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D in the R on a DR! I just bought same one. I put after market tank, stiffer springs, taller seat, peg lower mounts, better pegs, bar Riser, bars, bar busters, Dunlop 606 tires and a skid plate. It is honestly so much fun to ride! Long live air cooled 650s!
If you don't mind my asking, how much did all of those mods set you back? I'm hoping to snag a DR650 in the very short term, and all of those sound like what I'll be needing as well. Cheers!
@@hughnunn4761 going off top of my head I’m in about 2500$ guessing. There is a walk around vid on my channel of before and after. You can do a lot less. I went crazy on mine because I plan on keeping it forever and doing some camping trips. I recommend doing tires, skid plate, bar busters, seat and stiffer fork springs if doing any off-road. Cheers!
@@hughnunn4761 The nice thing is you can do them incrementally. The bike even in stock form is decent. For mine: Acerbis plastic skid plate ~$50 if I remember correctly Lowered Pegs ~$100 New tires ~$140 Handle bars/riser ~$70 Handguards ~$80 New front fender for a 2001-2007 rmz250 (same mounting so no mods) ~$30 Seat concepts seat ~ $350 Leo Vince X3 exhaust ~$500 (uses baffles so it never has to be repacked) IMS Tank ~$300 (I had some fuel anxiety on longer rides and now can comfortably do 200 miles) Front Cogent DDC emmulators/springs/oil ~$350 I got mine used in great condition so it had already had the carb rejetted to make it not so lean, but not for real performance.
You gotta add the stiffer front form springs first thing. Just a hint of the front brake and your whole front end is diving. I did the Cogent .58, but now wish I had done .63 or .70 straight rate. I added a parabellum rally windshield for the commute to the trails. Springs $150. Windshield $100. I bought a Tusk tail rack, too ($80). Up next, tail tidy to get that hunk of shit license plate holder off, and likely LED tail light and blinkers. Carb kit and new exhaust afterward.
Nice to see someone try a bone stock DR and come away appreciating it, but please find one of us nerds who’ve modded up a DR to loan you their bike. It’s a totally different animal that would make a great contrasting vid.
I've owned a 1996 DR650 and now own a 2020 DR 650 , a BMW R 800 PD, a Triumph Tiger 1050, a 1984 Goldwing , a 1982 Yamaha Seca 750 and all of them were gravel road capable but the DR's were and are the most fun. Paul Crump
Thank you Dork for featuring my lil lady... I've had my DR650 for a year now. After researching a beginner, all round, able to do all (BDR, Smokey Mtn 500, etc) that was able to survive the apocalypse...😅, I chose the DR650. Many channels lean towards the upper end bikes and are somewhat snobby towards a simple yet capable ride like the DR650. Anyway, enjoy your videos. I've learned much from your channels, so another thanks there... Keep being the Dork we Love, cheers
The XR and DR are a privilege to still have around. Some of us prefer old skool bikes. I still enjoy my 1983 Honda XL600R immensely still. I can cruise 75 all day on it.
There is something to be said about a simple dual sport bike. I hemmed and hawwed about what to get for light off road, back road, dirt road work. In the end a 2008 XR650L with only 2500 miles on it from my brother in law fit the bill perfectly. Love it. Unfortunately, he can no longer ride and it was sitting in his barn for many years.
I went from a CRF250L to the DR650 several years ago. No regrets! Single track or highway, it does it all. With 3 bikes in my garage, KTM350 is the best dirt bike I’ve ever had, the TW 200 is the funnest, but the DR is the most ridden! Just one more dork in the road’s opinion, at 70 years old. 🍻😎🏴☠️
As much as you hear that the KLR is the do all bike, I can already see that my new DR650 is waaaaaay more versatile. It wheelies way easier, and it BOGS in 4th at 60!!! Sooo much smoother all the way through as well. I still can't believe it. Regarding the low end snap, or lack there of - With just a few free mods, my buddy Jason's bike picks the front end up just about as easy as my XR650L does. Ride on Ben!
The DR650 is a blank canvas bike. Like an 80% bike. Does everything but only 80% as well as a dedicated version. You buy it to build it to suit. That's why it's so cheap to start with. Also the stock carb is good with elevation change, that design accommodates a bit. The DR650 just works.
I've ridden mine from below sea level in Riverside county to the top of Imogene pass. My advice is use high octane at low elevation and low octane at high elevation and it'll do fine.
Thanks for FINALLY acknowledging the DR650! I've been watching your channel for years waiting for your view on my favorite (and 1st) dual sport. I really hope you will pick up a used one and go through the transformation as you deck it out with the usual game changing upgrades like suspension, lowered pegs, larger tank, LED lights, smaller front sprocket, etc. I hope you will be happily surprised with how capable it becomes. You're sure to gain a huge new following of loyal subscribers if you do!!!!
This or the Honda XR650L, would be the ultimate "go anywhere do anything" bikes because of how long they've been around and how reliable they are, parts accessibility, aftermarket support, ease of maintenance etc. I always bounce back and forth between the two but really they're the same bike with a different manufacturer slapped on it.
With all due repsect, they are not remotely the same bike. I have both. The Honda is taller, top heavy, with a very short sitting position (my knees feel like they are in my chest). The Honda also lacks an oil cooler or cush drive hub. I am personally much in favor of the DR in most instances. Though, both bikes are reliable tractors with gobs of low end torque. About the only thing better on the XR is its suspension. And that difference is marginal, IMO.
@@airadaimagery692 Very expensive, and the left peg mount is welded to the frame, so even the costly option doesn't work particularly well. Very unfortunate.
