Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links: Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork Giant Loop: www.giantloopmoto.com/?ref=dork Cyclops Adventure Lighting: www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15 Save 20% on an OnX Offroad Premium or Elite membership with promo code "dorkintheroad" www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=dor
What a great video sir! This is one of the most honest and helpful reviews of the DR650 we have seen in a while. From our experience, the DR650 is the "do-it all" motorcycle, want to do supermoto hoon stuff, rip up an old logging road, or travel the globe, the bike can be adapted to do any of it. Others understood this many years ago which led to the demand for aftermarket parts. So much so, that we built an entire business around this bike. We began by building jet kits for DR650 riders on various internet forums over 20 years ago. ahh.. good times! 😄
No, no, no...Thank YOU! Thanks for your site and getting all of that gear for the DR in one place. I should just get some sort of ProCycle credit card. hehe. Tail Tidy and jet kit from ProCycle are my next purchases, then new tires, risers and bars. A man can only take so much side eye from his spouse when a ProCycle package arrives.
Well done Ben. I would love to hear your thoughts after just a few mods - Cogents front/rear, lowered pegs and upgraded seat. Out of the box those stock items really take away from the experience. Thanks for looking past that in the review because they are an easy/cheap fix. I've heard that the DR is a "tinkerers" bike and I agree. For your consideration - Some will trash it for a supposed lack of power but if you look at the HP/torque curves it keeps up with the KTM 690 up to about 5200 rpm. Most riders shift before that point.
When I was looking for a dualsport 18 years ago, Jeff said the same thing as Dork, "You can economically make the DR into anything you want, then take it around the world." 40k miles later, I still love the DR for commuting, dualsporting on the weekends, and the annual, week long ADV trips. Thank you Jeff and Procycle. Not as fast or sexy as newer stuff, but is so fun, cheap and easy to own, it's easy to be married to her.
I love this review, not just because I own a heavily modded DR, but because you confirm why i can't find it in me to sell it, just to get something new. After a new Cogent suspension front and rear, Seat Concepts commuter seat, Carmichael bars, Acrbis 5.3 tank, lowered/solid pegs, and a custom 7" round headlight installed, etc, I've made it mine. It does everything so well i can't justify losing money selling it or paying a lot for a bike that won't necessarily take me on an adventure any better. Great job reviewing this bike!
I fought with myself for over a year on whether to sell my extremely heavily modded DR. RMZ forks, cogent shock, pumper carb and everything else you could imagine. I listed and delisted it a number of times but ultimately it had to go. I'm in the Philly area and I couldnt do the no ABS situation, especially with knobbies. I was commuting, adventuring and single tracking the thing and its probably the most fun bike I had. Twisting that throttle was always so fun. Large displacement thumpers with pumper carbs are amazing. I also bought a CRF450L and had them side by side for 2 years but I ended up using the 450 more often due to the terrain I was riding. I stupidly sold the DR because the bikes are so similar. To fill the void I picked up a real nice 2013 R1200GS for an amazing price and I dont regret that bike...but I often think about my DR and how I miss it. In truth, I've never thought about a bike as much as I have the DR. I miss that damn thing every day. Never sell yours. If it was for this thing called a wife who would have had a sh@t fit if I had three bikes, I would never have sold it. Two is the limit unfortunately.
@RandomGRK Thanks for your story and sorry to hear you regret it; the struggle is real. I think a lot of us have stories af regret from selling something. I have an 2018 XT250 also, so naturally I've thought, "if I sell both I could pay cash for a T7, or a 800 DE," etc. For now, I'm happy with the DR. The 2014 V Strom 1000 had was the most comfortable travel bike I've ever had. It just wasn't exciting. The last exciting bike I had was an XSR900, but it was terrible for travel for obvious reasons. I like to keep nice things so I don't see myself wanting to risk dropping a nice new T7 or something. I don't want to drop my DR, but the idea bothers me less. I hear you on the idea of ABS, that is nice to have.
@Randomintrests I might have to do a short video and post it on RUclips. It really wasn't that hard actually. It does require fabrication of custom brackets, but it's nothing crazy. I used a 7" headlight bucket I had from a 1987 KZ550 LTD. It's a unique look for the DR. It was actually featured in the 2020 Procycle calendar, the month of October.
After 13 years and tens of thousands of miles, I can confirm you are 100% correct. This is the only bike at any price that I can take on long road trips and still tackle gnarly single track when the opportunity arises. It's the perfect all-arounder. I've owned KLRs (both sizes), DR-Zs, BMWs, and other brands. None of them are true dual-sports in my experience. Reliable? Holy cow, yes. The only thing that ever failed was the cam chain tensioner gasket. It took me about 25 minutes to make and install a new gasket. It's still holding.
Up in Alaska from Florida now on my DR650. After plenty of bikes over the decades I'll say this review is right on. This bike does everything plenty well. 50,000+ miles and it has taken nothing but regular maintenance
@@DorkintheRoad That would be the third 650 that hasn't changed in 20 years. Said to be the best off road bike but also said to be not as dependable as the others. Swanky cat has one maybe you can talk to him and he might want to get together?
If an adventure rider drops one of these old dinosaurs (DR, XR, KLR) into the drink, while miles from help, they can make some modest mechanical adjustment to resuscitate their ride and move on. I can only imagine what it would be like to resuscitate a new heavily modded bike back to life?
What I like most about my DR, is the Dial-a-Slide torque monster, throttle control. And the fact that I can pick it up when I lay it down. I ride it 80% dirt, and just enough pavement to get me out to Owyhees. 🍻😎🏴☠️
A wonderful video and review. I have had a couple through out my life and was truly wondering about purchasing another for the fear of it no longer being manufactured because of epa regulations. You made up my mind. I do love the mule and price point has been dropping in my location under mrsp.
Thank you for the great review. I have my DR in Pakistan while I have a Transalp here in the US. In Pakistan, it is the perfect motorcycle to take to the Himalayas which I did last August and plan to do again this July. You can drop it and pick it back up again, something is important to me as a 49 year old. I love the DR. Mine is all modded out courtesy Procycle. It’s just a different beast and nothing really should be compared to it. It’s in a category all its own.
WUT??? I finally made a cameo appearance in one of your videos!!!. My life is now complete. And yes, the "bushpig" is my carefully considered choice for a one bike solution in terms of capability (with mods) comfort and reliability for all the things I want to do. Yes, a lighter, higher performance sexy rig would be nice from time to time, but this thing just fills a niche that fits my riding style perfectly. Think of it as less Ginger and more MaryAnn. Enjoyed hanging out with you in Death Valley and look forward to future rides. Doing the Oregon, Washington and Idaho BDR's later this summer and hope to see you on the trail.
