Been to the dark side and heading back - sort of!

I traded my 2009 Bandit last year for a Honda CBR650F.

A very nice bike, quite nimble but awfully hard on my aging body with the stiff suspension [the bike that is].

A few of my ride buddies have purchased a KLR650 (older model), a 2015 Triumph Tiger 800 and a 2015 Suzuki DL650.

There intention is to still ride on the road but have the option of using a number of non-bitumen roads of which there are squillions inland from Hervey Bay.

Not wanting to miss out on the action I am trading the Honda on a 2015 Suzuki DL650 this week so back on a Suzuki.

Not a Bandit but at least it has a Suzuki badge on the tank.

Good bikes Dave. That 650 power plant is a sweet motor.  The 1000 is not too shabby either.  Enjoy.

At least you've got part of it right

Glad to hear that you're still adventurous, Dave. 
How does the DL compare in seat height?

Standard DL650 is a little high however I don't appear to be alone with that issue.

The topic of height challenged people is well documented on the Stromtroopers web site

Last week I sat on a DL650 with the seat removed and leg length was not an issue. BTW it wasn't all that comfortable

There is a lowering link that takes the back down by 30mm.

The front forks can be pushed up about 20mm but 30mm means fitting some modest handlebar risers.

There are rubber blocks under the seat (same as the Bandit) which can be replaced and provide another 15mm-20mm

After that is cutting foam out of the seat which I hope I don't need to do.

I think the lowering links, front forks and seat rubber blocks will do the trick.

Sounds like you've got it all in hand, Dave. 
A great bike by all accounts. I'm sure that you'll have heaps of fun throwing rocks. 

 " Quote " Been to the dark side and heading back - sort of! "


     



By all accounts , they are a great bike Dave , you should enjoy yourself 

Cut the seat up... You need as much clearance as you can. I bottomed out my DRZ400E the other week going looking for firewood. Rocks can creep up on you when you are looking upwards instead of forwards

Also log crossings are much easier with higher suspension so you don't bottom out and sit the bike on the bash plate on the way over.

Last week I sat on a DL650 with the seat removed and leg length was not an issue. BTW it wasn't all that comfortable DAVE________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-reddog wrote:Cut the seat up... You need as much clearance as you can. 

Lol. You've just reminded me of my Virago 250, which I bought new. 
The Virago seat is about 8" thick and for me didn't really give the low cruiser feel. 
Not wanting to destroy my new bikes seat, I cut the arse out of a plastic school chair, mounted it directly to the frame and upholstered it with a full fleece sheep skin. Rode it around like that, in absolute comfort, for two years.

Wow I didn't expect anyone else here to have ridden a 250 Virago! 

All props to my mum for letting me get my leaners and steal it for 12 months but I could not wait to get off that bike!

I owned a 2004 WeeStrom for 3 years/30000k. Cheerful, capable, armchair comfortable and reliable. A better bike than the first model DL1000 unless you spent long periods with pillion and luggage.

Its biggest downfall downfall was damper rod forks (gold valves soon fixed that)  but I would imagine the new model has gone to cartridge forks.

Well, the deed is done.

I have ordered the DL650 today, should have it by the end of next week.

I won't be sorry to lose the CBR650F, a hard bike to ride on poor bitumen, I suppose it would be great on a track but that is not where I ride.

reddog wrote:Cut the seat up... You need as much clearance as you can. I bottomed out my DRZ400E the other week going looking for firewood. Rocks can creep up on you when you are looking upwards instead of forwards

Also log crossings are much easier with higher suspension so you don't bottom out and sit the bike on the bash plate on the way over.

The motor trimmer that "cut" the CBR650F seat did an excellent job. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same on the DL650.

I have no intention of taking the DL650 "bush bashing".

Incidentally after lowering it 30mm it seems it will still have 150mm ground clearance

If I would be collecting firewood, I would use the Hyundai i20, my all purpose ute

I think you can get a lowered seat for the Glee from the big S

Yep you can -- linky

Not sure if it would be your thing but thought I'd mention it

Thanks Dhula

I had the CBR650F seat lowered by a local motor trimmer who did an excellent job for $120.

The DL650 seat looks to be about 50mm thick so I will be going back to him for a seat modification.

Well after the first week the Suzuki DL650 has met all of my expectations and more.

The lowering exercise took the seat height from 835mm down to 770mm and still 150mm ground clearance.

I'm really pleased to be back on a Suzuki.

Nice one Dave. 
Good to hear you're getting your leg over again.