DR650S vs XR650L | Dual Sport Duel - Cycle News
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
- We take two legendary machines and put them head to head for this dual sport duel. See the full test in the Cycle News Magazine - magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1499...
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Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Background
1:21 - Specs
4:34 - Winner?
6:45 - Wrap up
#DR650 #XR650 #DualSport - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I had an XL600 back in the late 80s, and I was a 5 gear long distance wheelie king on that bike. It was the perfect confluence of easy to use power, a relatively light front end and the exuberance of youth!
61 years old now, recently bought a new Husky 701 Enduro and thoroughly "Rottweilered" it with dongles, PC6 with their map, Yosh can, etc. The 701 has a truly stupid amount of power but even with the quickshifter helping me, I am lucky to get a paltry 2 gear eighth mile long wheelie out of it.
I may have nicer things now, but getting old sucks. It can't be me getting old though, I blame the Enduro's low and forward engine placement, which does enhance steering but hinders wheelies. Too much weight on the front end, not my old age, ya, that is my problem 😆
Love it! Riding keeps you young.
If You're the wheelie king, You're the the Man!!
Born in 1962, I will take you for a ride on my XR650R.
@@Deontjie A buddy has a BRP, love that bike. It is a pity Honda didn't use that engine to build their big dual sport years ago.
Dr650 content I click
🤝🤝🤝
2 Girls 1 Cup.... I click
Sttu5t5 get get t4555
I need a Honda xr 150l how can i find?
I have a XR150L where can I find a DR650 her in the PI.. lol
Good video, I'd like to do an honorable mention to the perfect compromise: Yamaha XT600
As a shorter rider who bought an XR650L new in 1994 and rode it until 2019 i can attest to its often mentioned high center of gravity. That being said the supple, plush suspension is truly wonderful.
Great point
Never ever getting rid of my DR! Cheap, fun, 80 mph all day long. Like others have said, with the right mods makes it a capable bike. 👍🏻
Love my 2022 DR650, but pretty much they're all the same, wish it did have a kickstarter though. Fantastic bike, so much so I'm thinking of buying another one.
What kind of mods would you need to make it better?
@@joe0001The DR650 can take you down a rabbit hole of enhancements. Just a few are seat concepts seats, windscreen, acerbis tank if you want to tour. Suspension mods and more aggressive tires like d606 if you want better off-road.
@@BillySBCkickstarter would be nice
Which one is better on the highway
These bike are almost indestructable if well taken cared of. That is why their engine design lasted so long to this day. Thanks for sharing this video.
You nailed it. Thanks Francisco 🤝
If taken care of. I had a 1983 honda 650 in like 2016 and it ran great didnt even burn oil but i sold it to upgrade to some idiots that didnt change the oil abused it and the next time i saw it, it was literally destroyed. Blown headgasket because they were just pinning it redlining it for fun. Like man it was 33 years old i wpuldnt pin it at redline like that. If you drive it and treat it normally without abusing it, it wouldve lasted another 33 years. That bike couldve lasted another 30 years but now its gone. Its all about keeping fresh oil in it. The more often you change the oil even if its more than nessessary the longer the motor will last. You can kill the motor new by not doing the oil often. If you do the oil often it could last decades and decades and decades. You might replace the fork seals in those years. More if you ride it hard or live in the desert where the rubber dries out. Youll probably repalce the seat of you actually ride it a lot. As well as tires and your breaks will probbaly be done over the years but i mean shoot bro these things are easier to keep running than a corolla esspecially these days. And similar mpg and way cooler and less cost. And whats crazy is usually things inflate in costs over the years but the dr650 actually deflated so when they were new it cost equal to 10k to get one now you can be out of the dealer and dmv and might still be under 8. Impressive. No coolant to change. Plus theyre carburated which has advantages and disadvantages. For one carbs can last decades, with no wiring or electronics. Theyre a bitch to keep clean and not gunked up inoperable. But its also easy to jet them up without needing a laptop and fuel mapping. They have glass headlights which is quakity bit the light sucks. Probably wont use it most the time anyway, most people ride at day
@@TheAnnoyingBossfor inop times, drain tank empty. put some 88 no ethanol gas and some seefoam fuel stabilizer, run for a while, top off and shut down. Good for a year or two. Want to go 5 + years inop - put in 100LL aviation gas. How hard is that.
Some bikes are more than the spec sheet. The mighty DR650 is one of those. My DR was possibly the funnest bike I've ever had. Just an old friend that never let me down. I ran sanctioned dual sport events on the weekend -- asphalt-tracked the muddy beast to work Monday morning. Beaten like a pinata, never once complained. I rode with a bunch of older guys who also had them and we would rate our rides by how many "KTM Kids" we were able to pass on a section, lol, obviously even one was a good day 😅 Loved my DR!
"Beaten like a pinata", we are definitely stealing that one!
My lawnmower has more hp
Ive got an 83 XR650 things still thumping along its just a joy to ride! Ive had many thumpers and street bikes starting with Yamaha 2 stroke enduros in the earlys 80s, moving up to big bore bikes XR's, DR's, KLR and even have a 76 TT500 in my garage all of em are epic. Im 62 and I wouldnt say I rip any more but pretty experienced at riding these old thumpers and not opposed to popping a wheelie every now and then.
Inches away from over extending myself and seeking help on a loan on an Africa Twin decided to go XR650L and and mods overtime. Now my old school garage is a XR650L & a 99 CBR600F4 😊
Very cool TJ!
