What are the common problems with a 01 ds 650?

 

Not sure there really were any??? I put over 7500 hard miles on mine and never had a problem. Change the oil and spark plugs once a yr and let it rip!!! I did put 40% stiffer clutch springs in it, but that was just because I put bigger tires on it. Best ATV i have ever owned!!! Even the test riders at polaris couldnt believe I never had any issues with it!

 

DS650 issues - the '00-'01 a-arms are pretty stiff, steering is a lil rough, the '02 version and up fixed that prob with a new setup. The clutch struggles after use to keep up with the power of the DS motor, so new clutch springs will fix that, or go with a new kit, problem solved. Keep a box of spark plugs as the DS goes through them pretty quick. The '00-'03 DS's are big and heavy, def not a problem or complaint, but the '04 and up versions are smaller and lighter, def nicer going thro the trails. The '00-'01 CDI box cuts the rpm's a lil short if your a drag racer, the '02 version and up bumped the limiter up a bit, course thats easily fixed with an aftermarket CDI box. Other than that the motor is bulletproof, all the parts are solid as a rock, you can beat these machines and they just ask for more, I've riden/owned a lot of quads and these are without a doubt my favorite! I just wished they didnt stop making them in '07...

 

Thats some great info, thanks.
Looks like a ds is in my near future. I mainly ride trails and sand pits. I know the ds is no trail quad but any ideas to make it a little more trail friendly. After much reading all I have come up with is gear it down a little and hold on.

 

Stock tires suck big time for trail riding. Get a good set of 22's for the back and 23"s up front. Gear down to a 15T front sprocket. For trail riding I would personally look for an 04 or later model. As previously mentioned they are a bit more nimble than earlier years. Welcome to the dark side