It’s most commonly said that they are essentially the same bike, with the DR being slightly more road biased and the XR being slightly more off road biased. The DR is has a lower seat height and less ground clearance, the XR has better suspension. I have a DR mainly because of the height component. I’m 5’9” and the XR is impossibly tall for me, but my buddy who is 6’4” much prefers the XR.
My buddy and I did the Pensylvania BDR last September on our DR 650s. They were Perfect!! Got through expert sections no problem. so glad I had the DR and not the T7 I had. It absolutely is a BDR killer!!!
I have the "Bush Piglet," (the 350.) Great bike for exploring the wastelands of the U.S. Southwest. I haven't ridden the 650, but one hundred million Australians can't be wrong. ...can they?
Well well well! Glad to see this video pop up! You're one of the reasons I bought my DR-Z a couple years ago, and got my motorcycle license. Awesome first impressions, now I want a DR, Thanks Dork.
This and the xr650l are essentially the best all around and most reliable dual sport bikes ever made. I searched for the right one all winter long with no preference between the two. I found an xr first in the end and I’m happy. But I would have been just as happy on a DR
Australians call that bike "the Bush Pig' for a reason! It's very popular there as well as the DRZ400E not sure about the S and pretty sure the SM isn't a big thing there. I'm really anxious to see how you compare the DR to the DRZ to see how a big guy thinks they stack up. I've heard the DRZ doesn't need a suspension upgrade and the DR needs front for sure but most deal with the rear. "Biker Bits" is the channel I watched Mark is pretty cool and has a DR650 that he did a bunch of mods to make it a good ADV bike! You should check him out they really get into ADV/Dual Sports there! Great video, can't wait to see the full video coming up!
Whatever the question is, DR is the answer. I think you should get one and mod it out. Make the perfect dual sport and compare the potental vs DRZ400, DR350 and CRF300L Throw in the CRF450L wile at it. I love how the DR650 (and the 6 speed 350S) have a certain just out checking what's going on here, a bit of highway no issues...
Rode from Wales, UK, to the Sahara, Merzouga in Morocco on one of these. One of my best trips.The bike was brilliant especially over the Pyrenees. Wish I'd kept the bike and I'm currently looking for one at the moment. Thanks for the upload. 👊
Great review! The DR is amazing because it is so easily personalized. A buyer could ride it away from the dealer and go around the world with changing a thing. But most of us make changes over time to transform the bike into just what we want. One important feature that I didn't hear you mention is that it is designed to be lowered about 1.5" if you want. The process is in the shop manual. The rear shock is very easy to change, the front forks require removal and taking them apart so it is something a buyer might have a shop do for them. But the forks are simple conventional units so easy to work on if inclined. I have two DR's, one is lowered that I use for more dirt road and easy trails, and one full height for rougher trails. Lowering the bike reduces the ground clearance and suspension travel but it still is better than most (all?) road oriented adv bikes. Both of my DR's have excellent suspension with new rear shock's and fork DDC's with straight rate springs from Cogent Dynamics. A huge improvement over the very wimpy stock suspension.
one of the best, good for everything, very good on road, and very good on dirt roads... if you know how to ride... very capable on the single track... simple, and rugged... Air cooled, cable controls, single cylinder. not light, not heavy.... not techy, Easy to work on.... If you want affordable, easy to work on, and reliable... the DR650 is the one.
DR650 engine is both air cooled and oil cooled. Note the oil cooler radiator mounted vertically against the engine, just behind the front forks. A well maintained DR650 should live past 50K miles.
My exact bike! Couldn’t be happier with it so far, look forward to documenting my experience this year trying to solo camp with it. You have really helped me get the confidence to get out there and send it
I'm so glad they still making those and wish car manufacturer would do the same, it's simple reliable and work every time. Don't need a tachometer, if it goes chugga chugga just drop a gear. If I ever lose my klr I will go get one of these off the showroom floor
I was thinking the same thing. I would kill for an "new" og Toyota pickup, but safety standards killed that. I also like the gearing of older vehicles. Comparing my friends DR650 I wish my KTM 390 had a taller 6th gear and shorter 1st. Tbh I would prefer an adv/DS that has a granny gear, 3/4 unable road gears, and a highway gear that holds like 3.5-4.5k rpm at 70mph...
The toyota 70 series Land cruiser from the 80s is still sold in Australia with the only changes being the engine, facelift and just recently a newly added auto transmission.
Suspension is a must and the first thing I would recommend anyone change. It's a different animal once it's suspended right. It's not only comfortable but it handles well in the corners for what it is, and despite a 21" front tire. I might put a 19" front on mine eventually. Also, above 50 mph the speedo is slow by about 4.5mph.
34,000 miles on mine in 2023. Way overloaded because we live on it and it ate it all up. On road and off. Multiple trips across the country and up the Dempster highway to Tuktoyatuk. I could not be happier with a bike. Pulls wheelies at 11,000+ feet with the stock but rejetted carb. My favorite mod has been dropping to a 14 tooth front sprocket. Better launch AND it goes 75 easier because it's better placed in the power band. Great review of the do everything bike
Absolutely. As excited as I am about launching on this journey of adventure/dual sport riding, I'm just as jazzed about the garage and enclave of ridiculously experienced mechanics I just found this weekend. They made it clear their intention was more to teach me how to do this stuff vs only having me pay them to do the work.
