Suzuki DR650 Brutally Honest Review
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Brutally honest review of my 2018 Suzuki DR650SE
Don't miss the bonus tip at the end to save your iphone's camera stabilizer on the DR!
Time stamps:
0:21 : Looks
0:39 : Engine
1:35 : Maintenance
2:36 : Reliability
3:05 : Features
3:18 : Comfort
4:12 : On the road
5:55 : Offroad Capability
6:14 : Value for money
6:47 : Fit & Finish
7:12 : Conclusion
7:43 : Specs
8:16 : Tip to save your iphone from vibration dammage
8:27 : Bonus power wheelie :)
Enjoy!
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No complaints with my DRs, best bikes I have owned by a fair stretch.
I love the utilitarianism of the bike, I bought my first DR650 in 1998 as a replacement for a Kawasaki KLX 650, I worked as a motorcycle courier here in Melbourne Australia, then I quit the job in 2000, I clocked up 115,000 klms on that bike.
In 2005 I started as a courier again so the obvious choice was another DR, 9 years and 490,000 klms later I needed another one, so my current DR did another 275,000 klms before I quit being a courier again, now I use it as my adventure bike, it currently has 316, 000 klms on the clock.
I also own a Yamaha T7 that I bought in 2020, basically as a more road bike but still capable dirt road touring bike, my go to bike is still my DR, at 5’9” and 62 years old the T7 is too big and heavy, the DR is perfect for me.
Wow that’s awesome, nearly half a million km on a DR!!! That has to be the most I’ve seen so far! I rented a 1200Gs in melbourne 3 years ago, such a beautiful country to explore…one you’ve learned the hook turn and riding on the wrong side of the road…😁😎
@@Speedytrip hook turn? Piece of piss, lol. I did my first one at 18. On my own, and worked it out myself 😂
@@martyn_g Well done you ! Please post videos.
@@martyn_g The added complexity comes from fighting the reflex to ride on the right side of the road, as I've done for over 40 years :) Not to mention tramway tracks. Took me about a day of riding before I wasn't constantly fighting my instincts :)
@@Speedytrip I had a similar problem when I spent 2 weeks riding around Romania, left turns had me freaked out not to mention checking my left mirror more than the right.
Wet weather and tram tracks are definitely not a good combination and hook turns are an absolute pain in the proverbial,they are basically so you don’t hold up trams but the trams hold up traffic constantly anyway.
IMHO, the DR650 is easily in the top 10 best motorcycles ever made.
Agreed.
Along with the Yamaha tw200, Yamaha super tenere, bmw gs1250, Honda Africa twin, Honda gold wing, Kawasaki klr650, versys 650 2015+
There’s a bunch. Hahaha
@@americandude3825 a top 10 motorcycle list with 0 sport bikes? wow
Personnaly I find sport bikes quite boring on public roads…you can lose your license in 1st gear on the highway so its hard to really enjoy on the streets while keeping your license :)
@@Speedytrip I mean at least a couple got to be in there. In my books a hayabusa, K5/K6 GSX-R and an H2 got to be there in that list.
If they just made that first gear shorter it would be perfect.
I own 20 of these bikes. I use them on motorcycle tours on some of the toughest roads in Central Asia. Every half a year they work from 9 am to 6 pm, every day, every month like office employees. Some of them have passed the 100,000 miles mark. They are still alive!) Of course this bike is not as popular as a KTM or a BMW. but he is a workhorse! I do not regret choosing this model.
Thanks for sharing! :)
waaaaaay more dependable than any bmw I've owned
You forgot about the community. The DR seems to just attract nice people and it is reflected in the DR forums. Everyone's very nice, and very knowledgeable.
Very true! 🤜🤛
As opposed to?
@@khakimzhanmiras The DRZ community comes to mind first. The DRZ attracts a more immature buyer, and that's reflected in the online communities built around it.
I'm 66, I've had my 06 5 years and have put 50000km on it. It has never let me down, it keeps up well enough with riding buddies, KTM 790, Africa Twin and KLR. I ride mainly gravel roads. The DR suits my needs perfectly.
Ive had an AT and klr, the AT is amazing, but I much prefer the DR over KLR :)
Im 66 too i was wondering between the africa twin the super tenere and I end up on this video! Looks kool
@@pierredelux2319 I have another video on the africa twin vs the super tenere too that you might find useful :) They all have their pros and cons but Im loving the dr650 more than I could have ever imagined!
I love my basically stock DR650. It's an 06 but only had 940 miles on it. I lowered the foot pegs and rear shock. All I did to the kick stand is grind the stop back. At 67 years old, I enjoy the ride and can take any dirt roads I feel I want to explore. I added a National Cycle wind screen and a camera system. I added a luggage rack and bag brackets, also a 1.75 Fuel Pax tank that gives me over 5 gallons. Now after a 22 day adventure in Death Valley with my two sons I'm sold on the Bush Pig, and the Harleys are collecting dust, lol. Good review. Thanks.
Thanks and I love seeing older riders still having the passion, I hope that’s what my retirement will look like! 😎🤜🤛
@@Speedytrip Also I want to mention it's more of a dirt road/highway bike. We loaded all three bikes with the intent of staying out two or three nights then returning to base camp which is a toyhauler. These bikes were the perfect choice for running 4x4 roads and highway with the ability to handle all our camping gear. We had a complete blast!
My '98 DR 650 is a gem. I absolutely love it for those rough dirt roads. And I am 65 years old.
I live in Mexico. Have traveled all over the country. This bike will take you anywhere, will get you out of any place, no matter how bad. Nothing like riding a bike that you know will overcome every possible obstacle, pot hole, speed bump, trail or river bed, and get you wherever you decided to go on a whim, or wherever the *** Google Maps decided to take you because you checked "No tolls" . Really, this bike will take care of you: it will do more than you may be willing to confront on a trip. That's priceless.
