Hey guys i just recently bought a 2001 ds650 and i have to say it is immaculate barely been ridden at all, has the stock tires with barley any wear I have wanted one of these for years and now finally have one and i LOVE IT, have a few questions after i did search and read thru threads for an hour or so.

1. currently my bike is stock minus an exhaust system, it has no markings etc its a brushed main muffler with polished pipe to the header any way i can tell what brand it is? also it would have had to have been jetted for this correct? maybe i can post a pic and someone may recognise?

2. after some searching and reading i think i would like to add an aftermarket cdi intake and 520 chain conversion, which intake is best? just k and n in stock airbox with no lid? k and n direct to carb? which do i have to rejet for? also do carbs make a big difference on a stock engine?

3. last weekend i took my ds out rode all weekend brought it home and washed it and my battery was done had no issues all weekend and bam nothing, is this the famed grouding issue? or is it something else?

i think that few sums up what im after at this point thanks in advance

 

Welcome, I'd like to start by mentioning that the stock tires are a very hard rubber compound and are not very good except for pavement or rock. Before you get to involved in trying to make your DS faster, I'd like you to consider putting on the best tires you can afford for whatever terrain you ride the most on. This would make sense on any vehicle and works really well on the DS since the stock tires are so bad. I can't stress enough that without putting all the DS's power to the ground, you will just waste money on other parts. Not to say you can't make it faster but why not go with the basics. Look for the lightest tire in whatever category you chose as well, for the same reasons you would go with a 520 chain conversion. There are allot of differences in tire weights and the further from the center the rotating mass is the more it will effect acceleration. Also look for 22" tires for floatation in sand and clearance off road.

If you have a little mechanical inclination, and let's hope so because you just picked up a 7+ year old quad, then I would suggest looking up Oldmanracings or OMR's stock carburetor mods. If you are concerned about screwing yours up you can pick up another cheaply.

Check under the seat to the rear for two blade fuses that tend to corrode or blow and leave your bike dead. Carry a spare in your tool kit as well.

Happy Reading

 

Welcome to the DS world, you'll love it! Great group of guys here. Here's my answers to your questions to the best of my knowledge.

1. Not necessarily. From what I hear the stock 165 main jet is rich as it is and with just a pipe should still be just fine.

2. Definitely get a CDI. If you're on a budget, get a Big Gun. If not get a Vortex or Dyna, both are programmable. On the intake, if your going to ride mostly Sand Dunes, just take the whole air box off the DS and run the stock snorkel with a K&N w/Outerwear. If you ride mostly trails, just take off your lid. Same goes for the 520 conversion, you really only need it if you're mostly going to ride in the sand. DS's are already so damn fast in the dirt. And Yes, carbs make a big difference on a stock machine.

3. I'm not an expert at all on electrical but I would bet that it is a grounding issue of some kind. Check the main frame ground and go from there.

From the looks of your name, you're from Utah?? Is that correct? If so PM me and we'll talk a little more. I live in Payson, and go to Little Sahara all the time.

 

what would you reccomend as far as 22" tires in a decent price range and good for all around trail riding? also ive read i should put larger tires up front as well, any truth to this? i will be using this bike every where dirt dunes etc

silverbomb i am in utah, west jordan to be exact, would be cool to meet up and see your bike before i mod mine as you seem to have the mods i will be after

 

Yeah man, it would be cool to meet up and go over the DS together. I have been told that ITP Holeshot XCT in 22" are a great tire and also Maxxis Rzr's. But also for less money I've heard that the Kenda Klaws are great tires and they're much cheaper. Also with the fronts you'll definitely want 23" tires if you get 22" rears to keep the drive angle correct, and also to keep as much ground clearance as possible. Check the Kenda's out Here they are half the price of ITP or Maxxis and are a very good alternative. In fact even the Kenda Knarly got great customer reviews. You can get Kenda's front and rear for the same price as ITP or Maxxis rears. PM me your phone # and we'll talk more. I'm going out to the dunes this weekend, you should meet up with us out there. There will be a decent group of guys riding.

 

im only seeing the xct as a front? which would i put on rear?

 

Look Here They have an option for Front or Rear. But don't worry about those, just get the Kenda's, I know people have loved them and some use them to race. Kenda Klaw XC.