I really liked my DR, I had basically all the mods except entirely new suspension(only had springs). It's a great bike to learn on and it's a solid bike for travel/bdr type stuff. It's a great value for the money, especially for a new rider buying one on the used market. You can find ones that are farkled out for reasonably cheap and you don't really have to worry about model year. I did ~600 miles of highway to get home after the IDBDR and it sucked but it was fine. I could do it again if I had to. I think it's absolutely the budget bdr killer. I use the word budget because the real BDR killer is the 690/701 platform ;)
Great review on a great motorcycle. I’ve been to few places on mine after 15years but still got one continent to go though..hence me looking at your channel:) But absolutely! the DR is like a Lego set for not so grown ups. It’s amazing 👍🏻
I've got the last XT600, made in 2003. It's basically the same as a DR650 and it makes you wonder what bike manufacturers have been doing for the last thirty years. Lots of R and D but these old bikes still can't be beaten for all round performance and reliability. I can't think of a modern bike that I would swap for my XT - they don't make 'em like they used to.
Once you put a Seat Concepts seat, Cogent suspension, and uncork the power it's an amazing dual sport. The aftermarket is as large or larger than any motorcycle ever made. I bought mine used 10 yrs ago for $2k and spent $5k more to make it a beast.
I wish you could buy these in Australia still. The used prices are as much as a brand new bike and there's nothing on the market that fills the gap now that it's gone.
These bikes are the bomb, I've owned one for just over a year and your first impressions remind me of the first time I got on mine. A 43-tooth sprocket completely changes the personality of the gearbox, and is great for the type of terrain you were on in this video. It reduces top end speed a bit, but gives you more control at low speed. I hope you buy one and start tinkering/experimenting. You will not be sorry.
I like what you did with the support clamp for the action selfie stick. Far more secure than just the stick alone with one handlebar attachment point. As much as I like my DRZ400s, the DR650 does appear to hit a certain sweet spot in the dual-sport world. I'd like to have both. One for 80+% trail riding and the other for maybe 70/30 trail/highway riding.
I got an 08 dr650 that has most of the mods done bigger tank , suspension, carb, and it is great. My buddies got a 2022 KLR 650 with fuel injection and I can smoke him lol 🤣 I'm faster in the lower gears his bike tops out at 85 and I still got power and speed to go. I definitely think with the modifications this would be your true bdr killer
Thanks for a very accurate review of the DR650. I've recently decided to get off the road (Harley's) and hit the mountain roads and passes. The DR is so much fun that my other bikes don't get much road time. It's not a power house but it has plenty of power for everything I want to do. I live in Colorado and it's never been a problem. It's never done anything wrong. I have the emulators to install which I think will modernize the suspension. It's so easy to customize and always ready to go. 6 speed and injection would be amazing, but I'm not sure why. It's reliable enough for me to go anywhere knowing it will get me back. The only thing it really lacks is a place to hang my ego. I can live with that. With all the money you saved you can make this bike exactly what you want and have money left for camping and video gear. See you on the trail.
I am watching your video now and I saw my Versys 300 that I traded in last year in your tour of the South Pacific. I traded my versys and my bmw 310gs and bought a CFMOTO Ibex 800T. I know where alot of the roads are in your videos. Keep up the fun reviews!
Great review! I had a DR650 for many years - I just sold it and wish I had kept it now - doh!!! Anyway, if you install a 14 tooth sprocket in the front it helps a bit more offroad (with the trans ratio thing you talked about) without greatly affecting top speed (mine easily still hit 90mph); I just found the suspension the weak point. Everything else is super easily (and cheaply) customizable.
Yes! Been waiting for a DR650 review by DITR. I have a 2009 that I am rehabbing right now, and once I get the clutch pack installed, I'll be having fun all summer on the Cascade mountain back roads and trails!
As always, thanks for your efforts. Always good content. One thing some of us nerds would love to see is a quick walk around with some basic specs. Thanks
I live in Oregon and just bought one. The front brake sucks. Upgrading to braided steel lines for sure. Ripping shit off it now and getting Shinko 244's. It's a good bike, and I plan to get a bunk in the back of Pro Cycle soon.
I've put 25k mi on mine, with 4k+ mi through 7 western States last year on a partial TAT route. Yeah, it has lots of mods, but I enjoy wrenching and it's way more capable now. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Ahh! I keep waiting for that camera to lance into a tree. Awesome vid man. I’ve been looking at getting one of these for a while now. I appreciate the first impressions.
Your 300l would be capable of blipping right over small obstacles with ease if only you would swap out the rear sprocket for a 42T. Additionally, you can keep your stock chain, and you won’t even be compromising your top end speed. It’s truly a win win upgrade. The DR/DRZ are both great bikes. But, what do I know? I’m scared of little valentine teddy bears hanging out on side of the road too....
I have been wanting you to ride the 800 DE every since you stated that you dont understand the bike when you were STS with spite. I have the 800 DE Adventure and I LOVE the bike! I wanted something that would allow me to travel large distances to get to locations and then go off road and explore those locations. I feel that the 800 DE will allow me to do just that. I really want to see your opinion of the bike AFTER you have ridden it. Thanks for what you do Ben. :)
Very nice review. It sounds a lot like my '88 Honda NX 650. They were only imported into this country for 2 years. Honda was way ahead of it's time with this as an adventure bike. If it wasn't for the Honda, I'd be inclined to head down to my Suzuki dealer tomorrow.
If you like it in stock form you REALLY need to buy one and mod it. Tires, springs, DDC or Gold Valve in front, increase the pressure in the rear shock, BST mod the carb, drop a tooth on the front, change the seat, and slap on a new exhaust system for a completely different bike with much improved 80 mph highway manners as well. I have an uncorked XR650R and a T7, but I still have a ton of fun on my 2008 DR650.