Hola Arturo, Yo tambien estoy en Mexico pensando comprar esta moto. Que tal es para hacer viajes de fin de semana por ejemplo de CDMX a queretaro? Se comporta decente en carretera? (obvio dentro de sus limitantes) La recomendarias sobre una KLR o una Tenere 660 usada?
@@enriquejaimes3368 La moto sufre mucho en autopista, aunque te lleva y no falla, pero vas a ir lento e incómodo. La KLR nueva la han tuneado para jalar mejor en vías rápidas, pero ha perdido entonces algo del carácter doble propósito. Si quieres llegar rápido a Qro, no te recomiendo la DR: no es su misión. Con la DR, para temas de pavimento, la onda es carreteras libres: jala muy bien para curvear y eso. Excelente para viajes donde el chiste es salir a descubrir los rincones, tomar las carreteras más panorámicas y explorar sin limitantes de tiempo. No es una buena commuter. Yo por ejemplo si voy a Valle de Bravo, me voy por toda la libre y allí se disfrtua mucho. En cambio, en la autopista te aburrirías y la pasarías un poco incómodo. De la Teneré, no tengo experiencia pero puede que por los carenados vaya un poco mejor en autopista, además de tener motor bicilíndrico, no?
My 21 year old 3rd apprentice took a ride on my clapped up bored out old KLR in a parking lot. First gear sweaps around the lot last week, he got hooked. He has decided he wanteda bike This afternoon he called asking what to get , either 400 ninja, an old 750 honda twin, or an 08 nicely maintained 25'000km DR650.
I recommended the Suzuki, he watched reviews, talked to his parents. Tonight he called and he's bought the Suzuki.
We are on Vancouver Island, the perfect place for bushpigs, this year is gonna be a blast.
Cheers.
I love my DR. It is my 2nd. I laughed when you displayed the feature list. Very detailed.
A lot of research went into that list 😁
Great Vid, i bought a 2002 DR-Z250 in 2021 with 737 km on it, its been a blast. People ask me about it all the time because it still has that iconic look but can't place it cause its mint. What a torque monster on the low end, so much fun with the mitas tires on it
Great review! Love the huge list of options/features 😆
I bought my 2018 DR650 in June and have put close to 5k miles on it. It is a great all around bike that fits my needs perfectly as my primary transportation and as a middle aged guy. I've been riding since 2006 mostly on a 2007 FZ6 and was ready for something simple and light as I slow down to enjoy the scenery. Kept the FZ for the occasional spirited ride.
Thanks, we bought the same year bike at about the same time and put about the same mileage hehe I also had an FZ6 back in the day, fun little engine with a delightful sound when you rev it! Keep the shiny side up :)
You nailed it! Love my DR650!
Eu tive uma DR650 por 5 anos que foi a melhor motocicleta entre as dezenas que já tive. Ultra leve, potente, um verdadeiro brinquedo de gente grande.
Good review! I did the factory lowering AND added Soupy's lowering links to my '17 DR. Had to cut and reweld the kickstand. Acerbis 5.3 tank and Dirtracks pannier racks with soft luggage, Parabellum windscreen. Now I can flat foot the bike with my 30 inch inseam. Gravel and dirt roads are my limit at my age, (70) and the Bush Pig is perfect for my needs. IF I were still doing deep woods riding, I'd get another XT250 for the reliability and low weight.
At sixty eight and alternating between an Wee Strom and a 1000V Strom that DR looks like a great option. I would lower one and just get a plastic tank probably not a huge one just to keep weight down. The wind shield could be a rally style. Thanks for your info. I don't even own one and I have it built ! Safe riding from Minnesota.
Many complain about the weight of the bigger tank but its only heavier if you fill it to the top, otherwise tank is lighter and actually carries the weight lower. If Im planning on hitting a very technical trail I probably wobt start with a full tank, but 99% of the time I fill it up completely. Bike is still MUCH lighter than most bikes Ive owned including a 600lbs SUper Tenere, 570lbs Mt-01 and 500lbs Africa Twin :) The DR is only heavy if you compare it to a dirt bike.
I own 2012 DR, after 3 Honda XRs (400,600) and have kept this bike for ten years now. It has never let me down, always reliable. I agree that it is not the most technological bike but this thing just keeps going! I love it.
The DR650 is a bike for those who just want to ride and not wrench. Never put more maintenance free miles on any other bike I've owned and I've put the DR through the ringer. Simpson Desert, Tanami, NSW divide, Robe to Beachport. The fact it's so inexpensive also make you more likely to ride it hard and it just keeps surprising with it's resilience to abuse.
Nice review! I have 2008 dr650 and that was the last year to import dr650 here in korea because of the emission regulation. So blessed to have one :)
Maybe Suzuki will make a completely new DR that meets latest regulations :)
저도 한국에 거주하는 라이더입니다. DR650 정말 최고죠 ^^ 지금도 잘타고 있습니다.
@@Speedytrip we all wish, but i doubt it personally. A new and improved DR would steal the wind from their very well selling VStroms. IMHO the vstrom is suzukis answer to the dr becomming "obsoleted". Lets hope im wrong.
@PaulKind3d Yeah I see them as two complitely different bikes, the biggest challenge is probably environmental requirements, they might need to make it liquid cooled…the Dr remains a better offroad bike and thd vstrom is a better street/touring/adventure bike.
Iconic!
One of the best ever made.
