STOCK SUZUKI DR650 REVIEW. Is it any good stock?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ส.ค. 2020
- I watched all the videos on TH-cam about the Suzuki Dr650, but I was still left with questions about what the Suzuki Dr650 is like when its completely stock. So I went out and bought one and made this review!
If you own(ed) a Dr650 then drop a comment, let me know what you're feelings on this bike are (and what mods you feel are most important)
If you have some questions I didn't answer let me know!
I'll be making more videos about this bike very soon. Thanks for watching.
If you enjoyed this review check out these other reviews!
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Great concept.. and video. The question of how this bike exists with no evolution after all these years was ironically one of the most exciting reasons for me to buy it. I knew I would put my own work into it either way, to customize and mold it into the perfect personal fit. I bought mine new in 2016. It was half the price of most of the other bikes at the shop, and it was the easiest to work on. I learned a lot about working on bikes, as it was my first bike I've owned, and the parts are relatively cheap as well. Buying a NEW bike with a design from the 90's has allowed me to enjoy a NEW bike with old technology. I personally like it, just because. I like the simplicity and the raw unfiltered way the mechanics work. For what I use the DR for, it gets the job done A+. Cheers and thanks for sharing this video.
Thanks for the kind words. That’s awesome! I definitely feel you on that one, it feels a lot like riding some of the 80’s bikes I’ve owned but just way more like sturdy and new. It’s a really neat experience. Glad you enjoyed the review, definitely got some more DR content planned!
It truly is a blank canvas. After lots of mods, I pretty much have mine where I want it. I can't see me selling it.
@@rangeroadmoto Definitely!
@@kentuckyjustice1408 It really is a blank canvas.
@@kentuckyjustice1408 "19-3" !!!!!!!!!
It's a tractor. It's a draft horse. It will go anywhere, you can drop it 20 times a day (I do) and it will just keep going. PS I am in Australia. This is the bike Australians ride. It's like a massive 4 stroke kangaroo.
I like that: “ a 4 stroke kangaroo”
@@hendrygareth put a Dunlop 606 on the back and a Pirelli m21 on the front and she won't let you down great choice in motorcycle's, also remove the small wheel that's above the chain its blue and on the frame rail, then fit a button head alan key bolt to keep the dirt out of the frame, this little wheel will brake off damaging the frame, but fixed easily by removing it before this happens.
Like your review just bought my first NEW one today I live in northern Minnesota and I WILL be riding it thanksgiving day 2021 and yes I'm an oddball that will keep it forever... Like everything else I buy!
You might enjoy this feature length Film on what it is like to ride a motorcycle around Australia. th-cam.com/video/ep0gmY1d85s/w-d-xo.html
Suzuki #1 period. -Ohio 🇺🇸
Dude, coming across this video was like finding 20 bucks in a jacket pocket. You earned the hell out of this subscribe!
Man, that's the nicest thing. Thanks for your kind words!
Allow me to wish my reader to experience more found cash.
Maybe as I did parking my DR-650 in a parking lot. Beside a
tape-sealed cardboard box. Stamped on all sides with red
ink reading: " ARMOR CAR COMPANY ". Google located
their regional office, I reported my discovery to that firm
by telephone. I was told they were just too busy to come
collect their lost property. I was told, "Feel free to keep
the box; have a nice day." Leaving me looking down at a
brown colored heavy carry item.
My second comment on this great post. My first said I’d buy a DR tomorrow, and I did. 30 years of increasing complexity disappeared the moment I rode out of the showroom. I was back in the late 80’s and on my dream bike of the time that I couldn’t afford back then, with massive grin on my wrinkled face. It’s speed and power (😉) are now perfectly matched to my slowing reflexes and relaxed riding style, and the total absence of “technology” is another perfect match to my competencies. Even though I’m 6ft and roughly the shape of a 44gal drum, it’s gets me where I want to go, at the speed I want to get there. On road and off. Yup, it’ll get new springs and seat better suited to an “above average weight” rider, and tyres that suit my situation. Long live the DR!
This is the way all motorcycle info videos should be.
