2024 Suzuki DR650: Better Than the KLR 650?
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Are you looking at the DR650, KLR650 & XR650 but just can't seem to figure out what bike is best for you? In this video I compare the specs and offer my experiences with these bikes and some other similar models. All to determine what my next move should be and to help you decide!
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You really can't compare the XR and DR with the KLR anymore. The XR and DR have always and will always be true dual sports. The KLR just gets fatter, heavier, and slower. I admit Kawasaki did an awesome job making the KLR a budget adventure bike. The best thing to do is buy a used DR and do all the mods. My DR has all the goodies and will still be in my garbage until I die. Then someone else will enjoy it.
AMEN! ❤
Better keep it in the garage 😜
Yeah, put it in the garage, not the garbage.
I rate the KLR as 70/30 road / dirt and the DR 50/50
Tyres being key to any ability of either bike in dirt
The oil cooling is actually quite sophisticated, and defiantly worth having. For me the klr ticks a few more boxes in spite of the weight. Long term gen one owner, now a gen three owner.
Sold my KLR 650 for a super tenere 1200 and only grabbed an extra 100lbs. But when I totaled my tenere and grabbed an XT600 I can tell you that 325lb bike felt like a pw80. I don't think I'll own a klr ever again with the way I ride. But I also think you need to keep a stable. I'd really love to see some longer adventure trips from you in the future man. Love the channel and think you'd really do a great job with the story telling of longer rides.
I agonized for months between a KLR ans a DR. It came down to street/dirt ratio. I knew i would be a 90/10 rider. Of course, weight is always a factor. However, after buying the KLR I realize i made the correct choice for me and the extra weight turns out to be a PLUS. The secure feel and the stability on the street is because of the extra mass. It even adds to the comfort. If there was EVER gojng to be singke track use i would have gone with the DR but the KLR is like a Lexus of dual sports compared to the DR. It cruises so pleasurably i hate for any ride to end. And i have healed it over in the twisties to the edge of the tread. If you're going to be 90/10 I can't recommend it enough.
I would definitely agree with all of that! Well said!
My problem is that I know I will be a 90/10 rider, but want the DR because I wish I was a 10/90 rider. I hate to admit the truth
Love an honest person! Im in the same boat...LOL ... I honestly dont know for me as the mtns are a whole 8 miles away, tons of gravel, not single track but dirt.. so I have no clue DR following is so huge an I love the simplicity of it. The Klr damn sure nicer on highway, but if Im gonna be 90/10 pave to dirt then my mind goes to Honda cb500x
@kylelintok7730 I have a 2023 KLR and I totally agree with you. We made the right choice.
If you end up staying with an adventure bike, check out the 800DE. We had a KLR. Good bike, but the 800DE is in another class for sure. Excellent suspension, power, and comfort in the dirt or highway. It's so plush in the dirt yet is able to handle the hard technical riding too.
The 800DE is awesome.
Yeah, and I think it's that much better. The 800DE is as good as a lot of bikes that are a lot more money than it is. @@PointsOnly
The biggest differences between the XR and DR are the seat height, the oil cooler vs oil in the frame and the XR has better suspension and ground clearance which contributes to the sky high seat. I love my KLR but still want either. I’d want to lower the XR immediately or eventually mod the DR suspension. I’m leaning towards the DR but the best deal I find used is going to win.
If significant pavement miles are a requirement the DR has a cush drive that significantly smooths things out with reduced drive train wear.
@@tarjas Thank you. I forgot about the cush drive.
I really looked at both the DR, XR, and KLR. It all came down to what I wanted to do with the bike I wanted to get. Coming off of an '07 Honda shadow aero, I felt that the KLR in it's current design best fit for me on the street. IDK if I will ever take it truly off road, but with a few mods I can make the KLR acceptable for off road needs.
Yeah, if you're planning on a lot of road and just a little off, I think the KLR is probably the best option.
Love my DR650! I have the 2023 iron grey and put 7k miles on it last year
i use my grom as an adventure bike lol.. so any bike will really work but i really wanted to get a dr650. everyone praises them..i like the look. the price is ok.. they are everywhere around me..but i got on one and didnt care for it at all.. prefer the xr650 and even the drz400 over the dr650.. just didnt like the way it fit me at all.. love KLR's but these new ones have way too much plastic still considering one though if i can ever get my MT07 sold.. drz400 and the klx 300 are on top of my list though for fun smaller adventures around me here in northern california..plus i have tons of ohv and single track.. wish i could just get a new bike to test out every month out here lol..
