Suzuki DR650 Valve Clearance / Check Tutorial

[@Liam1304]

Just BTW the plugs in the cases can seize & cause horrendous trouble so the best thing to do to prevent this is: 1) I have read you should get the engine warm before attempting removal (not sure about this as the plug and the case both expand at the same rate); 2) put valve grinding paste on the hex spanner when you try to loosen the plug as it will grip a little better; 3) apparently the O-ring is the thing that grabs, so prise it out and put some anti-seize on *both* sides of it once you get it out the first time; 4) no need to do it up really tight when you're finished, just tweak it down. Hope this helps

[@mattcero1]

The plug could be a tad lighter but it's known these machines burn oil so perhaps a darker shade is normal. Thanks for sparing us the return trip on getting it back together. No put another shrimp on the Bobby.

[@397coney7]

This is a job I’ve been putting off for two years, for fear of screwing it up😂. Between your video and Marks video at Biker Bits, I think I got this. No beers till after it’s done though🥳. Thanks!

[@NzJohny]

You got it mate. Maybe 1 or 2 beers are ok while doing the job ;)

[@Heraclitus188]

I have decided that the best way to do a valve adjustment here in the Philippines, on a KLR, is to push the KLR over a very high cliff and buy a DR...

[@NzJohny]

🤣🤣

[@Robert8455]

Excellent job filming, explaining the steps & where to take caution. Looks pretty easy. Probably save a bundle DIY vs taking it to the dealer too.

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate thanks! Yeah should save you a bit of $. Anyone can do it. Chers

[@BikerBits]

Bloody Ripper Job mate! :-) Cheers... Mark

[@NzJohny]

Bloody hell its mark! My fav channel! Thanks for stopping by!

[@BikerBits]

@@NzJohny My Pleasure mate! :-)

[@paulconnell7605]

Thanks for the how to video , my dr is still under warranty but good to know most maintenance seems easy to do on the dr

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate!

[@Heraclitus188]

I loved your comment about JIS (Japanese Industrial standard) screwdrivers right at the beginning. I reckon most aussies and kiwis - and all yanks - don't have a clue about JIS - but they sure make a difference on seized fasteners! Excellent work mate!

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate appreciate it

[@vincentscott6168]

Thanks mate. Well done. DR650 is still the best looking and performing Dual Sport around.

[@pb8582]

This hurt my feelings: My dr 30k Never did a valve clearance changes all oil every 6000 but haven't for 2.5 years now, Rust all over the place sleep outside etc... Never miss a beat been my daily for 6 years now beauty

[@NzJohny]

So trustworthy :)

[@pb8582]

@@NzJohny I'm actually moving my arse now and start changing everything that definitely needs it! Hard to find part in Aus with covid would be a pain in nz too!!! Nice Chanel matey you motivated me a bit haha

[@NzJohny]

@@pb8582 definitely. Thanks mate :)

[@coobye]

Nice video mate. I just got my 3rd DR yesterday. Get yourself an allen key socket set. I've found there's much less chance of rounding bolts and you get better feel for tightening back up.

[@NzJohny]

Sounds like a good tip. Thanks mate

[@bradh5613]

Great vid thanks. I’m at 1600 miles bought it at 950 miles... don’t believe mine were ever checked so I’ll get at that this winter

[@NzJohny]

Good plan. Seems the valves on the dr650 are nothing to worry about anyway :)

[@TheMotorcycleMessenger]

Great vid. And nice looking machine. Ready for whatever! I’m about to check mine and adjust if needed. I ordered new Oring gaskets from Procycle. It seems I have a small leak coming from one of my inspection covers, at what point did you actually have to adjust yours?

[@87Sakiel]

Where i bought the bike brand new, they dont even do the valve clearance and the cost for maintenance is ridiculously high! Its a rip off. Thx for your video i can do all the maintenance myself!

[@NzJohny]

Yeah u sure can :) thanks mate

[@rebeltz2010]

Thanks for the video mate I just brought my first serious off roader the Dr and I'm absolutely ecstatic what a damn good all rounder hit is and free from all the techno bulshit cheers from South Australia

[@NzJohny]

Good stuff mate! Lived in adelaide for some time. Pretty good place for a DR. Thanks for watching.

[@BikerBytes]

Nice one. I always wash the bike before working on it, but I’m a little on the OCD side 😂🤪

[@NzJohny]

Haha same here. It's hard to wash near the head etc with the fuel tank in the way. Generally I am way to OCD. Working on it lately 😄

[@BikerBytes]

@@NzJohny not easy when you own a bike designed to get dirty lol

[@PeteTruman]

Thanks for the video, looks fairly easy, good job 👍

[@davidfalgout7304]

well done!

[@joeh8486]

Great video, finally some good camera shots to actually see what’s happening. If your valves are out of spec then how do you adjust? Tighten or loosen the little nut that sits on top to then fit your gauge? Thanks, new sub.

