Hey,
I have been thinking about buying a ds 650 for a while. Could any of you who have one email me back and tell me how you like it, and also any mods (and price) you have added. Thanks alot.

Derek

 

derekhoda,I also have a 99 400ex,and it is a fun,rock solid machine.I have a mint 86 250r three wheeler,and have had both the tecatee 3 and 4 wheelers,and can say untill the mighty DS came along,no 4-stroke could keep up with my 2-strokes.Well,my stock DS can not only hang with 250r,but leave it in the dust.Also the DS can take alot more ruff terrain then any of my other atv's.The DS is also made more solid then any of my other machines.I am going to sell my R and go 4-stroke all the way.They are so much easier to maintain.The DS is a big machine and is alot to handle,but fits me like a glove.The only thing I have had go wrong on mine is the chain roller got chewed,but they put a better one on and have had no problems since.My 400ex does best in tight trails,while the DS does best in wide open area's,but both can do eather pretty good.Just my two cents.

 

Test drove it at a local dealership and loved it. Great machine...if reverse isn't a big deal for you, then go with the DS650. From what it looks like you will save money if you buy a 2000 model ($6499) rather than 2001 ($7200). Big price difference with little or no changes.

j/t
01 Raptor A.K.A (Maximus)

 

Derekhonda,
I have had my DS since March and I absolutely love it. It may not be to everyone’s liking but it fits my riding style and area. I ride mostly at Glamis and in the So. Cal deserts, until the tree huggers take it all away. So the width and overall size and weight are an advantage, not a liability. If I rode in the woods I might have a different opinion. I have rode many other quads that my friends own, 400ex, Raptor, Scrambler 500 4x4, Banshee, and 250R. I liked each one of them for their own unique qualities. But for my purposes the DS fits best. The durability has been excellent. I ride it like I stole it, and virtually no problems have occurred. I did crack the fuel tank cover, a $20 fix, but that is all so far after 75 hours of riding. The mods I made are as follows:
Ø CT Racing Pipe w/spark arrester --- $450
Ø Alba Steering Stabilizer --- $150
Ø Ron Woods CDI --- $300
Ø K&N Filter --- $20
Ø GPS Mounting Bracket --- $30
Ø Six Pack Rack --- $35

Hope this helps,
Ken

 

Well, a fractured rib and a bruised ego, and the DS is still fine. I flipped mine last weekend and it weighs all 460 lbs like the spec sheet says it does. After I got up, the handlebars folded down and that is it....I think the DS is very strong for taking the tumble.