One would think that adjusting the throttle free play on a Suzuki DR650 would be as straightforward as riding the motorcycle itself. However, the truth is that this small maintenance procedure requires attention to detail and a basic understanding of the motorcycle’s throttle mechanism. This shouldn’t be a daunting task, though. In this post, we will share a step-by-step guide to help you set the throttle free play on your beloved Suzuki DR650. We invite you to roll up your sleeves, grab the necessary tools, and let’s dive into this DIY motorcycle maintenance task.
Understanding the Throttle System
Before anything else, you need to understand what we are dealing with here. The throttle is a critical component of the motorcycle’s engine that controls the amount of air that gets into the combustion chamber. The throttle cable connects the throttle grip to the throttle body, enabling you to increase the engine speed by twisting the grip. It’s a simple mechanism, but it requires periodic adjustment to ensure smooth and responsive operation.
Also read : Essential Guide: How Often to Change Your Kawasaki Versys 1000 Coolant to Avoid Overheating
Cables tend to stretch over time due to the stress they undergo during gear changes. This can create a slack in the throttle, resulting in a delay between your input (twisting the grip) and the engine’s response. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check and adjust the throttle free play – the amount of movement in the throttle grip before the throttle plate starts to open.
Necessary Tools and Preparations
To adjust the throttle free play on your Suzuki DR650, you’ll need a few essential tools: a 10mm wrench, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver. A bike stand would also be handy but not necessary. It’s also advisable to have your bike’s owner’s manual within reach for any specific instructions that pertain to your motorcycle model.
Also to see : What type of brake fluid is recommended for a BMW R1200RT under high temperature conditions?
Before starting, ensure your bike is in a secure and stable position. If you don’t have a bike stand, park it on a flat surface and use the side stand. Next, locate the throttle cable. On a Suzuki DR650, you will find it on the right-hand side, just underneath the handlebars.
Adjusting the Throttle Free Play
Now, let’s get to the main task. Begin by loosening the locknut on the throttle cable with your 10mm wrench. Once the locknut is loose, you can adjust the throttle cable’s tension by turning the adjuster. To decrease the throttle free play (make it tighter), turn the adjuster inwards. To increase the throttle free play (make it looser), turn the adjuster outwards.
As you adjust, periodically check the throttle grip. The aim is to have a small amount of free play – Suzuki recommends between 2 to 4 mm. Too much free play can result in a sluggish response from the engine, while too little can cause the throttle to stick, which can be dangerous.
Once you’ve achieved the desired free play, tighten the locknut while holding the adjuster in place with the pliers. Ensure the locknut is secure, but do not overtighten as this can damage the threads.
Rechecking and Post-adjustment Steps
After you’ve adjusted the throttle free play, it’s important to start the engine and check for proper throttle operation. With the engine running, twist the throttle a few times and observe the engine’s response. It should respond quickly and smoothly, without any delay or sticking.
Also, turn the handlebars to the left and right extremes to ensure the throttle doesn’t change when the handlebars are turned. If the engine revs up when you turn the handlebars, that’s a sign that the throttle cable is too tight and needs some more adjustment.
Once you’re satisfied with the throttle operation, it’s time to wrap things up. Replace any covers or fairings that you may have removed, and ensure all your tools are out of the bike’s way. Congratulations, you’ve successfully adjusted the throttle free play on your Suzuki DR650!
Always remember, regular maintenance of your Suzuki DR650, especially simple tasks like adjusting the throttle free play, can significantly enhance your bike’s performance and lifespan. Plus, it fosters a deeper connection between you and your machine, giving you the confidence to tackle more significant maintenance tasks in the future. So, keep learning, share your knowledge with fellow riders, and enjoy the ride!
Exploring Horizons Unlimited: Spark Plug and Jet Kit
To further enhance the performance of your Suzuki DR650, you may want to consider exploring other areas of maintenance and upgrade such as spark plug replacement and jet kit installation. These tasks, much like adjusting the throttle free play, can be performed by any DIY motorcycle enthusiast with a bit of patience and the right tools.
Spark plug replacement is a simple yet crucial task. A worn-out spark plug may result in poor fuel efficiency, engine misfire, hard starting, and even damage to your engine. The spark plugs on your DR650 should ideally be replaced every 7,500 miles or so, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Installing a jet kit on the other hand, is a way to optimise your bike’s carburettor for better performance and fuel efficiency. This involves replacing the stock jets with ones that deliver a better fuel-air mixture, essentially giving you a ‘quick turn’ performance upgrade.
In both instances, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct parts and tools at hand. You can find information about compatible spark plugs and jet kits for your DR650 from various online motorcycle communities like Horizons Unlimited, or from your motorcycle’s manual.
Motorcycle Travel and Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meetings
It’s worth noting that maintenance tasks such as these not only improve the performance of your Suzuki DR650, but they also prepare you for long-distance motorcycle travel. With a well-maintained motorcycle, you can confidently explore new horizons unlimited by mechanical worries. You could even attend travellers meetings hosted by Horizons Unlimited, where you can meet fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, share your experiences, and learn from each other.
Motorcycle travel is an exciting opportunity to see the world from a unique perspective. It offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. It’s important to remember, whether you’re travelling across the state or around the world, that a reliable, well-tuned motorcycle is your best companion.
Conclusion: Fostering a Hubber Join Spirit
In conclusion, maintaining your Suzuki DR650’s throttle cables, spark plug, and jet kit not only enhances its performance but also deepens the connection between you and your machine. It’s a journey of continual learning and sharing – a ‘hubber join’ spirit where knowledge and experiences are freely exchanged within the motorcycle community.
Through platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, Google, and Digg, sharing this information becomes even easier. Posting about your maintenance experiences or troubleshooting queries on these platforms invites a multitude of inputs and solutions from fellow riders around the world.
Adjusting the throttle free play on your Suzuki DR650 may seem like a minor task, but in reality, it’s a significant part of motorcycle maintenance. And like any other maintenance task, it requires your attention, the right tools, and a willingness to learn.
So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep riding. After all, life is a journey, and as any motorcycle enthusiast will tell you – the ride is the best part!
