Suzuki DR350. New to me. What should I do to it?

[Brenhden]

Hi all,

So I've just joined the DR350 club, I know there are plenty of others on here with them. I've not ridden it far but I've named her Binkle and I'm in love already. She's a 1996 SET 10k miles on the clock and looks pretty much standard apart from the long range tank and aftermarket rear unit. I want to get it fit and ready for a life of camping trips and trail riding.

Here is what I think I should do:

1. Get the suspension serviced. Any recommendations for getting this done in the South West. Also what is it likely to cost?

2. Replace the indicators.

3. Get the rack extended down for panniers.

4. Get a little headlamp grill protector thing (just for looks).

5. Apply my precious ABR stickers.

6. Get a pivot brake lever (already has a clutch one). Can't find one online, link please?

7. I have a spare set of wheels. The rear one has a cush hub and I will be doing lots of road miles so should I use it instead? Should I fit it with a road tire and swap them when I know I'm doing a lot of tarmac?

8. The front sprocket is smaller than standard for use on the trails. Not sure I want thats, might change it back so I can motorway a bit easier.

9. I had a look at the oil earlier and there is a little foam on the dip stick, should I be worried? I went through its MOT about 10 miles ago and wasn't flagged as an issue.

10. Fit a power socket.

11. Fit a screen, the wind buffeting is terrible in comparrison to my KLX250! Can anyone recommend one. If not I'll make my own, does anyone know where you can get sheets of that clear plastic they use? Perspex itsn't quite as good...

So what else should I do? As its a keeper I don't mind spending some cash. Any advice gratefully recieved

Cheers

Bren

[Paul-S]

Post some pics !

Enjoy it mate

[bond_yzf]

If you want a headlight grill making up bren gimme a shout

[Brenhden]

Here she is Paul,

Bond, that's a great offer but only if you let me pay for it B)

Might get a comfy seat for her too. Will be doing a two week trip to Spain in September so need to look after my bum.

Binkle1_2014-04-07.jpg (66.78 KiB) Viewed 1768 times

Binkle2_2014-04-07.jpg (61.25 KiB) Viewed 1768 times

[Paul-S]

Looks great Bren

Just get a sheepskin for the seat

For wind protection I have an old screen off a VFR750 upside down

[Paul-S]

Looks great Bren

Just get a sheepskin for the seat

For wind protection I have an old screen off a VFR750 upside down

[Paul-S]

[Paul-S]

Don't know what's happening!!

[FEI-LO]

On the issue of the screen - found this video recently [video][/video]

[XF650]

Had a DR350 two years ago, great little bikes! Had a s/s exhaust system on mine which is always a bonus. Broke the clutch lever whilst trying to trail ride in two foot of snow at the Cat n Fiddle but couldn't stop laughing it was so fun! (thumbs)

No real issues, keep an eye on the oil level, ("foam" in the oil not an MOT thing - just a bit of emulsion so you need to give her a good long ride to burn off any remaining water condensation..), seem to remember the tool carrier can be susceptible to water ingress. Most importantly is to use ACF50 for winter riding.

Most importantly, enjoy! :woohoo: