I've owned two DR650s. 2005 bought new, and put 123,000 miles on it. Only time it left me stranded was at 79,000 miles the kickstand safety switch failed. Rewired around it, and it was trouble free thereafter. Bought a 2009 model with 4500 miles on it when I sold the '05 model. Rode the '09 trouble free for another 90,000 miles until I decided it was time to quit riding at age 73. Would buy another if I could still ride. Still miss it and dream about it. It took me anywhere I wanted to go.
Pretty good endorsement there Tom! I'm considering one myself. Friend has a really nicely built one he's offering me at a very nice "friends and family" discount. Would be a stablemate to my 17 GSA.
im in the market of getting another bike.. i'm interested in many, including the dr650.. i need something capable of highway and afforable. if money wasn't an issue i'd love to have the husky 701 or a crf540rl.. but at this point i'm just so ready to get back on two wheels, i'm afraid i'm gonna jump on whatever I can when the time is right.. so i'm doing my research. i had no clue these bikes could get that kind of mileage on them. thats refreshing to hear
Just bought a new ‘23 model in white. Initial 100 mile ride home was perfect…EXCEPT, that 2x6 Suzuki calls a seat is useless. First farkle will be a new seat, then aParabellum windscreen. Great bike!
Best DR650 review I've seen. I've had mine 18 months and done over 20,000 km's on it. I've ridden it on dirt roads, trails, single track, I've toured and camped, and just bombed around town on it. Everything you said was accurate (though you weren't completely up front about just how awful the seat is.) I'm 6'7" with a 38" inseam, I'm 220 lbs, and I have no problem riding it, though I find I have to stop every 45 min or so to stretch. I have no windscreen and wind buffeting at over 80km/hr is heavy, and at 130km/hr it is violent. But the mighty DR does it. One day I had it up to 160 km/hr on the highway, and then 20 min later was riding on rocky single track, did 300 km's total, dumped it twice without any damage whatsoever, and then the next day went again without touching the bike or even cleaning it. Dollar for dollar no other bike on the planet does what the dirt pig does.
Nicely put - totally agree. The seat is a plank, which I found out the next day - my backside was literally buzzing after an hour on the highway at 120. The screen certainly helps, and 100kmh was easy and smooth - probably worth the upgrade. Cheers.
Im 6ft4 and am a little worried about being to scrunched up on the DR, I know you can get drop pegs but the shifter and rear foot brake apparently wont adjust enough to compensate, im hoping it will be ok the way it is. Sometimes being tall can be a royal pain
I know everyone advises against this but I'm thinking of getting one as my first bike and just keeping it on the street until I've got it down. I _was_ going to start on an SV650... But I like the idea of these things, how reliable they are, and how useful they would be in an emergency type of scenario. They don't seem too fast for a beginner, quite the opposite actually.
This is the one im looking to buy after I sell my car and reorganize my finances. I hope they never stop selling them and infact I hope they stop playing dumb regulation games and fix the neutral sending unit bolt loosening.
Excellent review! I just bought a 2024 DR650 six months ago and I have been upgrading it for both on road and off road use. I just replaced the factory exhaust pipe with a high performance one, it started running lean so I re jetted the carburetor with a jet kit from ProCycle and the bike runs amazing now. It’s a really fun bike to ride, I’m glad I bought it.
The Suzuki DR650 is such a good motorcycle. I have had two of them in the past and I am thinking about buying the model a third time. I like your video.
They've gone now where I am in NZ. Love the simplicity and basic nature of the bike. I bought a 2015 a few months ago that had all the work done $$ including full suspension work, carb replacement, big tank, new seat, tyres, GSX 1000 exhaust, Renthals etc and only 1,500kms on the clock. 1,500. Been sittting in a shed for years . First ride off-road was a 75km trip through the Lees valley a couple of days ago. Magic. Wonderful motorcycle, it'll be a keeper. My road bike is a 2011 Hayabusa. Thanks for the video, just subscribed.
I had this playing in the background - it came up after another DR650 video. As I was listening while doing my work I heard Campbell River mentioned so I looked at the video and saw the familiar scenery - you're on Vancouver Island! I'm in Duncan and have a fairly modded DR650. It's a fantastic bike indeed!
Great stuff, Darren. I have the best memories from mine. It was a kind forgiving bike that commuted for me through rain realiably, saw me through some tough times on the dirt and always got me back. Loved the corners on it too!
Pro Cycle's carb and needle kit with air box mod and a better flowing exhaust is good for at least a 10% increase in hp and really wakes it up for 500.00 and feels like a new machine.
Wonderful review! After commuting on a 07 FZ6 on and off for 14 year and 2 years of hard research, I picked up a 2018 DR650. I wanted something I could easily maintain myself, lighter and that I could ride almost anywhere without hesitation. The DR is just right for me at this stage in life. It has plenty of power, handles surprisingly well on the road and the ergonomics are great. Someday I'll get a better seat. It had 2400 miles on it with 5 gallon tank, upgraded carb kit/exhaust, wind screen and rear rack for a few thousand less the new. I'm very happy with it so far. Know I'm just waiting for a week off to take a long tour on it.
Just FYI, the new KLR650 is set up very nicely stock for ADV riding and has nice new features. But it does WEIGH 460 pounds! Almost 100 pounds more than the DR650. Partially because of the big tank, fairing, great carrying rack and beefier frame, but that is still a lot of weight!
I placed over 91000km on my 2016 DR. Im adding km on new 2021. Lowered foot pegs with bar risers, Front and rear suspension upgrades best. If your on Vancouver island i recommend Mile Zero Motorsports in Ladysmith. They will help seat you on a bike you'll love...
Thanks for sharing info ! I owned a drz400 sm but sold it recently. Nevertheless took it on some epic rides last year !! The dr650 seems a very capable and is a affordable ride. Being new at adv and coming from street riding , ive been looking for something with low maintenance intervals, reliable, easily upgradable and to work on . Ive looked and compared several models price point, performance...the dr650 comes on top! cheers
On my second one and loving it now I have the 20 liter gas tank on it. Also went with Dunlop TrailMax mission tires, a great tire for the DR650 Great on the road and Great off road for any thing most DR650 riders will be doing, I do a lot of really gnarly dirt roads, and gravel roads. the only time I found the lacking a little is in deep sand. I avoid mud when ever I can but have gone through some pretty deep mud with no problem As the DR650 is a great all round bike so are the Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires a great all round tire and they also last a long time just over a 11,000 km on a set and still a long way to go tread down very little ( about 2mm of ware at 11, 000 km ) another 8 mm to go. Thanks for the very good video. PS I did have trouble with the heated grips drawing to much from the battery, switched to all LED lights and not a problem sense. Also running LED running lights, As I was getting cut off a lot after put the running lights on no more problem they are very small lights but also very bright, will have no trouble seeing me coming down the road now.
