Your First DR650. Essential Mods And Tips Part 1

[@NzJohny]

So you just got a DR650? Check this maintenance out :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/poKrnKihqLWVnZI

[@hppants1965]

I just bought my first DR650. I knew that there was a TON of adds to consider, but quite frankly, it was overwhelming. This video is extremely helpful for me as a beginner. Thank you.

[@NzJohny]

Thanks for watching :D

[@daleburton1788]

I rode a stock DR650 with the stock seat from one side of Australia to the other and back in 1999. I even crossed the Simpson Dessert, and the only problem I had was the chain and sprockets. I put over 20,000 km on that bike. I sure wish they made after market seats back then.

[@NzJohny]

Nice! That would be a dream! Bloody dependable things!

[@keithquinn5624]

Should have just not done that terrible trip and use that money saved by not going to plan a trip to the pacific north west and rent a dr650…

[@Robert8455]

Excellent points. I was really considering a T-700 but the more I look at the old Suzuki DR-650, the more I like it. Once the little issues are sorted, it would basically be bullet proof.

[@NzJohny]

Absolutely. Very customizable bike to. Make into whatever you want. Thanks for watching :)

[@87Sakiel]

was looking at t700.. in canada its double the price of a dr650... yeah my money going to suzuki!

[@robskully3539]

I also was looking into the 700 Tenere but just yesterday I put a deposit on a 2021 DR650

[@87Sakiel]

@@robskully3539 Riding my dr650 2020 and having a blast. Hope you like it!

[@americandude3825]

I’m guessing 50 mpg and a 5 gallon tank. Makes a big difference. That’s what I loved about my 2015 Kawasaki versys 650. I rode with my buddies for four hours. I still had over half a tank and they had to refuel their cruisers haha. I really regret selling that bike. Solid and beautiful.

[@emfl4437]

Thanks for the tips. I just purchased a DR650 and finding your videos very helpful

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate. Thanks for stopping by :)

[@memorris2]

Diconnect the kick stand switch and jumper the plug. If thebstand bounces down at all while riding it shuts the bike off.

[@seanstrickland4970]

If you only do one mod its a skid plate or bash plate... learned the hard way....

[@Yaboifootchie]

Case armor is a good idea too. The pack I got from procycle is awesome and easy to install, MUCH more sturdy than the case itself. I ate shit at about 35 mph on some Texas shale, and that gear selector busted a nice 1/2” hole in the bottom of the case. My oil was all gone by the time I hobbled back to my bike. If I had the armor on beforehand, I could’ve ridden the rest of the weekend.

[@BikerBytes]

I just put on the b&b frame protectors and rear top rack. Will also put on the case protection weekend. Got my new seat. Next is handlebars I think and side panniers racks. Good stuff 👍

[@NzJohny]

Nice! Sounds like a good setup. Side pannier are a hard choice for me

[@BikerBytes]

NzJohny ADV hard to come by as well, everywhere sold out. I’m actually thinking of going with bags that just rest on the side panels such as Mosco moto and do away with side pannier racks, keep bike looking trim 👍

[@NzJohny]

@@BikerBytes I was thinking the same thing! But I already spent way to much on wolfman gear so have to go racks 😂 if you go rackless post a video. Would love to see!!

[@BikerBytes]

NzJohny ADV same here, paid about $500 for a set of giant loop soft panniers when I still had the F800GS. Going to have to chew it over a while. But will do a video if I go rackless! Ah that’s the set I was looking at, the mosko moto reckless 80 v3

[@chuddledollops]

Hi from Lyttelton, this is super useful, I'm hoping to pick up a dr650 really soon and I'll definitely do some of these mods! Thanks!

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate! Good spot for riding. Best of luck

[@chuddledollops]

@@NzJohny Can't wait to get out on the peninsula!! :)

[@throttle_therapy0025]

Great Video. Just saved. Put a deposit on a new dr650 and will be going back to this later to order some items. Cheers and safe riding.

[@NzJohny]

Great stuff. Congrats. Great bikes!

