Hey all! Thanks for checking out this DR650 Build Series Episode! If you're in need of some parts, tools or gear and want to help support my content, just click any link below, before your make a purchase and I'll earn a small commission! Thank you!!! Affiliate Links to my gear, tools & parts! (Click an affiliate link, make ANY purchase, & SWANKY CAT will make a small commission) NovSight Cyber 1 Lights (not DOT approved): www.novsights.com/products/cyber-1-series-2-inch-led-pods-off-road-driving-light-ditch-light?ref=SwankyCat 20% Discount Code: SWANKYCAT JNS DR650 Light Bracket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/jns-engineering-auxiliary-led-light-mount-p?ref=1042& Tusk H4 LED Bulb (not DOT approved): www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-h4-led-bulb-p Tach/Hour Meter: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-tach-hour-meter-p?ref=1042& Tools: JIS Screwdrivers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-jis-screwdriver-set-p?ref=1042& Tusk Hammer: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-dead-blow-hammer-p?ref=1042& Step Drill Bits: amzn.to/3BClyhI T-Handle Wrenches: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-compact-t-handle-wrench-set-p?ref=1042& Hex Key T-Handles: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-10-piece-hex-key-wrench-set-p?ref=1042& Wire Strip/Crimp Tool: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-wire-stripper-crimper-tool-p?ref=1042& Special Terminal Crimp Tool: amzn.to/3x6kQEM Sealed Connectors (NOT an affiliate link): www.cycleterminal.com/bullet-terminals.html Heat Shrink Connectors (affiliate link): amzn.to/3xW3bPw Heat Dispenser: amzn.to/3SxxNR9 Other DR650 Stuff Windshield for 1 1/8" Handlebars: amzn.to/3Tkd1WS Windshield for 7/8 Handlebars: amzn.to/3z010yT Carpuride W702 Pro Version: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-pro-wireless-portable-upgraded-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo-with-intercom-function-compass-barometer?ref=pcoxoocl Large Tank Bag: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-tank-bag-p?ref=1042& Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-dsport%C2%AE-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042& Chub Bars: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-chub-1-1-8%22-big-bar-p?ref=1042& Rox Offset Risers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/rox-speed-fx-pro-offset-elite-block-risers-p?ref=1042& Handguards: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-adventure-handguards-p?ref=1042& Seat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/seat-concepts-complete-seat-p?ref=1042& Ultralight Battery: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-lithium-pro-battery-p?ref=1042& 14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/primary-drive-front-sprocket-p?v=15214?ref=1042& Riding Gear ADV Helmet: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xpedition-adv-helmet-w-mips-p?ref=1042& Xplorer Coat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xplorer-adv-jacket-p?ref=1042& Xplorer Pants: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xplorer-adv-pant-p?ref=1042& Boots: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-adventure-boots-p?ref=1042&
I’ve got mine pointed off to the sides enough so that I can see more deer in my peripheral at night. And as far as those flashers go, there are intersections on certain highways that I travel every once in a while, where accidents are prone to happen, and I will use those flashing spotlights during the daytime as I’m approaching those dangerous intersections and making my way through them. I feel like they help drivers to see me better. Your DR is looking really cool! Almost as cool as the XR.
I actually had a very similar thought when I was riding this the next day! I think the yellow on its own and especially the flashing white or yellow could be really helpful in heavy traffic, or dangerous areas, like you mentioned. I'll probably end up using them during the day, just as much as I do with my high beam, which is all the time!
🤣 I'm glad to hear that Garth! Haha. You always know how to make me laugh!!! Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it! I tried a few other spots and realized that this bracket would put them exactly where I wanted them, so I'm pretty happy with the investment!
Jns headlight is nice and worth the upgrade. I have those auxiliary lights with the jns bracket and have noticed some harmonic vibrations in the lights at certain rpm. Are you getn any vibration in your lights? I wish UA-cam would let us post pictures. The jns headlight makes the look of the front of the bike more modern. Also another great looking upgrade is the polisport universal front fender. Brings that old pig out of the 1800's. Great video swank!
Thanks!!! Yeah, as nice as the bulb itself is, I totally agree. The new LED sealed beam lights look waaaaay better and really give the bike an entirely different feel. My plan is to test the bulbs for a while and then switch to a whole new housing, like you did, next season. I may very well do the fender too, I've got one for the XR actually! Edit: In regard to the harmonic vibration, I've done a pretty wide variety of riding and not noticed anything yet. But I'll definitely keep an eye on it and let you know!