Agreed 👊
Thank you for providing a great video. Best I’ve seen so far. Have watched a lot of videos on the DR and XR trying to decide. This is the only video that has provided me with actual useful information.
Thanks for the kind words, really appreciated 🤜🤛
I bought a used XR650L because it was priced right, my first enduro ever. Liked it and installed a K&N air filter and an aftermarket muffler, put some holes in the side covers to let it breathe.
Then I got a DR650SE and felt as if it was just right the way it was. Lots of usable power down low, it felt stronger than the Honda with the mods.
I used it mainly on the road, to go to work, and for short rides. I still remember it fondly but forgot lots of other bikes I've owned.
That's awesome. I am about to buy a dual-sport bike that is reliable and can ride on dirt roads cause my house is in the mountains in Colorado. It came down to the DR560SE and Honda XR650L and my wife is 5'6 I am 6'0. It seems if you do more street and dirt road riding and not as much explicit offroading go for the suzuki while the honda is better if you more offroading cause of the suspension. I will get into off roading but it more for getting around our mountain neighborhood relly easily rather than second car (car's are way to too expensive for me nowadays to sink money into bikes are faster, cooler, better for environment and economical for the pocketbook relatively), The height seems to be the biggest reason I am going with the Suzuki which is tough a bit for me cause I am a honda fan boy (owned and drove a rebel 250 bike and a S2000 car; sold both when i moved to mountains). Would you you agree with this?
Im 6’1, abc my passenger was 5’5, I lowered the pegs, put a taller seat, raised the handlebars and my dr650 is on of the most spacious bikes ive owned. Not great for 2 up touring though when your tall, it leaves little space fior the passenger at the back…
@@HybridHalfie The Honda is extreme, you can ride the Baja 1000 with it right out of the box. The DR has more low down torque, which I like. I'm also a Honda guy but sometimes I stray... Yamaha's XS650 and the big Intruder are high on my list of bikes I'd get again.
I own the direct successor of the DR, the glorious Freewind, with the same engine. It's a bit more street oriented but still quite capable offroad, but has more loading capacity. And I can completely and wholeheartedly sign where it says "Fun. Fun. Fun."
I got 2,000 miles already on my new 2022 DR 650. I personally like the outdated design and looks of the DR 650. Coming from a WR 450F, there's no more 12 hours oil changes, $1,000 top end replacements, and no more fuel injection problems to worry about. With the DR 650's under-stressed 644cc engine, with proper maintenance and use, I foresee the DR 650's engine to lasting along time before any major problems or overhauls. I don't like awkward pressers the rubber mounted foot pegs puts on my feet while standing and the stock bar height is a little too low. Solid mounted foot pegs and bar raisers will fix these things. Eventually I'd like to lace a 18" rim to the rear hub of my DR 650 for better tire choices. The DR 650's 17" rear wheel is hard to find tires for.
And your DR650 will run smoother and a little stronger off the lower rpms if you get the block off kit and remove that stupid PAIR valve emissions thing. It's also noisy and lots of guys with new DR650's in the forums are complaining about "engine noise" when in fact that rattling sound is the PAIR valve operating. Simple fix, remove it and block it off. Kits are available online.
Very good review, I agree on all points. These bikes are a terrific value, I got mine for 4500 at 8000 miles with a recently installed pumper carb, header and supertrapp exhaust and it really does run great. I went down to a 13 tooth countershaft sprocket and for 50 mph twisty mountain highways and general fire road work, it is perfect. I live in the Northern California coastal range so the bike is set up as a day tripper, I never really load it up. Super easy to work on, no unnecessary electronics, just point and shoot! If you plan on riding the same terrain that I mentioned, you can't go wrong.
That sounds like a great deal! Thanks for watching 🤜🤛
As an former aircraft mechanic fanatic,
To be brutally honest.
The weld lines/curves and how it has been shaped through years of trial and error THIS is peak mechanical performance and redundancy at once.
Minimalistic, budgetfriendly, materialquality, size, performance wise and overall appearance and aerodynamics.
My fatherly instincts would go MAD if I had such a beautiful machine under my maintenance responsibility plan.
Great review! I’m buying one this December.
Thanks, let us know what you think once youve tried it! :)
Great review. As straight forward and honest as the bike itself. Really fun and easy to watch, like the bike itself. I recently purchased one instead of a Honda CRF300L Rally or a BMW F750. Better for the mountain passes of Colorado than the 300 and a lot less scary to drop than the BMW. It's a solid foundation with enough aftermarket parts to make it anything you want it to be, almost. Thanks for the great review, almost as good as the bike itself.
Thanks for the kind words, really appreciated!
The best is to try them both and see what makes you smile more. My friend has a crf300L and stock and it felt underpowered, small, lacked caracter. He upgrade the clutch, put an exhaust line, changed the ECU and it transformed it completely (at a cost $$$). At 6’1 I still prefer the DR, but if I was shorter, lighter and willing to soend 2000$ on upgrades the crf300L would be a good option (suspensions are even softer on the honda so if your 200lbs youll need new springs, on the DR, 200lbs is doable on stock springs if you dont jump it).
It's absolutely the most entertaining bike I've ever had. Mine has survived mudholes, hail, historic flooding, falling from tailgates onto the road, and a pontiac.
I bought my 2009 DR650 back in 2013, from a family member who bought it new. It's had a rough life, and one good drowning in a mudhole. It had a few mods, but didn't really run that well, but I rode it for several years without any big issues. It finally got to the point where it was really hard to start, and I ended up rebuilding the top end, with a high compression piston and oversize valves. It already had a full exhaust and a TM40, this along with the work I did means I have to run a 16 tooth sprocket not to keep the engine RPM down, but to keep me from standing the bike up at stoplights. I also upgraded the springs on mine (I'm about 225) and it made a huge difference in the bike.
