I've owned 4 Suzuki DR650's and a Kawasaki KLR 650. Here you'll see my honest owners review of my SWM Superdual X, and I compare the SWM to the DR650 and KLR 650.
Good fair assessment. My wife and I have a Superdual T each... 2018 and 2017. Historically we've both been Ducati Riders and as time progressed we did more and more forest roads, getting progressively rougher and rouger to the stage where her 800 Scrambler was doing OK, but it was heavy and my Multistrada ended up with damaged wheels, so it was time for a change. We love 'em too. We don't do anything hard (she's relatively new to dirt and 70 yrs now). The wife says she actually enjoys the SWM to ride more than the Ducati Scrambler.
Yep, I’ve got the R with bash plate screen etc. loved my Dr, loved my ktm625 but the 650r just seems to tick all my boxes. They come with issues i believe but so far,,, so good at 10000kms I ended up with mine in the exact same way as you did. Cheers!
really good rider's review, your input is really valuable and authentic. We will see about this Fuel-O2 issues you mentioned and how it can be improved in the future. Thanks
Thanks for sharing. I am living in China and have a T version from 2022. I also love the bike. I had to customize the seat, but it ran great from beginning and has now 11k km. Just blown left fork seal, but that's maybe caused by my daily abuse. Only the paint jobs are bad, so i had to fix some spots on the frame.
Awesome. I've been going through all those idle issues having bought one on Xmas day in Hobart. Seem to have sorted it out. Though it has also been idling up and staying up around 2500 rpm then slowly dropping back to 1800, which also makes roundabouts and hairpins awkward lol Will keep persevering as it trumps my previous bikes hands down in so many ways. KLR650, G650GS, CB500X by comparison. The power and handling is phenomenal!!
Cheers mate, thanks for the honest review. I'm looking at a SWM 440 Silver Vase or Grand Milano as a second bike for around Sydney and stumbled on your vid. Not sure if I'm gonna drop the hammer on it yet but I really like its looks and sound but haven't ridden one yet. I have an F 850 GS for long trips and the dirt, which is similar to your bike and she's a keeper. So many cool bikes out there....
Appreciate the review. Looking for a bike to do uk to the stans and back. Dealer network is probably the nail in the coffin for me but looks like a great bike.
Good info. Been thinking seriously about downsizing from my Africa (wanting something lighter and simpler) and the DR was a target. Been looking at alternatives too. Thanks.
Awesome no nonsense review mate I’m here in Brisbane too and I’m looking for the same bike , I’ll let you know when I get it and maybe catch up for a ride cheers big fella
Good review on the superdual. What suspension upgrade did you do on the forks? Keen to know as was under the assumption that you couldn’t do anything to forks (from web searches) Cheers
Nice review. I seriously looked at the Superdual but ended up buying my 3rd DR. The thing that stopped me was the carburation issue and lack of dealer/spares backup. A RUclipsr in Victoria was off the road for months waiting for a part so that sort of sealed it for me. I must agree that you get a lot of bike for your money and they look good. I think you have got the horse power figures for the Dr and KLR wrong though. The DR is 43 hp (crank) and up to 47 with the Mikuni Magic and pipe. Not as much as the Superdual though. Not sure what the KLR is but it's a lot heavier.
I totally agree with all you've said. One of the DR's I owned had all the performance tricks on it, and it went every bit as well as well as my SDX. I was talking stock performance figures, and I had looked them up in the past when I brought my SDX just to have that comparison. Hence why I said in the video, "don't quote me of the figures", it was just what I remember reading at the time. You're right with your concerns about the parts back up though. I never had any issues. But I never really needed any parts for my SDX in the time that I owned it, other than basic maintenance items.
@@BarryK1200LT They're a good bike at a good price and definitely need a bigger following and dealer network. I'll be interested to hear how you find it over time.
I picked up a 2018 and it was also terrible idling and off-idle. Was a gamble if it would idle or die which was disconcerting. I adjusted the TPS and the biggest difference was doing the o2 mod with the 2.2k resister. But on yours did you just disconnect it under the tank? Great review.
Hi Stu. I took mine to the SWM dealer Sunstate Motorcycles in Lawrence Drive Nerang. They did the remap and adjusted the throttle position setting. But physically disconnecting the O2 sensor wiring at the plug up under the fuel tank is what resolve the issue completely. I recommend getting the remap work done first. Then disconnect the o2 sensor wiring.
Gday Barry, I like the superduals, and will look at one when I’m ready to part with my Suzuki xf650. I have a SWM RS300r now and love it! Random question, what tyre are you running on the front of your super dual? I’m about to put some off-road rubber on the Suzuki and I’m looking to get something to suit sandy / gravel roads. I will put a Motoz traction gps on the rear, but want something a bit more chunky on the front. Doing a run from Adelaide to Broken hill soon, via the dirt. I enjoyed your honest review, and I’ll keep an eye out for you on the trails.