Regrettably sold my 2010 dr650 for a road bike. I used it nearly every day for commuting and going bush. Cruised easily at 110km or all day trail riding, took short cuts to get home. Mods were cheap and easy. Cannot fault it for what it was designed for. Actually while typing this I've decided to get a 2020, I wont tell the wife though.
Every time i try to change my 2009 DR, just cant find worthy alternative. 5 seasons together) Hi from Russia
Lol true story
You will also regret selling your golf clubs every time as well as old guns often madd better than new ones like my old marlin lever action model 93. It was made in eaely early early 1920s likely and it doesnt even have a saftey. Them fellas understood freedom back in the day. They didnt have computer chips to shut their car down and this bike is literally the opposite of that. This bike will run fine if the emp hits 😂😂😂 and long after hope they never stop making it keeping it just like this. Like .22 long rifle its been the same since the 1800s so therrs a huge supply of ammo
Great video. I have owned 5 DRs since 1984 and just love their simplicity, reliability and indestructibility. The early ones were stock but in later years have been TRICKED UP. My current 2021 DR was purchased a couple of months ago and is fully setup up now with the following -
*Acerbis 20 litre tank
* Pro Taper Bars + risers
*Barkbusters
*Power socket for mobile
* Neoprene grips
*B & B Bashplate
* Centrestand
* Peg lowering
* YSS SUSPENSION
* Barrett Pannier racks
* NIII Luggage Rack
* Tinted Screen
* H4 globe in headlight
* Concept Seat
* Carby jetting upgrade
The bike goes like a dream and easily handles my 115kg x 6 foot 4 frame.
Looking forward to plenty more riding on the ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BIKE.
Spend the money and have some serious fun.
Cheers from Australia
That sounds like a sweet bike! I just released a video to the upgrades I did on mine. Cheers from Canada
Excellent! My first DR was an '84 model also, a little DR125. Then I had an '85 DR250, it was nice! Later I had a '91 DR350, also great bike! Then in '05 I got my first DR650 and absolutely loved it! I just sold it last year (it was getting old and tired) and replaced it with a brand new white '21 model. Perfect! The DR's have always been my favorite bikes and the DR650 is without a doubt my favorite bike of all time!
I went the other way than most. I first owned much more powerful dual sports before settling on the DR650 . The DR650 is just magical to me. A living dinosaur in the modern era of high tech motorcycles and it'll go anywhere you want, any time. I discovered my love of adventure on the DR. Hopefully we still have many years ahead of us before the DR succumbs to emissions regulations but mark my words when the last year of production rolls round I will be there at the dealership, cash in hand waiting to get one more of these gems into my garage.
I just bought a 2016 with 785 miles on the odometer. So stoked...I am 70 yrs old and feel like I'm 18.
Yeah hopefully bikes like these are safe for a while. From what I understand they are grandfathered in, which is also probably why they can’t make any changes.. not evening fixing the NSU switch. Haha but it’s good for us that they are still around!
Thanks for watching
Ban descriminatory emissions regulations. Thus thing is a gas sipper it doesnt need regulations
Thank you for making this video! I just bought a new 2019 at the beginning of 2020. I wanted a proven dual sport bike simply to enjoy some prairie roads and some easy trail riding. The only mods I made are; Seat Concepts seat, Acerbis 5.3gal tank, rear rack, skid plate and Bark-Busters. I’m not planing to do anything else..so far it’s perfect for the riding I intend to do!
Sounds great, got the 2020 coming but also adding heated grips and center stand, would not go with out the larger Acerbis 5.3 gal tank and skid plate and better hand guards. This will be my second DR 650 and also had the DR 600 years ago. To me that is what riding is all about go any where and not having to stop for gas. Love the smile they put on my face every time I ride them.
Amazing production my friend, this deserves hundreds of thousands of views!!
Man thanks so much!
This is the best quality content I’ve seen for a bike review
Thanks man! That’s super nice of you to say.
I have a 2019 DR and before I even took it from the dealer I upgraded a few things...Bark busters to the bars, skid plate, FMF exhaust, Jet kit & air box mod. , progressive springs added to the front forks along with Cogent adjusters for better control of forks in rough terrain, dropped one tooth on the front sprocket, did the tail light & license plate bracket replacement, Seat Concepts seat , new tires for off road and on road traction. Now this bike will hang with most any dual sport bike in it's class!
