I am looking to buy a ds650. Is there any thing that I need to keep an eye out for, or stay away from. Are there years that are better than others. Any help is appriciated.

Thanks

 

ya they may go like stink foward but u wont beat a 90 cc atv in reverse cuz they dont have any reverse

 

Why would you want reverse on a race quad??? Just keep it pinned and going foreward and you'll be fine.

 

stink forward?????????[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]


2001 - current, you should be fine. In 04 they lighten'd em up alittle to be a bit faster.

 

I agree with goodsound and stink haha...They are solid bikes and even though they are heavier they are still good jumpers and they have problably the best ergonomics on any bike and the best stock suspension...Wish ya luck and if you need anything let us know.

 

i would go with the 04 and up they lightend them up and the shortened the wheel base for a better ride. also the 04 and up comes with the dual bulb headlight for better look.





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BOMBARDIER 01 DS650
RON WOODS FULL RACE EXHAUST
RON WOODS CDI
RON WOODS PORTED OVERSIZED INTAKE MANIFOLD
MAKUNI TM 45 CARB
JE 105MM 720 BIG BORE KIT
JE 105MM 11:5:1 PISTON RINGS CLIPS AND RIST PIN
110 GRIND WEB CAMS
RACING VALVE SPRINS AND TITANUIM RETAINERS
K&N AIR FILTER
K&N OIL FILTER
RISER BAR CLAMP
FRONT FENDERS TAKEN OFF
SHAVED REAR FENDERS
NERF BARS POWDER COATED BLACK
CUSTOM FRONT BUMPER POWDER COATED BLACK
CUSTOM GRAB BAR POWDER COATED BLACK
WACO CLEAR RADIATOR HOSES

 

I personally prefer the 03's. I think the extra width is a plus as is the extra length. also from what I understand the oil system was improved by 03 so that its self priming.

 

Definitely pros and cons. I like the steering on the newer models better and the weight reduction was a good thing. I don't mind the width of the newer ones as much as the length bothers me. When they shortened the swingarm, the bike became a wheelie monster. That is good for some people but I don't really wheelie alot and I put a +4 on about everything i buy just for tree chutes and ride quality.

If I was in the market, I would get an '05 viper (red one) and I would put a +4 swingarm on it right out of the gate.............it will be easier to find a really clean one to if you look at the newer models.

 

What other than the swing arm did they do to lighten the DS? My 2000 is listed as 460Lbs dry.

 

I remember that. They listed those early models at 460 lbs but in reality they weighed about 490 dry. That put them over 500 wet.

In '04, in addition to the alloy swingarm, they also narrowed the bike by 1" as I recall. They put lighter weight shocks all the way around also that made up a big percentage of the weight savings. They made a few minor changes that saved a little weight in how they setup the new swingarm at the pivot. The hubs are also lighter.

My 2005 Viper was rated at 470 dry which means with all the things mentioned and a few that I'm sure I missed, the savings was around 20 lbs. That still makes it close to 500 wet.

I will say that my 2005 steered sooooo much better than my 2001 on tight trails.....