is the DS650 a good quad? how is it on trails? is it reliable? how does it handle, and what is its top speed? do you think it is a good quad to get for trails?

 

I think it is an awesome quad. I was a little skeptical at first about getting it because I ride mostly trails but I am glad I did get it I fly through the trails. The handling is great and the quad isn't tippy at all. It is one of the fastest quads out and the top speed is about 70-75 stock. It is really reliable if you maintain it the right way i.e. change oil and oil filter regulary etc etc
I love and wouldn't be happier with any other quad.

 

when i first got myne, it took some getting use to mostly cause i had a little blaster, but once i got use to it i can really rip. i do lots of trail riding and let me tell you... the combo. of an awsome engine and tons of suspension will make you never want to get off! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] the DS also responds to bolt on mods very very well. so yes the DS is a awsome machine.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

My DS650 Baja was the first Quad I bought. I ave rode a Raptor, Warrior, and some utility quads but the DS is the best in my opinion. I do a lot of riding in Huron National Forest in Michigan around Mio and Luzern by "Bull Gap". Some of the trails can get pretty technical and whoppy, but the DS eats it up gladly asks for seconds. Hope this helps.
RON

 

i ride my brothers raptor some times and then i get back on my ds and think something is wrong i can't feel the bumps.

 

I only ride trails, not much sand in Atlanta. It is better than anything I've owned.
Only problem is in the tight woods where my friends Raptor fits between trees I don't.
I have to make my own trail on occation. Would not trade for anything else.

 

Ditto. I love this machine.

 

There are no major problems due to factory defects or poor design on any DS650 of any year, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 or beyond. They are rock solid. There were a few minor problems between 2000 & 2001; however those have all been fixed. I liked my 2001 DS650 so well I bought a 2003 Baja; I really enjoy having an ATV that is so rock solid that I don't have to worry about it breaking. The Rotax engine used is a late model design; however it has been used in the BMW F650 for a few years now and has been perfected for use in the DS650, unlike a lot of other ATVs out there which use 20-30 year old technology and still have catastrophic failures due to poor design.

 

it is a great machine, some of the early ones they say have steering issues but i ride in the sand and don't notice it on my 2001, but when i max fifth on the pavement, i do notice a little something but i wouldn't say twitchy. it is a machine that you can go and drag race and be in the race with any machine out there. yet it is easy to trail ride and play with the family(we have a Lt 80 that we have to stay with). it is so easy to ride that i have had to have may 9 year old ride it back to camp before( his broke and i needed to get his back). it is electric start. the only thing that could be a down side is the amount of aftermarket parts. the ones that are out there are good, but they are limited. the other machines have lots of aftermarket but seems the quaility is debateable. and things the other non ds riders complain about, you will find solutions to in these forums. the weight issue is just the nature of the beast, to be put together this well it all adds up. the one area, that i wouldn't recommend the ds, is the mx track. if you hear about tight trails in the woods and this is a concern for you , don't get a quad get a bike they kick in that area on all quads. most of the mags are very hard on the ds, and when you hear people talk about the ds they sound like parrots of the magazines. i believe the ds takes a while to learn it has more suspension than any other quad out there. i ride with raptors and banshees,so i have a nice feel for each machine, and each one can be made to perform very well. good luck and take your time it will make buying all the more rewarding.

 

well i came from a 84' suzuki lt185, and wow was that a big change, having back suspension and front brakes sure are nice [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img], the only thing i miss is the light weight and reverse, but i'll never give up my ds cuz of that, the pros far far outweigh the cons of this machine,