This the most affordable and middle of the road vanilla duel sport every made with a lowered seat height.
Very cheap and affordable parts almost bomb proof with tons of upgrade available.
Can you tell I love my DR650.
BTW when the Aussie’s love the bike you can understand that this is an incredible bike considering it is many miles to help for those guys.
“Vanilla dual sport” I like that.
Yeah that’s a good point! Reliability is important if you’re in remote parts of the world
Luckily my used 2013 came with upgraded tires. All I had to do was get the lowered foot pegs from Pro-cycle. They made a huge difference. For me the seat is tolerable and fuel is generally close. I'm so happy with my bike. Great video, enjoy the ride.
I've owned 3 DR650's. This review was the best ever.
I had one of these. Sold it at 56,900kms. I have had more bikes than I can remember but the DR650 is the one I wish I still had
You know man, I've put countless hours on researching bikes, watching videos being completely unsure of what I want and being incredibly indecisive. Thats just the way I am by nature but this video just sold me. Thank you, also the cinematography is kino
I know the feel! Hope you’re happy with it man. I’m 6 months and still have a blast on it
Been riding since I was 10 I’m almost 70 now . Bought my first dr350 in 94. Great bike. Hauled it all over the country behind my RV. Other bikes too many. Up to a Gl1800 Goldwing. Yep I had to go back to the DR BUT this one is a 650se . Got it really cheep 25 miles on it. So! I could do anything I wanted to with it. Unleash the beast! . Jell seat first! Then tm40 pumper powerbomb header high a booze a 1300 muffler Procycle mid pipe. Good tires arbas 6 gallon fuel tank skid plate. Protaper handlebars. Kevlar clutch..note with stock gearing its to fast for tight trails dropped the front sprocket to 14. Didn’t really notice loss in top speed I don’t really ride 100 mph. The carburetor made a huge difference! Well what next? Guess the next guy can do the supp. Because getting older I have gone to a side by side. The DR650Se is sitting in my garage. Humm do I want to sell it? .........................not really I might get younger!
Great vid. Some nice shots. Well cut. Well written. Going to do something similar myself soon. I looked at a second-hand low kms DR650, back-to-back with an ex-demo Himalayan. I bought the DR. - Same price, better suspension, better brakes, more power, more durable, more parts around, better resale. This DR650 is my second one. My last one was in the shed next to my Aprillia RSV mille R. 9 times out of 10 I chose to ride the DR. It just made me smile. At the end of the day, it isn't about having a flash bike. It is about what you can do on that bike and the memories you can make on it.
This was the perfect video to find. Thank you for making it. I've been contemplating one but never even thrown a leg over one or been around one for that matter. I'm in that watching every video I can find mode and yes, it makes you scratch your head a bit. Hope to see you share more of your experience with it.
I’m glad that it helped! Hopefully you can find one to throw a leg over and take for a rip. And there will definitely be some more videos coming at some point 👍. Thanks for watching
Very enjoyable, well-produced video! I've got the more street-going XF650 version, and it's probably the most fun bike I've ever owned.
The DR 650 is still the best bike I have owned in 40 years of riding on the road, not the most exciting but just does what it does without all the bells and whistles with the bonus it can go just about anywhere you point the front wheel.
I don’t have the riding ability of Toby Price or Marc Marquez so I don’t need a big horsepower cod piece to brag about, I like to enjoy the ride and look at the world go by not trying to carve the perfect line around the next corner or hit warp factor on the next straight bit of road.
The DR lets me capture the essence of motorcycling that is missing from many new bikes, the thing that made Triumph, BSA and the like so great back in the day, just reliably.
This bike has been the exact same machine since 1996. It's cheap, reliable, and the aftermarket for it is huge. You can make it into whatever you want it to be: More of a dirtbike, a motard, or a long-distance adventure bike. Just google Procycle, check you bank balance, and make it what you want.
hahah thats so true, I feel like there are so many different options of places lined up to take my money when it comes to the DR. I've never owned a bike with so much aftermarket support.
Planning on buying one tomorrow with 6k miles
Are they reliable?