I love my DR650. I set it up to fit my needs perfectly. Thanks to your guidance, I am about to acquire my first DRZ400s for the more technical stuff. Thanks for putting out such great content!
I respect your opinions and enjoy your reviews. There is another major youtuber who said the same thing - if you gotta have just one bike, this is it. For me that advice translates to: get it.
“Well, you’re looking at it “Lol! The sad truth. I live on Vancouver Island and my DR is absolutely great for exploring and camping. The rest of the time I ride trails.
Love that you're a bigger guy like me and enjoy life on bikes and camping. I do the same! I have a klr 650 and looking to do my first moto camping this year.
Yes! The DR650 is hands down the best. Timeless and reliable. A go anywhere do anything ride. Not great at any one thing but good at everything. It was my first bike and my only bike. We love each other and will never part.
I lowered my seat height 1.4inches just using the Seat Concepts "low" seat model and it is more comfortable than the stock seat. Lowering the rear suspension with the factory adjustment got me to a seat height of 30.3 inches and with Cogent suspension, it still had a great ride.
Enjoyed the review! I have a 2023 DR650 and love it! Appreciate you giving some love to a great motorcycle which had stood the test of time. A DR650, while certainly not "the best" off road or on road it is a motorcycle one keeps a lifetime.
I love this review. Modern motorcycling makes me feel like I'm from a different planet. I certainly am from a different time period. My playground ----- the Mojave Desert. My toys ----- a Ducati 250 Scrambler, BSA 650 Spitfire Hornet desert sled, Yamaha DT Enduros, a Honda Elsinore. My protection ------ my Army field jacket, combat boots, and sometimes a battered and gutted Bell helmet. How did I and my WIFE, who also road her own bike, survive? No Traction control, drive modes, ABS, cruise control, fuel injection, electric start, fuel gauge, infotainment screen. But ---- I did have a whoppi'n 4" of suspension travel. What a fabulous time that was. Not many of us left who know what it was like back then. My current stable --- a Royal Enfield 650INT, CRF250L, Suzuki DR200S, and a '73 CT90. Just doing what I can. Happy Travels!
Thanks for the review. Appreciate the comments on the gear box, it’s something I haven’t heard before and makes me think maybe there’s no need for a sixth gear on this bike. I like the fact that this bike is still made in Japan when a lot of the other entry level dual sports are not. Keep up the good work, enjoy the channel.
Thank you for the honest review. I have had my DR for about 15 years (with no issues!) and have done many mods. Hoping to upgrade suspension this winter and ride many more miles next year!
I'll be picking up my new DR 4-25-24. The main reason I got it is because it's ridiculously reliable, long lived and a monkey could work on it with a role of duct tape and a can of WD40.
I am a proud member of the DR650 cult and ride mine in basically stock form except for a skid plate and real hand guards to protect the levers in a fall. I have to ride on freeways to get to the dirt and it is more than adequate in either case.
Thanks for the great review Ben! I wish I'd seen this before I got one of my own. It would have made the agonizing of it, easier. In my case, at 71, I couldn't pick up my 2019 Africa Twin by myself anymore. I decided to sell my AT, but got no decent offers near the price I wanted (at a bad time of year for bike sales). So, I went to a local dealer who let me ride ANY and all of the bikes I'd been considering, to replace the AT, and when I got on the DR650, it was like coming "HOME". I traded them even up for it! They got the better deal, but I got a bike that is perfect as a "spare" (as I already own a 2021 CRF300L, and a 2024 Transalp), and a potential unicorn for my older age. Well, the CRF300 will actually still be around for as long as I am. What's nice is I'm strong enough to pick up all my bikes, with only mild backache from the Transalp. I have almost 500 miles on the DR now, and can say I am LOVING it! I've taken it on the sketchiest place I took all my other bikes and it's handling it like a champ, and WAY easier (less bumpy) than the Tranny. It's staying in the stable.
Just earned my subscription on this one. I appreciate your 80’sness and I like the fact you remind me of my friend keith cause he’s also witty AF and makes me laugh with his nonsense. I laughed a few times on this video but I think you also helped me solidify my choice between the DR and the KLR. So thanks. Great videos.
Great review! You're hilarious btw. I bought a DR-Z400 this year, rode it all summer, loved it on the jeep roads but not so much on the highways and by ways... So I just found a sweet deal on a barely used DR-650! I'm already planning some great rides for next year!! The old old technology is a + for me because in backwoods Montana and Idaho you need to be able to fix things on the fly
Bought a new DR six years ago after a long gap of not owning a bike. Did all the common mods, commuted to work every day spring, summer and fall rain or shine. Played and explored off road after work and on the weekends. Dead reliable and versatile. Only thing I didn't like was riding on the highway. Just bought a new Norden 901 with all the bells and whistles ( fantastic machine), but I will be keeping the Suzuki so I allways have something to ride when the Husky inevitably breaks down.😂
@@chadkline4268 The motor is powerful enough it's just a little on the light side, and you are exposed to the wind (I have a brittania fairing but I am tall and your lower body is completely exposed).Don't get me wrong it's not terrible, just depends on the speed. If you can stay on roads that you can travel at less than 110kmh it's OK. 80 to 90 (kph) is perfect, could do that all day. Just for a point however, the Norden gets bashed for it's wind bufetting, but it is way better than a Dr with the windscreen that I have on mine. The weight is the biggest factor. Just feel planted at speed on the Norden.
I just bought my 3rd new DR650 yesterday; I have also owned a 1985 DR600 (was the SP600 in 'merica), a 1988 DR600 Djebel, and a XR650l twice. I tried a KTM530exc for 33,000km.. it was great, except for the constant maintenance- it should come with a van full of Austrian mechanics & parts, following behind. I made it to 330 hrs before having to replace the main bearings on the KTM, which is 3x the recommended time, but still only one third of what a DR650 is capable of without a major overhaul. The DR is 90lbs heaver than the KTM530exc, has half the power, and requires some aftermarket help, but so do I, so we are made for each other. Though overweight compared to a serious off-road bike, it is also very light compared to the current crop of ADV bikes on the market. I have a Moto Guzzi V85tt that is great for travelling, but has a service light which comes on, despite the fact that I service it all the time. I have a YAMAHA XSR900 that will punish traffic in a way that the DR650 couldnt even come close to, however the XSR does not come with extra driver's licenses 😈 Aircooled, without ABS, lacking a check engine light, minus a service reminder light, missing an ECU & saddled with a carb that requires at least rejetting, at most replacement, the DR650 is a perfect analogue machine in a complex world of constantly upgraded software, mandatory downloads, and required subscriptions. It is the bike I would ride around the world on, without hesitation. The Big Box from Pro Cycle should arrive any second now, and then the fun will begin. I enjoyed your review about this great machine. 👍
Nicely Said Ben 👍 My DR650 has taken my wife and me 22000 kms around South America 2up, its been dropped more times than a hot potato, taken me on big sections of the TCAT and some knarly trails, its an awesome master of none do it all bike
Couldn't agree more with this review ii love my Dr. Hell I still get giddy like a kid on Christmas eve every time I have a ride planned out, it's just so capable and confidence inspiring I swear it makes me a better rider. All the being said you nailed it as good as the bike is it does need love in the performance area if you want to get the real hard to reach places. Exhaust, intake, carb are essential mods to really wake up the sleep old man inside the amazing machine but also dropping a tooth in the front sprocket is currently my new favorite mod. For the $15 it cost to gain 7% power was a game changer, so much easier to crawl through tight trails and makes popping the front up a breeze even with a full 6.6gal tank and really a miniscule loss in the top speed ( 165km to 145km ish)
lots of stuff to do to it if you want to, and because the community is so great theres walkthroughs and parts for anything you want to do to it. all the issues with the bike have been figured out and fixes posted. this bike is perfect in my mind, it can do anything if you give it some love.