Got a brand new one 7 days ago from a bike shop....they are getting real hard to find anywhere in australia now, theres a last minute mad rush for remaining stock. Got mine booked in to a suspension guru for new rear spring+revalving of shock and new fork springs and installation of valving in forks too. They are soooo soft bog standard in the arse. Im 5'8 with a 29inch inseam and didnt bother dropping my ride height but I probably should lol...tips of my tiptoes at lights both feet. (you can drop them about 1.6inches if your short i think, come with adjustable link standard which is a great idea)
Having worked on some insanely complex bikes(I’m looking at you Honda) there is something to be said for a bike so simple you can do almost anything to it yourself.
Sad, but great for you. Bracing ourselves for the same news over here soon. It's a question of time. I'm sure Barry over at Enduro Crosstraining down under has a done a lot to re-establish the cred of the bike down there. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider Yes I am lucky to get another DR as my last one was stolen 8weeks ago. The thieves damaged the garage door lifted the bike over the car parked in front of the garage door and dragged it about 100M from home before setting it on fire in a park across the road.
I've owned both a DR and KLR, and i thoroughly enjoyed both bikes with a slight nod to the Suzuki. The weight was the biggest factor, the DR just handles the off road better and the power to weight ratio difference is very apparent when you compare the two. My biggest complaint with both bikes is gearing. First gear is too high for walking the bike over logs or through rocky streams, and top gear is too low for cruising at modern interstate speeds at a reasonable RPM. I want a first gear that is basically granny gear where you use second to take off under normal day-to-day conditions, and a fifth or sixth gear that is an overdrive.
I have a WR250R and a Beta 390 4 stroke. Kind of wish I had a DR650 and a ~200cc 2 stroke instead. The DR is not that much heavier than the WR which was discontinued a while ago already.
Yes, 24 may be it's last year. Tier 3 emissions is coming, and Suzuki had a hard time in '21 getting it to comply - they added a pair valve, leaner jet and a carbon filter, but the ability to strangle the old aircooled twin is getting more problematic.
@@BlueMarbleRider well I bought a 2023 in white on 12/10/2022. I have been wanting to buy this bike for many years. There was just something about it when walking into the dealership and the way it looks like the proper and correct motorcycle. It reminds of the late 60's and early 70's. I like so many got completely caught up into the more / bigger is better for several decades! More/bigger is not better most of the time. I fixed the lean issue ( took about an hour) and the DR ticks ALL of the boxes. I sold a brand new Honda NC750 DCT, to fund the DR650. From my side of the eyeball, I find no peace riding a bike that I would not be able to repair. If the DCT on the Honda NC were to mess up.... I feel 100% certain it would take forever to be fixed ...if at all. Dealers are handcuffed with less than skilled techs. I have seen this many times.
Hi, Darian: for off-road enduro, I'm riding a Husaberg FE390 70 Degree (240lbs wet), 6 speed and throttle map. Love it. On road, Kawasaki Z900RS, MG Griso 1200SE and VStrom1000. Cheers.
What is that hissing noise in the background of the engine noise? Sounds like a dry roller bearing that is spun by hand. Mine does the same thing and I cant figure it out.
thanks so much! I would be 85-90 on the road, but weekends with nothing fancy -- backroads, dirt where I can find it. I own a vstrom 650, and it's truly great on the road/freeway, etc. but I'm not interested in touring, and as your video title suggests, this is the last of the thumpers, which makes me think that it might be more fun than my strom, even though I'm mostly on street. Like with cars, some are just fun to drive, even if not fast. thanks!
Suzuki need to design a dr650 based bike with gearbox, oil pump plastic cog and the few things that can be improved and clean up exhaust emissions with fuel injection, and tech like lamda censor and stuff in exhaust even if it adds a bit to the price. Some of us want reliable real world simplicity not tech, rider aids and bull.
Got my 2019 off the showroom floor with led lights, seat concepts, tail rack, centre stand and skid plate - drive away for less than 1/2 the price of a T700
@@rustyelectrician I get that... twice the cost doesn't mean twice the bike.... The DR struggled more on the highway part of my work commute than I cared for. Where as the Tenere does not.... If the DR had a 6 speed, I think that is all it would have needed. Maybe they will resurrect the DrBig.... lol That would make the T700 nervous in the garage.
Recommend is hard, as I while I've ridden many without, I've only ridden the one in the video with. It depends what you are going to use it for - on road vs off road? Both have many options - you might try Procycle for the choices and DRRiders.com forum for opinions. Congrats btw!
It is an unchanged model since '21 - when they sealed the vented fuel cap, put in the carbon filter, leaner jets, and the pair valve to deal with Tier 2/3 emissions, but I believe that Suzuki is eventually planning on pulling the model (together with several others including the GSXR1000!). Being a carb bike, it is already gone from Europe, and no ABS means Australia has just pulled it, and, according to industry sources it's demise in on the horizon as it gets harder to meet the emissions standards.
@@BlueMarbleRider Maybe Suzuki and Yamaha will join Honda in the game of high-strung 450cc dual purpose bikes to compete with KTM and Husqvarna. I didn't mention Kawasaki because they just revamped their KLR, which will probably be around for quite a while in it's new/current form.
XR is a great bike and probably slightly more off road capable (slightly better stock suspension), or feels slightly better as it is 20lbs or so lighter, but some of that comes because it has a smaller tank. 18 inch rear on the XL is a better option than the 17 on the DR, as you have more choice and they are more available. DR has that nice oil cooler - better at slow speeds. But XR650Ls don't come cheap in this part of the world. The money saved could be used to upgrade the suspenders which both bikes really need for off road. Both 5 speeds, DR is 2 or so inches lower at seat height, but also has about 2 inches less ground clearance. Dr has a smidge more power. Overall though, you're not going to find a lot of real world difference in on or off road performance stock. Get the cheaper one and use the left over money to upgrade the forks with stiffer springs and cartridge emulators, and definitely replace the rear shock if wanting to be aggressive offroad. Good luck.