@@alexguev3251 Yes.
you can mod it to be exactly how you want it, and still have spent less than a new KTM
My first bike was an 86' vf500, then a 2006 bandit 1200, now a 2001 DR650.. The DR is by far my favorite. Great bike for around town, super easy to work on, and quite capable on trips on and off-road. So far I have just done some DIY mods, windscreen, skid plate, mounted some ebay LEDs. I haven't touched the carb since I got it and first cleaned it out. I am just waiting till I have to clean it so I have an excuse to get new jets and full exhaust.
You and I, and I are sure everyone else is very like-minded. Great video
Thanks! Yeah the very little amount of work I have done on the dr has proved to me that it is very simple and straight forward. So far no weird custom tools or computers. Just simple simple. I love it
DR650 is a fantastic platform, great at nothing but good at many things. Better on highway than the light enduros, better offroad than KLRs and ADV bikes. Simple, pure motorcycling fun...puts a smile on my face.
I bought mine with bigger tank and carb, with a seat concepts seat. I raised the bars, lowered the pegs and added a stiffer rear spring. I'm very happy...even with basically stock suspension...rides smooth at my relaxed riding pace.
Beautiful vid. Can't wait to watch more!
I think one niche the DR can fill very well is that of a light weight ADV bike. I think the new T7 is sweet, but I like that the DR is well under 400 lb without doing anything to lighten it. It is the Jeep Wrangler of motorcycles (well, more reliable than a Wrangler): stock, not great off road, but loads of potential.
Hey I have one as well and totally agree with you. Mine was re jetted so I can't compare carb performance but I have done some adjustments and feel there is room for improvement. I'm 6 feet plus but a feather weight so suspension doesn't bother me but I look forward to be able to continue improving it to my tastes. Ride safe.
Great bike for adventure. I road mine 3,500klms (with some 900 klm days) around the east coast of Australia in 2019. Totally stock except a aftermarket seat. Awesome trip....Never selling mine.
Love my 2011, although she has been heavily modified. She has taken me to many countries and far away places. My most popular video is a walk around of the mods done to mine while stuck in Lima Peru.
Very well done video here. Great job
I’ll check that out! And thanks for watching
Great video my friend. After riding sportbikes for 26yrs (& I still do) I also have recently purchased a 2014 DR650. Ive always wanted one. Just never pulled the trigger. Well finally I did & with absolutely no regrets. On & offroad it is a pleasure to ride. I did though install D606 tires, exhaust & other various mods already. But I love it. People said Id hate it. Due to stepping off 191rw hp sportbike to an DR650 on my first test ride. But I smiled ear to ear the whole time. Maybe due to the simplicity of it. How things slowed down & to be able to get away from asphalt. To explore & experience more freedom. What ever it is I look forward to this new chapter in my life. And my DR will lead the way
I feel the same way, something really enjoyable about being able to use all the horsepower you have most of the time without getting in trouble. I actually just put d606 on the bike too! So much better off road and still pretty well behaved on road.
The DR has a charm about it, it’s kinda contagious.
can't go wrong with a DR 650 love them and great for the twesties as well as off road, just need a bigger gas tank and better tires.
Thanks for this video. Largely because of this I went out and bought a DR650 as my first bike and it has been great.
Man thats awesome! I wish my first bike was a DR haha. It’ would be such a good first bike. (Nice subie by the way)
Yep, we're not all Dakar racers. Pick the bike that puts a smile on your face without putting you in the poor house. Excellent video. You're subs will no doubt grow exponentially if you keep up this quality content. From Australia.
I almost didn't buy my Dr650 because a lot of the videos out there recommended to change a lot a little things here and there, I have a completely stock bike, and surprisingly it does very good off road for my ability, I think a lot of us will do just perfect on a stock form but, on the other hand, it's great bike to modify for more hard-core riders
Yeah I was in the same boat before I got mine. Definitely have had nothing but a blast with it on and off road
I really enjoyed this video, thanks so much for doing it. I've thought about getting a DR650 on and off for quite a while, just haven't taken that step yet.
Thanks for the kind words! I thought about the DR for about a year and a half. I don’t regret the decision.
