Suzuki DR650 Changes Part 2.1 (Front Suspension)

[@jrdepew]

Nicely filmed and explained. Cogent set up has served me well.

[@doc650adventures]

Thank you Joe! You have proven the value of the Cogent suspension better than most for sure!

[@hppants1965]

2020 DR650 owner from Lafayette, LA here (subtle clues in your video suggest you may be a Louisianian as well?). Just bought the Cogent suspension (front and rear) and your videos (2.1 and 2.2) are most excellent and very helpful for this "parts changer" (certainly not a "mechanic"). Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@doc650adventures]

Thank you, Sir, for the kind words! I am not from LA but my Wife is. I am so very happy my videos were of help to you upgrading your DR650! I have a 2020 DR also. I have been in several different types of terrain and the Cogent Suspension upgrade has made a HUGE difference! Thanks again for positive feedback! GEAUX TIGERS!!!

[@danebumpus6335]

THE MIGHTY DOC 650 !!!! - Wonderful job indeed - Lots of great info and well explained. Lots of hidden treasures throughout the video - very fun - and some hard to find. "Too much taco bell & beer" HA HA !!!! Love the aftermarket spotlights mounted on top of the fender - very nice touch - nice & neat looking. Wonderful little "cameo" from YODA in there too !!!! Awesome touch - "OPENED UP A CAN OF WORMS - YOU HAVE" HA HA HA.... CHEERS !!!!! 😬

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Dane! Glad you liked the video! The intent was to make it easy to follow and help others who might be doing the same install. It appears that it might have accomplished that. Figured you would like Yoda showing up! Have a great week Brother! Cheers!

[@perpetualmoto]

I have the same setup. Its served me well over the last 50k miles, most where fully loaded!

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks for subscribing and also thanks for the feedback on the suspension components Brad! I doubt I will ever journey as much as you have but it is very encouraging to hear this! By the way, I found your channel via my Buddy Verbal Widget! Have a great day Brother! Cheers!

[@perpetualmoto]

@@doc650adventures watching your full install video now, really well done! This will be the video I recommend to those who intend on upgrading! As long as we keep those wheels turning, its a success in my book! Maybe we will meet on the road someday. Cheers!

[@doc650adventures]

@@perpetualmoto Thank you Brad! I am but a rookie compared to the art you make! Meeting on the trail would be amazing my Friend! Have a great weekend! Cheers!

[@pilotdane1]

dude, both of these suspension mod videos are so good !!!!

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Bro! They seem to be well received. Just hope it was some help for those out there looking to do the same upgrade. Cheers!

[@ParallelCamper]

Thanks! You made it look easy, but I don't think that I am ready to tackle this modification on my DR. I only just installed a bash plate yesterday. If I ever do a suspension improvement, this video will be a valuable reference.

[@pilotdane1]

Rob !!!!! Ya, great video for sure - I'll be using this for a reference as well !!!! - I'll be getting the same stuff DOC did soon - I hope LOL !!!! Cheers "PC" !!!

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Rob! It is not as difficult as you might think it would be. As far as your ability to tackle something like the suspension - do not sell yourself short! I was in the exact same position as you when I first bought my DR650. You will be able to do any mod you desire due to the simplicity of the Mighty DR650! I am so very glad this video is useful to someone thinking about installing suspension components. That was the intent. Thanks again Brother! Cheers!

[@doc650adventures]

@@pilotdane1 FNA!

[@doc650adventures]

@@pilotdane1 Thanks OBI! Glad you enjoyed the video! I am looking forward to your upgrades on your suspension. I know it will be a great video and a bunch of fun to watch! Cheers!

[@OneOldManRiding]

It's been Seven moths Rob, time to upgrade those springs! - Frank

[@verbalwidget0919]

Great Job Doc, it's nice not have the forks dive while braking like the stockers, and actually work well off road. You will love them. The rear shock should be amazing. Things never go smooth when trying to film and work? I always spill more, remember less and look like a complete dork. You however are Mr. Smooooth !!!

[@doc650adventures]

VW! Thank You for the kind words of encouragement. For the record, I did use your two videos on the DDC and spring install as a reference for making this video. I am really looking forward to finishing up the suspension so I can go test it. You are correct about how filming a task is always more challenging than just doing it LOL! There was a lot of deleted video clips and a bunch of editing to put this video together - something you know more about than me. I hope your week is awesome Brother! Cheers!

