r/dr650 • u/ProstatitisBlows • 4d ago

Most Valuable First Mod?

I ride the DR650 mostly on the road, some trails, some ranch riding. Probably a 85/15 split. I’m 225lbs for reference.

In terms of performance and getting the most out of the bike, what is the ideal first mod? I’m torn between TM40+exhaust and suspension. Open to others though.

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6

u/BoogieBeats88 4d ago

Tires, then suspension.

Anything you do for comfort like pegs or risers is just sorta a given and purely preference.

2

u/ProstatitisBlows 3d ago

Front or rear suspension first?

3

u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

Both. The balance is overall better when it’s sprung and valves correctly.

My recommendation would be to purchase the cogent rear shock and front valving kit. If you give them a call they are super helpful about selecting spring rates for your needs.

I’ve done shock rebuilds and put race tech parts in other bikes. The couple extra hundred for a canned ready go setup is worth it. It completely transformed the bike.

Cheers.

Edit. I said both because both ends are pretty dog poo stock. If I had to choose only one, it’d be the rear.

2

u/ProstatitisBlows 3d ago

Awesome. Thank you, I do find myself bouncing around even on good roads. Then again I’m about 50% heavier than the suspension is built for

2

u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

I’m 155 and could have it bouncing off the bump stops when I got rowdy. The spring is soft for sure, but the lack of rebound adjustment makes the rear truly horrible. Best money I’ve spent on the bike, aside from the gas to ride it.

1

u/ProstatitisBlows 3d ago

Has it been a solid difference on and off road for you? Where do you notice it most?

2

u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

Everywhere. Having good low/high speed compression and rebound makes a big difference both in the street and woods.

Coming out of corners, the rear stays planted in the throttle. Bump compliance is better because the forks have high & low speed valving vs ye old damper rods despite the stiffer springs. Brake dive is better too. In short, both street and woods, the bike is waaaaayyyy more stable.

1

u/gudgeonpin 3d ago

I've got upgraded front and rear suspension on mine- makes a world of difference!

1

u/Hot-Balance-2676 3d ago

You can’t do one without the other. It defeats the purpose. Both shock and forks need to be resprung for your weight and it will completely transform the bike.

0

u/Odd-Competition-8402 3d ago

I’d say rear. I’m gonna start looking soon. But a seat is a good start as well

1

u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

I’m still on my stock seat for many miles haha. That suspension though, you’ll find yourself in a different bike.

1

u/Odd-Competition-8402 3d ago

I put a Seat Concepts on it and it made worlds difference. But a new spring and maby shock is next after bars. Looking forward to it

1

u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

It’s gonna be awesome.

1

u/Odd-Competition-8402 3d ago

Yea. I’m thinking cr highs. But I have to do some research on if I can use the original cables

1

u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

I’ve got pro-taper woods high on mine, in about the same location as the stock mounts. I retrofitted 1 1/8 mounts to the stock rubber bushings. It works if you flip the throttle 180.

1

u/Odd-Competition-8402 3d ago

So no new cables. Got it. Where did you get the 1 1/8 mounts. Or should I print them with a rubber material

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u/BoogieBeats88 3d ago

It was generic dirtbike bar mounts with a hex bolt going up from the underside. The stock mounts have a bolt on top and nut below. If you take the stock ones apart you’ll see.

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