Awesome review. I enjoyed your views off the High Level bridge!
woah. I usually don't comment on videos but I cannot let your hard work go unnoticed. This is a work of art my friend, keep it up!
Hey man thanks for the kind words! That means a lot.
Haha love the ending when you were in neutral 😂
Haha yeahhh rookie mistakes always going on over here
Great video 📹 really appreciate the time you took to make it
Great video. Not much info on the stock DR , you nailed it. Thanks.
Thanks man! I noticed that too, I figured I could get some info out there that I was having a hard time finding before I bought mine.
Great job on everything. I've had a DR 650, loved it.
Thanks so much!
Just found this video and I’m very happy I did. Thanks so much for a wonderful review, and I’m happy to subscribe.
Thanks so much!
I have a 2010 I got NEW. 46,000 Miles later it’s been the most reliable Most overall enjoyable bike I’ve ever owned. Few mods and getting the suspension dialed in for me (6’ 250lbs) and it perfect. I’ll Never sell it!! If one day it dies. I’ll simply rebuild the Motor
Thats one of the Best Videos about the DR 650 ... thanks for that
Hey thanks so much!
Beautifuly crafted. I watched this one twice in a row. Sort like listening to a song you like over and over.
Thanks again!
One of the best review videos I’ve ever watch, you’ve convinced my to buy one 🥰
Thank you for those kind words Stefan! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)
Awesome production! I’m excited to see what else you’re gonna do man. Thanks for a fun video!
I may have found my next bike....
Fantastic review. Very entertaining and brilliantly done. Off to buy a DR tomorrow.
haha awesome! Hope you enjoyed it as much as i do
Wow, thanks
Me too! 94' model. Can't wait till tomorrow.
Awesome review, spot on!!
I've got 25k miles on my 2002, I love that thing.
Hey that’s awesome! One day mine will have that on it
Great job on this vid! Just recently became interested in this dual-sport segment but that this post came across my feed is golden…I know it’s old but it earned you a sub.
Hey I’m glad you enjoyed it! I think the Dr650 is one of the best out there especially for getting into dual sporting
Fantastic video. Super high production quality. You smooth talked me out of buying a DR650. I've owned 3 KLR's in the past and won't buy another for the same reason you mentioned about the DR. No updates since the stone age. Looks like I'm going back down to the KTM dealer again.
Thanks man! And I’m glad I could talk to you of it? Haha. But yeah if it’s advanced modern stuff you’re looking for it won’t feel any different than your KLR
Great video and storytelling. I've subscribed based on this one alone. I'm looking at getting a DR as a second bike and this is really helpful.
Hey thanks! Glad it helped. I’ve had the DR for a almost a year and a half and I still am happy with it.
Nice video. Well done! I just bought a 2020 DR 650 in June. Love it. Sold my Africa Twin to get it. As big as a DR is, it feels like a 250 in comparison to the AT.
Wow that’s awesome, yeah I can totally imagine the DR would feel like a dirt bike. Actually I traded while off roading with my buddie on his f800gs and he said the DR felt like a dirtbike compared to his bike.
The Dr feels almost like a bicycle compared to the big adventure bikes
Suzuki rocks! Period. An FMF pipe on the bike adds 3hp & it revs more. Just a great motorcycle period.
I agree with you, I bought a 2020 dr650 and it is a very good machine in stock form for it's intended consumer, which is like me, it's super reliable, will virtually do anything even though it isn't great at any one thing, it is very inexpensive to buy even new, very inexpensive to maintain, easy to make improvements or modifications that one may deem necessary, but if your like me and your kind of old and fat and don't care about ripping through a single track or motor cross track like Eli Tomac or going 150 mph on the interstate then it will absolutely do everything you want it do in stock form, and keep the dr650 videos coming, you are a high quality youtuber
Decade after decade, again & again & again, the Mighty DR650 wins the gold when comparing motorcycles..
I have a 2017, bought this year for $5200usd with 900 miles on it, mint showroom condition.. It's so unfathomably reliable and extremely well built. Its a fabulous road and town bike maybe even around the county too. But not really ideal for very long highways.
