New poster!!

Anyway, I really really want to shed about 50 lbs off my ds 650. I think aluminum components are about the only way to do that. Does anyone out there know of any available? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

PS do I have to say something nasty about banshees or raptors now? Ha, ha just kidding. It seems that a lot of the other messages posted here are related to trash talk :-)

 

I dont know of a way to put the ds on a diet, most ad ons will only make it heavier as in aluminum skid plates nerf bars six pack rack etc. While the ds 650 is on the heavy side it has excellent suspension and handling which more than make up for its weight.Stiffen up the suspension and alter youre riding style to take advantage of youre quads strong points and I think you will be surprised how good it really is.As far as some nasty posts here, the Yamaha guys seem to have some strong oponions and perhaps a little envy for the ds, just ignore them and enjoy youre new quad.
Bearman

 

I know that alba makes an upper set of aluminum arms that will save weight and fix that bump steer problem. And the DS could use some bottom end torque to bring the front end up so why not get a pipe, save weight and get ponies.

 

The upper a-arms from Alba are made of 4130 chromoly. The Dead lizard has aluminum upper a-arms.

 

The possible weight reductions are:

1) swingarm
2) rear axle
3) hubs
4) rims
5) A-arms

However, we paid $7000 for heavy duty reliable components, although they are very heavy. It doesn't sound cost effective to me to make these mods. I would enjoy the DS for what it is and/or buy a second quad for trails that you'd like to have a lightweight nimble quad for. I am looking at getting a 330lb trx250r to complement the big DS650.

 

Scooby,Dont settle for anything other than a TRX250R.My 1987 still rocks.Just rode it this past weekend first time in 6 months,since getting the DS.I might have a line on another one, it is suposed to bone stock.

 

If money is no object, replace the a-arms, trailing arm, frame, sub-frame and maybe even the steering stem with chromolly components. Basically anything made from tubular steel could be replaced with chromolly, if you can find someone manufacture it. This will save weight without losing strength or durability.

I wouldn't worry about the hubs or axle, since getting lighter components will lessen strength.

Lighter exhaust can probably save up to 5 lbs. Aluminum handlebars.

Laters,
CRT_Leech

 

DS650DAVE
I AGREE THE 250R WILL ALWAYS ROCK

 

You have made very helpful replies to both of my topics I really needed some info on. Thanks a ton for all the advice.

 

It will al3ways have a place in history of the 80's and 90's, but in the future when people talk about 2000-2010 the 250R wont be mentioned, and maybe not any one quad (yet) I think this will be the 10 years people talk about when ATVs really made a come-back.

One thing I would like to see is a year 2000 Technology ATV put the best that 1989 had to offer to shame. In automobiles, year 2000 technology does a good job of this, noting you never hear anyone raving about a 1989 - anything in the auto world. Lets see if the ATV manufacturers can start using year 2000 technology instead of 80's technology. If they did (Carburators are NOT found in many automobiles these days) such a thing I believe no one would care about the TRX250R aside from it's well deserved spot in history of the sport.