Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
DR800 anyone ? DR800 anyone ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jun 2005
siggsy's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: london
Posts: 76
DR800 anyone ?
trott bikes in england have a 1989 (i think) dr800 up for grabs...an italian import...

im not to clued up, so i was wondering if anyone would recommend this machine or not ?

has it a grin factor as i naivly imagine it will ? did they have a reputation for unreliabily ? etc etc

thanks in advance peeps
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Durham, UK
Posts: 23
Never heard much about the dr800 either good or bad, but I'd make sure it's a good starter as an 800cc single could be a real pig to fire up by kick or bump.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jun 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
Hi.
As far as i know the 800 is the best of the DR bigs.I had a 750 a while ago and all the faults that are normally associated with that,have been ironed out by the time the 800 came on the market.So,yes if it looks in good nick and starts well,i'd be tempted....

------------------
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Jul 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 11
I can recommend the DR800 very much. I traveled 28000 km in Southamerica without a single problem. And if there would be one, you can fix it your self because it is built so simple. I sold my Suzuki in Paraguay after the trip but buyed exactly the same again in Switzerland because of the reliability.

------------------
http://www.motorbike-tours.ch/Fotoseite.php
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Apr 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: England
Posts: 8
Thumbs up DR 800 you have to love them
I know this is a bit late but..........

I've a DR800, 1998 thats done about 30,000 miles. I've had it from new and travelled all over the UK and around Cyprus on it.

It's had luggage and a Scottoiler from new, (if you have a chain driven bike get a Scottoiler, it is the best bit of kit ever, my first OE set of C&S lasted 25,000 miles).

Out in Cyprus I Motarded it. New rims laced to OE hubs and a set of Diablos, big grin all day long. (The 17" front has the odo reading fast however ,if you halve the Kmh you get Mph. On a 110 mile road trip I was only half a mile out from a friends reading on his Tiger, good enough for me.)

To see all that I've had done have a look at

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/gar...hicle&vid=3258

Also have a look at this if you want to go off road.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...ighlight=dr800
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Toulouse, France
Posts: 216
Cool Dr800
Hello there,

It's late !
I'm back in Europe and am currently looking for a new bike..I'm also considering the DR big 800.
Some things make me hesitate;
1' the filter is a paper one, not cleanable and fine desert sand could penetrate and also suck into cylinder, foam is better but not available for DR.
2'..the chain is a not quick linked..so you have to dismount the swingarm just to change it, it can take a long long.. too long time ! That is a weak point in my opinion.
3' a guy told me that the camchain sliders gets worn, when they brake off, camchain loses tension and the result is engine brake, he change them every
50 000 kms to feel secure, but would a traveller have time and money to do that kind of work?
4' the same guy also had a problem with valve pusher, surface treatment went off then the metal was quickly spinned away by camshaft, I saw a picture and it looks horrible.
5' the fuel tank gets "catalysed" with micro fisures, because of vibrations and starts leaking.

This is quite scary stuff for the serious traveller, my old ténéré had none of this.
So true or not?

Cheers,

Matt
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Jul 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Guildford, Surrey, UK
Posts: 23
just got a DR800
I've just got a 1990 DR800. i found it second had. it in mint condition can with under 20,000 miles from new, been sat in a garage of 6 years and not ridden, came with colour coded hard panniers, uprated seat, heated grips and crash bars. i'd had a XT600 tenere and while it quick and has god a the smile factor that you hoped for it not really that much quicker. i paid £850 which i think is a winner!

i bought it for some touring on unmade roads and some green lane action, which it seems to handle well is although 1st seems a tall for the lanes;

does any one know if you can get a shoter gear for first for the DR800?

blessings
dave
__________________
Blessings
Dave

DR800 (90)
XT600 Tenere (87)

...we don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jul 2006
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt595
2'..the chain is a not quick linked..so you have to dismount the swingarm just to change it, it can take a long long.. too long time ! That is a weak point in my opinion.
You can put any type link in a new chain. My DR650SE has no link, but the new chain has. Rivet, screw or clip, take your pick.

Of course, some people say that on big bikes, especially big singles, one should only use endless chains for safety reasons. No idea how valid this is.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jul 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
Chains
The endless chain story is nonsense to get you into the workshop. If a link is fitted correctly it is exactly as strong as the rest of the chain and won't fail.
Some high quality chains only come endless or with riveting links (for example DID X-Ring) or alternatively you have to fit the very good and safe screw links.
Never fit an old link into a new chain and never mix chains and links of different manufacturers (except aftermarket screw links specially designed to fit a specific manufacturers chains). Although having the same external dimensions the chains of different manufacturers often differ in internal measurements.

The best way is to get a quality chain tool like the one DID sells for their chains. This is overkill if you only do your own bike as you get a good nomber of screw links for the same money.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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 07:42.

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