I've been reading about the 04 DS650 shedding about 60lbs in the March issue of DirtWheels. Current dry weight is 490, Bombardier's goal is 430lbs for the 04. I'm in the market to purchase a 03 DS650 Baha. I may wait until mid/late summer if the 04's are in dealerships by that time. Who can tell me when the new model years are released? I know the auto manufactures release next year models as early as spring (meaning that GM may sell one or two 04 models in March, April or May of 03).


<u>04 Improvements</u>New aluminum swingarm, 1/2" shorter then current model. Saves about 8lbs over previous models.New headlight assembly. Saves a significant amout of weight over the old unit. New twin-beam headlight assembly shell uses a new plastic design and lighter mounts. Saves 3 - 4lbs over previous models.Rev limiter upped from 7500 to 7800.New shocks

Visually, the 04 looked identical to the 03 but the new headlight assembly give is a slightly different appearence (you have to look hard to really notice). The motor on the 04 is the same as the previous models but carburation and jetting changes are being considered. The base DS650 will have the Ohtsu tires and heavier duty aluminum rims (similar to the Baha). The 04 still has a "big" feel about it and is not a "downsized" machine in any way. Controls, footpegs, gas tank and the overall feel is about the same as the original. The shorter swingarm does make getting the rear end out of slides easier.

 

sounds good!!! baja-baja-baja[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I am curious where else are they going to loose weight at. The swingarm and light adds up to about 12 pounds, where are they going to get the other 48 pounds to make up the difference. I need to go back and read the article to see what they say.

I just hope they dont loose any of the built like a tank features.

Bat

 

They are usually announced in the summer and arrive at the dealers in the fall.

Regarding the weight. They can easily shave more weight off them. They are supposed to have new shocks, thats supposed to be another 5lbs. Lighter seat, 2-3lbs. I heard the swingarm was closer to 15lbs lighter. Lighter aluminum oil resevoir. The list goes on.

Sean