Ok heres the deal Im just wondering if the guys that have rode the 02-03 ds and 04-05, i know the swingarm is shorter on the newer model, does the newer one wheel easier over stuff on the trails? I had an 03 and wasnt impressed with the wheelie ability of this machine but like the rest of the power and loved the suspension, Im thinking of getting the 04 -05 ds or a TLD Pred. My buddy has a tld pred and this thing wheelies on command at any speed in any gear. but my ds was like a couch to ride. Also do You guys find the tranny in the ds to not shift nice like most other machines, Just asking because my ds didnt shift nice and was always broken, nothing major just always wrenching and my buddies were not wrenching like i had to, I just wonder if i had a lemon. I had a k&n filter and a ODP end cap and a 1 tooth smaller front sprocket. Any helt would be great.

 

I have an 03. My tranny has been perfect. My buddy has an 04 and I've put major seat time on his bike as well. His front end comes up a little easier than mine. I like my bike better in the dunes. His feels a little raptorish when climbing really steep dunes. I'm thinking maybe your bike had some issues.

 

Both of my 03 could not really compete with the 04 /05. They say everything is the same as far as motor but i think there was a little bit of a change somewhere. My buddies 04 stock was alot quicker than my 03s and it seemed to have a little more torque. As far as wheelies i really dont see much difference in my 05 to my 03. Sit a little further back on that couch and it will come rite up. If you want to whealy all day long put a big bore kit on it, mine doesn't want to stay down. No problems with the Transmission i burned my clutch up but thats because of the fat 305 rider going up hills in 4. barnnet clutch and 60% springs and your set.

 

The 04 and above do lift easier. The rear wheel hubs are made of aluminum instead of steel like the earlier models so the rear wheel has less rotating mass.

As far as shifting? I never had a miss shift or and unusual feel. It sounds to me like someone abused your machine.

 

I was thinking about getting this 03 650 for sale around here, and I was wondering how easy it is to wheelie it? Like is it as easy as the yfz or raptor? Also do you guys have trouble on small trails? I don't ride on a lot of them but I do once in a while. Thanks
Darren

 

well they do not wheelie as easy as the raptor.....and yea i do have small trails i ride on allot around here....sometimes it can be a pain to pull around a 500 pound machine or when it gets stuck...but ya get used to it

 

according to the specs the wheelbase on the 00-02 is 52" the wheelbase on the 03 is 50.2" and the wheelbase on the 04 and up is 49"
was the swingarm shorten on the 03 and even more on the 04 ?

 

You can buy a hydrolic cluch cable for the ds, so it will shift better and smoother. they cost around 150 to 200 bucks.

 

you missing the old ds there mike?lol,

 

Ya after having the ds suspension everything else sucks, the only that is close is the predator and im torn between the 2, Did you ever get that pumper carb working yet.