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

Awesome video and as a watch fanatic, your wristwatch is on point...Nice

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Reese! I am glad you enjoyed the video! The watch is a Seiko which was a present from my Wife and Daughter for my birthday a few years ago. I love it! The dial is big enough that I can see it more easily with my old eyes LOL! Hope you are doing great! Cheers!

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

@@doc650adventures Doing awesome, planning me and the daughters Scotland trip ..We are going on May 30 to June 9. Yeah, I love watches and have quite a few. Watch wearing has started going out of style. I have worn a watch since 6 th grade.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

If I put the Mojave rear on, I’m never selling my bike. I’m thinking about just springs for now, but definitely will upgrade further for a longer trip! I bet it’s insane with the new setup!

[@doc650adventures]

Hello Mickey! Yes Sir, the new suspension components really transform the DR to a much higher level. I went on a long trip on and off road and the suspension upgrade made a huge difference. I am with you on never selling my DR also. Thanks for commenting! Cheers!

[@offroadtales]

How is the Mojave offroad?

[@doc650adventures]

@@offroadtales It performs great! It has a lot of adjustability to address how/ where you ride. It is definitely worth upgrading to. Cheers!

[@cogentdynamics]

Thank you for the great video! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

[@doc650adventures]

Thank you all! I am glad you like the video! The intent was to help someone install your amazing parts to increase the capability of their DR650. Oh yeah, I do really enjoy the difference the DDCs and Mojave Pro Shock make. Turns the DR into a totally different bike! Thanks for watching and commenting! Also, please feel free to tag my suspension install videos on your webpage if you feel so inclined! I am really happy with your components! Cheers!

[@jweavejo1]

Hey DOC, Great video thank you for taking the time to make and post! Now that you've had the Cogent springs and Mojave rear shock for almost two years do you feel they're worthy of the additional cost? (Especially the Mojave) I'm guess your riding style is close to mine not aggressive but somewhat spirited at times. In my early 60's now so I'm not out there trying to get hurt, takes too long to heal haha!

[@doc650adventures]

Cheers Buddy! I’m am glad these people videos were of some help! If you plan on keeping your DR650 for many years, the suspension mods from Cogent are definitely worth it! Better on road manners and transformative performance off road. Sounds like our riding styles are similar. I do like to tear out up off road sometimes though. Understand about the age thing and not wanting to get hurt. I am late 50s and typically ride alone which limits my aggressiveness. Hope this is helpful and thanks for the great question!

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

Fantastic upgrade my friend. I have the same as you know. Just so you know (I’m sure you do) that 600 ml is only suggested. It’s for tuning purposes. I ended up taking my level to 575 to be a little more plush in my rocky terrain. Running a .52 fork spring.

[@doc650adventures]

Hi Matt! You having done the same to your DR was one of the reasons I went ahead and upgraded. I am going to put some trail time on the DR and figure out the oil level. So far, I like how the forks respond compared to the stock setup. Hope you and Niki are doing great Brother! Cheers!

[@ullithebully]

Awesome mod Doc 👌 👍

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Ulli! I am looking forward to in depth testing to see how it performs! Cheers!

[@mikegoble984]

Do you remember what your measurement was with the spacer that came from Cogent? I know it's supposed to be 7-10mm but I had to use the OEM spacer to get that measurement. I just finished the same project yesterday on my '18 and haven't had a chance to ride yet. Can't wait! Awesome video! I just wish i would have seen it before I started the process. Lol👍🏼

[@doc650adventures]

Hi Mike! I used the spacer included in the kit due to also having the adjustable preload fork caps. I am able to fine tune the space/ preload on the springs. Using the OEM spacer will work fine. Thanks for the kind words and you are going to love your new suspension! Check back in to let us know what you think of the changes! Cheers!

[@bradl29]

Great video. Which spacer did you end up using ?