And it's a pig of a dirt bike. Too heavy for mud but perfect for adventure. Great for dry trails. Sinks in mud (365lbs plus my 250)
but maybe I have these sinking problems due to my bald knobby. Still, it's 625 pounds with rider and youve got to be manly to get it up out of a rut if stalled or stuck on a hill> HEAVY!!!
I love my DR, what an amazing motorcycle. I hear everyone gets one when they go to heaven.
Its the wrong bike to put a big rear sprocket on, too heavy. That would be the younger cousin, the Suzuki drz400
yeah, in fact everyone gets one in heaven with a speedo that never clocks up.
I love your review. I have a 2019 Dr650 myself and I love it!
man thanks so much! That’s awesome, have you done anything to it?
Outstanding video! I subscribed after watching, looking forward to seeing more of your content. I've been thinking about my next machine, and I'd like one I can take a bit more off-road than my street bikes. I'm looking for a keeper, and maybe the DR will be the one!
Thanks so much! It’s been great to me! I’m still happy every time I hop on it.
Good production man, very underrated channel. Earned a new subscription Forsure!
Hey thanks so much man! Really appreciate the kind words.
Awesome review. Nailed it on all subjects. I have a 93 dr650, before they changed to the current unchanged run. Love mine, electric start would be nice tho!
That is cool! I love the old colours, they are so fun. My buddy is actually picking up a Dr600 this week and I am stoked to compare it and see whats its like. Possibly making a video about that too
@@rangeroadmoto The original 600s were great in my opinion especially the Dakar model .
You must have put a lot of work into this video, good job man, i've 2 of these bikes and agree, im a keeper !!!!
Thanks! Yeah that took some time for sure.
That’s good to hear, so far I’m really happy with it!
Well done video, loved watching it.
Thanks so much man!
Very professional vid that felt honest! Thank you my friend!
Thanks for watching, and the kind words!
Loved your video on the DRZ and now this! Excellent commentary and the production value/editing/music is top notch. Subbed.
Thanks so much!
I dno why, but this is probably the most wholesome video reviewing a motorbike I've ever watched haha! I'm looking at one next week 😁
Any wholesomeness i contain is entirely my moms fault!
I blame her 😬
Good luck with your Dr! I hope it’s great.
Gotta love the DR650. So happy with mine, taken me to some amazing places 😎👍
They have a tendency to do that! They are great adventure machines
My 1st bike was a KLR. Several street bikes after that. I retired and bought a 2021 DR. I am enjoying it and love how simple it is. Nice review. People have to ride one to understand.
That’s definitely true! It’s about as simple as they come but does it all
Bike is awesome. I've had a late 90's one for about five months. I'm commuting 35 miles each way atm. Bit of a stretch of the stock Dr's "comfort". but great fun to ride.
This video is great, subscribed and watched all your vids! I’m moved to Canada couple of months ago and DR is my next goal after obtaining my Class 1 license and class 6 ! So wish me luck man ! Thank you for motivating people to get this great bike!
Hey man, that’s awesome! Welcome to Canada, hope you find a good deal on a DR and find some cool places to ride it!
Great review 👍
Getting a good offer on one of these with low milage. I want an all-around bike that can take me from the highway to the dirt roads. And thanks to you, im convinced. Here's your sub mate! Thank you!
I enjoyed the video. I really appreciate the fact that you were willing to point out that you have more limitations as a rider, than the DR has a motorcycle. A fact that is probably true of most riders and most motorcycles. And, unrelated, I have to say you have a very Bruce Brown intonation for your narration. I felt like I was watching a new episode of "On any Sunday". And that is a compliment! Keep up the good work-Subscribed!
Thanks for the kind words Rob! I’ll definitely take that as a compliment, that’s an awesome movie.
Throughly enjoyed this review, well made. 👍
Thanks so much!
I've had dang near everything from Honda metros to top line Ducatis. I'm down to 0 bikes now post retirement and I'm buying another DR650 as my sole 2 wheel option. They are simply... fun (I do wish the tank was bigger though). See ya out there.
Great video that teaches you to listen to peoples point of view,but to decide for yourself!
Thanks! And that is very true
Best Dr review on youtube- and yes i am Australian!!
Hahah then you’re opinion must be correct! Thanks though that’s super nice to hear !