[@BobbyB1776]

Thanks for the info

[@alisemlali1944]

Thanks for the detailed mods. about the neutral sending unit, any idea about the 2023 model? Because i were to buy it new id have to void warranty to fix that …

[@Lomez07734]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@dddillpickle]

still a perf vid, thank you!

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

How can you revalve the front of there aren’t any valves?? You can drop in emulators to mimic a non adjustable valved fork but besides springing for you and the weight of the bike that’s about all you can do with the stock forks. Mind you for most that will be plenty. Nice bike. Looks a lot like mine. I can’t run the vent off the fuel cap like that cause I have an under bar steering stabilizer. I tried the little nipples vents but they get knocked off easily. The locking Acerbis cap rattled like mad and drove me nuts so that didn’t last long either.

[@NzJohny]

Yeah never been a fan of those nipple vent things. What do you think of the stabiliser? Worth it?

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

@@NzJohny I think it’s one of those things that if you never used one you don’t really think much about them but once you have one you’ll never have a bike without one. To try and put it in perspective you could in theory ride through a dry creek bed with only light pressure on the bars while your knees do most of the work holding you to the bike. It greatly reduces the fatigue associated with maintaining control over deflection. That being said I can also find it to be a bit fatiguing in single track. There is a fine line adjustment on the amount of intervention you have. I also feel it’ll help on road with head shake especially if you run an aggressive DOT knob at highway speed. This could all just be my middle aged self claiming every crutch on the bike helps LOL Mine is made by GPR If you want to check them out 👍

[@justinbarker3905]

Onya fella. Love yer work! 👍✌

[@NzJohny]

Chers mate :)

[@MrAussielovin]

What tank bag is that one? Love your videos and I know you've mentioned the product somewhere

[@NzJohny]

Wolfman Enduro. Not sure if they make them exactly like this anymore. Thanks for watching :)

[@MrAussielovin]

@@NzJohny thanks mate. Pick my DR up in 30 minutes and then it's a case of let the modifications begin!!

[@NzJohny]

@@MrAussielovin bloody good! Congrats mate. Very addictive

[@hkdrb]

Hey man. Love the vid. What type on windscreen is that?

[@NzJohny]

"Screens for bikes" from Australia. Sorry for the late reply :)

[@weldweld5629]

Beautiful bike and great video 👍

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate :)

[@utahbones3094]

Excellent.👍🏼

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate :)

[@supersingular]

Great video. Planning on doing each one of these. One question do you know the difference between the DR650 and the DR650S? Thanks a lot.

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate :) from 1996 - 2021 has remained the same minus small tweaks such as colour and some other small things. 1996 and before was a completely different bike. So the dr650. Dr650s. Dr650se. Post 1996 is the same bike :)

[@lk10772]

The S stands for stickers lol, as that is really the only difference between the models.

[@edfeten4724]

Beautiful bike!

[@NzJohny]

Thanks man

[@byroncrump4390]

Thanks NZ Johny picked up my new one last Friday knowing I’ll need to do some tailoring, at least now I’ve an logical order for me tinkering. 2 questions if I may , 1.your thoughts on plastic bash plates are the protective enough and quieter? 2. Which model renthals ? (I’m 5’10” tall)

[@NzJohny]

Congratulations mate! Good stuff. The plastic skid plates such as the "acerbis" one are very good! I would absolutely own one after seeing a friend of mine use one. I am also the same height as you and I have the ""RC high Bend" rentals. They work great. They don't over extend the cables and give a nice increase on height.

[@MrEtnorb]

Worst standard suspension of any standard bike I’ve ridden. I describe it as life threatening, forks will launch you over the bars when they bottom out over moderate bumps. You can graft a DRZ400 front end on but best option is the FFRC plex valve and new springs, depending on your weight. Going to the Nth degree, turning it into a 790 with pumper carb/ new pipe and air box mods is the way to go. 54 Hp at rear wheel ie. 50 % increase over standard makes it a superb engine. 790 kit kills fuel consumption though.

