Will Doing THIS Make the DR650 Perform Like an XR650L?

After several test rides and a few mods, I've noticed the my DR650 feels a bit off in the performance department. In this video I check into something I've been suspecting is the culprit and then take it out for a quick test ride!
CONTENT WARNING: SWANKY CAT videos are intended for entertainment purposes ONLY. Any attempt to recreate, reenact, or otherwise copy ANYTHING shown in these videos is done AT THE VIEWERS OWN RISK.
PAID PROMOTION NOTICE: The SWANKY CAT channel regularly accepts, uses, tests, & reviews promotional products in or content.
Affiliate Links to my gear, tools & parts!
(Click an affiliate link, make ANY purchase, & SWANKY CAT will make a small commission)
Tools
Bike Lift (Add thread locker on all fasteners!): amzn.to/4aSm07h
Tire Stand: www.rockymount...
Torque Wrench (Cheap): amzn.to/4ciesf0
Torque Wrench (NOT Cheap): amzn.to/3SDofW3
Bluetooth Communicator
Single pack：amzn.to/3TkfJeC
Dual pack：amzn.to/3TlqFJ1
DR650 Stuff
14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymount...
Large Tank Bag: www.rockymount...
Tires: www.rockymount...
Chub Bars: www.rockymount...
Rox Offset Risers: www.rockymount...
Handguards: www.rockymount...
Seat: www.rockymount...
XR650 Stuff
Carplay Unit: carpuride.com/...
Tires: www.rockymount...
14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymount...
Large Tank Bag: www.rockymount...
Chub Bars: www.rockymount...
Bar Risers: www.rockymount...
Handguards: www.rockymount...
Riding Gear
ADV Helmet: www.rockymount...
Xplorer Coat: www.rockymount...
Xplorer Pants: www.rockymount...
Gloves (new version): www.rockymount...
Boots: www.rockymount...
Camera Stuff
Helmet Camera: amzn.to/36BHqdM
Mic (requires adapter or media mod): amzn.to/3qEW4Ia
Hero9 Media Mod: amzn.to/3JLLF4O
Power Bank for GoPro: amzn.to/3iCxanZ
Power Cable: amzn.to/36rxlQT
Helmet Camera Mount: amzn.to/49ls34q
Stay Swanky my friends!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Do you need some of the tools I used & want to help support my content? Click a link below before you make a purchase & I'll earn a small commission, which helps me to continue making videos! 14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/primary-drive-front-sprocket-p?v=15214?ref=1042& Bike Lift (Add thread locker on all fasteners!): amzn.to/4aSm07h Tire Stand: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-adjustable-height-motorcycle-tire-changing-stand-p?ref=1042& Torque Wrench (Cheap): amzn.to/4ciesf0 Torque Wrench (NOT Cheap): amzn.to/3SDofW3 Rocky Mountain ATV: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1042& Amazon: amzn.to/3Jfbfkn MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=rAQ-OX06xBU2aq 10% Off First MotoCamp Purchase Code: SwankyCat

[@mikeh.4087]

I used plastic cut out of the side of a 5 quart oil jug to tighten up my cush drive. It has been in there for several thousand miles and still working great. I dont think the DR will ever be able to snap up to attention like the XR does but i find it to be lots of fun on the road and off. That is about perfect for me. I really like my DR

[@SwankyCatProductions]

As much as I like the snappy power of the XR, the DR is still pretty darn snappy on it's own. Especially compared to the other bikes I've ridden!

[@ericcournoyer1595]

Just like that. Brand new cussh drive. Well done.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks!

[@EricKoch-s5b]

Pro-Cycle sells a carb kit people really like, mod the airbox and add a pipe really wakes the bike up.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Will do!

[@ericweber1969]

The stock rear suspension on the XR is a lot better than the stock DR shock as well. Upgrading to a cogent shock will make a huge difference, but it’s pricey. Really depends on whether you consider the DR a keeper or not. Great video as always!

[@mattirytkonen9291]

You can also soak the rubbers overnight in diesel and they will swell back to their original shape

[@d-3five161]

Well Done!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks!

[@robbieandbeckie]

Fix the squishy suspension and you will be poppin' wheelies big time. Great video on the cush drive!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, I think so too! Should be fun! Thanks!

[@matthewdittrich2976]

Pro Cycle cush drive dampers do work well and worth $50.

[@sapohombre2973]

I second this

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'll have to test them out!

[@jkmarshall3553]

Cool fix!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!

[@rideordietheyretring2tranx382]

Its good content

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!

[@kh-vz2el]

Good morning, one of the first preventative maintenance (PM) I did to my new to me 2013 DR650 was to change to the Procycle cush drive upgrade, my DR had around 5K mile at purchase. I do a lot of highway miles on my bikes.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Was yours in about the same shape as mine? Or not as bad? Jason's 06 has about 5k on it, but has zero slop. I'm not sure if someone replaced the isolators at some point, or just put grease on the stock ones. Either way, I couldn't believe how tight it was in comparison to mine.

[@kh-vz2el]

@@SwankyCatProductions no slop at all, felt somewhat soft and looked and felt old with a kind of brake dust film on them. That's a little over 5K miles ago and last time I got a new back tire looked super clean.

[@kellyyon-x7p]

All I know is the more I ride my 650L the more I like it. But, its design is based on a motorcycle design that won the Baja race multiple times and hasn’t changed for years. Relating it to the real world I compare its purpose similar to hammers in construction work. I don’t expect my framing hammer to do finish carpentry work. Consequently, I don’t expect my 650L to be the most comfortable on the tarmac. Thanks for all the modification suggestions.

