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14 Jan 2017
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Glos, UK
Posts: 11
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DR650 Pre '96 vs Post '96...
Hi,
I've been lurking on Hubb for a while, reading and dreaming but now that my situation has come together and I'm almost ready for an adventure I figured I'd join up.
I'm pretty keen on getting hold of a DR650 for an indefinate RTW trip but as I'm in the UK and the imports are out of my price range I've been wondering about the pre '96 models as there are plenty around.
What's the deal with these, can they be upgraded for sensible money to be as trusty as the newer models? What are the differences between them?
Failing this approach, is there anywhere else in Europe with a good post '96 Dr650 secondhand market?
Last resort I will travel to US/AUZ and kick of the trip from there...
It was just some romantic notion I had of seeing England off in the mirrors.
Cheers.
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14 Jan 2017
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R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
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Post '96 is the way to go for a number of reasons:
1. Post '96 DR650 is still in production, parts world wide.
2. Post '96 has loads of owner and aftermarket support, Pre '96 has very little,
parts can be hard to find.
3. Most important ... post 96 is the better bike ... by far. Significant upgrades from earlier model.
Keep reading, research. The DR is not perfect, but close enough.
Buying in USA is, IMO, best alternative. You may find imported DR's in UK but fairly rare and a bit expensive. Old ones tend to be junk. Not worth the trouble.
California and Arizona have many DR's for sale every week ... prices can range from $2500 USD for older too $4500 USD for newish low mile example. A dealer can help get the bike registered in your name and get insurance.
You've picked the best (IMO) ADV bike made in the last 20 years. Learn it's ins and outs, do the proper upgrades and you'll travel an easy 65,000 miles trouble free in comfort.
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14 Jan 2017
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jan 2017
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Ok great, that settles it... I appreciate the reply.
Now to pull my finger out and get this show on the road.
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15 Jan 2017
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
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Hi Danny
Welcome to the HUBB
Agree with Mollydog, I owned a 93 DR650 and have a 2009, totally different bike, I would buy an XT600/660 in the UK over getting the older style DR650 personally, the post 96 is way better. The US is a great place to buy a well kitted out DR for peanuts and where all of the add-ons can be bought, especially from Procycle fairly cheaply compared to buying stuff in Europe.
https://procycle.us/bikepages/dr650.html
Buy as close to new DR650 as you can find, with a bigger tank an aftermarket seat - and preferably the suspension already sorted, you should be able to find a nearly new, low mileage DR for a good price.
@ Mollydog, its good to see you back here on the HUBB chug
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15 Jan 2017
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper
@ Mollydog, its good to see you back here on the HUBB chug
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15 Jan 2017
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Glos, UK
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Cheers for that Griff.
There's a DR350 for sale atm not too far away which sent me off on a different tangent of perhaps going for something a little smaller but I'm not convinced by that particular bike... although I'm quite taken by a TTR250 near by.
Six hours at the screen and with square eyes and a fried brain makes me think I should stick with my gut.
Watch this space
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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...
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)

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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!

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!
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.
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.
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