Your stole my line! I've owned a 1999DR650 since 2006. Since then, I have had probably gone thru 20-30 other bikes, (currently sitting at 7 bikes in the stable). Friends often tell me I'm nuts, and/ or "have a problem". Both TRUE! Now to the point.... I have said many times since about 2007, "if someone pointed a gun at my head and said, pick one, get rid of the rest" It would be the Mighty DR! and I've got some other great bikes, but the DR --- "IS THE ONE" as Neo. I've done the suspension with Cogent, transforms it!
Bought my 2005 DR about 4 years ago. First bike. Thought I'd have it for a bit, sell, and "upgrade to a nicer bike". I have 0 reason to upgrade. Took it off road a bit, prefer street riding, got more street forward tires and works great as a street bike. It's very enjoyable to ride in the city, on short freeway bursts, backroads, gravel, etc. Any time I doubted the bike, it showed me that it was way more capable than I gave it credit for. Literally every issue the bike has had (which hasnt been much) was because i didnt know how to work with a carb, now i have 0 issues after learning. Love this bike.
Ive not ridden this bike but ive been looking at it sideways for a couple years. Mainly because ive had 2 Savages and loved them both for their boring simplicity & reliability. Ive had Harley dressers, BMW k models and bigger honda bikes. Im telling you, at my age, smaller and simpler is better for me. I am actually surprised by your last statement here. Percisely because ive seen you on so many different bikes. I will be taking the DR more seriously moving forward. Ill have to ride one. Thanks.
My friend, I listened to your review about the DR650, (plus I watched some other reviews) and I am really wondering, how you guys, recommend to people to go and buy this thing. It's a thing and definitely not a motorcycle. Maybe some agriculture machinery!!! This thing vibrates so much!!! I went to test ride one, and I couldn't believe that you RUclipsrs say all these good things about this thing!!! Obviously you have to keep the company happy...
The DR650 has definitely found a special place in my heart, I am an admitted fan boy. ProCycle for after parts and Cogent for suspension upgrades - one can mod the DR for your needs and wants ❤🏍️
Great review and echos how I feel about mine. While you can get faster, lighter, etc bikes it is just such a good down to earth bike that does it all. This is one bike I will never regret buying.
I've had a KLR and DR 650, both great bikes with massive followings and after market accessories. If I had to choose between them I'd get the DR, a bit more poke and lighter and I did not bore of it, whereas the KLR I did. Both these bikes could survive the apocalypse.
I have a 1990 Kickstarter model. It feels a lot different than the current model. I have to say these are excellent motorcycles. I had a KLR but always stayed with the Suzuki.
Nice, that's the only thing missing from the newer DR's, a kickstart backup. The DR only ever left me stranded once and that was due to a dead battery. Couldn't roll start it either as I was riding in soft sand at the time.
Absolutely love my dr650. Bought it new in 2010 to ride 3 hours back and forth to work for a month long hitch on a towboat being that was only chance i had to ride. It has taken dome time as i unfortunately don’t get to ride nearly as much as i used to, but i have slightly over20,000 miles on mine with no major and very few minor mechanical problems. Mine has gradually morphed from the stock dual sport to more of an adventure bike. To anyone thinking about getting one i would highly recommend. If i had it to do all over again this would have been my first bike most likely.
Great review Ben! DR650 and XR650L are two great bikes in my simple opinion and its just my opinion. I love my XR650L and what I love the most other than the lower cost of other dual sports is exactly the simplicity. None of the new technology to break. No ABS so you actually have to have a feel for what you are doing and be tuned into the bike while riding. All analog and air cooled. It's a great all around bike that will do anything I want it to do and more but it's not the best for long highway riding and that's ok by me. It'll tractor through anything with enough HP to climb anything I'm willing to try. The money I saved when I bought it over a KTM or other more expensive dual sport will buy me a lot of gas even at todays prices.
Great vid. The fun factor is off the chart on a DR. They are air-cooled, as you said, but they also have an engine oil cooler for additional cooling. I have yet to overheat mine
It was my first bike and I absolutely love it, but if I'm doing primarily technical off road the lighter bikes are definitely more fun. The versatility and the low end torque are endless fun to me. Every time I throw my leg over and crank it feels as exciting as the first time I rode it.
Hey Dork! ( love saying that) Great review as always, im just learning, but love your takes. I was glad to hear this would be your 1 bike. Im trying to find theeeeeeee 1 bike. ummm this helped!
The DR and the XR 650’s are the pinnacle of the dual sports that’ll do damn near anything you want. If you weren’t so far away I’d let you ride my XR for a review. I will say that it’s a tall bike for someone like me with a 30” inseam. But i make it work. I was torn between the DR and the XR I just happened to find the xr in my price range first. I’m happy with my choice but I know I would have been happy with either. Bulletproof, untouched, crude, simple.
It´s just you said, i have and old Yamaha xt 600 E , it´s the only bike i have and my main mean of transportation.I have modified the bike for doing serious and technical offroad and just like that i used it every day for commute.You can do single track with very technical sections, very rock, steps,very step hills and on the next day going to work like nothing happened ,after that go in a multi day camping trip and commute to work again , the bike just keep going, with no issues (doing its manteniance and threaten it with a bit of care of course).All this old dual sport big single cilinder bikes (XT 600, DR 650, Dominator 650...etc) are behind the same idea, they are meant to be ridden, no matter what. I Totally agree with you because is exactly my case, if you can have just one bike, just pick one of this bikes and RIDE IT.
and to reiterate what everyone else said, once mods are complete it is much easier to love, suspenders need done right away, flat side carb, Procycle will make that bike a gem to behold.
Nice job, I agree with all of your descriptions of this bike, except I’m not a fan of riding my DR on the road for too long , but in dirt all day long . I’ll probably keep mine till it disintegrates but might look at some adventure bikes for some long distance rides with maybe a little dirt roads as well.
