I am thinking about getting a 2003 Ds650 Baja but I am a little worried about the width of the machine and the low end power. I live in Ohio and we ride trails that are tight at times and some pretty steep hills. My 400ex is beating me up and I would like a smoother ride with similar engine performance if not better. So if somebody that rides the DS in similar conditions could give me some feedback I would appreciate it. I know they are coming out with a narrower version for 2004 but the 2003's are marked down and I dont want to pay the 7199 price tag of a 2004.

 

I ride in the woods, and the width is usually not a problem. I've followed all kinds of other fourwheelers and can go pretty much anywhere they can. I even made an impression on a bunch of guys on dirt bikes by hanging right with them through some really tight stuff. I think they were trying to lose me.
Occasionally on steep hillclimbs with REALLY deep ruts you can get into trouble, but it's usually possible to pick a line to get around that.
Anyway, if you want more power and better suspension than a 400ex, the DS is your machine. The extra width is rarely a bad thing.

 

somebody had said that the 2004 is going to be lighter which is what everybody wants.

 

I dont think the extra width is as bad as the extra weight. You just won't be able to throw the DS around as easy as the 400ex. The DS's ride is much better but you could always just invest in some better shocks for the 400ex.

 

I ride a 2002 BAJA in the hills and tight trails of North Western PA. Does not seem to be a problem for me. As far as hills, there sure is isn't ant lack of power. 22 inch rears and 2nd gear with stock gearing will take you up just about any hill you want if you can hang on and not spin out. The heavier front on the DS works well with hills. 2004 will propably change a little but to each is there own. Have not been on a trial I couldn't get thru yet. A little hairy once and again but it will be alright. Best machine I personnelly been on since the creation of the LT500r.

 

well the ride is great, and i geared up to ride trails and it had more than enough power to climb hills, my brother often out does bikes( rider more than anything) but if you need more just drop the front one tooth. the width is the area that you will have the problem, if the trail is less than 50" you wont fit, i can edge thru at a angle most times, but for around here i would switch to a bike for that kind of riding. in wide open areas they are great. for a track i would keep the honda