I just bougt a 01 DS 650 and so far I love it. My only complaint is that it has a twist throttle (definatly not for me!) and it appears that the left side a-arms have been replaced with newer style ones while the right appear to be originals. I assume this would have some adverse effect on handling.

Is there a good online microfich site to check out parts?

does anyone have a set of OEM A-arms or thumb throttle assembly?

Thanks in advance!

 

The '02 and newer DS's have a different a-arm than the '01, perhaps the previous owner wrecked and trashed the one side, and when he went to the dealer they supplier him with the new style?
There is a thread from the last couple of days with guys posting what they have stuck in their garages, find it and see if arms are listed, as well as a thumb throttle.
I don't know about microfich, but a dealer can whip out aparts catalog and get you whatever you need. I've bought the factory thumb throttle before - it was $50, plus whatever the cable would be - probably anohter $20.

 

garage sale
Also check e-bay

 

Thanks for the link Hightower-

I am guessing here but the older a-arms are the ones with the square piece at the ends near the ball joints right?

 

Yes. There is contravorsy over whether or not the geometry is the same - I read in two magazine sources that it is, which would mean no ill handling would result as long as the toe was set correctly on the tie-rods. If the geometry, meaning camber and caster are different, then ill handling would result.
The new DS's handle much better than the previous, but along with the new a-arm came new tires, which I have on my '01 DS, and it handles as well as any new model. Here lies the contraversy. Supposedly the new a-arms are just easier to manufacture.