Lovely things. Shame we can't get them over here. I rode a rented one a thousand miles around South Island New Zealand in 2009. That'll be pretty much the same bike as your 2024 model. ;-) Surprisingly comfortable for what they are (barebones big thumper with knife edge seat) even if you're pottering along deserted roads at 100 kph all day. Good memories. It'll go anywhere, won't be the fastest, or the most comfortable, it won't be _great_, but it'll do it all just fine. Also, can confirm, you can in fact get a completely shot 170 section sportsbike tyre on the back if you get stuck in a town of 300 souls with no cell reception with a ripped out sidewall and any new tyres would have to be flown in. Handles a bit funny but it's fine really, this is not a precision instrument so whatever and carry on. :-)
Loved my old DR! Suspension upgrades are a must. Easy to ride and maintain. Did most everything pretty well except extended highway travel where it felt too small, too light, and too buzzy.
With over 30 years on two wheels and having owned over a dozen bikes of all types, guess which one I ride now...yup...a DR650. I was recently forced into owning only a single motorcycle, and I kept the DR. I sold my XR and even my new Transalp to keep the DR. If you can only own one motorcycle and want a bike that does everything for a long time, there is none better than the good old Bushpig.
I wore out the OEM tyres, but we don't usually have mud like that 😱 I also regeared to 15/46 (stock 15/42), which was much more enjoyable, and could still travel all day at our lower speed limits, and probably more 😁 A huge aftermarket means many have created their unicorn from a raw DR. Cafe to motard to RTW adventurer. It really can do the lot. With a small fortune spent on mods... It's addictive!
I love my BMW 1250GS, but this bike has been screaming at me. I want to buy and build one into my apocalypse bike. Something super easy to build, maintain, and has tons of spare parts lying around. Having an old classic just sounds fun
When you open up the intake, carb, and exhaust you can lug around just over idle, no clutch. The gearing doesn't feel super tall once you can use the monstrous bottom end torque. In the video it sounds like you're cruising pretty high in the rev range, no need to cruise up there when its opened up.
There is something so rad about the DR650 and the XR650. You can do some simple things to wake them up a bit more, but retain their bullet proof tractorness (WILD NEW WORD APPROACHES!)
After 20 years of riding, I bought my first dual sport for off roading for the first time and bought a dr650. Although I may one day upgrade for some more creature comforts, I don’t know if I’ll be selling the 650. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had.
Ben, DR650's stock suspension is inadequate (politely speaking). Relatively inexpensive mods like intiminators transform this bike to be on par with much more expensive 690 (power difference aside). If you're interested to try and compare, I'll be on Giant Loop ride with my modded DR... However, I feel exhausted after long highway sections. The bike goes up to 90 so safe overtaking is possible, but its vibration kills me after an hour or so. Can't wait to try new Kove 800X Rally which looks awesome on specs, and weights roughly the same as the DR but with parallel twin...
Really looking forward to your follow up video on this review. I’ve had the DR on my mind & hoping to throw a leg over one soon. Presently have a KLX 250 as a 2nd choice after several street bikes & an old KLR I’m in my mid 70’s & only 5’6” & weight is a consideration. Thanks for doing this review.
I have the Dr650 and theDRZ400e here in Oz Very popular bikes It’s pretty common that big twin riders like KTM and BMW riders will have the Dr in the back of the Shed for those big Desert trips that we have down here Because of they are bulletproof and you can’t kill it We also call them Dog Rooters
I've converted my DR into an adventure bike. It definitely is the jack of all trades and master of none. If you're only allowed one bike get the DR650.
I have a highly modified DR650 for BDRs and Moto camping. Suspension and Jetting are a must. I'm a short rider, and even with the weight, its damn near perfect! I picked up a 94 DR350SE more traditional dual-sporting. I was pretty close to buying a DR-Z400, but I guess I'm a sucker for air-cooled Suzuki's!
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D in the R on a DR! I just bought same one. I put after market tank, stiffer springs, taller seat, peg lower mounts, better pegs, bar Riser, bars, bar busters, Dunlop 606 tires and a skid plate. It is honestly so much fun to ride! Long live air cooled 650s!
If you don't mind my asking, how much did all of those mods set you back? I'm hoping to snag a DR650 in the very short term, and all of those sound like what I'll be needing as well. Cheers!
@@hughnunn4761 going off top of my head I’m in about 2500$ guessing. There is a walk around vid on my channel of before and after. You can do a lot less. I went crazy on mine because I plan on keeping it forever and doing some camping trips. I recommend doing tires, skid plate, bar busters, seat and stiffer fork springs if doing any off-road. Cheers!
@@hughnunn4761
The nice thing is you can do them incrementally. The bike even in stock form is decent.
For mine:
Acerbis plastic skid plate ~$50 if I remember correctly
Lowered Pegs ~$100
New tires ~$140
Handle bars/riser ~$70
Handguards ~$80
New front fender for a 2001-2007 rmz250 (same mounting so no mods) ~$30
Seat concepts seat ~ $350
Leo Vince X3 exhaust ~$500 (uses baffles so it never has to be repacked)
IMS Tank ~$300 (I had some fuel anxiety on longer rides and now can comfortably do 200 miles)
Front Cogent DDC emmulators/springs/oil ~$350
I got mine used in great condition so it had already had the carb rejetted to make it not so lean, but not for real performance.
You gotta add the stiffer front form springs first thing. Just a hint of the front brake and your whole front end is diving. I did the Cogent .58, but now wish I had done .63 or .70 straight rate. I added a parabellum rally windshield for the commute to the trails. Springs $150. Windshield $100. I bought a Tusk tail rack, too ($80). Up next, tail tidy to get that hunk of shit license plate holder off, and likely LED tail light and blinkers. Carb kit and new exhaust afterward.
I want to buy one with all these mods already done 😂
I finally get to enjoy what it feels like to have a bike I own get reviewed.
If you were going to buy one motorcycle to take anywhere its the DR650. Suzuki absolutely nailed it with that motorcycle.