I have the JNS DOT headlight on my DR650. It is very good. That tusk bulb looks very good though. There is another switched power wire under the seat if you ever need a shorter wire. It is around the front of the airbox.
Nice! I may go with one of those long term as well. Yeah, I actually just found that the other day and ordered a plug and terminals to match it! I'm going to wire the lights accessory wire there instead and attach my seat heater wire there too!
I have these on my klr, aimed the Amber's at the same point as my lowbeams, this put the white lights perfect for when ya need the "extra" distance on 2 lane roads or trails.
@SwankyCatProductions ya i run the Amber's alot during the day as they're much more attention getting on the road and makes me more visible.the whites are awesome for backcountry 2 lanes.
It seems like the yellowish light that kept coming came on when your rpms were low and stopped when you got above a certain rpm. Thanks for this video. I have the same year DR as you and this is an upgrade I am looking to do.
I think you may be right... When I was editing this, it almost seemed like it had something to do with the brakes, so I was thinking it might be related to the brake light switch being activated. However, the RPMs would definitely change around that same time, so it could very well be!
I think I'll be alright with the stock equipment, but we'll see I suppose. I'm planning on adding some grip heaters & a seat heater. Neither require more than an amp or two though.
Thanks! The tach isn't much fun to watch when revving the bike up like I did in the clip, that's for sure. However, for practical use, like riding at a relatively constant rpm on the road, I actually really like it!
I think you would like the JNS Engineering LED DOT Headlight. I saw a brand new Honda XR650 at the dealer today. What a good looking bike. It was already sold though.😢
Yeah, I was really hoping they'd send me one to test for both bikes but they haven't been responding. Maybe I'll message them again now that their busy season is over. Oh yeah? It really does look better in person! I hear they are pretty hard to find, I never would've guessed!
Those look badass. Do they make one of those fender light brackets for the XR? I finally quit messing around and put money down on one and got on their list. They assure me it will be in before Christmas. I’ll have all winter to get it ready for next year 😂
Nice! That's awesome! (Other than the waiting part haha). Yes, they do! I'll leave an affiliate link to it on Rocky Mountain below, but I think it may be a few bucks cheaper on direct from JNS? That being said, I'm not sure what they charge in regards to shipping and since Rocky Mountain ships free for others over $75, it may end up being more economical if you're ordering anything else. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/jns-engineering-auxiliary-led-light-mount-p?srsltid=AfmBOoqdF0_qa8ztd2yp0YIdjfZpOufzLlAKBbSrBYNlPWaWWMtmno0O
Looks like you've found it, but I'll post some affiliate links in case anyone else finds this and is wondering too. Thanks! Windshield for 1 1/8" Handlebars: amzn.to/3Tkd1WS Windshield for 7/8 Handlebars: amzn.to/3z010yT
15:46 swanky admits it’s ”dumb” and like you said “more light is always good” … My take on this upgrade is that the stock H4 is pitiful and downright dangerous … Stayed a bit too long at my riding buddy’s place, got dark and rainy for the ride home and realized just how compromised the stock lighting is for two lane country roads, so aux lights and bulb upgrade are in my future… held off and have been researching my options, lo and behold Swanky provides me a cheat code to accomplish the task ; )
You're not going to know if those yellow lights are worth anything until you hit fog or some falling snow. If you get some footage of either make another video if you would please.
On my other bike, the XR, I actually did keep things a bit more simple. The auxiliary lights are just wired directly to the high beam circuit, so there're no extra switches to mess with and I do have to say, it is quite nice. I can't do without my auxiliary lights around here though, too many deer!
Hey all! Thanks for checking out this DR650 Build Series Episode! If you're in need of some parts, tools or gear and want to help support my content, just click any link below, before your make a purchase and I'll earn a small commission! Thank you!!!
Affiliate Links to my gear, tools & parts!
