Really enjoying all the tinkering and modifications ( should have kept my dr !! at least I still got the vstrom )the recent ride video with Karl was a great as well Very well presented cheers Paul
Right on! thanks for the comment. Karl owned a vstrom and loved it, I think it was his favorite bike if you asked him. I always thought that the best bike was the one you had anyway 😉. Again, thank you for your feed back and I am so glad you enjoy the tinkering. Dino
New subscriber to your channel. These videos are great. I'd love to see something that goes over your bike end to end with a short blurb about the changes you've incorporated over time.
That goes back to my days when I was doing my apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic back in London on 1973. We had problems from vibration and headlight bulbs on BSA and Triumphs. But of course it wasn’t caused from wind but engine vibration. 😅 we’d fit them inside the chrome headlight rim.
Dino I agree a windscreen on a DR does shake a bit. Like you, I found the GPS moved when riding. I also used a similar RAM mount to solve the movement. I think your mods are very worthwhile and your zip tie idea is ideal - (and we all carry a few on the bike I think). Grommets for the zip ties are a good idea and your set up is very neat. Good tip you raised about the headlight focus - even for daytime we need the light focussed so other road users can see us. (The weather looks great where you are so a few day ride videos will be on the channel?)
Thanks for the feedback Mal, I always look forward to it. Karl and I have a 4 day trip coming up in a week from now so I'll do my best to get the video up fast. I really don't know how Itchy Boots does it, she's really skilled at production. Dino
Great to hear your thoughts Dino. I recently put a used early model yenkro fairing on my DR. It worked really well enabling me to enjoy highway speeds in relative comfort. As good as it is I'm still a little undecided as to whether I like it. The DR is the perfect bike to tootle along the backroads at a gentle pace and enjoy the scenery. I find that with the better wind protection I'm riding faster which takes more concentration. I have 6 other adventure bikes (all bmw and 1 triumph) that do faster speeds much better. The thing that makes the DR my favourite adventure bike in the stable is the fact that it is so analogue and is a hoot to ride at moderate speeds on roads that trucks, caravans and the general motoring public would rarely use.
I agree with your observations about the DR. it is happiest bellow 100kmph and that is where I find it to be the most fun as well. Because of this, it almost forces you to find the roads less traveled a lot of the time, which is what I like anyway. Thank you again for your feedback. Dino
Another nice video. As always enjoyed it. I bought a DR650 last fall. It has turned out to be one of the most satisfying bikes i have ever owned. I enjoy riding it and i enjoy modifying it. I have used some of my ideas on it but im always looking for ideas of others like your dash. Great job.
The dash is looking great Dino. I have been experimenting and my problem is loosing sight of the front fender which hinders my visual relationship to the front wheel. My DR650 is set up for 70 dirt/30 street. Your dash is perfect for the 30 dirt/70 street. I think I have to buy a second DR650...lol. The great thing about this dash design is the ability to hide wiring. I have added heated grips and my own custom dash panel with USB, volt meter, and auxiliary lights and switch. With my set up there is no good room for wire looms, I have every available spot filled under the seat and behind the head light.
It's true that every mod comes with some drawbacks, the dash really does suit my needs and I can see how it would be a bit of a hindrance in a more dirt-oriented ride. Thanks for the feed back. Dino
That's great, I am glad you liked the dash. I am in the process of lying these out in tinker cad but its a slow process. Please let me know how you make out. Dino
Very nice video there always very informative. I really would love to get a DR 650 and watching your videos is helping me make up my mind. What would you say your top speed is on your bike and average life span of the engine. Thank you very much and keep up the awesome videos!
Thank you for the question. Hmm, I have never really tried to see the top speed, however I know mine will be lower than stock as my gearing is different with a 14-tooth sprocket on it. I have seen 135 kmph a few times passing and there was more there, but I have never really needed to go faster than that. I have cruised thousands of miles on four lane highway with no problem although I do tend to ride just above the speed limit and not 120 or 130 kmph as some do. The DR650 is no highway monster, and its qualities are more evident on the back roads and dirt than superhighways, but it will do whatever you want, just a bit slower. As for longevity, I think it is like all bikes, if you maintain them and change the oil they will last for a long while, those who do not will find their ride does not last. I am just coming up on 50,000km and my bike runs as good as my buddies with half that amount, I had the top end apart at 40,000 km when I bought it and the internals were like new with the Nicacel coted cylinder like new, and the valves in good shape. I simply lapped the valves, put in new rings (which was nor required but I did anyway) and replaced the valve guide seals for good measure. However, looking back, I did not need to do any of that, it was more out of interest. So, I would say the engine is very well build and under stressed for what it is, and I can see riding mine for tens of thousands of additional Kilometers before I need to retire it. Hope this helps you with your decision. If you have not already you can watch some of my ride videos as well to see how I use my DR and see if those lines up with your expectations of use for the bike. Thank you again for the question, Dino
Hey Dino, I've been having some issues of late with my batteries (deep cycle 12 volt for my boat and RV, 4 wheeler...). Have you thought of doing a video on battery maintenance, storage, charging...? I know I would appreciate it, maybe other subscribers would too.