Nice to see someone try a bone stock DR and come away appreciating it, but please find one of us nerds who’ve modded up a DR to loan you their bike. It’s a totally different animal that would make a great contrasting vid.
I've owned a 1996 DR650 and now own a 2020 DR 650 , a BMW R 800 PD, a Triumph Tiger 1050, a 1984 Goldwing , a 1982 Yamaha Seca 750 and all of them were gravel road capable but the DR's were and are the most fun.
Paul Crump
Gidday fellow DR owning Crump from Oz
Thank you Dork for featuring my lil lady...
I've had my DR650 for a year now.
After researching a beginner, all round, able to do all (BDR, Smokey Mtn 500, etc) that was able to survive the apocalypse...😅, I chose the DR650.
Many channels lean towards the upper end bikes and are somewhat snobby towards a simple yet capable ride like the DR650.
Anyway, enjoy your videos.
I've learned much from your channels, so another thanks there...
Keep being the Dork we Love, cheers
The XR and DR are a privilege to still have around. Some of us prefer old skool bikes. I still enjoy my 1983 Honda XL600R immensely still. I can cruise 75 all day on it.
Had one several years ago… Smiled every time I rode her👍🏻😎👍🏻
Swanky Cat picked up one of these recently and also seems to really like it.
So glad you finally rode the DR! Love mine 🥰
Best bike ever made!
I bet that bike could be way more aggressive off road with a sprocket change along with new tires. Another great video!
Bought a new 1 in 2000. I now have a super hopped up 2008. It's the one motorcycle I will NEVER sell!
There is something to be said about a simple dual sport bike. I hemmed and hawwed about what to get for light off road, back road, dirt road work. In the end a 2008 XR650L with only 2500 miles on it from my brother in law fit the bill perfectly. Love it. Unfortunately, he can no longer ride and it was sitting in his barn for many years.
I went from a CRF250L to the DR650 several years ago. No regrets! Single track or highway, it does it all. With 3 bikes in my garage, KTM350 is the best dirt bike I’ve ever had, the TW 200 is the funnest, but the DR is the most ridden! Just one more dork in the road’s opinion, at 70 years old.
🍻😎🏴☠️
As much as you hear that the KLR is the do all bike, I can already see that my new DR650 is waaaaaay more versatile. It wheelies way easier, and it BOGS in 4th at 60!!! Sooo much smoother all the way through as well. I still can't believe it. Regarding the low end snap, or lack there of - With just a few free mods, my buddy Jason's bike picks the front end up just about as easy as my XR650L does. Ride on Ben!
The DR650 is a blank canvas bike. Like an 80% bike. Does everything but only 80% as well as a dedicated version. You buy it to build it to suit. That's why it's so cheap to start with. Also the stock carb is good with elevation change, that design accommodates a bit. The DR650 just works.
I've ridden mine from below sea level in Riverside county to the top of Imogene pass. My advice is use high octane at low elevation and low octane at high elevation and it'll do fine.
@@tahoehiker That sounds like a stock carb and muffler set up as the octane hides a lean condition. Is yours modded?
Thanks for FINALLY acknowledging the DR650! I've been watching your channel for years waiting for your view on my favorite (and 1st) dual sport.
I really hope you will pick up a used one and go through the transformation as you deck it out with the usual game changing upgrades like suspension, lowered pegs, larger tank, LED lights, smaller front sprocket, etc.
I hope you will be happily surprised with how capable it becomes.
You're sure to gain a huge new following of loyal subscribers if you do!!!!
You sure were having fun on that bike! The 650 is greater than the sum of the parts.
This or the Honda XR650L, would be the ultimate "go anywhere do anything" bikes because of how long they've been around and how reliable they are, parts accessibility, aftermarket support, ease of maintenance etc. I always bounce back and forth between the two but really they're the same bike with a different manufacturer slapped on it.
With all due repsect, they are not remotely the same bike. I have both. The Honda is taller, top heavy, with a very short sitting position (my knees feel like they are in my chest). The Honda also lacks an oil cooler or cush drive hub. I am personally much in favor of the DR in most instances.
Though, both bikes are reliable tractors with gobs of low end torque. About the only thing better on the XR is its suspension. And that difference is marginal, IMO.
@@TommyNitrohave you considered installing some drop pegs on your XR?
@@airadaimagery692 Very expensive, and the left peg mount is welded to the frame, so even the costly option doesn't work particularly well. Very unfortunate.
It’s most commonly said that they are essentially the same bike, with the DR being slightly more road biased and the XR being slightly more off road biased. The DR is has a lower seat height and less ground clearance, the XR has better suspension.
I have a DR mainly because of the height component. I’m 5’9” and the XR is impossibly tall for me, but my buddy who is 6’4” much prefers the XR.
Bro!! I've been waiting for this video for so long. I'm loving my DR
My buddy and I did the Pensylvania BDR last September on our DR 650s. They were Perfect!! Got through expert sections no problem. so glad I had the DR and not the T7 I had. It absolutely is a BDR killer!!!
I have the "Bush Piglet," (the 350.)
Great bike for exploring the wastelands of the U.S. Southwest. I haven't ridden the 650, but one hundred million Australians can't be wrong. ...can they?
Er ... there's only 30 million Australians but ... maybe they all own 3 of them? LOL
@@osimnod I see we had the same math teacher. 😉
Well well well!
Glad to see this video pop up! You're one of the reasons I bought my DR-Z a couple years ago, and got my motorcycle license.
Awesome first impressions, now I want a DR, Thanks Dork.
My very first trail bike! This thing pulled me out of situations I wasn't prepared for. Definitely a better bike than I am a rider even still.