(Click an affiliate link, make ANY purchase, & SWANKY CAT will make a small commission)
NovSight Cyber 1 Lights (not DOT approved): www.novsights.com/products/cyber-1-series-2-inch-led-pods-off-road-driving-light-ditch-light?ref=SwankyCat
20% Discount Code: SWANKYCAT
JNS DR650 Light Bracket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/jns-engineering-auxiliary-led-light-mount-p?ref=1042&
Tusk H4 LED Bulb (not DOT approved): www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-h4-led-bulb-p
Tach/Hour Meter: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-tach-hour-meter-p?ref=1042&
Tools:
JIS Screwdrivers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-jis-screwdriver-set-p?ref=1042&
Tusk Hammer: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-dead-blow-hammer-p?ref=1042&
Step Drill Bits: amzn.to/3BClyhI
T-Handle Wrenches: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-compact-t-handle-wrench-set-p?ref=1042&
Hex Key T-Handles: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-10-piece-hex-key-wrench-set-p?ref=1042&
Wire Strip/Crimp Tool: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-wire-stripper-crimper-tool-p?ref=1042&
Special Terminal Crimp Tool: amzn.to/3x6kQEM
Sealed Connectors (NOT an affiliate link): www.cycleterminal.com/bullet-terminals.html
Heat Shrink Connectors (affiliate link): amzn.to/3xW3bPw
Heat Dispenser: amzn.to/3SxxNR9
Other DR650 Stuff
Windshield for 1 1/8" Handlebars: amzn.to/3Tkd1WS
Windshield for 7/8 Handlebars: amzn.to/3z010yT
Carpuride W702 Pro Version: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-pro-wireless-portable-upgraded-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo-with-intercom-function-compass-barometer?ref=pcoxoocl
Large Tank Bag: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-olympus-tank-bag-p?ref=1042&
Tires: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/tires-and-wheels/tusk-dsport%C2%AE-adventure-tire-p?ref=1042&
Chub Bars: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-chub-1-1-8%22-big-bar-p?ref=1042&
Rox Offset Risers: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/rox-speed-fx-pro-offset-elite-block-risers-p?ref=1042&
Handguards: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-adventure-handguards-p?ref=1042&
Seat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/seat-concepts-complete-seat-p?ref=1042&
Ultralight Battery: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-lithium-pro-battery-p?ref=1042&
14 Tooth Sprocket: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/primary-drive-front-sprocket-p?v=15214?ref=1042&
Riding Gear
ADV Helmet: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xpedition-adv-helmet-w-mips-p?ref=1042&
Xplorer Coat: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xplorer-adv-jacket-p?ref=1042&
Xplorer Pants: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-xplorer-adv-pant-p?ref=1042&
Boots: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-adventure-boots-p?ref=1042&
I’ve got mine pointed off to the sides enough so that I can see more deer in my peripheral at night. And as far as those flashers go, there are intersections on certain highways that I travel every once in a while, where accidents are prone to happen, and I will use those flashing spotlights during the daytime as I’m approaching those dangerous intersections and making my way through them. I feel like they help drivers to see me better. Your DR is looking really cool! Almost as cool as the XR.
I actually had a very similar thought when I was riding this the next day! I think the yellow on its own and especially the flashing white or yellow could be really helpful in heavy traffic, or dangerous areas, like you mentioned. I'll probably end up using them during the day, just as much as I do with my high beam, which is all the time!
Ben....you light up my life...or at least my night. The dr is my winter project...love the light bracket. Garth
🤣 I'm glad to hear that Garth! Haha. You always know how to make me laugh!!! Yeah, I'm pretty happy with it! I tried a few other spots and realized that this bracket would put them exactly where I wanted them, so I'm pretty happy with the investment!
Jns headlight is nice and worth the upgrade. I have those auxiliary lights with the jns bracket and have noticed some harmonic vibrations in the lights at certain rpm. Are you getn any vibration in your lights? I wish UA-cam would let us post pictures. The jns headlight makes the look of the front of the bike more modern. Also another great looking upgrade is the polisport universal front fender. Brings that old pig out of the 1800's. Great video swank!
Thanks!!! Yeah, as nice as the bulb itself is, I totally agree. The new LED sealed beam lights look waaaaay better and really give the bike an entirely different feel. My plan is to test the bulbs for a while and then switch to a whole new housing, like you did, next season. I may very well do the fender too, I've got one for the XR actually!
Edit: In regard to the harmonic vibration, I've done a pretty wide variety of riding and not noticed anything yet. But I'll definitely keep an eye on it and let you know!
@@SwankyCatProductions I did the led headlight pod on my drz400 2018 model, made it look like a 2018 bike lol
I have the JNS DOT headlight on my DR650. It is very good. That tusk bulb looks very good though. There is another switched power wire under the seat if you ever need a shorter wire. It is around the front of the airbox.
Nice! I may go with one of those long term as well. Yeah, I actually just found that the other day and ordered a plug and terminals to match it! I'm going to wire the lights accessory wire there instead and attach my seat heater wire there too!
I have these on my klr, aimed the Amber's at the same point as my lowbeams, this put the white lights perfect for when ya need the "extra" distance on 2 lane roads or trails.
Nice! I actually ended up doing that after this video as well. Makes the ambers much more useful and the white light way down the road is nice too!