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate that's a good point. I should have made an example. Alot of ppl use pliers to hold the tip while they tighten the nut with a spanner :)

[@joeh8486]

@@NzJohny Also I am waiting on a new cam chain tensioner so I dont have one right now. Do you think I can adjust the valves without the adjuster on? I just dont want to rotate the compression and cause damage if the tensioner isnt in. Cheers

[@jon98tj]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing

[@alvaromateosfernandez-maqu5772]

Estupendo muchas gracias

[@87Sakiel]

man your video are crazy good!

[@NzJohny]

Thanks man

[@fmacdonald3559]

After doing my F800GS valves I want a DR650 now :)

[@NzJohny]

Alittle difficult is it?

[@fmacdonald3559]

@@NzJohny I would do a video but it would take more than 12mins and I would need to mark it not suitable for kids.

[@mattjacomos2795]

that 10mm side plate hex head for turning the crank has a really loose fit on my bike as well... it just feels wrong...

[@paulsilva6543]

So even the 2023 drz has regular lock nut valve adjustment. Not shim and bucket ??

[@karolelvis1287]

Nice movie! I will do the same think thanks , what type of grease for the valve covers seals You use ?

[@NzJohny]

Just all purpose grease should do the job. thanks for watching:)

[@indigo196799]

Simpler than for the KLR I used to own...

[@bravobase6801]

Why must we turn it counter clockwise, I've always done it this way according to the manual, just wondering why that is though? Is the bolt an opposite thread?

[@mrgreen6301]

Nice one Johny.

[@NzJohny]

Chers man. Camp trip soon

[@ctemple1905june]

Gr8 vid. Where did the tank bag come from, sure like the fit of that one.

[@NzJohny]

Wolfman enduro tank bag. It has done well :)

[@BadgerMcblasty]

Dude, you reckon a 170cm tall bloke total noob rider is too short for the DR650SE, im torn between this, a Honda CB500X or CRF250L, all reasonably heavy bikes, CB500X has the lowest seat beating the 650 by only a cm. I don’t know if I care about both feet touching the ground... should I?

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate go for it :) plenty tall enough. Maybe look at lowering the suspension "easy and free" and if u want it even lower maybe purchase a seat concepts low seat for example. Chers

[@mattevans5812]

I've put 50,000km on my DR since I bought it 5 years ago and it's great but every bike is a compromise somewhere. If i was planning on more gnarly trails then casual easy dirt roads I'd go with the CRF or even the XT250. Some people balk at the XT but I guarantee you'd have fun on it and the low seat is a real comfort off road. It's super reliable and can go places few would dare on a DR.

[@BadgerMcblasty]

Matt Evans I’m wanting to eventually get out and tour around Australia, do both on and off road, nothing too bananas but, if I’m keen, have a bike that’ll be 50/50. CB500X in my opinion would be 80/20 and the CRF250L would be a great learner bike but not so hot on long road trips ( 500km days ). From my research the DR650SE might be that sweet spot, like all of the models I’m looking at low maintenance good fuel economy. Lots of after market stuff, would wanna respring the forks I reckon, have to ride it 1st but.

[@mattevans5812]

@@BadgerMcblasty Awesome. I'd say forget the 500. Get the DR, lower it the factory way and you'll never look back. I've crossed every province in Canada on mine on a 17,000km tour with zero problems. ultimatemotorcycling.com/2019/10/22/2019-suzuki-dr650s-review-lowered-dual-sport-motorcycle/

[@BadgerMcblasty]

NzJohny ADV cheers bud, I’d like to keep it stock height, if able. I’m deceptively heavy, 100kg ( mash and roast beef FTW!). I think I’ll need as much suspension travel as I can, safety gear, panniers, tent, water, food etc, and me, will certainly weigh the fker down. It’s why I’m kinda hesitant on the 250cc.

[@ginamillington1136]

and to think the mighty ct 125 started all this

[@nathanchalecki4842]

When you had the close up on the feeler gauge as you checked clearance it actually looked extremely loose.. It even seemed to slide in over the bend of the feeler gauge a bit?

[@NzJohny]

Must just be the extreme closup that made it seem that way :)

[@gabrielwheaton8893]

Do you have to empty the tank fo fuel?

[@Ebbrush3]

i havnt adj my valves yet ....i have 41,000 miles on mine ......hahahahaha

[@SmalltimR]

QQ. did you have to drain the oil before removing the large timing plug on the crankcase?

[@NzJohny]

Nope

[@Heraclitus188]

Why can't manufacturers come up with a threaded fuel tank puck that &%$#ing stays on????

[@NzJohny]

Yeah have to agree. Wouldn't be hard to produce either

[@Heraclitus188]

@@NzJohny Cause I have tried silicone many times and it just does not last...more than 15 minutes...now I just don't give a shit and - well I lost one...the bike seems to operate fine without the annoying "pucks"

[@NzJohny]

@@Heraclitus188 if it works for you then that's all that matters

[@jon98tj]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing

[@NzJohny]

Thanks man :)