This and the xr650l are essentially the best all around and most reliable dual sport bikes ever made. I searched for the right one all winter long with no preference between the two. I found an xr first in the end and I’m happy. But I would have been just as happy on a DR
Australians call that bike "the Bush Pig' for a reason! It's very popular there as well as the DRZ400E not sure about the S and pretty sure the SM isn't a big thing there. I'm really anxious to see how you compare the DR to the DRZ to see how a big guy thinks they stack up. I've heard the DRZ doesn't need a suspension upgrade and the DR needs front for sure but most deal with the rear. "Biker Bits" is the channel I watched Mark is pretty cool and has a DR650 that he did a bunch of mods to make it a good ADV bike! You should check him out they really get into ADV/Dual Sports there! Great video, can't wait to see the full video coming up!
DRZ-E … 4x4 mod, etc … “This is the way.”
Whatever the question is, DR is the answer.
I think you should get one and mod it out. Make the perfect dual sport and compare the potental vs DRZ400, DR350 and CRF300L Throw in the CRF450L wile at it.
I love how the DR650 (and the 6 speed 350S) have a certain just out checking what's going on here, a bit of highway no issues...
Rode from Wales, UK, to the Sahara, Merzouga in Morocco on one of these. One of my best trips.The bike was brilliant especially over the Pyrenees. Wish I'd kept the bike and I'm currently looking for one at the moment.
Thanks for the upload.
👊
Peak Motorcycle Performance - Love it
Yes! Been waiting for you to test one of these.
Great review!
The DR is amazing because it is so easily personalized.
A buyer could ride it away from the dealer and go around the world with changing a thing.
But most of us make changes over time to transform the bike into just what we want.
One important feature that I didn't hear you mention is that it is designed to be lowered about 1.5" if you want.
The process is in the shop manual. The rear shock is very easy to change, the front forks require removal and taking them apart so it is something a buyer might have a shop do for them. But the forks are simple conventional units so easy to work on if inclined.
I have two DR's, one is lowered that I use for more dirt road and easy trails, and one full height for rougher trails.
Lowering the bike reduces the ground clearance and suspension travel but it still is better than most (all?) road oriented adv bikes.
Both of my DR's have excellent suspension with new rear shock's and fork DDC's with straight rate springs from Cogent Dynamics.
A huge improvement over the very wimpy stock suspension.
one of the best, good for everything, very good on road, and very good on dirt roads... if you know how to ride... very capable on the single track... simple, and rugged... Air cooled, cable controls, single cylinder. not light, not heavy.... not techy, Easy to work on.... If you want affordable, easy to work on, and reliable... the DR650 is the one.
DR650 engine is both air cooled and oil cooled. Note the oil cooler radiator mounted vertically against the engine, just behind the front forks. A well maintained DR650 should live past 50K miles.
My exact bike! Couldn’t be happier with it so far, look forward to documenting my experience this year trying to solo camp with it. You have really helped me get the confidence to get out there and send it
I hope you know that your videos like this is why im trying to get a XR650L
Just bought a 2024 and absolutely love it🤘🏻🤘🏻
I'm so glad they still making those and wish car manufacturer would do the same, it's simple reliable and work every time. Don't need a tachometer, if it goes chugga chugga just drop a gear. If I ever lose my klr I will go get one of these off the showroom floor
I was thinking the same thing. I would kill for an "new" og Toyota pickup, but safety standards killed that. I also like the gearing of older vehicles. Comparing my friends DR650 I wish my KTM 390 had a taller 6th gear and shorter 1st. Tbh I would prefer an adv/DS that has a granny gear, 3/4 unable road gears, and a highway gear that holds like 3.5-4.5k rpm at 70mph...
@@treyreppe4348older stuff feel more mechanical, had a ride on a 81 yamaha two stroke and it felt like you're operating a tractor it was great
The toyota 70 series Land cruiser from the 80s is still sold in Australia with the only changes being the engine, facelift and just recently a newly added auto transmission.
Suspension is a must and the first thing I would recommend anyone change. It's a different animal once it's suspended right. It's not only comfortable but it handles well in the corners for what it is, and despite a 21" front tire. I might put a 19" front on mine eventually.
Also, above 50 mph the speedo is slow by about 4.5mph.
34,000 miles on mine in 2023. Way overloaded because we live on it and it ate it all up. On road and off. Multiple trips across the country and up the Dempster highway to Tuktoyatuk. I could not be happier with a bike. Pulls wheelies at 11,000+ feet with the stock but rejetted carb. My favorite mod has been dropping to a 14 tooth front sprocket. Better launch AND it goes 75 easier because it's better placed in the power band.
Great review of the do everything bike
Finally, an excellent dr650 review! 🎉
What so many others said! Love my DR. Hope you get one and deck it out for you. You may end up ditching everything else!
Thanks Ben for that awesome content, nice to see a DR 650 out and its own environment, forever dual sporting!
Yes! A DR💪
Absolutely. As excited as I am about launching on this journey of adventure/dual sport riding, I'm just as jazzed about the garage and enclave of ridiculously experienced mechanics I just found this weekend. They made it clear their intention was more to teach me how to do this stuff vs only having me pay them to do the work.
You are on your way to greatness Dork.
I really liked my DR, I had basically all the mods except entirely new suspension(only had springs). It's a great bike to learn on and it's a solid bike for travel/bdr type stuff. It's a great value for the money, especially for a new rider buying one on the used market. You can find ones that are farkled out for reasonably cheap and you don't really have to worry about model year. I did ~600 miles of highway to get home after the IDBDR and it sucked but it was fine. I could do it again if I had to. I think it's absolutely the budget bdr killer. I use the word budget because the real BDR killer is the 690/701 platform ;)
There is a reason the design is 30 years old and still sold. It works with the absolute minimal drama/complexity.