[@NzJohny]

Good tips and advice! U must be a much more advanced rider than me. The suspension is most definitely lacking but I havent found it concerning. Thanks for watching mate :)

[@MrEtnorb]

NzJohny ADV Yes the voice of experience, 3 DR’S and 50 years of riding. Don’t get me wrong, when sorted they are a decent all purpose dirt cruiser but there is a lot of frustration out there when a 30 year old design is still near the top of the sales charts. In my opinion, we won’t ever see a modern single out of Japan. Look at the flop that is the CRF450L, all that expertise and we get that underwhelming underpowered overpriced trail bike. At this stage, KTM owns the whole dirt road bike market and is going ahead in leaps and bounds. ,

[@andygrayson7485]

@@MrEtnorb Ive 2 of these donkeys and I agree about the suspension....the FFRC Plex valves (Australian I think?) are amazing, great value for money, for all other trick bits Pro Cycle (USA) is a great shop, saving up for a Nitron rear Shock, also the carb Mod from Pro Cycle I found a huge power boost...now looking at 790 Kits !!!!

[@MrEtnorb]

@@andygrayson7485 You will never regret the 790 conversion. Plenty of highway overtaking power, no increase in vibes, cruise on 120 kph no probems and it will keep up with the more powerful singles on the road ie BMW Xchallenge/older KTM 690. Only negatives are the cost and increased fuel consumption. I went the whole hog and fitted the TM 40carb. Makes it far easier to start and not stall on cold days.

[@87Sakiel]

@@MrEtnorb bro im with stock dr 650 2020 brand new and can ride 120km/h easy. with that 790 im sure you can 140 all day.

[@ahmedayish1981]

Thank you so much.. I am looking forward to owning a dr650 or drz400.. since I do long travels & I want to get into trail riding I feel I should get q dr650 & lower weights... Thank you for your tips... bless you

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate. Cant go wrong with a dr650

[@pilotdane1]

Good Video. Straight forward...

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate. I've watched a few of your videos! Good stuff. Love the exhaust video you did with the newer model pipe

[@BadgerMcblasty]

There was/is a sale on here in Australia, they came out with the 2020 Suzuki DR650 tanami edition it includes; Acerbis 20 litre polyurethane fuel tank^ Pirelli MT21 Rallycross tyre set^ Genuine Suzuki Alloy Bash Plate Genuine Suzuki Alloy Handguards ( bark busters). $9490 ride away 12 month rego, third person insurance inc. Think I’ll be getting this, was seriously thinking of the Honda CB500X but you don’t get any add ons and it’s $1000 more for your troubles.

[@NzJohny]

Bloody good deal mate.i also think the dr will be a more practical choice over the cb. Chers

[@andy3d1]

I switched the exhaust out. The stock weighs 6kg and I put on the Leo Vince which weighs 2kg and is nice and quiet and does not require repacking 😎

[@NzJohny]

Me too in the end. Nice pipe

[@ctemple1905june]

Gr8 vid. What tank bag is that?

[@NzJohny]

That would be a wolfman enduro tank bag :)

[@viarnay]

Beautiful Suzi..🥰😍

[@jeffloucks2120]

So this is your second DR in the last few yrs? Just looking at your videos and trying to piece things together. :)

[@NzJohny]

Sure is :) got myself into some trouble and had to let it go. All sorted now. the 2nd dr will be my last

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@NzJohny Good to hear ! Considering one and doing my research. Thanks for passing on your experience.

[@NzJohny]

@@jeffloucks2120 thanks mate

[@jermdawg2805]

Jeff Loucks I just bought one myself It’s no speed demon but it gets me around and is enjoyable!

[@NzJohny]

Gets the job reliably. Good stuff mate enjoy!

[@finnnation]

That’s me! Cheers mate

[@aarenmyatt4509]

Informative video. Thanks 🤙

[@nomad9303]

Hi! Can you tell me please: Everybody says to remove the upper chain roller. And I will remove it haha. But I‘m a little bit worried...what could happen in worst case when I have removed it? I mean, it is there for some reason right... Does it prevent that the chain hits the engine? Greats 🤙

[@NzJohny]

You wont have any negative issues once removed :) it's useless

[@nomad9303]

@@NzJohny alright! Thx mate :-)

[@Winterstick549]

How do you compare the DR with the Honda? Honda is more worldwide, but the DR looks more user friendly.