If you live in a very hot climates, Dr is better because it has oil cooler, xr is air cooled only. If you're doing a lot of gnarly off road, the xr is slightly better, but not by much
The engines/drive train are very robust and well proven, as is the chassis. They've been around essentially the same for over 20 years now. There are numerous high mileage examples 45-80k miles is not uncommon. The rear shock is quickly overwhelmed at speed off road, but is durable. If it's treated well (regular oil changes - being air cooled this is important, and not screwed around with - holes in air box, after market air-filter if ridden off road - oem is better for catching the dust off-road, valves adjusted regularly - easy to access and do BTW) then they are good for a looong time. I would have no problem picking one up that had been well maintained with 20,000+ miles on it.
@@WillfulThinker I saw a guy's video on you tube just last week, who had 91,000 miles on his '03 DR650. He said the cylinder/piston and rings were still original and not burning much oil, but he did have an oil pump gear failure at some point and ruined the cam (starved for oil). He replaced the entire head, valves, and cam. Realistically, if you take care of your DR650, I've read the engine can do about 60,000 miles before most everything is worn out. But, they are easy to rebuild, it's not a big deal.
I put 48k on mine, have seen some with a lot more. Bulletproof in my book. Mine is 2003 with a lot of modes. Seat, windscreen, exhaust, intake, suspension, steel braided brake lines, etc. 43 Hp, 42 ft lbs, can cruise at 80-90 mph all day long. SeatConcept seat is a must
hi. I’m on the fence on a dr650 or Honda rally300 as my first road bike. I will be doing 70 road/30 gravel/dirt up in cottage country. I have experience on a ttr230 4 stroke trail bike. It will be my first road bike. I’m leaning towards the DR. Thoughts for a cautious first road rider?
Interesting choices. On road, both will do the job. The DR is much more torquey, and easier to push at higher speeds. The rally comes with a screen which will serve to help with windage, but there are so many aftermarket options for the DR that this is negligable. Weight is the absolute number one consideration for off road. Wet, these are both within 12kg/30 lbs or so of each other, the Honda shading it. The DR is bulletproof, and great on fire roads. The Rally is better suspended and more capable on more gnarly trails - easier to deal with when the going gets rough. I would ride them first. The Rally is tempting, but the DR is proven. Hard one! TTR mechanicals are more like the DR: simple, easy, robust. The Honda is more refined. I guess what I'm saying is they are similar on the surface, but quite different in execution. If you are happy with TTR like performance, then you will find either a breath of fresh air. Let me know what you choose and how it suits you. (Have you thought about the CB500X?)
I learned to ride on the road with an old 650 and theyre not screaming powerful but theyre no slouch. The rally 300 is a good roadbike because it comes with a windscreen and you said youre mostly on the road. Although i bet the dr is faster tbh. Also it depends on your hight i think. Do you perfer carberators or fuel injection? I learned on carb bike in my saftey course and my first bike out of it was carb bike so i dont mind them at all but if you are the type of rider to put your bike away for a year or mever crank them up and take a spin around the block a few times during the winter the carbs will gum up from the fuel sitting. However if youre the type to let your bike sit witnerized all winter, the carbs are usually drainable with a flathead screwdriver so if youre the type to want to do basic bike work and learn aboht the bike youre working with, the dr is the better option. The suzuki has also been out for decades and is basically completely unchanged also. So parts availability is good and they are producing brand spanking new parts to this day for older bikes. The rally has only been out a few years. Really theyre in different classes because the dr650s nearest competition, the klr. The klr has also been out a long time but its advanced some. The 650 will probably last longer and youre mostly on the road and dirt roads. So the extra weight will be nice.
Excellent review - I've been thinking of checking out this model myself; as a senior who has owned just about every kind of dual purpose, dirt, and some street bikes, this seems a perfect choice because of its simplicity, reliability, and all around performance; great for street riding and commuting with occasional forays onto rougher roads. I'm through with blasting down trails at warp speed but I still want to get out and explore a little and I think this bike would work fine for that - you can't beat the price, either. One thing I have always wondered, though, is why the 17" rear wheel when everything else uses an 18"?
Yes, it's an almost perfect compromise, does everything proficiently and is fun to ride. Yes the 17 incher is strange compromise (limits off road/50 tire choice). Not sure why. Can't remember if the swing arm was long enough to squeeze an 18 incher on. Probably not. I have heard of people swapping 90s DR350 rear in with little modification to the hub, and others that have had 18 inch rims laced onto their spingle, cushdrive hub. Not sure if it is worth it, but certainly possible. It will change the geometry, raising the rear by about 1/2 inch I suspect. Not sure what the effect will be, but surely someone out there had done it. Cheers.
Hi there man, I am kind of on the fence too about whether I should get a Dr650 or a Crf300L. I am 5”8 and 120lbs and Im looking to ride mainly on road to commute around town. I will be doing very limited If not any offroad riding. I just want the off-road capabilities just in case I would have to use them. I am looking for a affordable bike (not the ktm690 or husqvarna 701 $12k+ 😂). I want a bike that accelerates fast and has a pretty high max speed. I see the crf300L tops out at around 85-90mph but the Dr650 can apparently top out at 120mph? The Dr looks like a pretty attractive bike to me, I doubt it goes 120mph because other reviews on youtube say it struggles just to hit 100mph stock. So Im kind of debating what bike I should get. And Im still unsure whether the honda crf300L or the suzuki Dr650 is more reliable. I want long term use out of my future bike. Thanks
Hi, Jeremy: I'd throw one more bike in the mix: Honda CB500X. Not as off road orientated as the CRF and DR, but still very capable off road, and more comfortable on the road. A great alround motorycle, which doesn't cost a fortune. The CRF300 is not a quick bike on the road, but is very good in the dirt compared to the others. The DR is bulletproof (as long as it hasn't been screwed around with). The most I ever got out of mine was an indicated 160kmh/100mph. It's not comfortable or safe at that speed though. 80mph all day if you can stand it, is possible. CRF tops out at 75mph absolute max. You won't want to be doing that to the bike for long. CB500X tops out at about 170kmh/105mph. It'll cruise all day at 80mph, with more wind protection than the DR. That would be my pick. Cheers.
