id say biggest popularity is because of the size change, the '04 started the smaller and lighter models and the first year with the X style, so from the base 00-03 DS's the newer '04 and up feel a lot more powerful / torquey therefore faster and fit thro the trails a hair better. I know between the 01, 02, 03 and 04 that i have owned the '04 was my fav to ride

 

Where do these engines make there power? I've read several posts on other forums that say the low end is not as impressive as say a raptor but the midrange and top end is where the power is made.Any truth to that?

 

Q: Any truth to that?
A: No

Q: Where do these engines make there power?
A: Where ever you want them to.

With carb(s), cams, valves, exhaust, etc. you can set the Rotax DS motor up to make power where ever you want it to. That red bike I posted a pic of, makes medium horsepower, and big torque. But it peaks early (7100) and drops off fairly early. But I know of another bike with close to the same CCs that peaks at 9100 and carries out the curve past 10. Which the second build would be more of a pure drag build, and the first one could be used for all kinds of riding/racing.

 

well the thing is people just go by what they see off hand and not the facts of it, between my raptor and DS - yes the raptor feels like an insane power monster over the DS, but thats because its half its size/weight, my rappy will wheelie in any gear, its a lot of fun, whereas my DS has a slightly harder time in the higher gears, the '04 i had was easier than my '03. But i've drag raced my rappy and DS many times, and the outcome is always the same, the DS takes it throughout the entire deal, even off the line, hell i take my buddies 450r off the line as well. The smaller machines have a harder time with take offs because they wheelie soooo easy, gotta have the clutch/holeshot down or your in trouble. Power to weight ratio is the root of all the hooplaa with any quad comparison

 

DS650 Factory Changes - DS650.net

 

Alright this is a off topic but have you guys found a reliable EFI system for the DS? I read that the KMS gives everyone trouble. Has anybody adapted one off the F650 to work on the DS?

 

AZSand claims to have never had any problems from his KMS EFI. He's got a couple actually I think. I've got one and BigRay 800 has one. It's just time consuming until you get it set up properly. I'm waiting on a Lectron to come in and then mine will be going on the auction block. I just got it back from KMS after having it programmed for my style but I just don't have the time to deal with it. I'm back to carbs...

 

I have an 04 and my brother has an 03 and I much prefer the longer layout of the earlier years. On mine it feels with the short swingarm that the axle is under your knees instead behind your but. I will be looking into putting a earlier model swingarm in mine to correct this.