[@WuKuVex]

aby other bikes parts that can be fitted somewhat easily into a dr600 (or dr50) ? For example is it possible to fit lets say chassis,suspension, forks, plastics from a honda xr,kawasaki klr/kdx/kmx, yamaha TT/dt/WR or from any other bikes? to make it more offroad capable and motocross looking like

[@stephenrogers9664]

Love your videos 👍

[@NzJohny]

Thanks mate appreciate it!

[@I677000]

planing to get one DR650 as my second bike , where is the best place to get parts in NZ ?

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate. Genuine parts I just go to avon city Suzuki in chch. Aftermarket I just shop online :)

[@roamy7]

How many kilometres do you get out of the 20l tank

[@cv-vv5wp]

, where did you get your windshield from?

[@NzJohny]

Screens for bikes" australia

[@NZLMcdonald]

Hey Johny, just wondering where in NZ you got the case savers, footpegs etc? Thanks

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate. I got all the B&B stuff straight from the B&B website. Case savers, bash plate, sprocket cover, top rack, are all B&B. Chers

[@capgaming49]

Lookin to get my first bike. This bike caught my eye. Would this be good for a beginner? I’m around 290lbs and about 5’11

[@NzJohny]

Height and weight wise I think so for sure. Maybe jump on a small bike first to get the concept of riding first. But I think you should be good after that with a DR

[@westtexasdave2140]

Yes this would be a good beginning bike. My son rides mine with no issues. He is 16 yrs old, 5-9 and 130lbs.

[@jes1375]

What tank bag do you have and do you like it ?

[@NzJohny]

It's a wolfman Enduro tank bag. Although they have changed the design now I believe:)

[@OriginalMusic1983]

Did you ever find a quiet exhaust?

[@NzJohny]

Think I'm going for the leovince x3

[@bday55]

what tires do you recommend over the stock ones?

[@NzJohny]

I'm thinking dunlop d606. I have heard good things about them. Especially the rear. Thanks for watching

[@anabollly]

nice bike

[@bday55]

Ya changed the rear light, no?

[@NzJohny]

In new Zealand and Australia the rear light comes stock like that :)

[@johndevito1162]

I put one like that on my DR. It's off a DRZ 250. Comes with the wiring harness and plugs right in. Much better looking and more durable.

[@ao5791]

what is the brand of the engine guard where to buy it? Thank you Alberto from France

[@NzJohny]

" B&B Offroad " they are from Australia. Thanks for watching:)

[@ao5791]

@@NzJohny merci beaucoup i love the look of your dr

[@mikegrieder3528]

What model renthal bars are they? Cheers

[@NzJohny]

Those would be "RC high bends" great bars. Cheers

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Thanks great Video picking my second one up, With the 20 liter tank.

[@NzJohny]

Good stuff mate!! Thanks for watching

[@morgangiven4877]

I was planning on buying one stock loading on up and drivinv across Canada. Now I am worried I need all these mods done :/

[@NzJohny]

Most of it isn't necessary. Very reliable bike :)

[@morgangiven4877]

@@NzJohny wow that was a fast reply! Thanks! I think the gas tank and crank case cover are probably the most important aye?

[@pacwan69]

This brake light IS for what moto and model?

[@NzJohny]

Factory / stock for new zealand and australia. I think usa uses a 250 brake light as a mod?

[@greenneck2472]

I recently just got a 2015 model, it has done 2500kms. is it worth checking the NSU screws? cheers!

[@NzJohny]

Hey mate. Personally I wouldnt although some people would probably disagree :)

[@theniceguy27]

G'day, I saw MXROB on DRRIDERS.COM wrote that supposedly from 2017 suzuki have been putting lock tight on the nsu screws. Even Procycle has said they have seen the late 2017 models have lock tight. So highly recommend you check yours being a 2015 model, yea its a pain in the rear but worth it for longevity!