Nice overview! I've also had a handful of carbureted bikes in the past. For me, the only real issue is ethanol fuel gumming them up in storage. It's not necessarily a dealbreaker, depending on who you are, where you live, how you ride. Personally, between EFI and lithium batteries, I've gotten pretty used to the idea that I can forget about a bike for 6 months, then air up the tires and check fluids, fire it up and go for a ride. It's kinda nice, particularly as I own two bikes and don't have a ton of time to ride or maintain either. I would have to weigh whether I want to accept anything 'fussier' than that. I don't mind doing maintenance in order to keep riding a bike, but preventive maintenance to _not_ ride it-or having to rebuild a carb because I neglected to? I dunno. Yes, I know in some markets you can buy ethanol-free gas at a slight premium...but it's not an option in my state (at least not at any retail gas station).
The Honda 650 L is the elephant in the room - almost the same, bomber old-school dual sport with even better suspension, and maybe a bit more dirt oriented. I think reviewers struggle with it as it is a tall bike, and it is hard to find a good review between them. The Aussies you mention that rip on DRs don’t get the Honda down under so would be interesting to see what they thought ion the difference. If you can test one of those, be cool to hear your thoughts on a comparison.
I have both. I prefer the DR far above the XR. The XR is lighter, but feels significantly more top heavy, and I'm not short. I'd much rather pick up the DR. Speaking of height, you need the inseam of an nba player to get on it, but then the inseam of a jockey to be comfortable once you are on it (short seat to peg distance). It lacks an oil cooler. It has no cush drive hub and is prone to wearing the countershaft splines. It has a weak subframe prone to cracking if used for luggage with no reinforcement. The suspension is "better" than the DR's....marginally. That's about the only thing it beats the DR in. And it isn't a huge difference. Dropped $350 for the Cogent kit in my DR and now there is no difference. My XR is going to be a trade in.
Honestly, I am thinking about buying one thanks to your videos, particularly your suspiciously similar (to this video ) topic from your last video... Seems like it's good at pretty much everything you would ask a beginner friendly dual sport to do.
I'd check regular car review review or it. Far more balanced and nuanced than this one. Also it is an heavy and tall pig si not for 100% newbies offroad
I'm short and I sold my CRF250L (modified) for a used DR650. Now that I have the suspension upgraded and the carb jetted, I'm keeping that bike for as long as I can. When Suzuki announces they are discontinuing the the DR650, I'll buy one immediately and hold on to it until my current one dies. The DR would be a much better bike for you than the CRF300L.
"Confidence Inspiring" is a good way to sum up the DR650. I have both a '23 XR650L and a '24DR650S (and a '23 CRF300L). The DR is indeed confidence inspiring. I am not worried about taking it anywhere. The XR on the other hand, IS kind of intimidating. Both are AWESOME bikes, and granted the XR is fantastic off road (its a big old school 4 stroke dirt bike with lights as an after thought!), the DR is my 'go to' when I just want to go ride, relax, and have fun.
@@dr.x4050 In my opinion, if you are going to be on 60mph+ highway, the DR650 is much better. The 300 is an amazing bike, but it is not really built to run 65+ on the highway for longer periods of time. The DR however, will cruise 75-80 all day long (as will the XR...). For dirt roads, that can be a bit more subjective... I actually like the way both bikes feel on dirt roads. Overall, if you are newer to riding and do not plan on longer highway excursions I would recommend the 300L. If you have experience or plan on longer highway rides, the DR is an amazing bike. Once I bought the DR, the XR and CRF tend to sit a bit more as when i ride the DR I can just basically do everything...
I’m debating on buying this at my local dealership, but after watching your videos I’m locked in. I probably will change to a pumper carburetor and upgrade the suspension but other than that I’m sold.
LOVE these Japanese made thumpers, I have a 1983 Honda XL600R....totally LOVE it for the woods and trails. My fun bike is a 2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200S DVT.
1991 Suzuki DR 650 Djebel, red and white, kick start, 4 years ride, never a problem, just change oil, oil filter and ride every day. Make 68000 miles on that.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Giant Loop: www.giantloopmoto.com/?ref=dork
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
Save 20% on an OnX Offroad Premium or Elite membership with promo code "dorkintheroad"
www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app
Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=dor
What I heard at the end of this video was
“I’ve bought another motorcycle”
You only get one bike for the rest of your life - and you choose the DR650. That's a strong statement. Appreciate this review.
What a great video sir! This is one of the most honest and helpful reviews of the DR650 we have seen in a while. From our experience, the DR650 is the "do-it all" motorcycle, want to do supermoto hoon stuff, rip up an old logging road, or travel the globe, the bike can be adapted to do any of it. Others understood this many years ago which led to the demand for aftermarket parts. So much so, that we built an entire business around this bike. We began by building jet kits for DR650 riders on various internet forums over 20 years ago. ahh.. good times! 😄
No, no, no...Thank YOU! Thanks for your site and getting all of that gear for the DR in one place. I should just get some sort of ProCycle credit card. hehe. Tail Tidy and jet kit from ProCycle are my next purchases, then new tires, risers and bars. A man can only take so much side eye from his spouse when a ProCycle package arrives.
Who's this!!?? Mike? Carl? LOL...just bought some new cush hubs and rotopax last night!!
DR is it!
Well done Ben. I would love to hear your thoughts after just a few mods - Cogents front/rear, lowered pegs and upgraded seat. Out of the box those stock items really take away from the experience. Thanks for looking past that in the review because they are an easy/cheap fix. I've heard that the DR is a "tinkerers" bike and I agree. For your consideration - Some will trash it for a supposed lack of power but if you look at the HP/torque curves it keeps up with the KTM 690 up to about 5200 rpm. Most riders shift before that point.
When I was looking for a dualsport 18 years ago, Jeff said the same thing as Dork, "You can economically make the DR into anything you want, then take it around the world." 40k miles later, I still love the DR for commuting, dualsporting on the weekends, and the annual, week long ADV trips. Thank you Jeff and Procycle. Not as fast or sexy as newer stuff, but is so fun, cheap and easy to own, it's easy to be married to her.
@teamprocycle and we thankyou for it
I bought my DR650SE in 2007. It is my only motorcycle for everything, from long trips to trails, and I still love it! It is very, very reliable bike!
I bought one of the showroom in 2002. I loved it terribly. I loved it on the interstate to off road. No other bike has compared.
DR = Damn Reliable
I love this review, not just because I own a heavily modded DR, but because you confirm why i can't find it in me to sell it, just to get something new. After a new Cogent suspension front and rear, Seat Concepts commuter seat, Carmichael bars, Acrbis 5.3 tank, lowered/solid pegs, and a custom 7" round headlight installed, etc, I've made it mine. It does everything so well i can't justify losing money selling it or paying a lot for a bike that won't necessarily take me on an adventure any better.