Sounds like he has been on a journey like we are on
My Friend went with a 2016 dr650 I went with a 2018 drz400 both are great dr650 if you want to commute on freeways and backroads drz400 better for city streets and single track dirt suspension is better on the drz hands down fully modded big bore 780-790 vs drz470 the drz will make more hp power I actually plan to add a dr650 to the fleet and put supermoto wheels and highway gearing and keeping the drz as my dirt bike both are go anywhere do it all bikes
I've commented several times on how easy it was for me to get my XR650L down to a reasonable seat height before on your videos and I think you read all the comments even if in passing, but I didn't really tell you how I came up with the XR650L's seet so low...
i first started off with a 1"~2" lowering kit off the internet and installed it that brought the seat down to around 34" after lowering the forks in the triple tree's 2" as well.... I could then tippy-toe the bike on both sides..... not low enough for my 30" inseam....
so I took the lowering kit off (which is just 2 bering eyes on a turnbuckle) and cut one of the bering eyes off and added a 1" rod of the same diameter and welded it all back together put it back on the bike and then lowered the forks in the triple trees again approximately the same amount I did in the rear... this was then too low at 28" seat height
but I remembered I loosened the adjuster on the shock spring in the rear all the way trying to get the thing lower... so I tightened it back up to the point it touched the spring and then went 1/4" more for good measure.... the thing came out perfect a 29"~30" seat height and I could sit and have both feet flat on the ground.....
my ground clearance is probably 8" now but that is fine with me ! I don't hop logs any more !
...just so you know.... you can lower that XR650L and it still handles great ( well as good as it ever did, it's not as good as my Ninja ! )LOL
so right now the fork tubes touch the bottom of the handle bars...that is how low the front has been dropped.and the rear swing arm is only slightly ( like 2deg.) from being level but pointing down to the rear.
it changes the bike completely, larger gas tank (4 gal I think) new dash for the tach. and
I removed all the smog stuff added block-off plates to the exhaust ports and plugged the lines. and added a thumb screw for the pilot screw, drilled the carb slide so it reacts faster
the jetting was perfect so I left it alone, I did not add the faster needle jet ...it is supposed to help in acceleration. hope you get into your XR650L soon !
Lots of good info there, thanks! That's a pretty drastic change and definitely good to know. I'll probably try a simple lowering kit at some point, just to show people that this bike isn't something that's all that out of "reach" for shorter riders like us!
Be cool to see ya take something on a multi day trip loaded for one of your videos,always like watching people do thier own adventure trips.
The DRZ-400e kick-start kit actually fits the DRZ-400s sold here in the states, you just lose the decompression lever. ACT wide ratio gearing makes it a dream on faster roads (upwards of 80mph if you up the sprockets to match). Not to mention the water-cooling for hotter days.
The DR-650 is a great pick if you plan to do more off-road work than you think the KLR can handle, but if you plan on doing *a lot* more off-road then maybe getting another DRZ-400s might work too? Not to mention that DRZ suspension is just a straight upgrade, plus it's lighter (which may be an issue on faster roads, but I digress).
Just google drz400 act gears, drz400 kickstart kit, and get a water cooling grill/electric fans and you would be totally golden. Oh, and a smart carb, cause dialing in a carburetor is a pain, plus it gives fuel efficiency and power gains as well.
Edit: all those upgrades would be a MAJOR money pit, worth it in the end, but is it worth the price? Maybe if you can find a used DRZ in good condition.
I like my Dr.Z, but it will never be a highway bike. It's 50lbs lighter than the DR which makes it far better in the dirt, but on the open road the extra 50 lbs makes the DR far better on the tarmac. I really wanted my Dr.Z to be the unicorn bike, but It's too light and buzzy for the freeway sadly.
How much does the suspension compress when you throw your weight on the bike? How much with weight and gear? I ask because I have that itch to do alot of back country riding and looming for a thumper whether it's the Dr or the Xr
If you have a 701, you don't need a DR650. I have a DR650 for off road and a Harley Ultra Limited for long range stuff.