I love my DR. I did like the soft springs on the road but i off road too so i had to put springs and valves in the forks and stiffen the rear. Still rides great and handles better. As far as a carb goes for 20 or 30 dollars i have mine running as good or better than any bike out there. Fuel injected you will have to find someone to change programming send the ecu out hope it isnt lost in the mail and hope the hack you send it to knows what they are doing just to get it ridable. I am happy with the carb. I really enjoy the DR. It makes me smile everytime i get on it
A properly set carb is great, but over time, it typically needs to be rebuilt, and more importantly where I live temperature fluctuates quite a bit, I can ride at -5C like I can ride at 40C, EFI will always run great regardless of temperature, with a carb you'll often find yourself having to adjust it. Also aside from someone wanting to remap injection for an exhaust or to smooth out throttle response, I can't remember last time I heard someone say their bike was running bad because of the injection...but any forum with carbed bikes will have hundreds of posts of owners struggling to get their bikes running good. Always compromises, I can live with a carb, but would prefer EFI even if I had to have it remapped ONCE :) I can also understand those that prefer carbs for the ability to adjust and modify with the most basic tools :)
@@Speedytrip The new KTM's come really lean from the factory. They really need to be remapped, even brand new. But, fuel injection is nice, like you said, because you don't need to think about it. I don't mind messing with carbs though, and seem to like older bikes (I only have one fuel injected bike - a Stratoliner). Nice review. I have a KLR650 and sometimes think maybe I should sell it and get a DR650 ? I have a DR350 which I plated, and it always makes me smile.
Fresh reviews after passing through your Tenere reviews prior. :) TY for sharing. :)
Thanks for watching! :) I just picked up a 100000mile 2008 kawasaki concours 14 yesterday, as a cheap touring bike, I have quite a few plans for it, will post about it soon :) (and Im still keeping the DR, its the longest Ive kept any bike).
Riding dr since 2007. Bought a second one 2014. Used it together with my son. Great bikes. Commute everyday since 2007
The DR is a fantastic bike and brilliant value for money! Got mine new in 21. I've put a GSX-R muffler on it, 25L tank (great range now). Made a windscreen, rear rack and pannier racks. Added adjustable levers and lowered pegs, Renthal bars and risers for comfort, but mostly stock (even seat and suspension). Plenty of grunt for real world use and will tractor up any hill at any revs. Had a DRZ which was great in the bush but not so good for longer road trips, then a Tiger 800XC, which was fantastic on the road and still OK in the bush, (brilliant engine!) but heavy and I was always worried about expensive things breaking if it had to lay down for a rest. DR is capable at both, and easier to pick up than most ADV bikes if you happen to have an "unplanned dismount". Maintenance is so simple and the things go forever. If I ever feel like a new bike I think I will just spend a few quid on it and do some more upgrades and keep riding! PS- my Quadlock with vibration dampener still killed my iPhone camera, be wary. I use an old Samsung for navigation now and my good phone lives in my pocket or pack.
Great review. Its a just a great simple bike that everyone seems to like. I have a 2009 that is stock mechanically , added the usual seat, tank, bars and progressive front springs. I also put a Britannia composites front fairing on it - I use it as a light adv bike. It does everything I need it too. Had a 2012 KLR before, no comparison. My DR rides much better on both gravel and paved. Not sure why, but the more I ride it the more I like it. perfect for the foothills here in Alberta.
I know exactly what you mean 🤜🤛
Great video mate, nice and honest. Plex valves seem to be a popular drop in for the DR650 forks.
Thanks, appreciated! :)
I own a 2019 DR that I bought new after I spent two years with an old 2001. It gives you an idea of how I like this bike. I also have a Vulcan 800, but the DR is the only bike I've owned that I plan to keep all my life. It's not called DR for nothing... it's my psychologist doctor! Great review ;)
Awesome and thanks for watching!
Very happy with my 06..bought it 15 years ago. Installed a JE high comp piston from procycle and what a difference. 50 k and no problems.
Love it. I have a ‘16 with cogent ddc in the front and the Mojave shock in the rear, stock other than that and ergo mods. Coming from dirt bikes, it’s far slower than my xr400r but it does the job offroad and is pretty capable on road.
Great review! The dr and drz are two of the most fun bikes to ride!
Thanks, appreciated!
Really good review of the DR. For the money they are hard to beat.
Thanks and fully agreed! 🤜🤛
Loved my DR650se. Always put a Big Smile on my face whenever I rode it. Sad the day I sold it… will buy another one in my near Future!
Very interesting summary, thank you. I have the UK's DR650 engine equipped CCM 644. Had two of them, with the second bike taken to 710cc by myself and oh my, what a transformation! With the reliability of the DR engine, up-specced Brembo brakes, Renthal 'bars and WP suspension (with the WP PDS linkage-less rear shock) it is an iteration of the DR and a much underrated bike but which suits me down to the ground. As you say, so simple to work on in the field but then I've never had a moment's unreliability from it. Coming up 18 years of ownership and no intention of letting it go......
Id love to try a big bore kit and compare! 😎
Great review! Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video!
Thanks for stoping by and the kind words!
I traded in a 2020 katana for one of these things. The DR rattles, it wants to fall over in turns, it hesitates on the throttle, and the power signs off past half throttle....and I've loved every moment of it.
