangeroadmoto]

I definitely will! Thanks for watching!

[@kylebodenham4911]

Hey nice vid, sweet bike. How have you got those rear blinkers fitted. I’ve been looking for ideas on how to fit them a bit higher like that.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks! They are mounted to the same spot as the factory ones were. Not sure how you could get them any higher without building a bracket

[@troym6270]

Great Vid! And a cool look at a fun hidden little local riding spot! did you find the old car?

[@rangeroadmoto]

Haha! I did yes

[@mikeisland7382]

Best do it all dual sport for the money. Quality video production.

[@rangeroadmoto]

It is great! Thanks for watching

[@showstopper4200able]

I'll really appreciate your efforts and feedback. I've been fighting in my head on what I want.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Glad I could help! Everyone’s opinions are different on modifications and you might value some things more than myself but they worked well for me

[@tangledline]

Picked up a used 2009 DR650 for $1200 running and stock. Thats when its worth it. When you buy them new....its a toss up. Thanks for the vid!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Damn dude that is a good deal! I kinda agree about buying a new one. Even most used ones where I live are getting priced so high it’s getting to the point where I would be looking at other bikes.

[@tangledline]

@@rangeroadmoto Indeed, the pigs are actually pretty good at the end of the day. I have owned a ton of motorcycles..I sold my 1st DR (1996) for like $1900...I regretted it as I bought a BMW GS1150 (too big) KTM450 (too much maintenance) Ducati Hypermotard 1100 (maintenance AND scared to drop it) KLR 650 (too heavy and underpowered) Yamaha 450 (too much horsepower and uncomfortable) so I am SUPER happy with the DR650. Its just PERFECT. I have other bikes to compensate for the above. Speed, Comfort and Maintenance..lol.

[@Jon87224]

Range Road Moto Can you please give us a list of the exact parts that you put on in the description? Also will all these fit the DR 650SE?

[@jonsmith9708]

First thing I changed was front sprocket 14t

[@RKmndo]

I have 2 DR650s, a 2003 and 2013. They both have around 30K miles on them. What a hoot they are. I was going to park one in a storage unit out west, and fly out occasionally to ride different parts of the west Life got in the way. I still ride locally though.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Man that would be the way to do it, I really like that idea

[@RKmndo]

@@rangeroadmoto ADVRider had a long-term ride report called "The Moebius Trip", or something similar. The people worked for the airlines and did that with their DR-Zs.

[@BallsofSteel569]

Bike looks great! Really like the acerbis front fender you picked out. Wouldn't happen to remember the model #?

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks! I believe it was an RMZ front fender made by Acerbis. It’s not made for the DR650 but just took drilling to make it fit. Bought it from Fort9, was pretty cheap.

[@trevorjameson3213]

The upgrades to my DR650 include a heavy duty skid plate, Tusk Dsport tires, and a bright LED headlight. I think that's all. Everything else is stock. I actually like the seat, but the bars could be better but I really don't care, they work for me. My first DR650 was back in '05 and I loved it. The one I have now is a '21. I ride the bike in Colorado on 4x4 trails and single track, it's very capable, plenty of power, and easy to ride on gnarly, steep and rocky terrain with little effort. I find the suspension and gearing to work just fine for that type of terrain. When the day of riding is done, I get on the highway and ride back home, it's an excellent street bike as well.

[@rangeroadmoto]

How do you like the Tusk tires?

[@stevecrocker6904]

like you, I actually get on well with the stock seat. And the standard bars aren't bad enough to change them

[@stevecrocker6904]

modding potential is why we buy DRs. Unfortunately they can't be sold new in Australia any more because of a lack of mandated ABS as of end of 2022. I bought a very slightly used 2008 model in 2011 and was advised to do some trips before deciding what, and in what order, I wanted to change. That trip was a 7,000km ride (including lots of sand) to Australia's red centre from Sydney return, my baptism to off road adventure. My list of mods now, 12 years later are as follows: large exhaust pipe and 2002 GSXR750 muffler, TM40 pumper carb, bash plate, 17" road wheels/road tyres for suburban use and braided front line (this combination together with its relatively light weight makes it a very decent suburban stopper), rear spring and shock upgrade (ie my own shock recalibrated by a DR specialist) to suit my travelling weight, front guard aluminium stiffener, Ricoh intimidators for front forks, 22 litre Acerbic tank gives up to 400+ kms range, rear rack, side racks and soft bags, small deflector windscreen, heated grips, LED headlight, waterproof 12V heavy amp socket, and the usual precautionary fixes (NSU unit safety wired, rear upper chain guide removed, front sprocket seal), pivot pegs, BarkBuster hand guards. No doubt I'll edit and add to this. I have a KTM 790 Adventure for normal road touring with off road jaunts whenever possible but the DR I'd trust anywhere and it has a much lighter weight. I'll keep the DR650 forever. I have kept the standard bars. I've had no reason to change them to this point AND I've always been comfortable enough on the standard seat (I did 1100kms in a day on it once). The other thing, the main thing, I'd like to add is this. I would argue you'll bond more with your bike as a companion, friend even, when you take the time and thought to modify it yourself. Many people can plunk down a credit card for their latest fancy with all and any options added on by the dealer, but what incentive is there to keep it when the next big thing arrives? Just get out the card again - same old, same old.