Dude I would just like to say you have great content. My dad has a dr650 and he likes it a lot I ride a xrl 250 which is alot of fun off the road the xrls are amazing off-road bikes but the Dr keeps up pretty well with less suspension. They are both solid bikes and the way to go in my opinion.
Hey thanks so much man! That’s awesome you and your did ride together off road. Sounds like a blast. Awesome your dad can keep up on the dr!
Beautiful video.
I am a new DR owner myself, and I agreed with everything you said. The trail wings i found alright until any mud or sand crossed you path. That said, I dont believe I ever lost the front, it was always the back going slideways on me.
I hope I can find a pair of used rims so that I could keep my TWs as more street/trip oriented tire, and regularly run the classic 606/mt21 combo for local trail bombing.
I think you're right, unless you are a very experienced dirt rider, the DR with some decent tires will be more capable than you.
Thumbs up for the Alberta scenery, makes me a bit home sick.
Thanks man! Yeah I’ve moved to the d606’s and it’s a big improvement
Amazing editing, construction of video, and unbiased opinions. Earned a sub!
Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words
I laughed my ass off watching this review. I have had a dr650 like this one several years back and it was my first "big" bike. I love the "bush pig " comparison. and its nice to see after a few years on YT what people say about it as i had it before YT reviews. Amazing review. you are 100 % on point. I also noticed half of australia has a lot to say about it xD
Haha I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Picking up mine next week🤙🏻
Great review, thank you!
You’re very welcome!
Great review / video! Love the style / combination of cinematography and documentary. I dont know who you are or what you do, but this vid is good.
Thanks man! That’s super nice of you to say. My name is Blake, nice to meet you Rick.
That intro- the music- the camera work. You get a subcribe. *applauds.
Thankkk you! That’s nice of you to say
Entertaining video. The other day I jokingly referred to my CRF250L as the worlds best adventure bike. Out came a very upset DR rider telling me it isn't. As you say very loyal.
Great video! I've had my 2019 DR for about 7 months now. It's a great platform to build into whatever you want it to be...sure it's not going to be the best at anything, but that isn't what it's for. As for mods. #1 is a bash plate, followed shortly after by new tires. As you described, the tires feel ok until they suddenly don't. I actually found them to be pretty decent street tires, but on anything loose or especially wet, it's just a matter of time before you see why they earned their nickname.
Yeah I agree, they do handle pretty good on the street. And if we are being honest it would be kinda of weird if Suzuki sold that bike with big off road knobbies with terrible on road characteristics
I have a new one getting ready just waiting for some parts, bash plate, center stand, heated grips, power outlet, racks for Trekker 33 liter side bags and a 46 liter top box, I will just be switching them back and forth with my Versys X 300 I do love the Versys x but to much wind protection and not enough ground clearance. so the DR 650 for most riding days and the Versys x for the cold or rain days. It is great going to have 3 bikes in my stable. As for tires they can be scary went form hard packed grave to soft sand at 80 km per hr. and it was scary but doable, going to try the Anakee Wild Dual Sport, seam like a great 50-50 tire.
your channel is painfully overlooked, fantastic video
Man that’s really nice to hear! Thanks for the kind worlds.
Great video! The DR is a fun bike but as a dedicated dual sporter. I miss my KLR on the road and I lust for an XR off road.
There are literally tons of aftermarket parts out there to make her better/lighter/faster or not... (another conversation). It is a bit of a blank canvas and that being said you can pump thousands of bucks into trying to make it a KTM... Don’t!
Seat
Tank
Tires
Make a spacer for the fork springs to bump up the preload.
Drop a tooth on the front sprocket.
And just ride it!
An argument can be made for the exhaust too but that’s some give and take.
I guess the point is don’t try and change it too much and enjoy it for what it is!
In Alberta where I live 80% of the best roads are gravel it is a great machine for exploring them, that I feel is the DRs forte.
Ps shorten your kick stand it’s a good idea! It easy to do too!
great reveiw thanks mate. i bought a new one the lst model they made brand new. it was 10300 here in australia. 2022. i love the old school look.
That’s awesome! Hope you have many many happy years riding the bike
thank you, great review, and that last bit, Hilarious
Extremely well crafted video with very thoughtful commentary. Thank you.