Great job reviewing this bike!
I fought with myself for over a year on whether to sell my extremely heavily modded DR. RMZ forks, cogent shock, pumper carb and everything else you could imagine. I listed and delisted it a number of times but ultimately it had to go. I'm in the Philly area and I couldnt do the no ABS situation, especially with knobbies. I was commuting, adventuring and single tracking the thing and its probably the most fun bike I had. Twisting that throttle was always so fun. Large displacement thumpers with pumper carbs are amazing. I also bought a CRF450L and had them side by side for 2 years but I ended up using the 450 more often due to the terrain I was riding. I stupidly sold the DR because the bikes are so similar. To fill the void I picked up a real nice 2013 R1200GS for an amazing price and I dont regret that bike...but I often think about my DR and how I miss it. In truth, I've never thought about a bike as much as I have the DR. I miss that damn thing every day. Never sell yours. If it was for this thing called a wife who would have had a sh@t fit if I had three bikes, I would never have sold it. Two is the limit unfortunately.
45?
I’d be interested in hearing how you did the custom headlight?
@RandomGRK Thanks for your story and sorry to hear you regret it; the struggle is real. I think a lot of us have stories af regret from selling something. I have an 2018 XT250 also, so naturally I've thought, "if I sell both I could pay cash for a T7, or a 800 DE," etc. For now, I'm happy with the DR. The 2014 V Strom 1000 had was the most comfortable travel bike I've ever had. It just wasn't exciting. The last exciting bike I had was an XSR900, but it was terrible for travel for obvious reasons. I like to keep nice things so I don't see myself wanting to risk dropping a nice new T7 or something. I don't want to drop my DR, but the idea bothers me less. I hear you on the idea of ABS, that is nice to have.
@Randomintrests I might have to do a short video and post it on RUclips. It really wasn't that hard actually. It does require fabrication of custom brackets, but it's nothing crazy. I used a 7" headlight bucket I had from a 1987 KZ550 LTD. It's a unique look for the DR. It was actually featured in the 2020 Procycle calendar, the month of October.
I've had mine for 6 months. It makes me smile every time I ride it. It does everything the man says. I absolutely love its simple minimalism.
After 13 years and tens of thousands of miles, I can confirm you are 100% correct. This is the only bike at any price that I can take on long road trips and still tackle gnarly single track when the opportunity arises. It's the perfect all-arounder. I've owned KLRs (both sizes), DR-Zs, BMWs, and other brands. None of them are true dual-sports in my experience.
Reliable? Holy cow, yes. The only thing that ever failed was the cam chain tensioner gasket. It took me about 25 minutes to make and install a new gasket. It's still holding.
Up in Alaska from Florida now on my DR650. After plenty of bikes over the decades I'll say this review is right on. This bike does everything plenty well. 50,000+ miles and it has taken nothing but regular maintenance
Thank you for answering the question about having just one bike.
Thank you Ben. I would love an XR650L review like this. They are the best. DR650, XR650L, and DRZ 400
I just need someone to loan me one.
@@DorkintheRoad That would be the third 650 that hasn't changed in 20 years. Said to be the best off road bike but also said to be not as dependable as the others. Swanky cat has one maybe you can talk to him and he might want to get together?
If an adventure rider drops one of these old dinosaurs (DR, XR, KLR) into the drink, while miles from help, they can make some modest mechanical adjustment to resuscitate their ride and move on. I can only imagine what it would be like to resuscitate a new heavily modded bike back to life?
@user-uh3sp9pm8j the KLR is fuel injected now,but good thinking about stream crossings that would be a real problem to get home.
@@DorkintheRoad I'll loan you mine for a review... 2022 XR650L with several mods. It's in Southeast Texas though...quite a trek from Bend, OR.
What I like most about my DR, is the Dial-a-Slide torque monster, throttle control. And the fact that I can pick it up when I lay it down. I ride it 80% dirt, and just enough pavement to get me out to Owyhees. 🍻😎🏴☠️
My plan exactly. Just enough pavement to get ne from Boise to the owyhees.
A wonderful video and review. I have had a couple through out my life and was truly wondering about purchasing another for the fear of it no longer being manufactured because of epa regulations. You made up my mind. I do love the mule and price point has been dropping in my location under mrsp.
The DR 650 is a real one bike solution to our ADV / dualsport world issues. I would LOVE to see your take on the suzuki DE 800!!
Thank you for the great review. I have my DR in Pakistan while I have a Transalp here in the US. In Pakistan, it is the perfect motorcycle to take to the Himalayas which I did last August and plan to do again this July. You can drop it and pick it back up again, something is important to me as a 49 year old. I love the DR. Mine is all modded out courtesy Procycle. It’s just a different beast and nothing really should be compared to it. It’s in a category all its own.
My DR650 is my OHV, logging road single track bike. Heavily modded, always reliable. My Tiger 900 Rally is for doing things out of our state.
WUT??? I finally made a cameo appearance in one of your videos!!!. My life is now complete.
And yes, the "bushpig" is my carefully considered choice for a one bike solution in terms of capability (with mods) comfort and reliability for all the things I want to do. Yes, a lighter, higher performance sexy rig would be nice from time to time, but this thing just fills a niche that fits my riding style perfectly. Think of it as less Ginger and more MaryAnn.
Enjoyed hanging out with you in Death Valley and look forward to future rides. Doing the Oregon, Washington and Idaho BDR's later this summer and hope to see you on the trail.
I love my DR650. I set it up to fit my needs perfectly. Thanks to your guidance, I am about to acquire my first DRZ400s for the more technical stuff. Thanks for putting out such great content!
Keep us posted on if there is a big improvement off road with the Dr.Z. I'm curious how much of a gap there is between the two.
Cheers!
@@machupikachu1085 Will do bud!
40 lbs. lighter and way nimbler on trail.
I respect your opinions and enjoy your reviews. There is another major youtuber who said the same thing - if you gotta have just one bike, this is it. For me that advice translates to: get it.
I just bought one, its freaking awesome, so much fun to ride.
Great summary of the old dinosaur!
Hey hey
“Well, you’re looking at it “Lol!
The sad truth.
I live on Vancouver Island and my DR is absolutely great for exploring and camping. The rest of the time I ride trails.
Love that you're a bigger guy like me and enjoy life on bikes and camping. I do the same! I have a klr 650 and looking to do my first moto camping this year.
Great video. I've had my 2013 DR650 for 6 years or so. I love the low-tech, and if I could only ever have one bike this is definitely it.
I was named after that movie. So I appreciate that intro even more than most people will 😂
Great name. And who doesn't want to be Wade Garret?! 😊💥👊🏼
@@2wheels2everywhere22 I was actually named after Patrick Swayze's character... James DALTON.
