[scooter]

I currently own the Wee Strom and am thinking about switching to a DR650.

My DL650 actually does well on logging roads, but I would like to go to a bike that is more capable in the dirt.

My altimate goal would be to go down to the BAJA and ride the backroads.


Would it be worth it to switch to the DR650.

 

[barking pumpkin]

Maybe a bit of an upgrade to a KTM 950 Adventure?

 

[scooter]

KTM's are out of my budget. I want to go smaller not bigger.

Talking just about the DR.

 

[barking pumpkin]

cool...Tee Tee will fill you in with all the info you'll ever want to know.

 

[GSP]

KTM's are out of my budget. I want to go smaller not bigger.

Talking just about the DR.

Then I think you've answered your own question. Remember that that V-Strom Ray (dr650bc) had a DR before the Strom and rode it all over the Western US. You might want to talk with him.

Personally, I'd look for a used KLR that has already been setup for adventure touring--probably the most cost-effective strategy.

 

[scooter]

Then I think you've answered your own question. Remember that that V-Strom Ray (dr650bc) had a DR before the Strom and rode it all over the Western US. You might want to talk with him.

Personally, I'd look for a used KLR that has already been setup for adventure touring--probably the most cost-effective strategy.

Brent

I talked to Ray about the DR and he thinks its a better designed bike then the KLR. He thinks the weight bias is better on the DR and that the DR is a better off road bike.

To kit out a DR would be around $1500. ie. gas tank, seat, luggage racks and suspension.

Yes the KLR is more cost effective, but the DR is a better off road bike.
I'm leaning towards this bike because it can still do the Hwy miles. ie. Vancouver to Pemberton without putting it in a truck to get it their. Plus I aint getting any younger and comfort is a factor.

I'm going to test ride a DR today. I've heard its a small person bike. I will have to check the seat to foot peg distance compared to the V-Strom.


Would the Wee Strom be able to do the backroads going to the Beaches of the Baja or will you need more of a dual purpose bike.

 

[scooter]

Well I gave the DR650 a test ride.

Pro's: great motor, good brakes, fairly comfortable. From the seat to the pegs it has 2" longer stretch to the pegs then my V-Strom

Con's: the suspension needs an upgrade. Terrible on pot holes. A RaceTech gold valve would do wonders. I did not find it enough of a difference to justify switching from the DL650 to the DR650.


My friend is hopefully getting an XR650R and making it street legal. Something like 288lbs over the 324 lbs of the DR650. I will also check out the DRZ400 around same weight as the XR650R.

I'm heading more into the dirt oriented bikes with these though.

 

[slyde]

the xr may be a good call for you as well I've been told it's great for bigger riders ,and more power than a 400

 

[Triplepete]

I too am considering a more dirt oriented bike over my Strom in the future, but I am holding off to see if the J4 offer the call of ADV bikes.

Like Brent said, the KLR (even the new model) would be a good bet. If you are gonna get a DR650 and do upgrades, you might consider a KTM 640 Adventure or even a F650 Dakar. The KLR has the best range of the Japanese choices, suspension suffers, but you're not racing the Baja 1000.

 

[scooter]

I did not feel the DR650 was enough different then the DL650.


Slyde

I was tormented by the XR650R, but I'm looking for a stronger subframe. ie chrome moly.

What the Fk am I getting into with the DRZ400R.

The bike offers lots of accesories.

Slyde your going naked on the XR650R and you have to foot crank it naked.

Typical Honda though dominates the Baja 1000 with the XR650R.

No Chickies on the back !

Especially the fat chicks

 

[Sloan]

XR650's never die no matter how hard you try. A lot of accessories to go touring at http://www.touratech.de/Shop/en-us/dept_519.html
and have a look at this beauty

 

[TeeTee]

I did not feel the DR650 was enough different then the DL650.

From what I'm reading here you are not doing this riding test in a fair manner. Sure, if you limit the DR test riding to the same sort of roads and trails where the DL is OK you won't see a difference. But take the DR onto some trails where you would not even think about taking the DL. After all, you say you want a bike that is better in the tighter dirt stuff. There's just no point in riding both on a smooth gravel road at non sliding speeds and then say they are both the same.

Down in Baja if you stick with the roads, alleys and rutted goat paths used by the cars and taxies then you'll be fine on the DL. But head out into the open land at any sort of serious pace and you'll wish you had the DR or something even more off roady.

But if you're just wanting to get there at a non racy or non sporty pace then either will be fine. Good tires for the terrain would help in either case.

 

[scooter]

I bit the bullet and bought the more focused DRZ400S. Lots of accesories and a stronger sub frame then the XLR650S.

 

[BLADERUNNER 954]

I bit the bullet and bought the more focused DRZ400S. Lots of accesories and a stronger sub frame then the XLR650S.

ahhh welcome to the club brother:laughing , i knew you would come to your senses