@SwankyCatProductions ya i run the Amber's alot during the day as they're much more attention getting on the road and makes me more visible.the whites are awesome for backcountry 2 lanes.
Aux lights are my next project along with gps and a tank bag.
NICE!!! Always fun to see a bike come together!
Thanks for this video! I have been researching lighting upgrade options for my DR so this info and essentially “cheat codes” are much appreciated!
No problem! I'm really glad to hear that it helped!!!
Looks like it will be perfect for night trail riding.
Yeah! I'm pretty excited to try it out!
Clear, concise, well presented. 👍🏻 good job.
Thank you!!!
As always, great video info, and video. I need to do a light upgrade on my DR, so thanks again.
Thanks Eric! Yeah, a light upgrade of some sort is a must on these old thumpers!!! Ride safe out there!
I have the jns headlight on my drz and would highly recommend it to anyone, great video, thanks.
I think I might try one of those eventually too. Which version do you have?
Nice upgrade. Now you can do that Midnight Hare Scramble!!
Haha that would be awesome!
He did it! He literally polished a turd!
...
It seems like the yellowish light that kept coming came on when your rpms were low and stopped when you got above a certain rpm. Thanks for this video. I have the same year DR as you and this is an upgrade I am looking to do.
I think you may be right... When I was editing this, it almost seemed like it had something to do with the brakes, so I was thinking it might be related to the brake light switch being activated. However, the RPMs would definitely change around that same time, so it could very well be!
Now you need a high output stator and a MOSFET rectifier.
I think I'll be alright with the stock equipment, but we'll see I suppose. I'm planning on adding some grip heaters & a seat heater. Neither require more than an amp or two though.
yellow are good day time running lights
Indeed! Helps grab attention!
The lighting mods are awesome. The tachometer seems like chinesium junk.
Thanks! The tach isn't much fun to watch when revving the bike up like I did in the clip, that's for sure. However, for practical use, like riding at a relatively constant rpm on the road, I actually really like it!
I think you would like the JNS Engineering LED DOT Headlight.
I saw a brand new Honda XR650 at the dealer today. What a good looking bike. It was already sold though.😢
Yeah, I was really hoping they'd send me one to test for both bikes but they haven't been responding. Maybe I'll message them again now that their busy season is over. Oh yeah? It really does look better in person! I hear they are pretty hard to find, I never would've guessed!
Those look badass. Do they make one of those fender light brackets for the XR?
I finally quit messing around and put money down on one and got on their list. They assure me it will be in before Christmas. I’ll have all winter to get it ready for next year 😂
Nice! That's awesome! (Other than the waiting part haha). Yes, they do! I'll leave an affiliate link to it on Rocky Mountain below, but I think it may be a few bucks cheaper on direct from JNS? That being said, I'm not sure what they charge in regards to shipping and since Rocky Mountain ships free for others over $75, it may end up being more economical if you're ordering anything else.
www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/jns-engineering-auxiliary-led-light-mount-p?srsltid=AfmBOoqdF0_qa8ztd2yp0YIdjfZpOufzLlAKBbSrBYNlPWaWWMtmno0O
Where did you get the bar your gps is mounted to? Link?
got it..part of windshield
Looks like you've found it, but I'll post some affiliate links in case anyone else finds this and is wondering too. Thanks!
Windshield for 1 1/8" Handlebars: amzn.to/3Tkd1WS
Windshield for 7/8 Handlebars: amzn.to/3z010yT
more light is always good, but for riding trails at night?
That seems like a dumb idea.
I have no desire to ride trails at night.
15:46 swanky admits it’s ”dumb” and like you said “more light is always good” … My take on this upgrade is that the stock H4 is pitiful and downright dangerous … Stayed a bit too long at my riding buddy’s place, got dark and rainy for the ride home and realized just how compromised the stock lighting is for two lane country roads, so aux lights and bulb upgrade are in my future… held off and have been researching my options, lo and behold Swanky provides me a cheat code to accomplish the task ; )
Nice bike
This is the bike itchy boots should have built. Lol
You're not wrong! Good lighting or not, night riding on any terrain can be extremely treacherous!
You're not going to know if those yellow lights are worth anything until you hit fog or some falling snow. If you get some footage of either make another video if you would please.
I'll definitely be out in the snow when it flies!
Keep the LED headlight lose the other lights and don't defeat the purpose of having a simple bike ... keep a simple bike simple brother😂👍
On my other bike, the XR, I actually did keep things a bit more simple. The auxiliary lights are just wired directly to the high beam circuit, so there're no extra switches to mess with and I do have to say, it is quite nice. I can't do without my auxiliary lights around here though, too many deer!