@Dalton5042 yeah that's obvious. But Wade Garret is the star of the movie. Sorry Patrick. 😅
@@DualsportDMAN welcome to the club 🤣
Yes! The DR650 is hands down the best. Timeless and reliable. A go anywhere do anything ride. Not great at any one thing but good at everything. It was my first bike and my only bike. We love each other and will never part.
But why oh why can't they add FI? Country by country it cannot be sold because of this!
This is one of best honest reviews I have watched on this bike. Great job Dork.
Great review and my favorite dual sport. I've had the WR250R, DRZ400, BMW 650 Sertao, T7 and Super T... The DR650 is the true unicorn!
I lowered my seat height 1.4inches just using the Seat Concepts "low" seat model and it is more comfortable than the stock seat. Lowering the rear suspension with the factory adjustment got me to a seat height of 30.3 inches and with Cogent suspension, it still had a great ride.
Enjoyed the review! I have a 2023 DR650 and love it! Appreciate you giving some love to a great motorcycle which had stood the test of time. A DR650, while certainly not "the best" off road or on road it is a motorcycle one keeps a lifetime.
I love this review. Modern motorcycling makes me feel like I'm from a different planet. I certainly am from a different time period. My playground ----- the Mojave Desert. My toys ----- a Ducati 250 Scrambler, BSA 650 Spitfire Hornet desert sled, Yamaha DT Enduros, a Honda Elsinore. My protection ------ my Army field jacket, combat boots, and sometimes a battered and gutted Bell helmet. How did I and my WIFE, who also road her own bike, survive? No Traction control, drive modes, ABS, cruise control, fuel injection, electric start, fuel gauge, infotainment screen. But ---- I did have a whoppi'n 4" of suspension travel. What a fabulous time that was. Not many of us left who know what it was like back then. My current stable --- a Royal Enfield 650INT, CRF250L, Suzuki DR200S, and a '73 CT90. Just doing what I can. Happy Travels!
The End of this Episode telling everything 👍🏻
Thank you so much 🙂
Picking up My DR 650 Friday! Thx Dork!
@@shawnblixt547 So how do you like it .and would you buy it again..thinking seriously about a 2025 ..Thanks
My Sons are both buying one. They currently have KLRs.
@@shawnblixt547 Thanks.
Thanks for the review. Appreciate the comments on the gear box, it’s something I haven’t heard before and makes me think maybe there’s no need for a sixth gear on this bike. I like the fact that this bike is still made in Japan when a lot of the other entry level dual sports are not. Keep up the good work, enjoy the channel.
Thank you for the honest review. I have had my DR for about 15 years (with no issues!) and have done many mods. Hoping to upgrade suspension this winter and ride many more miles next year!
I'll be picking up my new DR 4-25-24. The main reason I got it is because it's ridiculously reliable, long lived and a monkey could work on it with a role of duct tape and a can of WD40.
I am a proud member of the DR650 cult and ride mine in basically stock form except for a skid plate and real hand guards to protect the levers in a fall. I have to ride on freeways to get to the dirt and it is more than adequate in either case.
Tires next .
Thanks for the great review Ben! I wish I'd seen this before I got one of my own. It would have made the agonizing of it, easier.
In my case, at 71, I couldn't pick up my 2019 Africa Twin by myself anymore. I decided to sell my AT, but got no decent offers near the price I wanted (at a bad time of year for bike sales). So, I went to a local dealer who let me ride ANY and all of the bikes I'd been considering, to replace the AT, and when I got on the DR650, it was like coming "HOME".
I traded them even up for it! They got the better deal, but I got a bike that is perfect as a "spare" (as I already own a 2021 CRF300L, and a 2024 Transalp), and a potential unicorn for my older age.
Well, the CRF300 will actually still be around for as long as I am. What's nice is I'm strong enough to pick up all my bikes, with only mild backache from the Transalp. I have almost 500 miles on the DR now, and can say I am LOVING it! I've taken it on the sketchiest place I took all my other bikes and it's handling it like a champ, and WAY easier (less bumpy) than the Tranny. It's staying in the stable.
Dude you worked Tabula Rasa into a review! Hats off to you
Been waiting for you to do this one, glad to see it
Just earned my subscription on this one. I appreciate your 80’sness and I like the fact you remind me of my friend keith cause he’s also witty AF and makes me laugh with his nonsense. I laughed a few times on this video but I think you also helped me solidify my choice between the DR and the KLR. So thanks. Great videos.
Great review! You're hilarious btw. I bought a DR-Z400 this year, rode it all summer, loved it on the jeep roads but not so much on the highways and by ways...
So I just found a sweet deal on a barely used DR-650! I'm already planning some great rides for next year!! The old old technology is a + for me because in backwoods Montana and Idaho you need to be able to fix things on the fly
My DR650 just touched 20 years this month. Still running well.
Bought a new DR six years ago after a long gap of not owning a bike. Did all the common mods, commuted to work every day spring, summer and fall rain or shine. Played and explored off road after work and on the weekends. Dead reliable and versatile. Only thing I didn't like was riding on the highway. Just bought a new Norden 901 with all the bells and whistles ( fantastic machine), but I will be keeping the Suzuki so I allways have something to ride when the Husky inevitably breaks down.😂
Is there anything about highways that the DR can't be set up for?
@@chadkline4268 The motor is powerful enough it's just a little on the light side, and you are exposed to the wind (I have a brittania fairing but I am tall and your lower body is completely exposed).Don't get me wrong it's not terrible, just depends on the speed. If you can stay on roads that you can travel at less than 110kmh it's OK. 80 to 90 (kph) is perfect, could do that all day. Just for a point however, the Norden gets bashed for it's wind bufetting, but it is way better than a Dr with the windscreen that I have on mine. The weight is the biggest factor. Just feel planted at speed on the Norden.
great review ! no whining, complaining, this is a great base dual sport do it all bike !! Real world everyday review.
Lets see a DR build! Great vid, spot on.
I just bought my 3rd new DR650 yesterday; I have also owned a 1985 DR600 (was the SP600 in 'merica), a 1988 DR600 Djebel, and a XR650l twice.
I tried a KTM530exc for 33,000km.. it was great, except for the constant maintenance- it should come with a van full of Austrian mechanics & parts, following behind. I made it to 330 hrs before having to replace the main bearings on the KTM, which is 3x the recommended time, but still only one third of what a DR650 is capable of without a major overhaul.
The DR is 90lbs heaver than the KTM530exc, has half the power, and requires some aftermarket help, but so do I, so we are made for each other.
Though overweight compared to a serious off-road bike, it is also very light compared to the current crop of ADV bikes on the market.
I have a Moto Guzzi V85tt that is great for travelling, but has a service light which comes on, despite the fact that I service it all the time.