Another great video. Been working all weekend on my new to me DRZ. Can’t wait to get out there and try it.
Great review on a great motorcycle.
I’ve been to few places on mine after 15years but still got one continent to go though..hence me looking at your channel:)
But absolutely! the DR is like a Lego set for not so grown ups. It’s amazing 👍🏻
A true modern classic.
You nailed it.
I've got the last XT600, made in 2003. It's basically the same as a DR650 and it makes you wonder what bike manufacturers have been doing for the last thirty years. Lots of R and D but these old bikes still can't be beaten for all round performance and reliability. I can't think of a modern bike that I would swap for my XT - they don't make 'em like they used to.
Once you put a Seat Concepts seat, Cogent suspension, and uncork the power it's an amazing dual sport. The aftermarket is as large or larger than any motorcycle ever made. I bought mine used 10 yrs ago for $2k and spent $5k more to make it a beast.
I wish you could buy these in Australia still. The used prices are as much as a brand new bike and there's nothing on the market that fills the gap now that it's gone.
These bikes are the bomb, I've owned one for just over a year and your first impressions remind me of the first time I got on mine.
A 43-tooth sprocket completely changes the personality of the gearbox, and is great for the type of terrain you were on in this video. It reduces top end speed a bit, but gives you more control at low speed.
I hope you buy one and start tinkering/experimenting. You will not be sorry.
I like what you did with the support clamp for the action selfie stick. Far more secure than just the stick alone with one handlebar attachment point. As much as I like my DRZ400s, the DR650 does appear to hit a certain sweet spot in the dual-sport world. I'd like to have both. One for 80+% trail riding and the other for maybe 70/30 trail/highway riding.
I got an 08 dr650 that has most of the mods done bigger tank , suspension, carb, and it is great. My buddies got a 2022 KLR 650 with fuel injection and I can smoke him lol 🤣 I'm faster in the lower gears his bike tops out at 85 and I still got power and speed to go. I definitely think with the modifications this would be your true bdr killer
For a 5-speed the spread of the gears is excellent on the DR, dropped a tooth up front when I had mine-and super easy to change.
Funny, bike I've wanted for 30-odd years is still available new & unchanged. Wish there were 50s Fords like this for the same low price....
Love my DR650 😊 dont want them to ever change it❤
Long live the mighty bush pig. Great bike that is in many ways as capable as bikes much larger and much smaller than itself.
Thanks for a very accurate review of the DR650. I've recently decided to get off the road (Harley's) and hit the mountain roads and passes. The DR is so much fun that my other bikes don't get much road time. It's not a power house but it has plenty of power for everything I want to do. I live in Colorado and it's never been a problem. It's never done anything wrong. I have the emulators to install which I think will modernize the suspension. It's so easy to customize and always ready to go. 6 speed and injection would be amazing, but I'm not sure why. It's reliable enough for me to go anywhere knowing it will get me back. The only thing it really lacks is a place to hang my ego. I can live with that. With all the money you saved you can make this bike exactly what you want and have money left for camping and video gear. See you on the trail.
Which suspension emulator did you get?
DR is a great bike.
Great video! I love the DR650. And you’re right about the stock tires, they are great on the pavement, but wonder like crazy in the dirt and sand.
I am watching your video now and I saw my Versys 300 that I traded in last year in your tour of the South Pacific. I traded my versys and my bmw 310gs and bought a CFMOTO Ibex 800T. I know where alot of the roads are in your videos. Keep up the fun reviews!
Great review! I had a DR650 for many years - I just sold it and wish I had kept it now - doh!!! Anyway, if you install a 14 tooth sprocket in the front it helps a bit more offroad (with the trans ratio thing you talked about) without greatly affecting top speed (mine easily still hit 90mph); I just found the suspension the weak point. Everything else is super easily (and cheaply) customizable.
Yes! Been waiting for a DR650 review by DITR. I have a 2009 that I am rehabbing right now, and once I get the clutch pack installed, I'll be having fun all summer on the Cascade mountain back roads and trails!
As always, thanks for your efforts. Always good content. One thing some of us nerds would love to see is a quick walk around with some basic specs. Thanks
I live in Oregon and just bought one. The front brake sucks. Upgrading to braided steel lines for sure. Ripping shit off it now and getting Shinko 244's. It's a good bike, and I plan to get a bunk in the back of Pro Cycle soon.
My 2022 has almost 11k miles on it. For me the weight is why I would never swap for a different adv bike.
I've put 25k mi on mine, with 4k+ mi through 7 western States last year on a partial TAT route. Yeah, it has lots of mods, but I enjoy wrenching and it's way more capable now.
There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Ahh! I keep waiting for that camera to lance into a tree.
Awesome vid man. I’ve been looking at getting one of these for a while now. I appreciate the first impressions.
Your 300l would be capable of blipping right over small obstacles with ease if only you would swap out the rear sprocket for a 42T. Additionally, you can keep your stock chain, and you won’t even be compromising your top end speed. It’s truly a win win upgrade. The DR/DRZ are both great bikes. But, what do I know? I’m scared of little valentine teddy bears hanging out on side of the road too....
I have been wanting you to ride the 800 DE every since you stated that you dont understand the bike when you were STS with spite. I have the 800 DE Adventure and I LOVE the bike! I wanted something that would allow me to travel large distances to get to locations and then go off road and explore those locations. I feel that the 800 DE will allow me to do just that. I really want to see your opinion of the bike AFTER you have ridden it. Thanks for what you do Ben. :)
I have both the DR and 800DE. Ben did say the 800DE doesn't make sense on paper, then bought a Transalp, which makes no sense as an ADV bike.