I want a offroad capable bike so the 500 one you were talking about would not be for me. See and I love the Dr in the horsepower/speed aspect of being able to hit 100mph like you said but the Dr650 seems kind of old school to me. Like they all say its a big b-- to ride around. Very bulky and a bit inconvenient. People say the drz400 has just as much power as the dr does which is insane for a 650cc engine. The power is awesome but just not there for a 650cc because look at a husky 701 that can easily top out at 120mph and thats in the same class as this bike and nearly 50lbs lighter. I like how the crf300l looks very modern and approachable unlike the Dr. The downside to the honda is the power delivery which I dont like. Thats really whats turning me away from the crf300l. And a 450rl is like $11k which is also unaffordable. It pretty much I guess comes down to how much money you want to spend, my dream bike is a husky 701 but comes with a $$$ price tag too. Not at the point in my life where I can pay $12k+. I would hands down buy a husky 701 if I was not on a budget. I dont want to pay more than $7k at this point. Let me know what you think
@@JeremyDovin Depends how much off road you are doing. The 500 is capable of going most places at a reasonable pace with all the usual protection added. If as you said in your first post, you would not be doing much if any off road it would be the best bike. Both the DR and DRZ are good bikes, but have only 5 gears: the DRZ will get old fast commuting; the DR not so much. The truth is, one bike won't do it all - even the Husky 700 is a big bugger off road - I'd rather be on a CRF300. Power is less important off road - the rear tire can only generate so much grip before it loses traction; torque (DR650) is far more important. I can't make the choice for you - it's a tough one. Put a pumper carb on the DR650 and you will have a rocket. It's what you want versus what you need. I guess I would sit down and really hammer out when, where and how I would ride and let that make my choice for me. Good luck. Cheers.
Easily that would be the dr Jeremy. My 1991 was the comfiest road distance bike for my 5'7 165#ness. 10-12 hour rides and used to commute on California's I-5 freeway plus coast in and around San Diego. All stock but lowered at the shop where I bought it from. Great gas mileage which is a shame that they don't have tachs anymore. Just get the big gas tank~ saves time..less stops. This review was pretty darned accurate. It easily did 80mph cruised comfortably at 70..Nooo120mph probably was 120 kph.
I'm keeping my Suzuki DR-650 SE. I only regret it has no kick-start. I'm simple enough. I expect the spare part order supply will probably outlive me. I'd take it to Hell. Again.
4 speed land speed 400 mph motor cycle yes 4 speed 1234.eat that give up come on yz 490 4peed give up 1984 most grunt best trail it win win win air cold so put put all day 90 degrees. My stock Dr 650 well over 100 mph cruse at 80 carb and pip mods upwards 120mph what deal the jack oa t rads is master then isn't it.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I've owned two DR650s. 2005 bought new, and put 123,000 miles on it. Only time it left me stranded was at 79,000 miles the kickstand safety switch failed. Rewired around it, and it was trouble free thereafter. Bought a 2009 model with 4500 miles on it when I sold the '05 model. Rode the '09 trouble free for another 90,000 miles until I decided it was time to quit riding at age 73. Would buy another if I could still ride. Still miss it and dream about it. It took me anywhere I wanted to go.
Thanks for the feedback, Tom.
Pretty good endorsement there Tom! I'm considering one myself. Friend has a really nicely built one he's offering me at a very nice "friends and family" discount. Would be a stablemate to my 17 GSA.
Ride it, and it'll be easy to make up your mind.
Wow amazing
im in the market of getting another bike.. i'm interested in many, including the dr650.. i need something capable of highway and afforable. if money wasn't an issue i'd love to have the husky 701 or a crf540rl.. but at this point i'm just so ready to get back on two wheels, i'm afraid i'm gonna jump on whatever I can when the time is right.. so i'm doing my research. i had no clue these bikes could get that kind of mileage on them. thats refreshing to hear
2019 DR650 owner here and your review is spot on…..especially about putting a smile on my face.
Just bought a new ‘23 model in white. Initial 100 mile ride home was perfect…EXCEPT, that 2x6 Suzuki calls a seat is useless. First farkle will be a new seat, then aParabellum windscreen. Great bike!
Best DR650 review I've seen. I've had mine 18 months and done over 20,000 km's on it. I've ridden it on dirt roads, trails, single track, I've toured and camped, and just bombed around town on it. Everything you said was accurate (though you weren't completely up front about just how awful the seat is.) I'm 6'7" with a 38" inseam, I'm 220 lbs, and I have no problem riding it, though I find I have to stop every 45 min or so to stretch. I have no windscreen and wind buffeting at over 80km/hr is heavy, and at 130km/hr it is violent. But the mighty DR does it. One day I had it up to 160 km/hr on the highway, and then 20 min later was riding on rocky single track, did 300 km's total, dumped it twice without any damage whatsoever, and then the next day went again without touching the bike or even cleaning it. Dollar for dollar no other bike on the planet does what the dirt pig does.
Nicely put - totally agree. The seat is a plank, which I found out the next day - my backside was literally buzzing after an hour on the highway at 120. The screen certainly helps, and 100kmh was easy and smooth - probably worth the upgrade. Cheers.
Im 6ft4 and am a little worried about being to scrunched up on the DR, I know you can get drop pegs but the shifter and rear foot brake apparently wont adjust enough to compensate, im hoping it will be ok the way it is. Sometimes being tall can be a royal pain
Seat Concept Commuter seat, best money I’ve spent on a motorcycle.
@@mustang1191 totally agree 👍. SeatConcept is a must on DR. And if you're willing to restaple their cover yourself, you'll save even more $$
I know everyone advises against this but I'm thinking of getting one as my first bike and just keeping it on the street until I've got it down. I _was_ going to start on an SV650...
But I like the idea of these things, how reliable they are, and how useful they would be in an emergency type of scenario. They don't seem too fast for a beginner, quite the opposite actually.
Glad I picked one up earlier this year. Now to find time to get it set up and do some serious rides on it! I am amazed at how well it corners.
This is the one im looking to buy after I sell my car and reorganize my finances. I hope they never stop selling them and infact I hope they stop playing dumb regulation games and fix the neutral sending unit bolt loosening.
@@TheAnnoyingBossthey have, newer ones (post 2017 or so) have loctite on the NSU bolts from the factory.
