don't mess with the airbox/exhaust...with the standard kit on it will keep running up to the seat in water.
grease the suspension bearings often
Check the wheel bearings frequently, when they need replacing go for SKF...avoid cheapshit bearings. The sprocket bearing is the first to go. If it fails also check the cush rubbers...they tend to go at the same time and worn cush rubbers will kill the replacement bearing.
Clean the air filter often.
and if it's difficult to kickstart, you are probably kicking too hard! Position the piston carefully, gentle kick, no throttle and it will go first time most times.
I had one of the first in the country...ran it for 10 years and regret having got rid of it.
don't mess with the airbox/exhaust...with the standard kit on it will keep running up to the seat in water.
grease the suspension bearings often
Check the wheel bearings frequently, when they need replacing go for SKF...avoid cheapshit bearings. The sprocket bearing is the first to go. If it fails also check the cush rubbers...they tend to go at the same time and worn cush rubbers will kill the replacement bearing.
Clean the air filter often.
and if it's difficult to kickstart, you are probably kicking too hard! Position the piston carefully, gentle kick, no throttle and it will go first time most times.
I had one of the first in the country...ran it for 10 years and regret having got rid of it.
Thanks for the great advice.The chap I got it off put an original air box and filter on it which is good it has got a none standard dep rear pipe but it is a proper dr 350 one it even has it stamped in it .
Starting is going to take some time to get the hang of it but started it today a good few time with 4-5 kicks so I’m happy with that.not so keen on tyres it’s on road legal Cross tyres.
Mine started best on super unleaded. The only times it was really hard to start was if it had been working really hard and stalled, or been upside down in a ditch (don't ask).
The only thing that kills these bikes is the owners!
Keeping an eye in the oil level is important - they don't use anything significant normally but an old one might.
If you can't pull the clutch in with one (strong) finger change the cable. Suzuki only! The clutch cable has a slight downward loop where it sits on top of the engine case which can hold water and corrode the cable. You should be able to select neutral easily at a standstill.
Also short levers don't seem to work on the clutch, reducing cable pull.
Fully synthetic oil smooths the down-changes but semi is fine.
The lower shock bearing needs a regular pack with grease if you want it to last - you need to keep the water out or they rust and develop play.
All-Balls are poor quality but cheap, the Suzuki one will last a lot longer but is easily twice the price!