[@douglasrhine4640]

yes

[@greenneck2472]

@@douglasrhine4640 cheers guys, ended up taken the plate off and checking them. they were both tight, but piece of mind that they are wired now made it worth it :)

[@douglasrhine4640]

GreenNeck I did the same as you. Mine is a 2015 model also.

[@jasonhall10]

A lot of people complain about the stock DR. Would it be ok for a beginner off reader who isn’t going to be hauling ass? I live in MT and need to take highway to most trails so I kind of want a 650.

[@NzJohny]

Absolutely. The complaints are mostly superficial. It is a blank canvas bike. It does 50/50 better than most bikes imo. Trail riding and highway use stock it is more than adequate stock

[@jasonhall10]

@@NzJohny Thanks for the reply!

[@SB-fe4gt]

What wind screen is on the bike in the video? Thanks.

[@NzJohny]

"Screens for bikes" from Australia :)

[@marcelofernandes5778]

What size is this tank, 5.3?

[@NzJohny]

5.3 yep. 20 litres

[@apostate4apostate494]

NSU bolt issue fixed on the new 2019 and newer models?

[@NzJohny]

They have recently started using locktight on newer models

[@apostate4apostate494]

@@NzJohny is there any changes between model year 2019, 2020, and 2021 other than color?

[@NzJohny]

@Apostate4 Apostate4 not that I am aware of. Just bold new graphics ;)

[@gcapo209]

Is the NSU bolt problem not an issue on the 2019 dr650? (I live in the us)

[@NzJohny]

From everything I have heard the NSU is locktighted on recent years. Unsure exactly what year they started doing that:)

[@stb357]

2017 they started with the lock tight

[@jonruger]

I’ve always wondered who buys these why not get a KLR or XR

[@NzJohny]

Klr is made of plastic and weighs alot and the xr doesnt sell here :)

[@jonruger]

@@NzJohny oh I wasn’t aware of that I’m in the US and this is a bike I never see here I’ve always wondered who is buying them. I see them at the dealer but never on the roads and trails. The 400 is very popular here

[@jonruger]

@@NzJohny they are liquid cooled which is a one up on the XR so I’m surprised they are not more popular

[@NzJohny]

@@jonruger they seem to be very popular in the us. But I guess the klr and xr are also. All 3 are good bikes. I think the dr is going to be extinct in a year or so the same as the klr :(

[@ckenealy8]

It's 2am and I thought Id make a quick video lol

[@awesomeasyou]

What windscreen is that

[@NzJohny]

Screens for bikes australia

[@hiltonmcconnell2563]

Like all but the candy ass wind screen, nothing like the feel of the wind on your chest. Just use your guts to hold you up not your arms. Other wise great video.

[@paulnolan4464]

Many things to change, maybe get a different bile

[@NzJohny]

That's no fun

[@DaveBoothroyd-ej5in]

Probably best just to buy parts and build a bike from scratch.

[@Charleroifa]

Looking at this video, there seem to be nothing but problems with this bike...

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Spend 5k USD in mods and it's still cheaper than a ktm 790 and 90 pounds lighter 🤣

[@NzJohny]

Exactly 😅

[@mxgryan]

Well 1 is single cylinder dual sport developed in the early 90s and the other is a state of the art parallel twin adventure bike...they aren't even in the same class.

[@duydinhnguyen6225]

Don’t fuck with the kiwi

[@MD-jp5oc]

So basicall the DR650 is a money pit, like the newest fad (electric dirtbikes such as the Sur Ron), you have to replace 80% of the bike. Pfft, might as well get a 690e/r and call it done.

[@NzJohny]

Thats boring

[@dannyfubar3099]

I own both, eventually you come ahead. 😃

[@richardbyrd7268]

Sounds like a terrible bike. Almost nothing stock is worth beeping. I'll never buy one.

[@omarcharide174]

What size hose do you use for your inline fuel filter ?

[@NzJohny]

Good question! I can't remember now. Anything that was a nice tight fit 😅