If it hesitates on throttle you probably want to tune the carb, when I bought mine (used) airbox had been opened with a chainsaw, carb jet was changed and there was a lot of hesitation when bike was cold, and generally anything at slower speeds. Recently I took the time to re-close the airbox a bit, opened the carb, changed the jet, re-ajusted the air-fuel ratio screw and it now runs like a champ, from the get go all the way to the redline (wherever that is) hehe :) Many used DR really don't run as well as they should. And if you bought it new and it runs like that, look up youtube for carb kits, they can be quite inexpensive and you'll transform the bike. If you love it now, you'll LOVE it after!
@@Speedytrip i already know the work i need to do, just need to get the money for it. The plan was to get the exhaust and jet kits all at once so i just need tl worry about tuning it once
@@wesleywheeler7891 My friend has a Two Brothers on his, but it's VERY loud. I find the stock one quite decent (and I typically go for aftermarket exhausts on most of my bikes). Tuned as it is, I wouldn't change a thing :) There was also a guy I think from Australia that had a video on how to modify the carb and remove a bit of thickness to the welds on the inside of the headers...with amazing results for less than a dime.
@@Speedytrip planning on the leo vince pipe. I'm not hunting the most performance. And itll help weightsavings, desrestrict my engine a fair bit while keeping my noise close to stock and doesn't need repacking
I've owned 30 bikes. Now on my third dr650. And Africa Twin. Wonderful combination. Good review you made. My Seat Concepts was an excellent improvement.
Both great bikes for sure, thanks for watching! 🤛🤜
¡¡¡Excelente vídeo!!! Gracias!!! ahora quiero más a mi Dr
Gracias! 😎
Great review, no complaints about the Dr you like it for what it is, most people just point out the bad points, but you just tell it as it is 👍 it's a shame they are not as common in the UK.
I like mine. Used, hardly used 2013 with 250mi on the clock. Got it 3 years ago. Runs great. So far just paved roads mostly on the stock tires. I’m changing those soon to more off road capable tires and I’m expecting to enjoy the bike even more.
The real fun starts where the paved roads end 🤘
Same with the old xr bikes they are super reliable with the exception of a valve adjustment every once while but I could send mine though the toughest stuff and she'd still start back up that bike never left me stranded !
Man you can't kill the old XR's! I had a '99 XR250R that I bought brand new and just sold it two years ago. In all those years, it never a problem of any kind, and the engine was never opened up except for valve adjustments. Really tough bikes those XR's were. But the DR650 is just as tough, I've owned two since '05 and again, never any problems at all.
The DR is one of the best bikes I've ever owned and I've been riding for 45 years. Modded the hell out of it and converted it to a supermoto and now it's a blast to ride. Good review
Great review, thanks for sharing it.
I'm seriously thnking about buying a DR650.
Thanks for watching, I dont think you can regret it! 😎
Excellent!!! Love your review! You hit all the correct points!!
Thanks for stopping by! 🤜🤛
hahahaha, nice set of features. I have a 1995 DR650RU that needs to be kickstarted, it doesn't even have that one feature you've mentioned. Love that thing
Now that's the real experience! I'm sure your shin has a lot of love/hate feelings for your DR hehe
Great overview! It's certainly a classic do it all bike. - Frank
looking at a 2023 DR650. I had a DR400 back years ago and loved the single cylinder thumper sound. Hopeing to buy one soon.
Thanks for review really helped me
I'm definitely getting me one
Awesome, let us know what you think once you’ve tried it! 😎
Best mid size adventure bike ever made.
The biggest advantage with the dr650 is its reliability and durability that no other bike has thanks to its simplicity and quality made materials that Suzuki uses I’ve been riding and racing since the mid 80s it can do everything on road and off road if i have to choose for a long run mixed terrain between a Africa twin and a dr I’ll choose the dr650 because I know I’ll never be stranded thanks for the video enjoy your bike
Thanks for the laugh regarding the complete list of features... for a sec I thought you were going to list some feature I wasn't aware of🤣
Love my 2006 DR. Purchased with 16000km on it and now have 66000. Most mods done by previous owner. Ride with KTM 790, KLR , BMW GS, it keeps up on the highway (more or less) and is much easier to pick up when dropped. It's never let me down...fingers crossed. Parts, tires and accessories are inexpensive and readily available. Ride mostly gravel and undeveloped roads .
Drove a Dr250 for almost a decade as a daily rider. Great bike with lovely handling. Rode a borrowed Dr650 for several months. It's a bit of a heffalump. Not a huge amount of extra power compared to a Dr250. Have had a DRZ for past 5-6 years and years ahead of the Dr650. Also owned a lot of other bikes with currently six in the stable.
How would you compare the DRZ400 and the DR650? I am actually thinking of the DRZ400SM and putting rims and tires on it as it's shorter than the DRZ400S. But then, the DR650 is a pretty good height as it comes so it's tempting me.
@@ronsexton3685 I ended up getting the sm and putting off road tires on the stock rims. It's a beast! That bike can handle more gnarly terrain than most riders, even in stock form. The only small caveat is finding a really aggressive front dirt tire for that 17" front rim. The Shinko 244, Motoz Tractionator GPS, or - if need be - an MT21 rear tire on the front works wonders.
Cheers!
Great review, thanks.
Looking at a '06 DR650.
Owned 2 gen 1 KLR's, 1 Gen 2 & '07 XT660R.
Currently on a DR200SE..
Thanks for the kind words! I find that prices dont drop much after a certain point. You might find a more recent one for not much more :) PS is DR is 10x more fun than the klr 😁
I have multiple bikes from dirt bikes to big cruiser but by far my dr650 is the most fun to ride love my dr650
Great review, man! I want a DR650SE but they are super hard to find here in SA. Cheers
Thanks appreciated! I hope you do find yours :)
You're the first person I've heard say the stock suspension is fine. I have always thought it was fine too! I've owned two DR650's, an '05 and my current '21. I ride almost entirely on fire roads and mountain trails in Colorado and the suspension has always been perfect for me. I weight 175lbs and 5'11". The bike is perfect. Handles the most intense trails I can find, and goes down the road like a street bike. Handling is good, on and off road. Brakes are good, gearbox ratios are good, power is excellent, and reliability is superb. Before I had DR650's, I had a '91 DR350, and it was also a great bike, just not nearly as much power and torque. But I only weighed about 140 back then.