Hi Rob. My SDX came with a new set of Motoz Tractionator Rallyz on it. They were good, but perhaps a bit too aggressive for the sort of riding I did on my SDX. I've now sold my SDX and gone to Vstrom 1000. But if I replaced the tyres I was going to go for something a little more road friendly like the Mitas EO7's. Where I live I have to ride for about an hour to get to any decent dirt roads or forestry tracks. And I've ridden all those roads and tracks in the past on other bikes I've owned with far less aggressive tyres than the Rallyz without having traction issues. So I think the EO7's would have been a good choice for the SDX. I put a set of EO7's on my wife's F700GS several years ago and was impressed with how smooth they were to ride on on the road, and they were good on dirt too.
The price of DRs is outrageous for what you are getting. I owned 3 of them and you can buy a good KTM500 with modifications that will run rings around any bike in the dirt. All bikes need suspension work.
The DR is a thoroughly proven platform though. They were fondly referred to as the "Bush Pig" for a reason. The DR's reliability was always beyond question. Where ever I rode my DR, I was always confident it would get me home, failing perhaps an unrepairable puncture.
It's a bit heavier than the DR I believe, but definitely lighter than the KLR. With that said, how does it carry it's weight? Does it feel more like a dual sport or a piggie like the KLR does?
Barry, Do you have any more information about this Arrow Remap and TPS. Just as you did, I bought one recently almost by accident while looking for a DR, but it needs improvement with the fueling otherwise I am loving it.
Good fair assessment. My wife and I have a Superdual T each... 2018 and 2017. Historically we've both been Ducati Riders and as time progressed we did more and more forest roads, getting progressively rougher and rouger to the stage where her 800 Scrambler was doing OK, but it was heavy and my Multistrada ended up with damaged wheels, so it was time for a change. We love 'em too. We don't do anything hard (she's relatively new to dirt and 70 yrs now). The wife says she actually enjoys the SWM to ride more than the Ducati Scrambler.
That's awesome. I'm glad you both enjoy your bikes.
Yep, I’ve got the R with bash plate screen etc. loved my Dr, loved my ktm625 but the 650r just seems to tick all my boxes. They come with issues i believe but so far,,, so good at 10000kms I ended up with mine in the exact same way as you did. Cheers!
really good rider's review, your input is really valuable and authentic. We will see about this Fuel-O2 issues you mentioned and how it can be improved in the future. Thanks
Thanks for sharing. I am living in China and have a T version from 2022. I also love the bike. I had to customize the seat, but it ran great from beginning and has now 11k km. Just blown left fork seal, but that's maybe caused by my daily abuse. Only the paint jobs are bad, so i had to fix some spots on the frame.
Awesome. I've been going through all those idle issues having bought one on Xmas day in Hobart. Seem to have sorted it out. Though it has also been idling up and staying up around 2500 rpm then slowly dropping back to 1800, which also makes roundabouts and hairpins awkward lol Will keep persevering as it trumps my previous bikes hands down in so many ways. KLR650, G650GS, CB500X by comparison. The power and handling is phenomenal!!
Yes their a very good bike
Cheers mate, thanks for the honest review.
I'm looking at a SWM 440 Silver Vase or Grand Milano as a second bike for around Sydney and stumbled on your vid. Not sure if I'm gonna drop the hammer on it yet but I really like its looks and sound but haven't ridden one yet. I have an F 850 GS for long trips and the dirt, which is similar to your bike and she's a keeper.
So many cool bikes out there....
Appreciate the review. Looking for a bike to do uk to the stans and back. Dealer network is probably the nail in the coffin for me but looks like a great bike.
Mechanically there's a great deal of commonality with Husqvarnas around 2010, so many parts can be obtained through that dealer network.
Good info. Been thinking seriously about downsizing from my Africa (wanting something lighter and simpler) and the DR was a target. Been looking at alternatives too. Thanks.
Spot on regarding tge arrow re map, i will try the O2 sensor disconect bext as mine still has that slight hesitation . Thanks for the review
Awesome no nonsense review mate I’m here in Brisbane too and I’m looking for the same bike , I’ll let you know when I get it and maybe catch up for a ride cheers big fella
I've sold my SWM since doing this review. It would be good to have a chat since you're a local. 👍
Thanks for sharing. Very insightful!
Would be very keen to know who did your suspension as I am looking at what to do with mine now. Thanks for an 'honest' review.
I had my suspension done by Ride Dynamics in Yatala Qld
What are the odds that someone on the other side of the world with interest in a DR650 and now a SWM would have the same first and last name.
@@barabas688 that's pretty cool 👍
Good review on the superdual. What suspension upgrade did you do on the forks? Keen to know as was under the assumption that you couldn’t do anything to forks (from web searches) Cheers
My was done by Ride Dynamics in Yatala. New springs and reworked/new valves all around. I was very happy with the results.