Excellent review! I just bought a 2024 DR650 six months ago and I have been upgrading it for both on road and off road use. I just replaced the factory exhaust pipe with a high performance one, it started running lean so I re jetted the carburetor with a jet kit from ProCycle and the bike runs amazing now. It’s a really fun bike to ride, I’m glad I bought it.
The Suzuki DR650 is such a good motorcycle. I have had two of them in the past and I am thinking about buying the model a third time. I like your video.
Yes, truly one of the greats. Simple and tough. Cheers.
Couldn't have said your final words better myself. Summed up this angel of a bike nicely. Mine will outlive me.
They've gone now where I am in NZ. Love the simplicity and basic nature of the bike. I bought a 2015 a few months ago that had all the work done $$ including full suspension work, carb replacement, big tank, new seat, tyres, GSX 1000 exhaust, Renthals etc and only 1,500kms on the clock. 1,500. Been sittting in a shed for years . First ride off-road was a 75km trip through the Lees valley a couple of days ago. Magic. Wonderful motorcycle, it'll be a keeper. My road bike is a 2011 Hayabusa. Thanks for the video, just subscribed.
Easily one of the best DR650 reviews that I've seen.
I have one and love it, even more useful and fun than the GSs I've owned. I do not miss the power of the bigger bikes, I only cruise at 75 max anyway.
A real world sensible comment. Where i live we have speed cameras and police in helecopters.
Nice one, the DR has always had a great reputation for being pretty bullet proof...
I had this playing in the background - it came up after another DR650 video. As I was listening while doing my work I heard Campbell River mentioned so I looked at the video and saw the familiar scenery - you're on Vancouver Island! I'm in Duncan and have a fairly modded DR650. It's a fantastic bike indeed!
Thanks for sharing! Bike filmage was in Cedar/Yellowpoint. Cheers.
Best technical review ever. Thanks. I own a 2017 DR650Se. I know much of what you are talking about.
Great review! I own a 2020 DR650 and I enjoy it as much as you. I do need to make some suspension changes as I am 6’6” and currently 260lbs.
Luckily there are so many aftermarket suppliers out there for the dr650 that it should be an easy fix (Procycle - are a great company for that).
Great video, just picked my 2023 up this week and love it.
Great stuff, Darren. I have the best memories from mine. It was a kind forgiving bike that commuted for me through rain realiably, saw me through some tough times on the dirt and always got me back. Loved the corners on it too!
Pro Cycle's carb and needle kit with air box mod and a better flowing exhaust is good for at least a 10% increase in hp and really wakes it up for 500.00 and feels like a new machine.
Good to know. I 've also heard that the pumper carb option is massive and turns the thing into a bit of beast. Cheers.
Owned a 2006 DR 650SE, bought new from a local dealer in Phoenix, great bike, got 43,000 miles without any problems. Going to get a 2023 model.
I just bought a 2023 model and love it.
Great bikes - get it while you can. Cheers.
Just bought a 23…my 3rd DR
Wonderful review!
After commuting on a 07 FZ6 on and off for 14 year and 2 years of hard research, I picked up a 2018 DR650. I wanted something I could easily maintain myself, lighter and that I could ride almost anywhere without hesitation. The DR is just right for me at this stage in life. It has plenty of power, handles surprisingly well on the road and the ergonomics are great. Someday I'll get a better seat. It had 2400 miles on it with 5 gallon tank, upgraded carb kit/exhaust, wind screen and rear rack for a few thousand less the new. I'm very happy with it so far.
Know I'm just waiting for a week off to take a long tour on it.
Sounds like you have done all the right mods David. It's a great bike - versatile, reliable and surprisingly fun to ride. Cheers.
Just FYI, the new KLR650 is set up very nicely stock for ADV riding and has nice new features. But it does WEIGH 460 pounds! Almost 100 pounds more than the DR650. Partially because of the big tank, fairing, great carrying rack and beefier frame, but that is still a lot of weight!
Thanks for the info!
Its definetly the more road oreiented option with the big fuel tank and wider. Also has a windscreen factory.
Enjoyed your review of the ol’ battletank Mate!
Much appreciated!
I placed over 91000km on my 2016 DR. Im adding km on new 2021. Lowered foot pegs with bar risers, Front and rear suspension upgrades best. If your on Vancouver island i recommend Mile Zero Motorsports in Ladysmith. They will help seat you on a bike you'll love...
Thanks for sharing info ! I owned a drz400 sm but sold it recently. Nevertheless took it on some epic rides last year !! The dr650 seems a very capable and is a affordable ride. Being new at adv and coming from street riding , ive been looking for something with low maintenance intervals, reliable, easily upgradable and to work on . Ive looked and compared several models price point, performance...the dr650 comes on top! cheers
In a world of technology dystopia, a bike like this is a blessing
The engine is counterbalanced, solid mounted to the frame. Thankfully still available in the US. Good review!
That makes sense, Eric. Amazingly smooth for such a big A/Cooled thumper.
On my second one and loving it now I have the 20 liter gas tank on it. Also went with Dunlop TrailMax mission tires, a great tire for the DR650 Great on the road and Great off road for any thing most DR650 riders will be doing, I do a lot of really gnarly dirt roads, and gravel roads. the only time I found the lacking a little is in deep sand. I avoid mud when ever I can but have gone through some pretty deep mud with no problem As the DR650 is a great all round bike so are the Dunlop TrailMax Mission tires a great all round tire and they also last a long time just over a 11,000 km on a set and still a long way to go tread down very little ( about 2mm of ware at 11, 000 km ) another 8 mm to go. Thanks for the very good video. PS I did have trouble with the heated grips drawing to much from the battery, switched to all LED lights and not a problem sense. Also running LED running lights, As I was getting cut off a lot after put the running lights on no more problem they are very small lights but also very bright, will have no trouble seeing me coming down the road now.
Great feedback, Hilton, thanks. Agree it's an amazing bike. Hadn't heard of the tires - will check them out. Cheers.
Got a brand new one 7 days ago from a bike shop....they are getting real hard to find anywhere in australia now, theres a last minute mad rush for remaining stock. Got mine booked in to a suspension guru for new rear spring+revalving of shock and new fork springs and installation of valving in forks too. They are soooo soft bog standard in the arse. Im 5'8 with a 29inch inseam and didnt bother dropping my ride height but I probably should lol...tips of my tiptoes at lights both feet. (you can drop them about 1.6inches if your short i think, come with adjustable link standard which is a great idea)
Nicely done, Daniel - sounds like you've got it sorted too. Cheers.