I’ve owned the 250L, WR250, DRZ400, EXF250, T7, and now I am considering the venerable DR650. My reason … I can’t change the road so I change bike. :)
Thank you! Appreciate that.
How did you like the wr250?
Really well done film and review. Thanks
Hey thanks for watching Kieth!
Looks perfect for those Alberta backroads. Recognized the sights around Edmonton :)
Im up in northern alberta and really really considering this bike as an option to get into the dual world! I have my enduro bike already but would like that accessibility! love the video!
It’s a great choice if you aren’t 100% sure what kind of terrain you want to be riding. I’ve used mine all around Alberta, from dirt roads to mountain single track in Invermere with 300 and 500 ktm’s. There’s better bikes for sure, especially if you know what you are going to be riding and sticking to that. But if you want to experiment with Dual Sport and adventure riding it’s a good choice in my opinion. Especially for relatively low investment amount with high resale.
My last bike, my first was a moped and I rode that thing everywhere, of course I grew up, ( or so I thought) to bigger faster more tech involved bikes but always I miss the simplicity of simplicity getting on and riding all day for as long as the tank would let me. Now I have this, my DR 650 and once again going wherever, whenever. I am in love all over again, just like the first time I rode that little moped.
Well done video. I have a 17 model with minimal mods . I have several other bikes and have no intentions of selling this one. I live in Idaho and have put 5.000 miles a year on this bike. 0 problems! Lot's of fun. From 500 mile days into Montana to the Mexican border it's never let me down. There's a man on Cross Training Adventure/ TH-cam that did the exact opposite. He bought a new KTM 690 ,rode it a while , sold it and bought a DR , flogged it for 5 years and bought another new DR.. Usual upgrades and suspension mods. He loves the simplicity and fun factor. This guy's a real professional. He teaches scores of riders proper riding tecniques. He's no kid and still takes on all comers on his DR.
Good vid man, hit the spot
Awesome photography and video looks professional.good job
Thank you Bill!
Awesome production, man! And I totally agree on the bike. I've had the KLR and just got the XR... but I think the DR is the best of both combined!
That’s kinda what I always wondered but I haven’t ridden either. Good to hear it from someone who has owned both! Thanks man
Which Xr did you go with? I’m torn between this and the xr650L. And also which do you think is better?
@@209DaddyMack i got the 2012 xr650l. I love everything about it apart from the small tank. Much much more dirt orientated than the KLR. Havent had it long enough to convincingly say i like it more than my 2007 KLR (which i should never have sold!)
@@GreaseAndGravel thanks!
A phrase often read about the DR 650 SE is "blank canvas", cause you can turn it into anything you want: city commuter, tourer, supermoto, RTW-bike. Up to the DR I had owned various KTMs (Rotax, EXC), Triumphs and Suzukis, usually changing them to my liking and selling them after 3-4 years. Sales of DRs were stopped in Austria in 2000 and I bought mine (a 96 of the fist year, with purple frame and seat) in 2010, bone stock and with only 7.891 kms on the clock. I still got her, while second bikes came and went again. The DR is a keeper. Mine features the entire WP48 front of a Husaberg, a DIY modified stock shock, the Keihin flatslide of a KTM 450, an IMS tank, lowered peg-mounts with wider pegs, raised KTM-bar (I´m 183 cm with long legs and arms) and - amongst a lot of other parts - a Suzuki GSX-R1000 K1 muffler. She still got the stock piston, the first clutch and has a whopping 40 hp at the rear wheel on a good day. She will unlikely overwhelm you, but riding a slow bike fast is so much more fun than feeling like a noob cause you ride a fast bike slowly. And if she requires more than a well-equipped toolkit something REALLY must be very wrong - that thing is an anvil. When I feel adventourus I take my 2nd wheelset with real knobbies and after 20 minutes got a more than capable offroad-bike without the frequent servicing needs of an EXC. Then I come home and after 20 minutes my daily steed is ready for the next day. I now own my DR for 12 years, the bike itself is 26 and I intend to keep her as long as I am able to swing my leg over her seat.
Great video. I’m thinking of purchasing one myself.
I don’t regret buying mine!