Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
The DDPP (Definitive DR Prep Project) The DDPP (Definitive DR Prep Project)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
  #1  
Old 12 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
The DDPP (Definitive DR Prep Project)
PREPS FOR LONG HAUL
– This is just collation of members' posts collected into one place, in an ordered way - to make things easier to find
– Specific to DR650, but most things generic for all bikes
| NOTE: || Its a work in progress - || if you've got something to add, or I've made an error, || please comment. I will update as and when. |
INDEX:






1. Lose Weight

2. Get fit and stay beautiful (Endurance & Reliability)

3. Dont forget the feather pillows (Mods for comfort)

4. Louise Vuitton or Chanel? (Luggage options) [tbc]

5. Whats in the handbag! (Tools & Spare Parts lists)

*********Loose Weight!********
Mods to save weight

• Remove passenger pegs

• Replace rear license plate light and assembly, install a LED license plate light

• Remove Helmet lock (ground clean off frame)

• Replace some bolts with Aluminium in unstressed locations –
–may not be a good idea for serious ofroading, due to differing metal strenghts

• Replace odometer
–Digital Panoram / Sigma BC800 bicycle computer


• Replace factory pipe with good aftermarket pipe

• Remove 1/2-3/4" from side stand

• Swap stock indicators for smaller, lighter ones

• Replace stock seat with Corbin (comfort and weight saving)


**Get fit & stay beautiful**
Improve endurance and reliability


• Upgrade chain rollers [Lone Rider] Bolt spares on to the right side where the pillion peg mounts [ ]

• Upgrade your warranty – available for second owners, up to 5 years [Lone Rider]

• Add an inline fuel filter
cheap, available at all major auto pats stores.made for lawn mowers.doesn't require clamps. The 1/4" line can be pushed over 5/16" inlets/outlets. [Lone Rider]

• Replace factory pipe [Molly Dog]

• A few 1" holes in the top of the air box should also help it breathe better[Lone Rider]

• Replace chain
–with DID 525 VM X-ring. Lasts double longer. [Mollydog] [LeCap]

• Wrap header pipe
–Engine runs cooler, better mileage. [Lone Rider]


• Replace Tyres
–MEFO tires went the entire way with some serious dirt and rock sections; I recommend them. They don't hook up quite as well as TKC80's. smoother ride on pavement and last much, much longer.[mrdnd]

• Home made stand offs for bags[Molly Dog]

• Replace or modify Indicators
– bolt front ones under the handle bars, using the mirror mounting, behind the bark busters. less likely to get hit! [Frank Warner]

– I made them flexible using rubber fuel hose. [Molly Dog]

• Replace suspension
– The Eibach F&R make an amazing difference [Fat Chance]

• Replace screws with stainless steel cap screws
– Esp on the carb, switch blocks, coil, and body. Stock fasteners have a reputation for being very soft. [bartman 10]

• Add a homemade headlight guard bent up from a piece of Lexan [bartman 10]

• Add Scottoilers
– kept our chains very clean. mounted on the main frame near the carb, cutting into the vaccum line for the fuel tap. [bartman 10]

• Strengthen main wiring loom - put some spiral wrap around where it chafes on head stock.[Bartman 10]

• Replace sprockets with JT Sprockets[Molly Dog]

• Sealed spoke nipples on front to slow air loss[Molly Dog]

• New brake pads f&r (EBC sintered)[Molly Dog]

• Brake systems flushed. all new fluid[Molly Dog]

• Fit braided steel brake lines [Nigel Marx]

• Fit rim lock to stop tyres slipping in mud [Geordie]

• Air filter socks. Slips over standard filter. Replace when dirty. Reduces frequency of filter replacement. [Frank]

• Engrave the inside of the valve covers with the clearence values. [Frank]

• Lower chain guide
- make out of multiple bits of chopping board. Rotate when worn - extends life. swap with outer bits so have built in 'spares' [Frank]

• Replace headlight bulbs for brighter - more here http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...741#post146788

**Louis Vuitton or Chanel?**






The luggage debate
– I'm still working on this section, since there is so many options and opinions all over. Perhaps just leave it for the 'Equipment Forum', HOWEVER, Peli Cases seems to be the fashion accessory of choice on the DR forum [Molly Dog, Fat Chance, Lone Rider, mrdnd, Mountainman]






**Dont forget the feather pillows**
Improve comfort on the long haul

• Wind shield
A tall Parabellum wind shield -- dangerous for dirt work. Using wingnuts and thumb screws, I can remove it within a couple of minutes and store it under a net on the rear. [Lone Rider]

• New foam grips on the bars – reduces vibration [Lone Rider]

• 12 volt switched plugs
– One up in the headlight, another above the shock and a third on the right near the CDI box. [Molly Dog]

– Wired (w/fuse) a cheap marine 12v outlet to the battery and mounted it under the BBQ [Lone Rider]

• Replace footpegs
– With WIDE IMS Pro series, Really reduces fatigue while standing for hours dirt riding.

• Installed ProTapers, using custom made gromets to allow the use of my stock bar ends

• Heated Grips
– Heated Symtec grips. zipped tied to Idiot light module. bought a rubber sleeve for the toggle - made a a rubber "dam" out of inner tube to go over the switch itself. [Mollydog]

– AeroStich wrap-on heated grip thingies. They take a couple of minutes to put on...and really work. No problems losing heat thru bars and grips. But they are another thing to store when not being used....[Lone Rider]

• Louder horn [Molly Dog]

• Hand Guards
– $30 TUSK items are not only the best quality of ANY Alu handguards I've seen, but also have the most clever mount system that offers the best adjustability of any I've mounted. [Molly Dog]

– Throttle lock [mrdns]

– Sheepskin for the stock seat. Done several 500 km days on the DR without complaint [Bartman]

**Whats in the handbag?**
Spare Parts & Tool lists

– Working on this section..
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Last edited by XT GIRL; 17 Oct 2007 at 05:37. Reason: removed (for now) non DR items.. added stuff
Reply With Quote
 

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
World Mapping Project now available in digital format Rebaseonu Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 4 7 Mar 2007 20:38
Niger dam project in the Défilé de Tosaye (Taussa) ferdi North Africa 0 22 Jan 2007 08:32
prep an SV650 for Mexico? jtherkel Which Bike? 9 20 Oct 2004 02:38
My XR650L Overland Project Website! POB/London North Africa 1 2 Mar 2004 14:20

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:24.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top