Yeah a lot of people seem to enjoy harsh, uncomfortable suspensions, not me :)
I liked the included equipment section! I'm having a hard time deciding what bike to buy. It's between the drz400sm and the dr650. I'm 42 and out of the sport bike frame of mind. Thank you for sharing your experience with the dr650 , I appreciate your honesty!
You're welcome, glad you found it helpful :)
People often consider both, I'm sure the DRZ400sm is loads of fun, if you don't do much highway, it's probably a very good option, I just like the DR650s versatility, with a few mods, you can pretty much make it anything you want from a supermoto to an adventure touring machine and everything in between :)
@@Speedytrip my daily commute does include 17 miles of highway. Another reason to consider the 650 even more. Thanks for the reply!
Love your humor!
Have a 2018 DR white with 400 miles on it. Love it 👍 Nice Video 😊
The 2018 white DR is the fastest! :P Thanks for the comment and enjoy you're ride, I'm now at 30000km on mine and love it more than the day I picked it up (after hours spent tuning the carb, and adding Leo Vince exhaust) :)
@@Speedytrip You have a Kool exhaust pipe 👍☺
Love mine and like you have been through dozens of bikes. Keeping the motor totally stock, well. except for all the smog crap. just adding accessories, seat tank, skid plate, rear rack, luggage, bark busters risers, gps, charging port and tiny windscreen. The perfect bike and I've done 300 mile days no problem.
Keeping the engine stock is the best thing. Back in '16 I did a high compression piston and cam kit, with a pumper carb, and fmf pipe. Huge waste of money and time, let me tell you! It' true you will get a little more power in the upper rpms, but it's not that much more. And it ruins the fuel economy completely. Stock, it was getting 53mpg and after the engine mods and stuff, it only got about 40. I ran the bike that way for about a year, then went back to completely stock setup and left it that way.
Wow, what an excellent review!! Maintenance details!! +100!!
Thanks Chad, glad you found it useful! :)
@@Speedytrip yes, I am always complaining that maintenance is never covered in reviews, and that's very important to me. I hate bikes with crappy designs that make you tear down half the bike to get at an air filter or spark plug. I really loved that review 👍👍👍
@@chadkline4268 100%, My Africa Twin was an amazing bike but required a 1000$ maintenance every 24000km for the valves (and it was an 8h job for a certified technician), and I would typically ride 25-30000km a year...low maintenance is so incredibly underrated these days. At least the harley panamerica has hydraulic valve lifters, like some old bikes used to have which requires 0 adjustments, ever. Most journalists probably don't cover this aspect because they ride demos for which they don't pay maintenance :)
@@Speedytrip exactly. People that have no mechanical skills. But that is not giving me an idea of ownership, because I can't, and won't, pay a shop to work on my bike. 1) because I don't necessarily trust the quality of someone else's work, and 2) I am a BMW+A&P mechanic myself. So, when I see a review, the 1st thing that comes to mind is how easy is it to access maintenance+service items. Eg, I was trying to get that info for a Versys 650, and learned you must remove the fairing, the fuel tank, and all the tubes and electrical connectors, and the seat, just to change the air filter. So, right away, that is a big minus for me. I don't want to be on the side of a highway in the middle of a desert with a bike that won't start, and I need to do all that to see if my plugs are sparking. Most people care about how a bike looks, how sexy it is, what the exhaust note is. I don't give give a damn about that stuff. I care about performance, long distance comfort, and well engineered maintenance and servicing accessibility. Too much of the motorcycle content on CZcams is by and for people that are completely mechanically inept. It's like reviews by ummm, people that pay others to do everything for them, instead of people that have the knowledge and skills to take care of things themselves. That's what I would like to see in reviews. I think if someone did reviews like that, they would be the top reviewer on CZcams fairly quickly. What you said about the AT .. that's exactly what I want to avoid. I'm pushing retirement age, and when you only have a decade or two left, you don't want to waste time with nonsense.
I am looking for an ADV bike, because I want to ride between now and death as much as possible 🤪 that's my retirement plan. And it hasn't been easy to find a good go-anywhere do-anything bike, but that seems to be changing now. Along with the good old KLR, the F850GS and Tenere were added in the last few years, and now the TransAlp and 800DE. So, we have a solid collection of choices now. And I'm happy to see it. For a lot of years, that mid size ADV category of bikes was empty except for the F800GS and KLR.
Anyway, I get the picture of the DR650 now. And it seems very odd that in over a 100 reviews and comparisons I've seen in CZcams, I never saw even one comparing the DR650 to the KLR, which seems like the obvious comparison. I was strongly considering both of them, but since I am looking for my last bike in life, and 10s of 1000s of miles, I think a thumper may not be a great idea, though I value their reliability. Kind of leaning to the F850GS now. So .. if you want to get into the CZcams review business, I honestly think you could be at the top if you did reviews like this one. Especially if the costs of things keep going up, and more and more people realize they are going to need to take care of stuff themselves.