Having worked on some insanely complex bikes(I’m looking at you Honda) there is something to be said for a bike so simple you can do almost anything to it yourself.
Nicely put. Love the robust simplicity of the DR650. Cheers.
Thanks BMR. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails. Liked & subscribed.
Watching this thinking, "this all looks very familiar". Rollin' through Cedar. Nice!
Yes - great roads and stops through yellow point and cedar. Cheers.
Mine is a 2018 DR 650 white with 400 miles on it Love it Nice Videos 😊🎉
Great bike. If I only had one...Hope you're rolling the miles up now :-)
Thanks BMR. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails. Liked & subscribed.
I just bought the very last DR650 in Australia last month ,pick it up tomorrow ,it is my second DR . They are great bikes once the mods are done.
Sad, but great for you. Bracing ourselves for the same news over here soon. It's a question of time. I'm sure Barry over at Enduro Crosstraining down under has a done a lot to re-establish the cred of the bike down there. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider Yes I am lucky to get another DR as my last one was stolen 8weeks ago. The thieves damaged the garage door lifted the bike over the car parked in front of the garage door and dragged it about 100M from home before setting it on fire in a park across the road.
You've got to shake your head: senseless idiots. Glad you got another one. Cheers.
We have to bring it back to austrailia
I've owned both a DR and KLR, and i thoroughly enjoyed both bikes with a slight nod to the Suzuki. The weight was the biggest factor, the DR just handles the off road better and the power to weight ratio difference is very apparent when you compare the two. My biggest complaint with both bikes is gearing. First gear is too high for walking the bike over logs or through rocky streams, and top gear is too low for cruising at modern interstate speeds at a reasonable RPM. I want a first gear that is basically granny gear where you use second to take off under normal day-to-day conditions, and a fifth or sixth gear that is an overdrive.
Good comment. Yes that has always been the complaint of the DR s in particular: 5 speed gear box.
Great review!
Thanks!
I have a WR250R and a Beta 390 4 stroke. Kind of wish I had a DR650 and a ~200cc 2 stroke instead. The DR is not that much heavier than the WR which was discontinued a while ago already.
Always loved my DR - the "Bush Pig" as they're known. The Beta 390 must be a great bike?
@@BlueMarbleRider It is great, has amazing power delivery. But it'd be harder to fix than a 2 stroke if it blows up, and it runs pretty hot
I think they will build more of these bikes not phase them out people are finding out more is less and less is more
dr 650 is the best and i like the old speedo oil cooled better than liquid coolant
I had a 2001 DR-650,I couldn't get it past 65 MPH.
FWIW.... Looking in the 2023 Suzuki on like site, the DR 650 is available for '23 in the USA it would seem.
Yes, 24 may be it's last year. Tier 3 emissions is coming, and Suzuki had a hard time in '21 getting it to comply - they added a pair valve, leaner jet and a carbon filter, but the ability to strangle the old aircooled twin is getting more problematic.
@@BlueMarbleRider well I bought a 2023 in white on 12/10/2022. I have been wanting to buy this bike for many years. There was just something about it when walking into the dealership and the way it looks like the proper and correct motorcycle. It reminds of the late 60's and early 70's. I like so many got completely caught up into the more / bigger is better for several decades! More/bigger is not better most of the time. I fixed the lean issue ( took about an hour) and the DR ticks ALL of the boxes. I sold a brand new Honda NC750 DCT, to fund the DR650. From my side of the eyeball, I find no peace riding a bike that I would not be able to repair. If the DCT on the Honda NC were to mess up.... I feel 100% certain it would take forever to be fixed ...if at all. Dealers are handcuffed with less than skilled techs. I have seen this many times.
Theyre assassinating freedom
Reassuring. Hoping a 23 will still ride like my '91..which had huge tank, both e start and kick And a tachometer-stock.
Kick is mostly useless i think because we can just push start it.
Great video! I love my DR650 and have a bunch of videos on my channel about my bike mods, gear and adventure travel. Thanks for sharing!
I'll check it out!
@@BlueMarbleRider Thanks BMR!
What are you riding now and why? Please comment back, I'm very interested to know. Thanks. 🙂
Hi, Darian: for off-road enduro, I'm riding a Husaberg FE390 70 Degree (240lbs wet), 6 speed and throttle map. Love it. On road, Kawasaki Z900RS, MG Griso 1200SE and VStrom1000. Cheers.
What is that hissing noise in the background of the engine noise? Sounds like a dry roller bearing that is spun by hand. Mine does the same thing and I cant figure it out.
Got my 2022 dr650 in the beginning of June!
Congrats, Richie. You got in, just in time. It's a legend.
@@BlueMarbleRider first street legal bike I owned was a 2009 dr650 but I let it go for a cbr600 because I was a stupid kid lol
How much did you pay OTD?
@@dav8road598 $7,655.20
thanks so much! I would be 85-90 on the road, but weekends with nothing fancy -- backroads, dirt where I can find it. I own a vstrom 650, and it's truly great on the road/freeway, etc. but I'm not interested in touring, and as your video title suggests, this is the last of the thumpers, which makes me think that it might be more fun than my strom, even though I'm mostly on street. Like with cars, some are just fun to drive, even if not fast. thanks!
Great allround bike. I'm likely heading to the Yukon next year with a friend and will pick one up for that trip. Cheers.
@@BlueMarbleRider awesome! have a good trip!
Suzuki need to design a dr650 based bike with gearbox, oil pump plastic cog and the few things that can be improved and clean up exhaust emissions with fuel injection, and tech like lamda censor and stuff in exhaust even if it adds a bit to the price. Some of us want reliable real world simplicity not tech, rider aids and bull.
I've owned 3... well one was a Dr600 (kick start). Loved them, but I have a T700 now... I prefer it to the DR as a one bike swiss army bike
Agree, the new T700 goes someway to perhaps becoming the new swiss army knife.
Got my 2019 off the showroom floor with led lights, seat concepts, tail rack, centre stand and skid plate - drive away for less than 1/2 the price of a T700
@@rustyelectrician I get that... twice the cost doesn't mean twice the bike.... The DR struggled more on the highway part of my work commute than I cared for. Where as the Tenere does not.... If the DR had a 6 speed, I think that is all it would have needed. Maybe they will resurrect the DrBig.... lol That would make the T700 nervous in the garage.