I have a YAMAHA XSR900 that will punish traffic in a way that the DR650 couldnt even come close to, however the XSR does not come with extra driver's licenses 😈
Aircooled, without ABS, lacking a check engine light, minus a service reminder light, missing an ECU & saddled with a carb that requires at least rejetting, at most replacement, the DR650 is a perfect analogue machine in a complex world of constantly upgraded software, mandatory downloads, and required subscriptions.
It is the bike I would ride around the world on, without hesitation.
The Big Box from
Pro Cycle should arrive any second now, and then the fun will begin.
I enjoyed your review about this great machine. 👍
Nicely Said Ben 👍
My DR650 has taken my wife and me 22000 kms around South America 2up, its been dropped more times than a hot potato, taken me on big sections of the TCAT and some knarly trails, its an awesome master of none do it all bike
Couldn't agree more with this review ii love my Dr. Hell I still get giddy like a kid on Christmas eve every time I have a ride planned out, it's just so capable and confidence inspiring I swear it makes me a better rider. All the being said you nailed it as good as the bike is it does need love in the performance area if you want to get the real hard to reach places. Exhaust, intake, carb are essential mods to really wake up the sleep old man inside the amazing machine but also dropping a tooth in the front sprocket is currently my new favorite mod. For the $15 it cost to gain 7% power was a game changer, so much easier to crawl through tight trails and makes popping the front up a breeze even with a full 6.6gal tank and really a miniscule loss in the top speed ( 165km to 145km ish)
Great all rounder. I rode the nebdr on mine. It handled it with ease.
This video is confidence inspiring 🙌
lots of stuff to do to it if you want to, and because the community is so great theres walkthroughs and parts for anything you want to do to it. all the issues with the bike have been figured out and fixes posted. this bike is perfect in my mind, it can do anything if you give it some love.
Your stole my line! I've owned a 1999DR650 since 2006. Since then, I have had probably gone thru 20-30 other bikes, (currently sitting at 7 bikes in the stable). Friends often tell me I'm nuts, and/ or "have a problem". Both TRUE! Now to the point.... I have said many times since about 2007, "if someone pointed a gun at my head and said, pick one, get rid of the rest" It would be the Mighty DR! and I've got some other great bikes, but the DR --- "IS THE ONE" as Neo. I've done the suspension with Cogent, transforms it!
Bought my 2005 DR about 4 years ago. First bike. Thought I'd have it for a bit, sell, and "upgrade to a nicer bike". I have 0 reason to upgrade. Took it off road a bit, prefer street riding, got more street forward tires and works great as a street bike. It's very enjoyable to ride in the city, on short freeway bursts, backroads, gravel, etc. Any time I doubted the bike, it showed me that it was way more capable than I gave it credit for. Literally every issue the bike has had (which hasnt been much) was because i didnt know how to work with a carb, now i have 0 issues after learning. Love this bike.
Ive not ridden this bike but ive been looking at it sideways for a couple years. Mainly because ive had 2 Savages and loved them both for their boring simplicity & reliability.
Ive had Harley dressers, BMW k models and bigger honda bikes.
Im telling you, at my age, smaller and simpler is better for me.
I am actually surprised by your last statement here. Percisely because ive seen you on so many different bikes.
I will be taking the DR more seriously moving forward.
Ill have to ride one.
Thanks.
It's the Bob Ross of big dual sports.
Great review. I'm glad to see you like it so much. Suzuki did stop selling the DR200. I hope the same doesn't happen here. Take care!
My friend, I listened to your review about the DR650, (plus I watched some other reviews) and I am really wondering, how you guys, recommend to people to go and buy this thing. It's a thing and definitely not a motorcycle. Maybe some agriculture machinery!!! This thing vibrates so much!!! I went to test ride one, and I couldn't believe that you RUclipsrs say all these good things about this thing!!! Obviously you have to keep the company happy...
The DR650 has definitely found a special place in my heart, I am an admitted fan boy. ProCycle for after parts and Cogent for suspension upgrades - one can mod the DR for your needs and wants ❤🏍️
Great review and echos how I feel about mine. While you can get faster, lighter, etc bikes it is just such a good down to earth bike that does it all. This is one bike I will never regret buying.
I've had a KLR and DR 650, both great bikes with massive followings and after market accessories. If I had to choose between them I'd get the DR, a bit more poke and lighter and I did not bore of it, whereas the KLR I did. Both these bikes could survive the apocalypse.
I have a 1990 Kickstarter model. It feels a lot different than the current model. I have to say these are excellent motorcycles. I had a KLR but always stayed with the Suzuki.
Nice, that's the only thing missing from the newer DR's, a kickstart backup. The DR only ever left me stranded once and that was due to a dead battery. Couldn't roll start it either as I was riding in soft sand at the time.
Absolutely love my dr650. Bought it new in 2010 to ride 3 hours back and forth to work for a month long hitch on a towboat being that was only chance i had to ride. It has taken dome time as i unfortunately don’t get to ride nearly as much as i used to, but i have slightly over20,000 miles on mine with no major and very few minor mechanical problems. Mine has gradually morphed from the stock dual sport to more of an adventure bike. To anyone thinking about getting one i would highly recommend. If i had it to do all over again this would have been my first bike most likely.
High praise indeed. Making me rethink my wants/needs.
This is best motorbike if need to say only one.
Your review’s are very good! And entertaining!
Your taste is impeccable
Great review Ben! DR650 and XR650L are two great bikes in my simple opinion and its just my opinion. I love my XR650L and what I love the most other than the lower cost of other dual sports is exactly the simplicity. None of the new technology to break. No ABS so you actually have to have a feel for what you are doing and be tuned into the bike while riding. All analog and air cooled. It's a great all around bike that will do anything I want it to do and more but it's not the best for long highway riding and that's ok by me. It'll tractor through anything with enough HP to climb anything I'm willing to try. The money I saved when I bought it over a KTM or other more expensive dual sport will buy me a lot of gas even at todays prices.
Great video. I already knew you were gonna say everything you said. Lol. Great to hear it all once again confirmed by the Dork!!!! Great job.
You already knew that he was going to say that Fred Flintstone actually invented his very own tabula rasa?
Dang your good...
Thanks
Great vid.
The fun factor is off the chart on a DR.
They are air-cooled, as you said, but they also have an engine oil cooler for additional cooling.
I have yet to overheat mine
It was my first bike and I absolutely love it, but if I'm doing primarily technical off road the lighter bikes are definitely more fun. The versatility and the low end torque are endless fun to me. Every time I throw my leg over and crank it feels as exciting as the first time I rode it.
This bike has been on the list for me for years. Now that I'm retired, mayhaps it's time to add one to the stable.
