Should I purchase a DL650 ?

[mick43]

Hi. New member here, considering a purchase of a DL650.

I recently had a try on a friends well used example, 7 years old and 30k plus miles, used on and off road (gravel/dirt tracks).

On smooth tarmac bike rode well, and engine was still very strong.
But on anything other than smooth tarmac, there was a constant front suspension wobble, and on one occasion, on a continuous bumpy section some head shake.

With front wheel off the ground, everything seemed tight enough, with no play in head stock, wheel bearing etc

Is this something these bikes all suffer from, or are there known issue(s) that cause this, that can't be detected easily?

Many thanks in advance for any help and advice 

[Mark Shelley]

I noticed a marked improvement of the ‘tightness’ of the handling of my 2014 bike after fitting a fork brace. They are really not built for offroad.

[mick43]

Thanks Mark.

[timangus]

Handling can go off with worn or slightly loose head bearings. I’m about to fit my second set in 55k miles. This time round fitting taper bearings.

[Bobmc]

A fork brace and updated suspension are worthwhile. These are not off road bikes

[Gert]

To me, since the steering head bearings appear to have been ruled out, the reported front suspension wobble could range from dirty fork oil (damping issue) / forks out of alignment (perhaps a previous fall) / sag not set correctly (too harsh for off-road) / incorrect fork spring weight. To a degree, a lack of / loose handlebar end weights could be a factor. Even incorrect tyre pressure.

[mick43]

Thanks all 

[sillyboy]

just yesterday did 220 mls around the byways of aberdeenshire/morayshire in 4.75hrs. just as quick as I used to do it on my BMW 1200gs. great fun so go and buy a 650.