For your scenario, hour to trail, two hours there, hour home, why isnt the 701 perfect?
It pretty much is perfect for it 🤣 ha-ha. Other than the wind protection I suppose. I actually might do a rally kit on it this spring alongside a used KLX 300, XR650, or DRZ400. Just for some new things to talk about and look at.
@@SwankyCatProductions throw a fairing on it. I have a brittania lynx for my DR, not sure what is out there for a 701, but id assume you could get one thats both quality and good looking. It will absolutely transform your bike on road and if you get a good setup, wont cost you offroad. On my brittania, i have 2 thumbscrews and the entire windscreen can retract in front of the fairing returning it to stock height. its kinda awesome. They also offer a few screens for touring and sport riding preference. I assume manu manus follow this kind of thinking.
Suzuki DR650 is really good bike, thats no question, but, from my perspective as a mechanic, i would still pick KLR since DR had to many significant changes of design compared to KLR.....KLR engine has been intact since 1987. till today....even conceptually since 1984. with the very first KLR600....so the availability of parts world wide is easy peasy for pennies....for example, a friend of mine got Triumph Daytona 675R...in entire country there are maybe a 5-6 of Daytona R bikes since Triumph bikes are not that popular in Croatia, every time he got some fall or failure, he is in trouble of getting parts, used ones are IMPOSSIBLE and used ones can be found only around the globe if he is lucky, if not, he MUST buy new and the price of new is like hell....for the KLR i can get entire engine in some garage nearby within a 1 hour of search for few hundreds...
What's definitely a good point. Hard to beat an unlimited supply of cheap parts!
@@SwankyCatProductions personally i have 4 x KLR650, 4 x KLR600 and around 5-6 engines plus ton of all other parts of body, frame, plastics, etc....i believe i would never buy any new spare part to the rest of my life for KLR 😁
Does Scotty Kilmer know you have his shelves in the background!? 😂 like very similar looking
Great video as always tho! 🙌🏼
Lmao, I haven't watched him in a long time but that is hilarious and I'll have too just for that haha. We have these all over the house, laundry room, kitchen, office lol. Thank you!!!
I like the fact that big bore thumper motorcycles are still available. Looks like Suzuki used A.I. for the DR650 details.
A lot of people I know go for the KLR, I'd go towards the DR just to be different.
dr wipes the floor with the klr in every category. Includiung road with a few cheap parts. Get it set up right and the dr might be the best motorcycle ever made. It can do it all and it can do it all fairly well. Exceptional road and offroad manners can be found with a good set of 50/50 tires. I like the dunlop trailmax missions for my all over tires (just avoid thick mud). On road, and set up, it will eat a klr in accel, top speed, ease of use offroad, climbing, descending with engine, brake feel and stopping power, yea, im not sure when i ride my pals KLR i get any wins id speak of. The DR outclasses it in every category. I know people say on road a klr is better, but i honestly dont even believe that. Maybe at bone stock for both bikes as it comes with a windscreen, but really, a fairing or windscreen costs from about 10$ diy to 1200$ for a full carbon lynx bonnet with led headlight upgrades by brittania. At that state you are WAY better than a KLR and still below or at the same price point. Dont get me wrong, i think a KLR is a fine bike, I just think the DR is better in every way for every job they both are "expected to do". With mods either bike gets better, but the DR does more with each upgrade so remains out front. Not by a lot, but cumulatively, the dr is more fun, more lively, More responsive, Can lug more weight, is better balanced etc. Wish Kawi would make a trimmed down to high spec version of the KLR, sadly, they seem to jumping more adventure with it than dual sport. Maybe wise financially, but if you want a "fun" bike, the increasingly the kawi aint it with current trajectory. It does come stock with a lot of farkles and looks good. I guess it wins there.
here we go again.
Enjoying the window shopping Ben. Unrelated: Who's is the casket flag on your shelf? Thank you for your family's service and I'm sorry for your loss. 😢
Glad to hear it! That's my mom's dad's actually. He got me started on turning wrenches when I was a kid. We'd pick up old vintage Schwinn and BMX bikes from garage sales and build custom bikes (ones hanging in the basement). My other Grandpa was in the Air Force actually, the knife up there is his.