I keep hearing that the T700 is the new ''bushpig'' of the current crowd of adventure bikes. Really interested in trying one eventually!
Still for sale 2023
Just pick my 2023 up this week.
Whew...just picked up a 17 low kms
Great bikes. Cheers.
Great video, I bought my 2020 at Mile Zero in Ladysmith as well. It's my first road legal bike and I love it! Can you recommend a windscreen?
Recommend is hard, as I while I've ridden many without, I've only ridden the one in the video with. It depends what you are going to use it for - on road vs off road? Both have many options - you might try Procycle for the choices and DRRiders.com forum for opinions. Congrats btw!
Isn't the DR grandfathered in the States regarding emissions because it is an unchanged model?
It is an unchanged model since '21 - when they sealed the vented fuel cap, put in the carbon filter, leaner jets, and the pair valve to deal with Tier 2/3 emissions, but I believe that Suzuki is eventually planning on pulling the model (together with several others including the GSXR1000!). Being a carb bike, it is already gone from Europe, and no ABS means Australia has just pulled it, and, according to industry sources it's demise in on the horizon as it gets harder to meet the emissions standards.
@@BlueMarbleRider Maybe Suzuki and Yamaha will join Honda in the game of high-strung 450cc dual purpose bikes to compete with KTM and Husqvarna. I didn't mention Kawasaki because they just revamped their KLR, which will probably be around for quite a while in it's new/current form.
@@BlueMarbleRider ban motorcycle immissions standards. The dr650 is some of the most economical transportation on earth
I own a 22 dr650, but still wonder about the XR650l. Did you have a take on the XR?
XR is a great bike and probably slightly more off road capable (slightly better stock suspension), or feels slightly better as it is 20lbs or so lighter, but some of that comes because it has a smaller tank. 18 inch rear on the XL is a better option than the 17 on the DR, as you have more choice and they are more available. DR has that nice oil cooler - better at slow speeds. But XR650Ls don't come cheap in this part of the world. The money saved could be used to upgrade the suspenders which both bikes really need for off road. Both 5 speeds, DR is 2 or so inches lower at seat height, but also has about 2 inches less ground clearance. Dr has a smidge more power. Overall though, you're not going to find a lot of real world difference in on or off road performance stock. Get the cheaper one and use the left over money to upgrade the forks with stiffer springs and cartridge emulators, and definitely replace the rear shock if wanting to be aggressive offroad. Good luck.
@@BlueMarbleRider wow! Thanks for the write up! I always wonder if the grass is greener, but as time goes on, I’m appreciating my dr650 more each day.
If you live in a very hot climates, Dr is better because it has oil cooler, xr is air cooled only. If you're doing a lot of gnarly off road, the xr is slightly better, but not by much
@@Andriig75 the longer I have my DR, the more I love it. What you said is really spot on to what I’ve been experiencing.
where to buy the windshield？
Checkout Procycle. procycle.us/model/suzuki/dr650/body
@@BlueMarbleRider
thank you very much谢谢
I'm about 5-06. Will this bike be too high for me at its lowest setting?
It is quite low for what it is, so it could fit for sure.
How many miles can you get out of a DR650? I am looking at used ones but don't know what mileage to consider reasonable/low/high. Thanks in advance.
The engines/drive train are very robust and well proven, as is the chassis. They've been around essentially the same for over 20 years now. There are numerous high mileage examples 45-80k miles is not uncommon. The rear shock is quickly overwhelmed at speed off road, but is durable. If it's treated well (regular oil changes - being air cooled this is important, and not screwed around with - holes in air box, after market air-filter if ridden off road - oem is better for catching the dust off-road, valves adjusted regularly - easy to access and do BTW) then they are good for a looong time. I would have no problem picking one up that had been well maintained with 20,000+ miles on it.
@@BlueMarbleRider Thank you very much. I appreciate the detail!
@@WillfulThinker I saw a guy's video on you tube just last week, who had 91,000 miles on his '03 DR650. He said the cylinder/piston and rings were still original and not burning much oil, but he did have an oil pump gear failure at some point and ruined the cam (starved for oil). He replaced the entire head, valves, and cam.
Realistically, if you take care of your DR650, I've read the engine can do about 60,000 miles before most everything is worn out. But, they are easy to rebuild, it's not a big deal.
I put 48k on mine, have seen some with a lot more. Bulletproof in my book. Mine is 2003 with a lot of modes. Seat, windscreen, exhaust, intake, suspension, steel braided brake lines, etc. 43 Hp, 42 ft lbs, can cruise at 80-90 mph all day long. SeatConcept seat is a must
Well done
Thanks.
hi. I’m on the fence on a dr650 or Honda rally300 as my first road bike. I will be doing 70 road/30 gravel/dirt up in cottage country. I have experience on a ttr230 4 stroke trail bike. It will be my first road bike. I’m leaning towards the DR. Thoughts for a cautious first road rider?
Interesting choices. On road, both will do the job. The DR is much more torquey, and easier to push at higher speeds. The rally comes with a screen which will serve to help with windage, but there are so many aftermarket options for the DR that this is negligable. Weight is the absolute number one consideration for off road. Wet, these are both within 12kg/30 lbs or so of each other, the Honda shading it. The DR is bulletproof, and great on fire roads. The Rally is better suspended and more capable on more gnarly trails - easier to deal with when the going gets rough. I would ride them first. The Rally is tempting, but the DR is proven. Hard one! TTR mechanicals are more like the DR: simple, easy, robust. The Honda is more refined. I guess what I'm saying is they are similar on the surface, but quite different in execution. If you are happy with TTR like performance, then you will find either a breath of fresh air. Let me know what you choose and how it suits you. (Have you thought about the CB500X?)
