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DR650 question for ALASKA TRIP DR650 question for ALASKA TRIP
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 19 Apr 2017
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DR650 question for ALASKA TRIP
Hello! So I have a friend that wants to ride to Alaska, it has something we have been kicking around for a while. Now the old lady is wanting to start trying for a kid so he wants to do it this year.
HERE IS MY QUESTION:
My only bike is a 94 DR650 with 25,000 miles. It has some nice farkles and it has NEVER (knock on wood) left me stranded.

WOULD YOU RIDE THIS BIKE TO ALASKA AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO IT BEFORE YOU LEFT?

It has a few issues that I know I would need to take care of before I left but I am interested to hear what the experts have to say.

Thanks in advance for the help.
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Old 19 Apr 2017
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I doubt you will find many "experts" here on the early '94 DR650. Most here ride the post '96 version (totally different bike). A friend had earlier version, it was fast but had some problems.

I would do the research on your bike and find it's issues and deal with them best you can. Parts may be hard to find on the road, whereas current DR650 ('96 to 2017) all available. Your DR650 is now quite RARE in USA, more around in EU, UK.

But the basic bike is good! It's a Suzuki!
Make sure you do all the basics for doing an AK trip: New battery, New Chain/sprockets, new tires/tubes with spare tubes, lock tite any fasteners that may loosen up. Check/grease all bearings (Wheel, swing arm and head bearings)

Make sure Carb is CLEAN and working well before departure. New, clean air filter, new plug. Make sure all electrics are in order and that lighting is good!

Strap on your luggage and go for it!

If you had a '96 or later DR650, then I might offer a few Pre trip prep tips. My 2006 has over 60,000 miles, still going good. Many long rides done on it ... but it's never been to Alaska.

All the best! Rubber Side Down!
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Old 19 Apr 2017
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Correction - 96 not 94
Sorry I have a 96. My TRUCK is a 94, I always get those confused. And thanks for the very confidence inspiring reply.
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Old 19 Apr 2017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OcoeeG View Post
Sorry I have a 96. My TRUCK is a 94, I always get those confused. And thanks for the very confidence inspiring reply.
Lucky you!
I would still follow my basic guide above to prep your DR650SE. Make sure the
NSU bolts have been loc tite'd in place. I would go with a better seat and a bigger tank. (IMS or Acerbis, at least 5 gallons or more)

With a good seat you can ride all day, get up next day and do it again.
Don't forget to replace Cush Drive rubber bushings. MUCH smoother ride.

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Old 7 May 2017
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Id start with a new chainset, Id also change out cush drive rubbers and bearing and new wheel bearings front and rear if they have not been done for a long time, and as Mollydog says, new plugs, a twinair filter with a filterskin fitted and a couple of spares, new inline fuel filter and a bigger tank, comfier seat (if you are still using the stock tank) - If you are riding lots of gravel/dirt Id also put some neoprene Sealsavers over the fork legs and get rid of the stock boots. Make sure you check the swingarm chain slider as they do wear through. As you have a long old ride from the South, Id put a 16 tooth front sprocket on for the highway ride up there.

If you are planning on riding up the Dalton/Dempster, ride up on road tires and take some new more dirt oriented tires with you or plan on buying/fitting them before you start the Dalton/Dempster.
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'11 KTM 450 EXC
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