Hit me up if you ever want to ride the Northwest of Canada or Alaska 🙂 and check out the Arctic Ocean. I'm kind of playing with the Arctic to Antarctic trip in my mind. North Pole to South Pole. We'll see. Wish you the best🌞
I will definately keep your feedback in mind much appreciated! In terms of simplicity and ease of maintenance and repair the DR is really hard to beat. Id love to go from alaska to south america some day…we’ll see what the future has for me! Keep the shiny side up! :)
Awesome vid man! 👍
Thanks, appreciated! :)
I’ve owned my DR for 11 years. 12,000 miles and it has 3 thousand when I bought it. I’ve done Nothing but, brakes and tires plus carb rebuild and stiffer shock (240lbs). The bike is indestructible!!! Best thing bike or car I’ve ever owned. I ride on weekends year round in Georgia USA. I’m seriously thinking of buying a second (New) just to keep (barn Queen). They Just don’t build things like the DR anyone. Get one Now while you still can.
Great Stuff, Subscribed.
Thanks appreciated, and subscribed to your channel :)
Love the mighty DR..I may have many bikes in my garage and many will come and go..but I'll never not have a DR650.
my much modified DR650 is always sharing my garage with one other bike (at present a KTM 790 Adventure S). But the DR650 is the one I'll never sell
This is going to be my next bike for dual sport riding. I have an 09 KTM 530 exc, but I just wan something that's lower, simple and reliable. Great video.
Thanks for the comment and let us know how you like it! :)
The best bike for everything.thanks about the review 😊
Coming up on 16,000 kms on mine - great review! Still planning to install stiffer springs and valving on forks though, but I am likely 20 lbs heavier than you
Thanks, post back to let us know what hou think of the spring upgrade :)
I’m about to get my old man’s early dr that has been well looked after. I’ll be following his maintenance routine as he’s been the guy to turn the wrenches on this bike since the day of purchase.
Thats awesome, nothing like getting a bike you know was well taken care of. Wishing you a 2023 filled with 2 wheel adventures!
hello thanks for sharing the experience, I just bought my used DR650 2020 since in my country Guatemala many of the most beautiful places are in offroad places and this motorcycle has been wonderful apart from that I am enjoying it, what if I changed it because necessary was the suspension, the chair and the brake and closh hoses and the light that is hard to see at night from there I am in love with my motorcycle
Nice review, as advertised. Do i wish for my drz400s back, no. Will I get another Vstrom 650, probably…but neither produced as many smiles per mile. As by my off-road skills have improved the DR 650 is the best compromise for my riding style.
good reveiw mate thanks.
Thanks appreciated :)
I've been a Yamaha rider most of my life. But for all it's great looks & very decent reputation. I've always had something in me, that stops me from going for a tenere. It's probably my age now, I'm in my 50's & out of the 3 bomb proof 650's the KLR, XLR it's the DR that I've liked the look of the best. It's reputation & the all round package of reliability, durability, economy & the minor changes to make it even better just appeal to me more than the others. I've basically made my mind up to go for one for this coming summer. Unless something massive changes in my circumstances or the bike world that completely sways me. Thanks for a great simple review.
You're welcome :) I'm almost 50, and see where you're coming from. You'll find the DR very comfortable (once you upgrade the seat), super versatile and so easy to work on. My brother just bought a Tenere 700, so I'll probably get to review it this summer, but I don't see myself selling the DR anytime soon, I might buy a used Moto Guzzi V7 just to cruise around town :)
Good video, and a fair review.
The DR is the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles, it does everything and does it very well.
At 220 though the suspension upgrades were well worth the expense, more so than many others - for me at least.
360 pounds is in the rear view mirror as well…after adding a bigger tank and a host of other add ones (luggage/armour/big tool kit/etc) with a full tank of gas mine is 410 pounds. Still lighter than almost any other options dry weight without any additions…so still a win for the DR.
IMO for a solo rider who can only own one bike there is nothing even close to the DR, it is simply the best choice.
Thanks!
Great and accurate description. This is the best value one bike out there (after spending a couple $K at ProCycle).
I have a dr650, and upgraded my suspension to cogents, The thing has turned into an absolute beast.
And do you find it as comfortable on rough paved roads as it was stock?
Straight rate heavier springs and Intiminators in my forks, Cogent Mojave Pro on the rear of mine. Absolutely transformed the bike! No more wallowing in the front and Pogo in the rear. I'm 250 pounds and ride very hard and fast offroad. Best money I've spent on the DR! Road manners are perfect too
@@Speedytrip oh yes, it’s definitely worth the investment, completely transformed the bike. I got DDC and mojave pro rear shock. Bike is a lot more stable off road and does great on the twisties.
My friend has an upgraded DR and it rides great, but I still prefer the comfort of my stock suspension :)
@@Speedytrip If it works for you than that is what matters! To me and my weight, the stock suspension was downright dangerous when riding hard...even on road. The pogo in the rear was just maddening to me and even showed up on road hitting large bumps. Offroad, the pogo was just dangerous with the inconsistent rear end traction. My cogent is stiffer......because its properly sprung for my weight where as the stock rear is sprung for someone around 100 pounds less than I. The important thing is that is properly valved. To me, the pogo was waaaaay more uncomfortable than a slightly stiffer rear. The rear is now how it should be for my weight and riding style. The $1200 was a lot to chew on, but the first ride proved to me that proper suspension for my weight and riding style is worth every penny and then some! If the stock works for you, than use the thing and dont look back! We all ride to have fun!
This video is awesome!! Thanks so much.
Thanks for stopping by, glad you found it useful! 🤜🤛
Excellent overview! Couldn’t agree more about the stock suspension- yes, it is soft, but at the same time it’s super comfy and does an ok job for light off-road duty. Although I have a newer, more modern bike, I keep going back to my DR as my daily ride. There’s just something really fun about the low RPM engine grunt, the nimble handling and the old school looks. I like this bike so much, that I paid a truckload to have her shipped from the states to EU, where by the way the DR is not sold and therefore not street legal - went through hell to have her registered😅
For serious enduro, a Yamaha WR is my weapon of choice - there is really no point in trying to mod the DR into something that it isn’t, for everything else DR all the way!!!