Drz would make a great little adv bike( well they do make great adv bikes).
Was actually looking g at the DR650s due to being 5'7
So, I've actually got an XR now. The DR is definitely the best all around bike and is much much better for shorter riders like us. However, the XR is pretty easy to lower and is a lot more aggressive feeling. Mine pulls the front wheel up with no clutch. That being said, even with a shorter seat, I have to slide away off the side to touch haha.
A Tuareg is also a nice one for consideration, but I may be biased :)
If the KLR works for the owner then so be it. I'd take the DR650 every day of the week though.
Have you considered the new KTM 790 Adventure? Good price point!
I get that your content requires a new bike every now and then, but as a touring/adventure rider (30-35,000 miles per year), the klr is still working out to be the best bike for me … I road BMW’s for years and having tons of horsepower (only need 14hp to circumnavigate the planet) and electronics that will stop you dead in your tracks in some remote Brazilian village, I love everything the klr brings(and doesn’t).
I know you live in the north, but trust me when I say getting stuck in traffic, in August, in Houston, with an air/oil cooled bike, and you will cry for water cooling …
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Riding a DR.
Try to decide between a tenere 700 or the 701 looking for something a LITTLE if better on road 6th gear . Thanks
I would take my 701 over my old T7 any day. It's nowhere near as planned or solid feeling on the road, but is waaay faster up to 60mph. Off road there is no comparison. The Tenere is sooo capable and impressive, but not near as impressive as the 701. There are reliability concerns but since when is anything in life certain?
Thank you 🤔
I like the street legal husky 350F good usable power great torque. 701 to much non usable power how I ride . Most of my riding is 20 30 mph off road due to I'm trail riding or single track riding . Why would I want a bug bike for ? They aint fun for doing BDR s trails . My opinion though ...
Your totally right. My KLR is really comfy, but for what? The huge road trips I take, one hour North? Haha. Light is right!
Where are you riding in the videos in the beginning?
They're the same since 96... You must be saying the different fairing from pre 96? Also you can lower the ride height from the factory via the rear shock. It has an extra hole to move it up or down.
I gotta say throughout the video your tone definitely sounds like you're just kinda against the DR in general. Everything you say is kinda derisive feeling. If carbs are scary then you gotta eathier learn about them like any system or not even look at the bike. Did you really give it an honest unbiased consideration? Maybe go get a KTM if the "old dinosaur" isn't right for you and not hate on a "very old" proven reliable bike, that still will outlast all the newer stuff.
Side note: I rode with 2 KLRs one Fi the other older. BOTH had to be pulled up an actual quad track with ropes. The DR and CR300 just rode right up. So your "off-road" (actual dirt road) riding is NOT the same going up quad or single track trails.
DR650 with the KTM 690 engine would be the unicorn bike. 😅dream bike
Haha that would be interesting!
I rode both but definitely KLR.
What about the KTM790 adventure?
Or a CFMoto MT 450 if Chinese made bikes are on the table
@@chadcromer428 I am pretty excited about the IBEX 450 but we wont see it until later in the fall. Really too late in the season to get much use or enjoyment from it. I will just wait until next spring to buy one. Plus, by then there will be enough short and longer term reviews on it to know any potential issues. So far though that engine is doing well in other platforms.
I’m looking forward to seeing/prices of the CF Moto Ibex 450 and the Himalayan 450
I love the XR, but it’s way too tall for me.
Because it's faster has better suspension and is considerably lighter
The klr is more practical but boring, the dr650 is less practical but much more fun. Ive owned both :)
DR650. Third gear blow ups. No thanks.
Didn't Suzuki completely fix that issue? Also wasn't it like basically a non-issue anyway, considering how few people experienced it.
Every bike has had the rare X blowup. KLRs are known for the oil starvation due to burning it all up on road trips. I've heard of KLR riders bricking their engines on long trips if they forget to keep topping oil. Point is the 3rd gear thing is super rare and every bike has its occasional fatal issues.
My 2003 DR has never had a single mechanical failure.
Im sure that’s a rare rare issue. I have a 23 DR with 7k miles put on it last year and no issues at all.