EDIT: the hole in the airbox is a common mod that people will do. Drilling a hole in the airbox, then re-jetting the carb gives a little bit more horsepower. I’m not savvy enough to explain it clearly but there are some vids out there demonstrating it. I bought an ‘09 DR650 as my first motorcycle, no prior wrenching experience. It ran, but it was a little beat up. I’ve learned how to change the oil, maintain the chain, and I even rebuilt the carburetor as part of some troubleshooting awhile back. I don’t have much experience but people say these are great bikes to tinker on. It makes me happy seeing you excited about an old thumper! Subscribed, I hope your DR makes you as happy as mine makes me 🤝
Hey, as you go through the mechanics on that new motorcycle, make sure you check the throttle. I’ve heard it’s common to have throttle mechanical issues that make you drive too fast.
Love the DR650. I did the same, had a R1200GSA and 6 months later got a DR650 to explore off pavement. It is not 250 lbs lighter though. 🙂 I’d change that oil after 100 miles to flush the fuel out. Many on ADVRider recommend a good 20w50 synthetic in that bike.
Great minds think alike! My googling says the r1250gsa is 591 fully fueled (I don’t think that includes the panniers and top box) and DR is 366, so that’s 225 difference. If you add the panniers and top box that’s another 35 pounds or so.
@@mustachemoto I had to move mine from the thumb cable to a push pull choke at the carb. Something was going on in the cable because it works fine without using the cable. Just saying, Keep that in mind mine is an 09