Good thing with a standalone GPS unit is that you don’t have to worry about killing the OIS like on a phone. Those Ram Mounts fried 3 of my cameras before I switched to the QuadLock + Vibration Dampener. Cheers!
Ill have to look into that mount, very interesting, I use a small rig mount for my insta360 but it does transmit a lot of vibes to it. Thanks for the tip Dino
Custom dash? No, it obstructs where I'd clip my Glock 20 firearm carry for off-road bear defense. They run up at either side or from behind. Hungry. ....................................................
😅LOL, had a buddy with a DR750 that fitted two hard shell long gun cases to the fount forks for "Wood Chuck management" on the farm back in the late 80's, was quite the mad max bike for sure.
Good stuff Dino. Looks like a great improvement vibration wise. Enjoy your summer... 🇦🇺
Thanks, you too!
Dino
Awesome Dino, Thanks for this vid. Glad to see the fairing is mostly working as expected. I am about 3/4 the way through my build.
Can't wait to hear how it turns out for you. I'd love to see some pics.
Dino
@@DinosTinkerShed Will be doing a video on my channel if that is ok with you? Will link your vids and channel for credit
@@MOTODANS absolutely! I can't wait to see it.
Dino
Really enjoying all the tinkering and modifications ( should have kept my dr !! at least I still got the vstrom )the recent ride video with Karl was a great as well
Very well presented cheers Paul
Right on! thanks for the comment. Karl owned a vstrom and loved it, I think it was his favorite bike if you asked him. I always thought that the best bike was the one you had anyway 😉. Again, thank you for your feed back and I am so glad you enjoy the tinkering.
Dino
New subscriber to your channel. These videos are great.
I'd love to see something that goes over your bike end to end with a short blurb about the changes you've incorporated over time.
I'm glad you like the content, I can add that to the production list. Thank you for the comment.
Dino
Slider shots look great!
I really like the mount, it works well.
Dino
It's been so impressive seeing the dash get developed! If you sold it as a kit, I would love to buy one! 🙂
Thank you so much, I'm still working on the 3d print although slowly
To help with headlight vibrations add strategicly placed stick on wheel weights by the headlight to create inertia to diminish the vibration.
Thank you for the great suggestion, that makes a lot of sense, Ill have to try that.
Dino
That goes back to my days when I was doing my apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic back in London on 1973. We had problems from vibration and headlight bulbs on BSA and Triumphs. But of course it wasn’t caused from wind but engine vibration. 😅 we’d fit them inside the chrome headlight rim.
Nice one Dino
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it
Dino
Dino I agree a windscreen on a DR does shake a bit. Like you, I found the GPS moved when riding. I also used a similar RAM mount to solve the movement. I think your mods are very worthwhile and your zip tie idea is ideal - (and we all carry a few on the bike I think). Grommets for the zip ties are a good idea and your set up is very neat. Good tip you raised about the headlight focus - even for daytime we need the light focussed so other road users can see us. (The weather looks great where you are so a few day ride videos will be on the channel?)
Thanks for the feedback Mal, I always look forward to it. Karl and I have a 4 day trip coming up in a week from now so I'll do my best to get the video up fast. I really don't know how Itchy Boots does it, she's really skilled at production.
Dino
Great to hear your thoughts Dino. I recently put a used early model yenkro fairing on my DR. It worked really well enabling me to enjoy highway speeds in relative comfort. As good as it is I'm still a little undecided as to whether I like it. The DR is the perfect bike to tootle along the backroads at a gentle pace and enjoy the scenery. I find that with the better wind protection I'm riding faster which takes more concentration. I have 6 other adventure bikes (all bmw and 1 triumph) that do faster speeds much better. The thing that makes the DR my favourite adventure bike in the stable is the fact that it is so analogue and is a hoot to ride at moderate speeds on roads that trucks, caravans and the general motoring public would rarely use.
I agree with your observations about the DR. it is happiest bellow 100kmph and that is where I find it to be the most fun as well. Because of this, it almost forces you to find the roads less traveled a lot of the time, which is what I like anyway.
Thank you again for your feedback.