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Brad! I ended up using the spacers which came with the front suspension kit. I believe it was just a little smaller than the stock spacers. Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@OneOldManRiding]

Doc that was a very thorough install guide, great job. I look forward to your thoughts on the suspension after you have had time to test it. I upgraded my Honda to Racetech / YSS and it's the best money I have spent on the bike. The KTM has had a Hyperpro fork upgrade and has a rear Hyperpro waiting to go in. Needless to say I am a believer in aftermarket suspension! - Frank

[@doc650adventures]

Thank You Frank! I remember in several of your videos how you mentioned how much the suspension changes on the Honda made a difference. Yet another reason for me to take the plunge and upgrade mine. I really appreciate you and all of the others who have more experience and offer sage advice to all of us. Hope you are not buried in snow up there in NY! Take care my friend! Cheers!

[@joelcromwell5983]

If you don't have a fancy syringe you can use a straw of paper tower to remove that excess fluid. May I ask the torque specs? Great video!

[@doc650adventures]

Thanks Joel! That is a great tip to retrieve a little bit of fluid to get the level correct. Torque specs according to Clymer Manual: Front Axle nut - 48 ftlbs, Axle Holder Nuts - 89inlbs, Lower Fork Tube Clamps - 19ftlbs, Upper Fork Tube Clamps - 21ftlbs, Fork Caps - 17ftlbs. Hope that is what you are looking for. Also, for adjusting the oil level for tuning purposes you can get veterinary syringes from Tractor Supply Co. and use to tubing to get the exact amount of oil out of each fork leg. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!

[@joelcromwell5983]

@@doc650adventures Thank you very much! Clymer yes! That's what I used to rebuild my 92.5 YZ250 years ago, I still broke the outer clutch basket trying to get it apart. Got a replacement and welded up a tool from an appropriate metal clutch plate to hold the inner basket housing while I torqued the basket nut. That bike didn't look the best but it ran and drove at race levels.

[@doc650adventures]

@@joelcromwell5983 Awesome! I love it when we can make our own tools to fix a problem! Great stuff! Cheers!

[@dr6507]

What kind of tires are they?

[@doc650adventures]

They are Dunlap Trailmax Mission Tires. Great 50/50 tires that do a lot very well. Cheers!

[@АлександрКозлов-з6д]

0.52 is not too soft?

[@doc650adventures]

It works well for my weight (190lbs + gear). Now that my riding ability has improved, I might go with stiffer springs. Cogent will walk you through the spring rate based on your weight, riding style and level of experience. Hope this answers your question. Cheers!

[@АлександрКозлов-з6д]

@@doc650adventures thank you for the answer!

[@doc650adventures]

@@АлександрКозлов-з6д My pleasure!

[@gregorykunkle6053]

Is that a TOY-YODA?!

[@doc650adventures]

Hi Gregory! Yes, he was supervising the installation of the new components. It is an inside joke with another KZbinr (OBI- WAN) LOL! Hope the video was of some use. Cheers!

[@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867]

Maybe a dumb question or idea, but could you leave the forks on the bike if you used something like an oil transfer pump to remove the old oil? It seems like 90% of work and time is just to remove the old oil.

[@doc650adventures]

Great question! I have never heard of leaving the forks on the bike, but I imagine it is possible. The key thing to do is to cycle (pump) the forks to ensure most if not all of the old fork oil is removed which will be replaced with the new oil included in the kit from Cogent. It is a bit of work to disassemble the forks. Overall, it is an easy job just time consuming. I can relay to you that both the fork and rear shock upgrades have made a huge increase in capability of the suspension! Thanks for the great question! Cheers!

[@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867]

Yeah I understand the need to pump the shocks to get the oil out and new oil in. I just though maybe have someone stabilize the bike while working the forks upward. Then pump out oil with a transfer pump. Install new oil and pump the shocks upwards while someone holds the bike steady again. The you should be able to drop everything in from the top, as long as it clears your handlebars.

[@doc650adventures]

@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I imagine that is possible. Haven't seen it done but sounds like an interesting solution.

[@nvmcrider8475]

On non cartridge forks like the DR650 this could potentially work, but I think you will find it’s just easier taking them off the bike

[@doc650adventures]

@@nvmcrider8475 Exactly what I was thinking also. It is not difficult to remove the forks to do the upgrade. Cheers!

[@czrider6300]

But a Ratio Right!!!!