Hey guys/gals I am switching from the Predator to a Bomb 650X. I race open desert enduros here in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Raced a fully built 574 Predator this last season, and did very well with it, but want to move on and try the DS. The Bomb is almost non-existant here, pretty much as the Pred is (everything is Yamaha here with a few Hondas and Zuk's).

At the moment the Dealer has a new, in the crate, 04 DS 650 Baja X that he is willing to let go really cheap. I know that the 04's are when Bomb made some changes. I dont really like buying 3 year old new stuff, seals and stuff tend to rot and break down from sitting, but the price is really awesome. They only have one other DS, an 05x. New bikes will not come until Nov-Dec.

Was there any major problems with the 04 Ds? Or should I hold out for a new one?

Thanks Chris

 

I wouldnt think twice, Buy it. theres not really any major problems that I can think of associated with that year. Seems like Bomb pretty much had all the bugs out by 2003. Good luck!

 

I did the same thing, I went from a built predator to a now built DS and couldnt be happier. Your gonna love it. Welcome to the family.

 

Thanks guys! I will most likely go put a deposit down on the 04 so they hold it for me until I get back from my summer vacation. I think with the money I save going with the 04 I am gonna go with the SoCalFab King Shock package that I have seen on here, if someone is ever there to take the call. All I get is "he is not here. Call back in about an hour."

I have searched through the forum and didnt find anything bad about the 04. Other than a couple of things on the X nerfs for the 04, and some stuff not bolting on properly (foot pegs/heelguards).

Chris

 

I bought my '02 DS brand new in '04 and have had no problems... I even got suckered into the 4 year extended warranty that I won't be able to use due to all the mods I have made... oh well it was peace of mind for a couple months until I started moding and chopping.

You will love the DS.

By the way how are the dunes in Dubai? I saw a show on the building of the mall there... with the indoor ski slope... anyway there was a helicopter shot of the whole area and the dunes in the background look incredable. That would be freakin amazing.

 

I just wanted to welcome you over here as well. This is a great group to be around. Also please keep us posted on the races you do over there. And good luck with all of it.

 

Would not pass up the deal, you will love it....

 

Almost all rear axle bearings on the 04 models had a recall. They didnt have enough grease and they would lock up. When you make your deal, tell them you want to have that done before you get it. Also that year there were a few guys finding broken piston rings. I think it was a break in issue, like they are very tight, so I would just keep the rpms down for abit longer on break in. I changed out my piston and my rings for a higher compression. They were just fine.....so who knows for sure. Other than that its the best factory dressed quad you can get and the nerfs have saved me already.

 

I bought an 04 brand new, only problem was getting the oil sending unit wet and sending a false "red" light on the control panel, easy fix and easy to prevent, just silicone in the new one. I'd suggest changing your oil after your first extended ride, then probably once more shortly after that. I found metal shavings on the drain plug each time. Most of the oil is in the tank in front of the radiator.

 

Thanks for all the info/tips guys. I just put a 50% deposit down on the 04X, and wil get it around Aug/Sept. Got to pay the little ones school tuition first. Know if I could just get ahold of someone from SoCalFab!

The dunes here are AWESOME and endless, especially up north in Abu Dhabi! I live pretty much behind that mall (Mall of the Emirates). You can easily ride for 100's of miles in the desert here.

Chris