Thanks and yes this is a keeper! 🤜🤛
I bought a used banged up 91 for $200.
Replaced bearings and greased the shock links. New fork oil, brake oil and engine oil. Cleaned the carb and new fuel filter.
Don’t know how many miles are on it. I’ve ridden some difficult trails in Nevada, California. The engine never ever quits. Kick starts every time. Rode 250 miles with a broken frame after a horrific tumble. Couldn’t tell it was broken.
I beat the rims back to round with a 5 lb hammer and wood blocks.
I just completed a track day and checked CBR 600’s, Ducatis and BMW’s on a tight track.
Engine just runs and runs. A year ago I decided to do some heavy maintenance so I checked the plug and discovered it had two plugs. The valve lash was good, so I changed the oil. It’s also self cleaning, so I’ve never had to clean it. I do lube things often. I’m a mechanic by day. It’s a dream to own a bike like this and do no mechanical work. (Wait, I take the mirrors and front fender off for track days)
This was the best $200 I ever spent. I find myself kinda giggling when I pass $15k European bikes broken in the desert.
I’m 130 lbs, 5’8” and pushing 69.
I’m doing a wheelie class next as I need to wheelie my age in mph.
It’s a stock bike, stock shocks but a $35 Chinese muffler….
Sometimes I pull away in 2nd, and sometimes in 3rd. The engine doesn’t seem to be bothered so I don’t even changing down…
Suzuki have unbeatable engineering.
The end.
Thats awesome! Thanks for watching :)
I have a 2019 I was so glad to acquire. I got it in 2020 only 1008 miles on the OD from the dealer for $5700 and can say the same thing it's my favorite bike, and it's the funnest bike I have. I'm lucky enough to live in a town in Arkansas where there are all kinds of Gov trails and dirt roads not far from my house. I love a country back road and going over hills and Mt roads on a beautiful summer or spring or even fall morning. And being 41, I too love the Dr's old school look. I grew up on klr 250s and honda xrs, so the Dr felt right at home it was the perfect choice.
Thanks for watching and sharing :)
I really enjoy riding my DR 650 . Great bike.
Ho avuto un dr 600 s ed è stata la moto piu divertente che abbia mai guidato, sincero compagno di avventure ,semplice e onesto
Pretty much the same background as you.30 plus bikes over the years.I have had a 2017 Dr 650 in my garage for 5 years now.Others come & go but this bike is my best all round machine.
I personally love the classic look that the DR650 holds including the tail lights, blinkers and so fourth... Brings me back to the original Daniel Laruso Karate Kid days... Add a few engine mods to perk it up and a few other parts and you are good to go while keeping the above listed items in place... Show stopper in my opinion... !!!
I have one and a 1st gen KLR 650 I like them both they are much closer in weight than the 2nd gen KLR which is more road oriented.
better flowing exhaust or muffler , better flow air filter , bigger spark spark plugs and larger main jets x 2 sizes to start with will make for a more responsive engine and make better use of the fuel going in
Gotta say valve and respring on the rear shock made a big difference!
Trying to decide between a brand new RE Himalayan and a used DR650 as my first bike this winter. I'm a big guy (6'3", 280lb) and want a cheap pseudo adventure bike to figure out what style of riding I enjoy most for my daily commute and weekend fun... Just when I started leaning toward the value of a new RE, you've got me thinking the extra few bucks for a clean DR will be worth it... Thanks for the thorough review!
You can probably pick up a fully modded DR for the price of a new RE. At your size, you'll definitely want the taller seat, lower pegs, bar risers and probably stiffer springs as well (you could also find a DR that is already setup that way). I haven't tried the RE yet, cool concept, and "itchie boots" has made it famous by traveling around the world on it. Happy shopping and thanks for watching! :)
I would go for the Dr also more available parts!
I got a dr650 for my first bike i months ago. it's awesome i love it I've done a bunch of stuff to it.
Nice review buddy
Thanks, appreciated!
After 5 years riding one, I can honestly say it's one of the rare few motorcycles that are pretty decent at doing just about anything. Lighter than most 650 cc displacement bikes, easier to work on, more dependable, there's a HUGE cult following and as such, a huge amount of aftermarket customization options. If procycle doesn't have it, Amazon or craigslist does. I expect my DR to outlive me, they're just about bulletproof.
Good review with an exception. The suspension, especially the rear shock. Even with a proper spring for your weight, it can't keep up with washboards/corrugations. A revalve is in order.
After doing that and Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, the off road capabilites are improved. A more composed ride.
Thanks but Ive gone full circle on suspensions on a few bikes you know where it starts, not where it ends and often end result was worse then what I started with (I went to all specialized shops others were saying were brilliant). If I get in rougher terrain than what I do, Ill get a 250lbs dirtbike, for everything else the DR suspensions are some of the most comfortable I've ever had :)
@@Speedytrip Glad it's working for you. They are great bikes!
I did all the work myself and am very pleased with the results. Yes, the cartridge emulators on the forks take some work to dial in, but well worth it.
I have a dirt bike and mountain bikes, so I have a hard time settling for the 650's factory suspension. Maybe if I only rode my DR650 on pavement, I'd be OK with it. The hard, rocky terrain of the Sierras, Nevada, Utah, Colorado etc. leave me wanting more than stock.
DR, KLR, XT, XRL you can't go wrong with any of these bikes they are meant to run forever