From what I have heard, a Lectron “smart carb” gives you quasi-EFI fueling; or at least something you can spend endless $$ on🙂
Nice to finally see some Dork on DR action. thanks!
Very nice review. It sounds a lot like my '88 Honda NX 650. They were only imported into this country for 2 years. Honda was way ahead of it's time with this as an adventure bike. If it wasn't for the Honda, I'd be inclined to head down to my Suzuki dealer tomorrow.
If you like it in stock form you REALLY need to buy one and mod it. Tires, springs, DDC or Gold Valve in front, increase the pressure in the rear shock, BST mod the carb, drop a tooth on the front, change the seat, and slap on a new exhaust system for a completely different bike with much improved 80 mph highway manners as well. I have an uncorked XR650R and a T7, but I still have a ton of fun on my 2008 DR650.
I think I fell in love
Lovely things. Shame we can't get them over here.
I rode a rented one a thousand miles around South Island New Zealand in 2009. That'll be pretty much the same bike as your 2024 model. ;-)
Surprisingly comfortable for what they are (barebones big thumper with knife edge seat) even if you're pottering along deserted roads at 100 kph all day. Good memories. It'll go anywhere, won't be the fastest, or the most comfortable, it won't be _great_, but it'll do it all just fine.
Also, can confirm, you can in fact get a completely shot 170 section sportsbike tyre on the back if you get stuck in a town of 300 souls with no cell reception with a ripped out sidewall and any new tyres would have to be flown in. Handles a bit funny but it's fine really, this is not a precision instrument so whatever and carry on. :-)
Loved my old DR! Suspension upgrades are a must. Easy to ride and maintain. Did most everything pretty well except extended highway travel where it felt too small, too light, and too buzzy.
Hmmm...I was considering one of these over my Dr.Z. because of exactly the same highway problem. I wonder if the change would be worth it?
With over 30 years on two wheels and having owned over a dozen bikes of all types, guess which one I ride now...yup...a DR650. I was recently forced into owning only a single motorcycle, and I kept the DR. I sold my XR and even my new Transalp to keep the DR. If you can only own one motorcycle and want a bike that does everything for a long time, there is none better than the good old Bushpig.
I wore out the OEM tyres, but we don't usually have mud like that 😱
I also regeared to 15/46 (stock 15/42), which was much more enjoyable, and could still travel all day at our lower speed limits, and probably more 😁
A huge aftermarket means many have created their unicorn from a raw DR. Cafe to motard to RTW adventurer. It really can do the lot. With a small fortune spent on mods... It's addictive!
I love my BMW 1250GS, but this bike has been screaming at me. I want to buy and build one into my apocalypse bike. Something super easy to build, maintain, and has tons of spare parts lying around. Having an old classic just sounds fun
It’s cool that they let you test ride and advertise for free. Win win.
You lucky american bastards.you still have those awesome single cylinder on off 90's bikes
😁
When you open up the intake, carb, and exhaust you can lug around just over idle, no clutch. The gearing doesn't feel super tall once you can use the monstrous bottom end torque. In the video it sounds like you're cruising pretty high in the rev range, no need to cruise up there when its opened up.
Night and day difference with exhaust air box and TM40.
There is something so rad about the DR650 and the XR650. You can do some simple things to wake them up a bit more, but retain their bullet proof tractorness (WILD NEW WORD APPROACHES!)
After 20 years of riding, I bought my first dual sport for off roading for the first time and bought a dr650. Although I may one day upgrade for some more creature comforts, I don’t know if I’ll be selling the 650. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had.
Nice video Ben. This content meshes really well with what Swanky Cat has been up to. Maybe you and Grace have him Guest-appear on the podcast?
Ben, DR650's stock suspension is inadequate (politely speaking). Relatively inexpensive mods like intiminators transform this bike to be on par with much more expensive 690 (power difference aside). If you're interested to try and compare, I'll be on Giant Loop ride with my modded DR...
However, I feel exhausted after long highway sections. The bike goes up to 90 so safe overtaking is possible, but its vibration kills me after an hour or so. Can't wait to try new Kove 800X Rally which looks awesome on specs, and weights roughly the same as the DR but with parallel twin...
The DR is getting a lot of good press lately.
HECK YEA!!! Love my bush pig! I just put on my new orange and black Warp 9 wheels with the Dunlop Mission Trailmax tires on em.
Really looking forward to your follow up video on this review.
I’ve had the DR on my mind & hoping to throw a leg over one soon.
Presently have a KLX 250 as a 2nd choice after several street bikes & an old KLR
I’m in my mid 70’s & only 5’6” & weight is a consideration.
Thanks for doing this review.
All Dr 650's can be lowered by 2 inches with a simple adjustment. It is a little heavy, but there is no free lunch.
Cheers!
I have the Dr650 and theDRZ400e here in Oz
Very popular bikes
It’s pretty common that big twin riders like KTM and BMW riders will have the Dr in the back of the Shed for those big Desert trips that we have down here
Because of they are bulletproof and you can’t kill it
We also call them Dog Rooters
I've converted my DR into an adventure bike. It definitely is the jack of all trades and master of none. If you're only allowed one bike get the DR650.
If my DR had ABS I would have kept it as a do it all bike. It was so much fun to ride with the pumper carb that I installed. I still miss it.
Excellent!
I have a highly modified DR650 for BDRs and Moto camping. Suspension and Jetting are a must. I'm a short rider, and even with the weight, its damn near perfect! I picked up a 94 DR350SE more traditional dual-sporting. I was pretty close to buying a DR-Z400, but I guess I'm a sucker for air-cooled Suzuki's!
But the Dr isn't air cooled...
I would love to see a older DR650 build, go all out with a big bore kit and everything.