I'm thinking about buying a new DS 650s but have a couple concerns. One of the ATV magazines, I think it was 4-Wheel ATV Action, did a comparison between the Banshee, 250R, 400EX and DS650. In that review they made comments to the effect that the DS650 was not easy to shift, at least not compared to a 400EX. Another concern they had was the quick steering and tendency of the front end to wash out then suddenly grab. A steering stabilizer and different tires might be the fix for the latter issue.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone who rides a DS650 could comment. I'm more concerned about the shifter.

 

Although I do not own a DS, yet. I do remember the article. I think they said it was abit notchy, but over time would lose that notchiness. From the posts Ive read from actual owners, these machines are awesome...

RoostKing...

 

RoostKing, I think Bombardier should hire you as their spokesperson concerning the DS 650 to the public

87 Banshee
99 Banshee

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I SEEN THE DS 650 AT A MOTORCYCLE SHOW THIS WEEKEND AND I WAS NOT IMPREDDED AT ALL, AND MOST PEOPLE I TALKED TO WERENT EITHER. THE BIKE IS WAY TROO BIG, LONG , TOO TALL AND WIDE. IT I ALSO VERY HEAVE. UNLESS U R ONLY GOIN TO USE IT ON THE DUNES I WOULD NOT RECOMEND THIS AT ALL. I HAVE A 400EX AND LOVE IT. IT IS PERFECT.

 

TrailMix: I have ridden my new DS for about 4 hours so far. The transmission shifts perfectly for me, right from the start. I too read the magazine article about the shifting - they said you had to be deliberate about shifting. I had that in the back of my mind when I first rode the bike. It turns out that I was trying to shift harder than I needed to, because of that stupid comment in the magazine. It might not be as smooth as a 400EX, I have no idea, never rode one, but there is no issue what so ever with the transmission I have.

As for the steering, I haven't noticed anything unusual YET. They might have been refering to turning in lose sand as opposed to hard pack dirt. They did mention that the machine with stock tires performed better on hard pack dirt than in sand. The stock tires are not really for dune riding. Another point on the steering, this bike is EXTREMELY powerful - torque & acceleration are unbelievable! When I am hard on the throttle in 4th or 5th gear, the DS650 pulls very, very, very hard. I think I have spun the tires at 40 mph by tapping the throttle. The high speed and acceleration compared to a powerless stock 400EX, could be the difference here. You do have to get used to the power and how the bike handles it under acceleration. Remember, we are talking 50 HP here!

By the way, I do not think the DS650 is for everyone. In particular, I do not think it is for the 15-16 year old first time ATV rider. This bike in the wrong hands can be dangerous.

DS650_TX
'00 Dune Sport DS650

[This message has been edited by DS650_TX (edited 01-17-2000).]

 

DS650 TX, thanks for response. I'm glad to hear that you're not dissatisfied with the shifter. I have read some of your other posts about your machine. It sounds awesome! I have a 400EX already and plan to get an additional ATV by this spring. I think the DS650 would be great for where I ride (dunes and wide whooped-out trail).

 

SaMsOn,
I TOTALLy agree. I would not ask for much either. Stock options, retirement, or just give me a friggin DS! In fact I may just cash in my retirement so I can buy one! Hey, Im young, I got plenty of time to save up for retirement!

RoostKing...