[@PartsandParcels]

This is cool! I learned to ride on a DR650, it was uncomfortable and great. Also using gallons instead of litres to measure liquid while being Canadian is a sin.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hahah I love that. I should have put a Canadian translation in there. If Miles are freedom units what are litres to Canadians!

[@austinharris6193]

Unreal video.. Intro was bad ass, collecting the parts was funny, and panning around the yellow backdrop with the measuring tape was a really cool visual. Probably the best content out of Alberta. Shout out from Calgary 🤙 Would you still recommend this over similar offerings? I'm not a fan of getting blown around on Deerfoot when riding the ktm500 but still want something I can hit trails with. Research leads me here.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Man thank you so much! That’s super nice to hear. So I actually just bought a 2013 ktm 500 exc. I have only put a couple thousand km’s on it so far. But the plan is to see how it does as a light weight adv bike. I was riding some gnarly (for me) single track the other day that I am pretty confident I would have turned back if I was on the Dr650, but the 500 was amazing off road. In one day I put over 600kms of off road and highway on the bike. I was dead when I got back. It wasn’t super windy that day but I am curious how much difference there is between the dr650 and the ktm in the wind. The 500 is definitely more vibraty. Especially in the feet. I have a seat concepts tall seat so the butt comfort is marginally different, just narrower than the 500. The power is night and say difference between the two that is for sure. I feel like at this point if I was going to get something bigger and more comfortable I would be aiming my sights at a 690 enduro R.

[@austinharris6193]

@rangeroadmoto majority of my KTM500 time was as a snowbike actually. I highly recommend getting a track kit for the winter 👌. For someone new to street riding the KTM500 was too tall and light for me to feel confident over 80km/hr (knobby tires probably didn't help) so I definitely want something with a lower center of gravity and a little more weight to build confidence in Calgary traffic. I think I'm gonna go with the DR650 because I can buy 2 for the price of a KTM690. Then I won't be afraid to push myself and drop it lol. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Maybe I'll see you out at the Wanderer event sometime in the future 👍

[@jamesbh101]

I love your cheesy creativity.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Well thank you James! The world could always use more cheese

[@majorawol]

I did all this plus got the ADV wheel set-up. That is, a fatter rear (150) and a 19" front (at 120 I think) -- That was expensive... and I feel made it look way better, added a fun factor for riding... but ultimately I compromised all it's off-road ability. In the end... although it gave me more smiles... once I got used to it, it just felt like it lost it's edge with those sumo style wheels. After 5 years I sold it. Now I ride a KTM 950sm... wish it was an SE, but whatever... I don't miss the DR as much as I loved her.

[@rangeroadmoto]

The 950 is an amazing bike! I’ve seen some sumo’d 650’s but never got the chance to ride one. The DRZ400sm does such a good job at it I would probably go that route. Thanks for watching!

[@eduardopaolini5256]

Amazing

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you Eduardo!

[@BadgerMcblasty]

Ha, man I forgot I was subscribed to you, not exactly a consistent content drop, but love the content when you do. My DR set up B&B offroad after markets Front sprocket case saver Oil cooler guard Rear luggage plate and carry rack Front fender brace Swing arm chain guard Tail tidy Frame guard Engine case protectors All except the last item is powder coated black. LED headlight ( can’t remember the brand ). ODI handlebars ( yes, I never heard of the brand too, but they were cheaper and as sturdy ) FFRC ( Australian company ) suspension upgrade Delkavic full exhaust system Pannier rack Sargent seat Pivot pegz Peg lowering kit Acerbis 20 litre tank ( grey ) Bajarworx ( dark tint ) windshield Barkbusters The bike is a 2019 Model in grey, bought 2nd hand with 507km on the clock. With every after market in black and grey it looks awesome. Edit; it’s rejetted and drilled another hole in the air box too. Pretty standard.

[@rangeroadmoto]

haha thanks man! I am still around, maybe watching too much KZbin instead of posting on KZbin. That sounds like a sweet bike you got! I am assuming that's the same ODI that makes the grips? I always ran ODI longneck grips on my BMX's and I have a set of their grips on my DR. Thanks for the comment and watching the video!