I learned to ride on the road with an old 650 and theyre not screaming powerful but theyre no slouch. The rally 300 is a good roadbike because it comes with a windscreen and you said youre mostly on the road. Although i bet the dr is faster tbh. Also it depends on your hight i think. Do you perfer carberators or fuel injection? I learned on carb bike in my saftey course and my first bike out of it was carb bike so i dont mind them at all but if you are the type of rider to put your bike away for a year or mever crank them up and take a spin around the block a few times during the winter the carbs will gum up from the fuel sitting. However if youre the type to let your bike sit witnerized all winter, the carbs are usually drainable with a flathead screwdriver so if youre the type to want to do basic bike work and learn aboht the bike youre working with, the dr is the better option. The suzuki has also been out for decades and is basically completely unchanged also. So parts availability is good and they are producing brand spanking new parts to this day for older bikes. The rally has only been out a few years. Really theyre in different classes because the dr650s nearest competition, the klr. The klr has also been out a long time but its advanced some. The 650 will probably last longer and youre mostly on the road and dirt roads. So the extra weight will be nice.
Excellent review - I've been thinking of checking out this model myself; as a senior who has owned just about every kind of dual purpose, dirt, and some street bikes, this seems a perfect choice because of its simplicity, reliability, and all around performance; great for street riding and commuting with occasional forays onto rougher roads. I'm through with blasting down trails at warp speed but I still want to get out and explore a little and I think this bike would work fine for that - you can't beat the price, either. One thing I have always wondered, though, is why the 17" rear wheel when everything else uses an 18"?
Yes, it's an almost perfect compromise, does everything proficiently and is fun to ride. Yes the 17 incher is strange compromise (limits off road/50 tire choice). Not sure why. Can't remember if the swing arm was long enough to squeeze an 18 incher on. Probably not. I have heard of people swapping 90s DR350 rear in with little modification to the hub, and others that have had 18 inch rims laced onto their spingle, cushdrive hub. Not sure if it is worth it, but certainly possible. It will change the geometry, raising the rear by about 1/2 inch I suspect. Not sure what the effect will be, but surely someone out there had done it. Cheers.
Hi there man, I am kind of on the fence too about whether I should get a Dr650 or a Crf300L. I am 5”8 and 120lbs and Im looking to ride mainly on road to commute around town. I will be doing very limited If not any offroad riding. I just want the off-road capabilities just in case I would have to use them. I am looking for a affordable bike (not the ktm690 or husqvarna 701 $12k+ 😂). I want a bike that accelerates fast and has a pretty high max speed. I see the crf300L tops out at around 85-90mph but the Dr650 can apparently top out at 120mph? The Dr looks like a pretty attractive bike to me, I doubt it goes 120mph because other reviews on youtube say it struggles just to hit 100mph stock. So Im kind of debating what bike I should get. And Im still unsure whether the honda crf300L or the suzuki Dr650 is more reliable. I want long term use out of my future bike. Thanks
Hi, Jeremy: I'd throw one more bike in the mix: Honda CB500X. Not as off road orientated as the CRF and DR, but still very capable off road, and more comfortable on the road. A great alround motorycle, which doesn't cost a fortune. The CRF300 is not a quick bike on the road, but is very good in the dirt compared to the others. The DR is bulletproof (as long as it hasn't been screwed around with). The most I ever got out of mine was an indicated 160kmh/100mph. It's not comfortable or safe at that speed though. 80mph all day if you can stand it, is possible. CRF tops out at 75mph absolute max. You won't want to be doing that to the bike for long. CB500X tops out at about 170kmh/105mph. It'll cruise all day at 80mph, with more wind protection than the DR. That would be my pick. Cheers.
I want a offroad capable bike so the 500 one you were talking about would not be for me. See and I love the Dr in the horsepower/speed aspect of being able to hit 100mph like you said but the Dr650 seems kind of old school to me. Like they all say its a big b-- to ride around. Very bulky and a bit inconvenient. People say the drz400 has just as much power as the dr does which is insane for a 650cc engine. The power is awesome but just not there for a 650cc because look at a husky 701 that can easily top out at 120mph and thats in the same class as this bike and nearly 50lbs lighter. I like how the crf300l looks very modern and approachable unlike the Dr. The downside to the honda is the power delivery which I dont like. Thats really whats turning me away from the crf300l. And a 450rl is like $11k which is also unaffordable. It pretty much I guess comes down to how much money you want to spend, my dream bike is a husky 701 but comes with a $$$ price tag too. Not at the point in my life where I can pay $12k+. I would hands down buy a husky 701 if I was not on a budget. I dont want to pay more than $7k at this point. Let me know what you think
@@JeremyDovin Depends how much off road you are doing. The 500 is capable of going most places at a reasonable pace with all the usual protection added. If as you said in your first post, you would not be doing much if any off road it would be the best bike. Both the DR and DRZ are good bikes, but have only 5 gears: the DRZ will get old fast commuting; the DR not so much. The truth is, one bike won't do it all - even the Husky 700 is a big bugger off road - I'd rather be on a CRF300. Power is less important off road - the rear tire can only generate so much grip before it loses traction; torque (DR650) is far more important. I can't make the choice for you - it's a tough one. Put a pumper carb on the DR650 and you will have a rocket. It's what you want versus what you need. I guess I would sit down and really hammer out when, where and how I would ride and let that make my choice for me. Good luck. Cheers.
Ok thanks cheers also
Easily that would be the dr Jeremy. My 1991 was the comfiest road distance bike for my 5'7 165#ness. 10-12 hour rides and used to commute on California's I-5 freeway plus coast in and around San Diego. All stock but lowered at the shop where I bought it from. Great gas mileage which is a shame that they don't have tachs anymore. Just get the big gas tank~ saves time..less stops. This review was pretty darned accurate. It easily did 80mph cruised comfortably at 70..Nooo120mph probably was 120 kph.
Disappeared from Europe many years ago.
What is the difference between the SE and non SE
They're all SE now. Not sure there ever was much of a difference.
So the KLR is worse on highways and based on its size it's worse off road. Suzuki all the way!
i love my 2020
They may not make carberated air cooled bikes for much longer but they will out last any fuel injected trash to come.
I'm keeping my Suzuki DR-650 SE. I only regret it has no kick-start. I'm simple enough.
I expect the spare part order supply will probably outlive me. I'd take it to Hell. Again.
4 speed land speed 400 mph motor cycle yes 4 speed 1234.eat that give up come on yz 490 4peed give up 1984 most grunt best trail it win win win air cold so put put all day 90 degrees. My stock Dr 650 well over 100 mph cruse at 80 carb and pip mods upwards 120mph what deal the jack oa t rads is master then isn't it.
You forgot Honda xr650l
U aussies better take back your country