Hey Dork! ( love saying that) Great review as always, im just learning, but love your takes. I was glad to hear this would be your 1 bike. Im trying to find theeeeeeee 1 bike. ummm this helped!
my dream bike and i really like 24 model sticker and sticker placement.had a wreck on my bike so i hadnt been able to save up for one due to injuries
The DR and the XR 650’s are the pinnacle of the dual sports that’ll do damn near anything you want. If you weren’t so far away I’d let you ride my XR for a review. I will say that it’s a tall bike for someone like me with a 30” inseam. But i make it work. I was torn between the DR and the XR I just happened to find the xr in my price range first. I’m happy with my choice but I know I would have been happy with either. Bulletproof, untouched, crude, simple.
Loved the tabula rasa reference!
Always an amazing review thank you very much for your your insight😊
Great video El dorko.
snl
They stopped selling them here in Australia, so we are waiting for the new DRZ 450 with 6 speed and fuel injection lol
I did not know that, makes me regret selling mine.
It´s just you said, i have and old Yamaha xt 600 E , it´s the only bike i have and my main mean of transportation.I have modified the bike for doing serious and technical offroad and just like that i used it every day for commute.You can do single track with very technical sections, very rock, steps,very step hills and on the next day going to work like nothing happened ,after that go in a multi day camping trip and commute to work again , the bike just keep going, with no issues (doing its manteniance and threaten it with a bit of care of course).All this old dual sport big single cilinder bikes (XT 600, DR 650, Dominator 650...etc) are behind the same idea, they are meant to be ridden, no matter what.
I Totally agree with you because is exactly my case, if you can have just one bike, just pick one of this bikes and RIDE IT.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the DR!
Klr XR and DR are the holy trinity of dual sport🥶 still alive
and to reiterate what everyone else said, once mods are complete it is much easier to love, suspenders need done right away, flat side carb, Procycle will make that bike a gem to behold.
Nice job, I agree with all of your descriptions of this bike, except I’m not a fan of riding my DR on the road for too long , but in dirt all day long . I’ll probably keep mine till it disintegrates but might look at some adventure bikes for some long distance rides with maybe a little dirt roads as well.
Nice overview!
I've also had a handful of carbureted bikes in the past. For me, the only real issue is ethanol fuel gumming them up in storage. It's not necessarily a dealbreaker, depending on who you are, where you live, how you ride. Personally, between EFI and lithium batteries, I've gotten pretty used to the idea that I can forget about a bike for 6 months, then air up the tires and check fluids, fire it up and go for a ride. It's kinda nice, particularly as I own two bikes and don't have a ton of time to ride or maintain either. I would have to weigh whether I want to accept anything 'fussier' than that. I don't mind doing maintenance in order to keep riding a bike, but preventive maintenance to _not_ ride it-or having to rebuild a carb because I neglected to? I dunno.
Yes, I know in some markets you can buy ethanol-free gas at a slight premium...but it's not an option in my state (at least not at any retail gas station).
Well said Ben. Hope to see you again at Touratech 2025!
Amazing review
The Honda 650 L is the elephant in the room - almost the same, bomber old-school dual sport with even better suspension, and maybe a bit more dirt oriented. I think reviewers struggle with it as it is a tall bike, and it is hard to find a good review between them. The Aussies you mention that rip on DRs don’t get the Honda down under so would be interesting to see what they thought ion the difference. If you can test one of those, be cool to hear your thoughts on a comparison.
I have both. I prefer the DR far above the XR. The XR is lighter, but feels significantly more top heavy, and I'm not short. I'd much rather pick up the DR. Speaking of height, you need the inseam of an nba player to get on it, but then the inseam of a jockey to be comfortable once you are on it (short seat to peg distance).
It lacks an oil cooler. It has no cush drive hub and is prone to wearing the countershaft splines. It has a weak subframe prone to cracking if used for luggage with no reinforcement.
The suspension is "better" than the DR's....marginally. That's about the only thing it beats the DR in. And it isn't a huge difference. Dropped $350 for the Cogent kit in my DR and now there is no difference.
My XR is going to be a trade in.
Honestly, I am thinking about buying one thanks to your videos, particularly your suspiciously similar (to this video ) topic from your last video... Seems like it's good at pretty much everything you would ask a beginner friendly dual sport to do.
I'd check regular car review review or it. Far more balanced and nuanced than this one. Also it is an heavy and tall pig si not for 100% newbies offroad
I'm short and I sold my CRF250L (modified) for a used DR650. Now that I have the suspension upgraded and the carb jetted, I'm keeping that bike for as long as I can. When Suzuki announces they are discontinuing the the DR650, I'll buy one immediately and hold on to it until my current one dies.
The DR would be a much better bike for you than the CRF300L.
I feel like I'd have to do the same. Even the KLR got a refresh. Suzuki doesn't have to change anything with the aftermarket.
"Confidence Inspiring" is a good way to sum up the DR650. I have both a '23 XR650L and a '24DR650S (and a '23 CRF300L). The DR is indeed confidence inspiring. I am not worried about taking it anywhere. The XR on the other hand, IS kind of intimidating. Both are AWESOME bikes, and granted the XR is fantastic off road (its a big old school 4 stroke dirt bike with lights as an after thought!), the DR is my 'go to' when I just want to go ride, relax, and have fun.
Is the 300L or DR650 better on the highway and dirt roads?
@@dr.x4050 In my opinion, if you are going to be on 60mph+ highway, the DR650 is much better. The 300 is an amazing bike, but it is not really built to run 65+ on the highway for longer periods of time. The DR however, will cruise 75-80 all day long (as will the XR...). For dirt roads, that can be a bit more subjective... I actually like the way both bikes feel on dirt roads. Overall, if you are newer to riding and do not plan on longer highway excursions I would recommend the 300L. If you have experience or plan on longer highway rides, the DR is an amazing bike. Once I bought the DR, the XR and CRF tend to sit a bit more as when i ride the DR I can just basically do everything...
I’m debating on buying this at my local dealership, but after watching your videos I’m locked in. I probably will change to a pumper carburetor and upgrade the suspension but other than that I’m sold.
LOVE these Japanese made thumpers, I have a 1983 Honda XL600R....totally LOVE it for the woods and trails. My fun bike is a 2016 Ducati Multistrada 1200S DVT.
1991 Suzuki DR 650 Djebel, red and white, kick start, 4 years ride, never a problem, just change oil, oil filter and ride every day. Make 68000 miles on that.
Great video.....
Informative, funny, and engaging.
Excellent work.
This is my dream bike and I’m hoping to set don’t discontinue or stop shipping to US before I can get one
truly a confidence inspiring review
Pain don’t hurt
Te agradezco tu revisado, me gustó mucho. Saludos.
Jet kit, airbox mod, slip on exhaust 14tooth front sprocket. Totally different bike, it rips.