Nice review. I seriously looked at the Superdual but ended up buying my 3rd DR. The thing that stopped me was the carburation issue and lack of dealer/spares backup. A RUclipsr in Victoria was off the road for months waiting for a part so that sort of sealed it for me. I must agree that you get a lot of bike for your money and they look good.
I think you have got the horse power figures for the Dr and KLR wrong though. The DR is 43 hp (crank) and up to 47 with the Mikuni Magic and pipe. Not as much as the Superdual though. Not sure what the KLR is but it's a lot heavier.
I totally agree with all you've said. One of the DR's I owned had all the performance tricks on it, and it went every bit as well as well as my SDX.
I was talking stock performance figures, and I had looked them up in the past when I brought my SDX just to have that comparison. Hence why I said in the video, "don't quote me of the figures", it was just what I remember reading at the time.
You're right with your concerns about the parts back up though. I never had any issues. But I never really needed any parts for my SDX in the time that I owned it, other than basic maintenance items.
@@BarryK1200LT They're a good bike at a good price and definitely need a bigger following and dealer network. I'll be interested to hear how you find it over time.
@@coobye I sold mine and moved onto something totally different.
@@BarryK1200LT That was quick.What's your new bike.
@@coobye Vstrom 1000
I picked up a 2018 and it was also terrible idling and off-idle. Was a gamble if it would idle or die which was disconcerting. I adjusted the TPS and the biggest difference was doing the o2 mod with the 2.2k resister. But on yours did you just disconnect it under the tank? Great review.
You can just disconnect the O2 sensor. Fitting the resistor just prevents you from getting a check engine light.
Just bought one from Olivers in Brisbane.
Enjoy it. I sold my SDX a few months ago and now ride a Vstrom 1000.
Hi Barry - having the same flame out issues - where did you take yours on the Gold Coast? Loving the bike, cheers, Stuart
Hi Stu. I took mine to the SWM dealer Sunstate Motorcycles in Lawrence Drive Nerang. They did the remap and adjusted the throttle position setting.
But physically disconnecting the O2 sensor wiring at the plug up under the fuel tank is what resolve the issue completely.
I recommend getting the remap work done first. Then disconnect the o2 sensor wiring.
Thx Barry, I called in yesterday, the parts guy was useless, the sales team great, hopefully the service department is good also...
@@StuWard-v8r how did you get on with the remap Stuart? Have you had it done yet?
Gday Barry, I like the superduals, and will look at one when I’m ready to part with my Suzuki xf650.
I have a SWM RS300r now and love it!
Random question, what tyre are you running on the front of your super dual?
I’m about to put some off-road rubber on the Suzuki and I’m looking to get something to suit sandy / gravel roads.
I will put a Motoz traction gps on the rear, but want something a bit more chunky on the front.
Doing a run from Adelaide to Broken hill soon, via the dirt.
I enjoyed your honest review, and I’ll keep an eye out for you on the trails.
Hi Rob.
My SDX came with a new set of Motoz Tractionator Rallyz on it. They were good, but perhaps a bit too aggressive for the sort of riding I did on my SDX.
I've now sold my SDX and gone to Vstrom 1000. But if I replaced the tyres I was going to go for something a little more road friendly like the Mitas EO7's.
Where I live I have to ride for about an hour to get to any decent dirt roads or forestry tracks. And I've ridden all those roads and tracks in the past on other bikes I've owned with far less aggressive tyres than the Rallyz without having traction issues.
So I think the EO7's would have been a good choice for the SDX. I put a set of EO7's on my wife's F700GS several years ago and was impressed with how smooth they were to ride on on the road, and they were good on dirt too.
@@BarryK1200LT cheers Barry
The price of DRs is outrageous for what you are getting. I owned 3 of them and you can buy a good KTM500 with modifications that will run rings around any bike in the dirt. All bikes need suspension work.
The DR is a thoroughly proven platform though. They were fondly referred to as the "Bush Pig" for a reason. The DR's reliability was always beyond question. Where ever I rode my DR, I was always confident it would get me home, failing perhaps an unrepairable puncture.
Hi Barry , could I get in touch with you about the O2 sensor disconnect? I have the exact same bike and sand problem. Cheers Cam
By all means. My email is barryst1300@live.com.au
Send me an email with your contact details and I'll happily give you a call.
It's a bit heavier than the DR I believe, but definitely lighter than the KLR. With that said, how does it carry it's weight? Does it feel more like a dual sport or a piggie like the KLR does?
I don't recall mine feeling heavier than my previous DR's? Rather the opposite?
Hi Barry, would you recommend this bike for a complete beginner with zero experience. I'm about 1.7m tall (about 5 foot 6 inches.
It might be a bit tall for you. I'm 5'11" and I was on tip toes on mine.
Barry, Do you have any more information about this Arrow Remap and TPS. Just as you did, I bought one recently almost by accident while looking for a DR, but it needs improvement with the fueling otherwise I am loving it.
Not really. I took mine to the Gold Coast SWM dealer and they did all that work.
Graham Islands