I own an 02 DR650 (bought it new in Mar 03) an really enjoy the bike. I chose the DR because I like to ride hard off-road, but have about a 1 hr road ride to the trails I wanted a 650 given my road time. The KTM 640 was my first choice, but too expensive ($11500 v $6500 for the DR CDN $).
COMMENTS ON THE DR - Great power - Excellent brakes, pads wear quickly mind you - Too soft suspension (I'm 175lbs and ride hard), I'm not sure whether I need to replace springs up front, or if oil height adjustment will work, I think I can dial in the rear w/ preload and the compression adjuster, any suggestions? Stock TrailWing tires are down right dangerous in any kind of mud! I plan on replacing them w/ Dunlop D606's.
TIPS - Place a 3" piece of plastic tubing over the speedo cable where it rides over the lower triple clamp. Also, grind down the casting line on the lower triple clamp where the cable goes over it. The ridge chafs on the cable and wears through it. I caught the problem right away. Met a guy who didn't and spent ~$700CDN for a new cable. Outrageous!
Buy a skid plate. I waited and paid the price in the form of a banged up frame tube. Given the low ground clearance when used off-road a skid plate is mandatory. I bought one from Moose. A bit tricky to install, but better and cheaper than Suzuki's offering (Moose $100, Suzuki $160CDN).
Any suggestions or experiences w/ the DR appreciated. JP