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

Comparing the Dr to the Xr is like comparing an argument to a bar fight. Honda always seems to build raw, no frill machines. The Dr is more refined for the guy who doesn't want a race inspired bike. I think a Dave's mod and slip on will really wake up the Suzuki.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Agreed! I'm interested to see what it'll take to make the DR ride feel a bit closer to the XR, but I like you said - they are just designed for two slightly different audiences. Which I think is really cool!

[@chiptaxfree]

I have a clerk 4.7 gallon tank brand new in the box. If you want to pay for the shipping I will send it to you for free. It's red and it's for the Honda 650L.

[@matthewbutcher203]

Take that gear to a 13-43 that puts serious pep in the DR's step still runs highway speeds with ease and you won't have to change the length of the chain!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I might just have to do that!

[@perry9492]

Cush drive is not worth worrying about unless it is metal to metal.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm definitely happy to have mine tightened back up!

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

I would say you have a "cushy" job...but I think that you should start to make the rubber for the drive ...you could call them ....."good-en-tighten"....just a thought. But I will be serious now....great Job Ben.....the dr650 are numerous and discounted by many dealers around here....one dealer is 7000.00 plus tax out the door with 3 year warranty....and in our Canadian money....which would be around 2500.00 in your money. LOL Garth

[@SwankyCatProductions]

😂 Ha-ha, Thanks for the laugh Garth! WOW! Really??? That's insane! So much bike for that kind of money!

[@bobkelly2447]

interesting ! I am wondering about the valve difference between the DR and the XR I know the XR has 2 exhaust pipes that go into 1 and the DR has a single pipe is that because the XR has 4 valves and the DR just 2 ?????? if that is the case that is probably the slower throttle response your feeling.... it's quite possible the DR has 4 valves but just channels the exhaust into one at the head... and I expect this is the case, but I do not know. if that is the case for the DR a easy porting job would really wake up that engine ! with the XR it is the size of the header pipes themselves their too small !!! and the only cure for that is new header pipes ! but bigger ones are hard to find and expensive ! a engine like this is just a big AIR pump the more air you get in the more air you need to get out ! and all stock exhaust systems suck on doing that ! especially on Honda's ! on the intake side they put baffles so it sounds better and you don't hear the sucking so much.....they restrict the intake.... air filters play a roll here as well this is where a foam air filter excels they have hardly any restriction at all. so if you have unrestricted air and unrestricted exhaust, what's next ? fuel ! but fuel at the right ratio ....THAT is the key ! just putting in a larger main jet in the XR makes a big difference, and chances are that will help the DR as well. how do I tell if it's too big ? spark plug color ! you want light tan to tan in color for both of these bikes..... tan and NOT GREY.... gasoline coming in cools that air cooled engine by about 50% believe it or not... so running them lean is hard on them they will overheat ( although you cannot tell !) this is also why I want an oil cooler on my XR ! they do get HOT ! get that right and you'll have a monster on your hands !

[@airadaimagery692]

As some other comments suggest, keep throwing money at it, it’ll wake up eventually. Lol...

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha! Will do!

[@AngelicaKramer-e2c]

❤

[@soilsmanadv6673]

Your time taking that apart and cutting the shims is not worth $50 ....Really. I am going for the silicon!

[@richardahola692]

He said he didn't want to wait for the new parts. I ride every day. If I don't have the parts it goes back together, parts are ordered and I keep riding.

[@elwood62]

Interesting that it doesn’t wheelie that easily. Those guys in Australia can’t seem to keep the front wheel on the ground. Of course they are completely modded out.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I suppose I should clarify that point a little better. The DR is actually a very impressive bike and wheelies with a lot more ease than my KLR, or even the T7 (off road that is). The DR lacks very little in my eyes to be honest, the XR is just purposely built to be a little more intense. Both are great machines!

[@billcotton1551]

Great idea on the cush drive, Ben!

[@sapohombre2973]

Biggest improvement to the dr650, for me anyhow, was suspension. The stock suspension is set for a 130 lb rider, that includes gear. Bike was a whole new animal when properly sprung. I'm 215 without gear, so your milage may vary.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm about 160 with gear now, so mine definitely needs some help as well. Should be fun to see the difference it makes!

[@BlackwaterAquatics]

Get a fcr39mx carburetor, cut the airbox and use a pipe and you will get 40-42 hp

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I want to see what I can get out of the stock carb first, but then we'll see!

[@BlackwaterAquatics]

@@SwankyCatProductions stock carb suck man no amount of $$ is gonna make it perform as well as a flat slide because of the CV mechanism

[@nseric1233]

I did three mods at once to my dr when I got it. 14 tooth front sprocket, jet kit/ cut the air box and Ricor suspension. It’s not quite as snappy as an xr but it either wheelies or spins with a twist of the throttle now in first. The stock jetting is lean off idle and makes it sluggish.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! I'm really looking forward to seeing what mine does with the mods I've got lined up!

[@michaelanderson3771]

Ben One other suggestion is to put some silicon rubber grease on the cush drive rubbers. helps with the dry friction that exists and will add life to the tube and cush rubbers until you get the neoprene ones. Great to see you adopted what is a really inexpensive suggestion ( using an old punctured inner tube- scrap value less then $1.00) to give you that bit more life whilst you save up for the $50.00 cushions.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That seems like an awesome idea! Thank you! I spent many a summer day, rummage sailing with my grandparents when I was young. So finding uses for old used things and not spending money on new stuff, has sort of always been a passion of mine. Good for the earth, good for the wallet!

[@HoangMehlschau]

Great idea! Customizing your ride to match your personal experience is the best way to go. Very professional approach, and I'm really looking forward to working with you（Email）!