Opinions on a 1996 Dr650se

[Tas]

Hi All,

Looking to trade my gixxer and was wondering what you all think of this one?

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/mcy/4162830195.html

I haven't contacted the owner yet but wanted to do my research before doing so.

With all this talk of dirty riding brings me back to my childhood days.

I appreciate all opinions.

[Garandman]

I'm open to other bikes, but ABSOULUTLY NO 250s, if i wanted a scooter, I'd say so!

Sounds like a great guy to deal with.

[MattR302]

I've got a DR350 in the same color scheme.

The DR650 is similar to the KLR650, but the DR is a little better off-road, the KLR a little better on-road. My 350 will do 70-75ish on the highway, I bet the 650 will do a little more. I put street-biased tires on my 350 this year and it handles great. Depending on what you're thinking of for dirt riding, the 650 might be a handful.

[breakdirt916]

buy the dr, keep the gixxer, have fun!

[Chippertheripper]

Sounds like a great guy to deal with.

Don't get all butthurt because he called your new pride and joy a scooter...


The dr650 is THE favorite bike of advrider. There's more info over there than you'll ever want to know. The mileage is getting up there, but if there's no funny noises from the motor, it's probably ok. Other than that, ask about swingarm/pivot bearings, fork seals, tires, chain and sprockets, all the usual stuff.
I have a buddy in Quincy that's had a couple, shreds it in the woods, and has ridden it to canada and whothefucknows where else.
It could be a solid trade, but it could be an aging nickel and dimer too.

[dankatz]

I sold my Superhawk to get a DR650SE. It is a very basic old school design that seems to work. It is much lighter than the KLR and less imposing in size (better fit for us shorter people at 5'8"). The engine is smooth for a thumper and has a decent amount of power. The bike is great for fireroads and light offroad. I don't know what condition your sports bike is, but the DR in the link seems very well used. You can pick up a DR650 in good condition for around $2.5k. If you will want to sell it you will have an easier time as there are many bikes around and many people like them.

[Pigman]

buy the dr, keep the gixxer, have fun!

This........

[maxim_X]

What exactly do you plan to use it for? Is it a commuter with a little dirty fun on the side, or a dirty only toy? If you are just trying to get into dirt riding there are better choices.

[Tas]

What exactly do you plan to use it for? Is it a commuter with a little dirty fun on the side, or a dirty only toy? If you are just trying to get into dirt riding there are better choices.

Not using it for a commuter. More dirty only stuff and exploring back roads/ trails.

[tsorfas]

buy the dr, keep the gixxer, have fun!

I support that move as well.

[Chippertheripper]

Not using it for a commuter. More dirty only stuff and exploring back roads/ trails.

Skip it and get something better offroad then.

[MattR302]

Not using it for a commuter. More dirty only stuff and exploring back roads/ trails.

Skip it and get something better offroad then.

Yeah, go with something smaller than a 650 then if you don't plan on doing a lot of >55mph riding on-road.

[Tas]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Don't need the hp/speed for the trails. I also need to make space for the future SV purchase when I find one. Looking to sell/trade the GSXR and thought this would be one way.

[breakdirt916]

I was serious about keeping the gsxr!

the issue is that the two bikes each have completely different functions and a good dirt bike just sucks on the freeway...and IMHO you might miss the gsxr after a few serious jaunts with a dual sport on the road

so if you can swing it financially, add on the dirtbike...if it's just for occasional trails/backroads to re-live your youth, it's definitely better as a separate item

do you have a truck and/or trailer?

[bstnsboy]

Im taking offers on this sweet ride.http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...400-1800-O-B-O

[Tas]

I was serious about keeping the gsxr!

the issue is that the two bikes each have completely different functions and a good dirt bike just sucks on the freeway...and IMHO you might miss the gsxr after a few serious jaunts with a dual sport on the road

so if you can swing it financially, add on the dirtbike...if it's just for occasional trails/backroads to re-live your youth, it's definitely better as a separate item

do you have a truck and/or trailer?

I think I'm done with the gsxr. Had fun for the last 3 yrs with it but want to move on with something new. Hoping I could get a 1st gen SV for street track then eventually setting it up for track only. Wanted to trade/sell it to put toward the SV but timing is not good right now with snow coming.

I do have a truck to pick up or drop off bikes.

[gregp]

I sold my 1996 DR650 to my brother, earlier this year. They make better street bikes, than dirt bikes. The stock seat are terrible, but for $175 you can buy a Seat Concepts kit and be OK.
If you want a reason to *not* buy a DR650, just google "DR650 3rd gear blow ups". Mine was fine, and still is, but there have been enough issues to have its own thread in ADVrider, under "Thumpers"…
The stock forks are 43mm damper rod type, with no adjustments. They are super soft. The rear shock is OK, but it only has compression damping adjustment, and no rebound adjustment.

[breakdirt916]

okay, you got me with the snow...

then while I'm not sure about the dr650se, maybe a dirt bike is a good idea for now...and if you were like me, you'd use it in the snow too...



then go buy an sv in the spring!

no wait...shouldn't you buy an sv now, when it's winter, and cheaper?

[typeone]

[Chippertheripper]

Lulz

[maxim_X]

Well. Looks like in buying a DR.

[Kurlon]

Hah. I'm going to do a compro between my TT-R125LE and a Gixxah next.

[Paul_E_D]

Haha, that guys was kickin ass and taking names on the pig!

[nhbubba]

This guys has some pretty funny stuff on his videos:


Well worthy of the day before thanksgiving..

"Full throttle: it either solves the problem or ends the suspense"