[@BadgerMcblasty]

@@rangeroadmoto tell me about it, I’ve a seperate channel where I do a newsroom satire. Writing, filming, editing. Hard to do when you come home from work and just wanna sit down and have a🍺 relax and maybe play the ps5. I don’t even put half the effort you do, by the looks. A green screen and a bat skull mask is about as far as I go. 🤣 yea looks as though it’s the same company as the grips.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yeah that’s for sure! But it’s good fun when you get something done

[@BadgerMcblasty]

@@rangeroadmoto agreed. It’s like you’ve put a little bit of yourself out there and it’s fun/interesting seeing how people interact with it.

[@Davido50]

Love Suzuki motorcycles! Can't go wrong 👌.

[@rangeroadmoto]

It was always good to me!

[@goldyg6511]

cool video dude, sweet bike, I have same mods! IF you can afford it someday look for TM40 carb, my next mod is fork and clamp replacement from a YZ or RM inverted modern forks valved for the big blue sweet ride and maybe a new head someday with big valves so can breathe the DR comes with tiny valves for 650 cheers happy trails

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yeah the TM40 seems to be the way to go for these bikes! Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@ilyaivanov2283]

Классное видео, хороший апгрейд. Необходимо другой стоп сигнал за место штатного.

[@take5th]

Nice video. Try some Tusk D-sports next time.

[@rickybobby8224]

I bought my DR for $4500. Spent like $1200 on all the usual upgrades. Wouldn't trade it for any of the new middle weight adv bikes.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Other than _maybe_ a slip on and associated minor carb tweaks, And the seat, I wouldn’t bother touching a single thing on the DR except the tires to match the terrain I’m riding on and maybe the handlebars. I’d _never_ bother changing the tank. Personally, I’m fine getting off the pig every hundred or so miles. The stock suspension is 100% fine if you get the sag and fluid wt dialed. No need to change the springs unless you’re huge or tiny. I’m neither. If you feel the need to try to make the dr into a lightweight trail bike, just get a drz400 and get on with it. And I suspect that after you’ve had it for a few years, you’ll feel the same.

[@stephenprideaux8122]

44 tooth rear sprocket makes riding a lot smoother without changing fuel economy

[@jensenmiller6410]

I knew you'd decide to make changes eventually! It is only a matter of time before a box appears in your garage and your wallet becomes magically lighter. If it were me the next thing I'd reach for are some larger pegs. You don't realize it till you change em' but the DR's pegs are really small. If you want to change out your stock shock's valving to fit the spring feel free to reach out. I have shim stacks that worked good for the 8.0 and 8.3 springs. It's pretty cheap to do, ~$40 US for the shims and oil and whatever a nitrogen fill runs you in your area (usually $25-$40). Worst case scenario you go back in with all new wear components and those run you $70 or so extra. Still ends up being cheaper than buying a new drop-in unit. My DR got the sink thrown at it when I pulled it apart for a rebuild at 24K. Rides like a dream now. JE High Compression Pistion (If I did it again I'd just do the 790 kit) Procycle Muffler Weld-in Frame Reinforcements Powdercoated the frame gloss black TM-40 I got from Ebay and setup with the procycle kit DSA Body Kit in Blue Acerbis 5.3 Seat Concepts Tall JNS Down and Back Pegs & Skid Plate JNS LED Headlight Rox's Risers and Tusk CR-Mid bars Cogent Mojave Shock in the Rear and DDC's in the front with .63 springs Warp9 ADV Pegs Warp9 Wheels (18" in the back so I can run tubliss) Warp9 Levers

[@rangeroadmoto]

Wow that’s sounds like quite the Dr! I am curious about the frame reinforcements, I was riding a 690 enduro R and it felt so much more adjile. I know there are many many things that contribute to that but I wondered how much the modern trellace frame helped with that feeling. Just less flex.

[@jensenmiller6410]

@@rangeroadmoto The main section of the frame that cradles the engine is pretty strong. Not amazing but not anything that's worth attempting to fix. I focused on the subframe and area where the swingarm and subframe forces are concentrated and others had seen failures (left side). TLDR: I wanted to make sure the ass end didn't fall off. I definitely made it more rigid since I can now feel the slight hum of the chain through my seat every now and then. Suzuki took a lot of steps to make the DR's frame pretty limp. Lots of kinks and very few gussets and it makes me wonder what they were thinking about when making it. The DR's main frame flaw (and blessing) is being made of 1018 Mild Steel. Not something super strong or super light but we can weld on it ourselves. I used sections of 4130 tubing and 8mm 1018 rod for most of my stuff. Though I did all the cutting and fabbing, I paid a professional to weld it (though the pro got a kick out of being able to MIG it). Makes you wonder what a DR made out of chromoly would feel like. Probably 1K more expensive but stiffer and quite possibly stronger.