Dino
Great video as always Dino
Thank you so much
Dino
Another nice video. As always enjoyed it. I bought a DR650 last fall. It has turned out to be one of the most satisfying bikes i have ever owned. I enjoy riding it and i enjoy modifying it. I have used some of my ideas on it but im always looking for ideas of others like your dash. Great job.
Those Ram mounts are probably strong enough to hold the whole front fairing too 👍
For sure, they are well made.
Dino
Great idea for the gps thank you sir.
The dash is looking great Dino. I have been experimenting and my problem is loosing sight of the front fender which hinders my visual relationship to the front wheel. My DR650 is set up for 70 dirt/30 street. Your dash is perfect for the 30 dirt/70 street. I think I have to buy a second DR650...lol. The great thing about this dash design is the ability to hide wiring. I have added heated grips and my own custom dash panel with USB, volt meter, and auxiliary lights and switch. With my set up there is no good room for wire looms, I have every available spot filled under the seat and behind the head light.
It's true that every mod comes with some drawbacks, the dash really does suit my needs and I can see how it would be a bit of a hindrance in a more dirt-oriented ride.
Thanks for the feed back.
Dino
I liked both videos so much I’m going to attempt to build one. I have templates made just gotta cut them out
That's great, I am glad you liked the dash. I am in the process of lying these out in tinker cad but its a slow process.
Please let me know how you make out.
Dino
Great video keep up the good work
glad you enjoyed it.
Dino
I use RAM mounts on all my gps and camera gear for my DR 650….. not the cheapest option but the best.
they do make great products for sure.
Thank you for the comment
Dino
Very nice video there always very informative. I really would love to get a DR 650 and watching your videos is helping me make up my mind. What would you say your top speed is on your bike and average life span of the engine. Thank you very much and keep up the awesome videos!
Thank you for the question.
Hmm, I have never really tried to see the top speed, however I know mine will be lower than stock as my gearing is different with a 14-tooth sprocket on it. I have seen 135 kmph a few times passing and there was more there, but I have never really needed to go faster than that. I have cruised thousands of miles on four lane highway with no problem although I do tend to ride just above the speed limit and not 120 or 130 kmph as some do. The DR650 is no highway monster, and its qualities are more evident on the back roads and dirt than superhighways, but it will do whatever you want, just a bit slower.
As for longevity, I think it is like all bikes, if you maintain them and change the oil they will last for a long while, those who do not will find their ride does not last. I am just coming up on 50,000km and my bike runs as good as my buddies with half that amount, I had the top end apart at 40,000 km when I bought it and the internals were like new with the Nicacel coted cylinder like new, and the valves in good shape. I simply lapped the valves, put in new rings (which was nor required but I did anyway) and replaced the valve guide seals for good measure. However, looking back, I did not need to do any of that, it was more out of interest. So, I would say the engine is very well build and under stressed for what it is, and I can see riding mine for tens of thousands of additional Kilometers before I need to retire it.
Hope this helps you with your decision. If you have not already you can watch some of my ride videos as well to see how I use my DR and see if those lines up with your expectations of use for the bike.
Thank you again for the question, Dino
If you put a balloon over the ball that might provide enough stickum to keep it in place
Oh now that is a great tip, thank you, wow so simple yet so good.
Thanks
Dino
Hey Dino, I've been having some issues of late with my batteries (deep cycle 12 volt for my boat and RV, 4 wheeler...). Have you thought of doing a video on battery maintenance, storage, charging...? I know I would appreciate it, maybe other subscribers would too.
Great idea. I'll add it to the production schedule. Thank you for the input!
Good thing with a standalone GPS unit is that you don’t have to worry about killing the OIS like on a phone.
Those Ram Mounts fried 3 of my cameras before I switched to the QuadLock + Vibration Dampener.
Cheers!
Ill have to look into that mount, very interesting, I use a small rig mount for my insta360 but it does transmit a lot of vibes to it.
Thanks for the tip
Dino
Dino....hope one day you can put the size up for the tower...please
Hi Peter, I am actually just starting to lay out the sizes now, I thought I lost the templates but found them shooting my shed tour video.
Dino
Lekker Dino!
Getting a bit of a sweat up there mate 😂
Oh ya it was close to 35c that day. and if you have not noticed I'm not in the greatest of shape 😁.
thanks for the comment.
Dino
It's a DR.......
fkn fk technology.
🤩 p̾r̾o̾m̾o̾s̾m̾
Custom dash? No, it obstructs where
I'd clip my Glock 20 firearm carry for
off-road bear defense. They run up
at either side or from behind. Hungry.
....................................................
😅LOL, had a buddy with a DR750 that fitted two hard shell long gun cases to the fount forks for "Wood Chuck management" on the farm back in the late 80's, was quite the mad max bike for sure.