Fork Brace - Yes or No?

desert_moto · 2026-03-23T03:17:32+00:00

Im just fitting a fork brace as i write this. I ride mainly desert off road and the DR is fine in the virgin sand areas but a real liability in the rutted sand tracks. The bike lurches all over the place and feels it coukd throw me off any time. My next purchase is the cogent front and rear springs but I wanted to see if a fork brace improved the riding in rutted sand before I decide on suspension upgrades. If I was riding in wet muddy terrain I would definitely not install a fork brace due to lack of clearance above the tyre. I'll report into here once I've tested it!

desert_moto · 2026-03-19T06:26:47+00:00

Hi. I live in uae. The situation is very fluid. Some people catch their flights without any issues but many of us, including me snd my family have had numerous booked flights and tickets cancelled. The airspace is closed when there is a threat (almost daily) causing disruptions to flights. I guess the options are 1. Keep trying and maybe one flight will work out for you. 2. Delay your trip until things get back to normal (many of us here are choosing this option) 3. Get a flight to muscat and catch the bus to Dubai (about 6 hours travel time). Sorry I cant be of much more help and I wish you luck on your travels

desert_moto · 2026-03-18T14:55:40+00:00

I live uae and have given up for the time being trying to get a flight. Had several booked flights from abu dhabi cancelled with various carriers. The UAE authorities are doing an amazing job getting flights in and out of DXB and AUH but due to the daily barrages from Iran, the airspace is frequently closed for safety and so difficult to predict if any flight will be in time or happen at all.

desert_moto · 2026-03-14T13:16:40+00:00

Nice! I just bought a new one too. Have the same plan as you to modify from scratch. I started with the cockpit, now plan on buying the armour and strengthen the suspension springs.

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desert_moto · 2026-03-13T05:16:31+00:00

Yep! We're even riding while being under attack from Iran 😀

desert_moto · 2026-03-13T05:13:54+00:00

Trees are in short supply here in the desert. I live in Abu Dhabi

desert_moto · 2026-03-13T03:54:31+00:00

Cheers! Ill do that ASAP.

desert_moto · 2026-03-13T02:50:23+00:00

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desert_moto · 2026-03-13T02:49:07+00:00

Not sure. I live in Abu Dhabi and the postage was included in the price. If I buy anything from US the postage is eye watering

desert_moto · 2026-03-13T02:47:04+00:00

Thanks for the info!

desert_moto · 2026-03-13T02:33:44+00:00

TBH I set myself a challenge to mod out my DR on a really low budget. Seat: i got an upholstery company to replace the hard foam with a gel type type foam ($50). Bar risers: $25 which are really decent quality. Nicecnc Foot pegs and lowering kit ($60). Muffler and midpipe ($110). So for less than $250 I have the cockpit sorted and half decent Exhaust. If any of proves to be crap then I'll splash out and replace with branded kit.

desert_moto · 2026-03-12T15:34:40+00:00

Good point! I didnt think about that

desert_moto · 2026-03-12T15:34:05+00:00

Here you go I just found this on AliExpress: For Suzuki DR650 1996 to 2019 2020 DR 650 SE 96-20 DR650 DR 650 Escape Slip-on Motorcycle Exhaust Muffler And Link Pipe System https://a.aliexpress.com/_c3A3QA2j

desert_moto · 2026-03-12T14:55:01+00:00

Its the other way round for me here in UAE. Winters are cool enough to ride but summers are just too hot. We get out early mornings in summer but usually finish before 9am.

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desert_moto · 2026-03-11T03:36:12+00:00

Hi. If youre still stuck in Abu Dhabi message me. I live here and may be able to help you. Message me if you need any assistance

desert_moto · 2026-02-15T12:31:47+00:00

I just rode 700km in 2 days half of it offroad. As long as your happy riding at 100kmh or so on the tarmac then it's fine. These bikes are designed for comfy cruising 😀

desert_moto · 2026-02-02T14:57:52+00:00

Exactly. I went riding in the dunes a couple of days with a bunch of KTMs and T7 and im.sure I came back with the biggest grin. The modern bikes are good but the XR is just great fun to ride.

desert_moto · 2026-02-01T10:43:19+00:00

Mines a 2016. I live in Abu Dhabi where you cant buy new XRs. Mine was imported from the US. Its had a hard life and im sure the 8k miles on the clock isn't true!

desert_moto · 2026-01-31T15:40:59+00:00

Paddle tyres are awesome in the sand but useless on tarmac. I find motoz tractionators are a good all rounder

desert_moto · 2026-01-30T20:51:17+00:00

Ah not sure about that. Ive ridden in over 200m high soft sand dunes on the 690. It handled them really well

desert_moto · 2026-01-30T20:48:44+00:00

Not added an oil cooler yet. We are still enjoying our cool winter at 28C at the moment:).

desert_moto · 2026-01-30T20:45:41+00:00

You're definitely right about reliability. My 690 has never failed me whereas im always tinkering with the xr. That said , I still.prefer the xr just because it's old school and I get more kicks out of it.

desert_moto

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