@@johnnyrebellion8672this is the way
I've been blessed to own a new 2013 Suzuki dr650 which I kept for 5yrs. Loved the bike! Sold, missed. Bought a like new 2021 Honda xr650l. After owning the both dualsports. Hands down!! Honda xr650l. Just all round better bike. Low pulling torque. Xr650l sounds like a tractor when pulling. 😊
I chose the DR650 because it's more street oriented than the XR650, and most of your time on these bikes is going to be spent there, still the DR is capable and fun offroad as well. Also the DR has an oil cooler, which can be added to the XR but it doesn't come with one. I found the stock height of the DR to be annoying even at 6 feet tall, it was easy to lower though. Both bikes will need their carb mixture screws turned out and their needle shimmed, simple to do though. Also the DR has a cush drive in the rear and the XR doesn't, which puts a lot of strain on your front output shaft spines if you don't have it. I took off the stock muffler on my DR which was a ridiculously large thing and it weighed a ton, bike sounds great with aftermarket exhaust, fantastic exhaust note during run-up. All in all both are fantastic bikes, the Honda is more offroad oriented, the Suzuki more on-road. Either choice is a valid one.
Love Suzuki but The XR is in complete domination here
I've owned XR's and DR's and for reliability and suspension, the Honda wins hands down for me. That said, you can't be 5'7 and comfortable ride one. The suspension alone makes the XR.
You hit the nail on the head man. Us old school blokes don't go for the newer stuff because we can fix it easy and these will be going for many yrs due to the simplicity. No sensors, ABS ect. Good vid.
These were the two bikes I considered. I probably would have 'tried' to find the honda, but here in australia DRs are literally everywhere. There are much more DRs around down here, and along with that, aftermarket parts can be bought from a cafe down here, XR parts are abit harder to come by. In the short time Ive had my DR Ive dropped a bunch of weight and sorted nearly all the issues. Im going to put a set of upside mx forks on mine and play with the shock valving until its perfect. Best bike ever made
Nice! With upgraded suspension that bike would be awesome.
Wait Wait did he just say the DR's seat was Comfortable ! Best 2x6 Ive tried to sit on... DR's Rock with some Prep
Lol
I have an original -83 XL600R with 5800 miles, bought it with 4800 miles two months ago :) Runs like a champ, PERFECT dual sport, OOODLES of torque to lump along on forest service roads.
I had the DR650 10 years ago, with few common mods it was a very capable bike. Dead freaking reliable and cheap to run. One of two bikes I really missed.
Very common response. Solid machine!
What mods dovyou recommend
I regretted selling mine for like 15 years and finally just bought another one. Just do it brother!
I have had 2 Dr's and put about 50k miles on them between the two. Never once have I ever thought there was anything wrong with the pegs. One of mine is bent up and it still doesn't bother me. I ride lots of woods and I ride the bike hard. Full suspension, pumper carb, full exhaust it's not being ridden lightly and I've never lost my footing at all. My xr650r and yz250x both have similar pegs and they seem fine to me too. Maybe I'm just old school. Good review.
The more complicated they make these bikes the less reliable they become that’s why these bikes stand the test of time because they’re simple
Simple is as simple does, right?
Great video, love my Doctor!
However when you called the Dr’s seat, wide and comfortable for long rides I almost broke my chair!
😂
LOL, coming off a motocross bike, these seats are like Lazy Boys!
have you ever sat on a ktm 690 seat !?
@@izom No I haven't...Is it worst then the mighty DR's ?
@@Bugoutnow589 like a tight motocrossseat- nearly zero comfort :-)
I’ve had both. The XR seat is nice & plush-fantastic actually.
The DR seat needs to be changed ASAP.
I've had both. Will take the DR all day, everyday. Lower center of gravity (MUCH lower), and the ergonomics are FAR superior, especially once you lower the pegs. XR is much top heavier (noticeably so), has a weaker subframe, and you need the strangest body proportions to ride it: the inseam of an NBA player (~37 inch seat height) to mount it and get a foot down on uneven terrain, but once you're on it you need to be built like a jockey (seat to peg distance 21-ish inches) to be comfortable. I'm on the taller side and my hips and knees are annoyingly cramped.
I trimmed off an inch and half on the XR650L seat, and its still the most comfortable stock seat I've ever owned. I owned both bikes at once for several years.The XR650L has a lower 1st gear. Once I did the 2nd-5th gear swap, the XR650L became the keeper, and the DR650 was traded off. I also cut and rewelded the foot peg mounts in, down, and back on the XR650L.
Very cool to hear! Thanks for the insight, we might do that trick to the XR.
Can you tell me more about the 2nd-5th gear swap? Very curious.
You gonna tell us about the gear swap?
Use factory Honda gears from another Honda. So the parts are a bargain. I had a Honda shop do the labor, and that was the spendy part. The gear swap project is well covered in the XR650L forum on Advrider and Thumper talk. The part #s are listed there.
Enjoyed ur video. I got an 07 DR, I bought new. No issues with it, in 15 yes I've owned it. Put skid plate, and a magnetic oil drain plug. Otherwise totally stock. Ride to work, weekends hit woods. Great bike
I bought a high mile 1993 XR in 2017 intended as a "trainer" for my R1200GS. It worked, seriously improved my skills as applied to the big ADV bike, but I started enjoying the hell out of the Honda! Mine came with a lowering link, but it was still tallish even for my 6'X34". For some stupid reason I sold it last year and immediately regretted it. A friend was selling a well blinged DR, I rode it, liked it, and came close to pulling the trigger, but opted for a DR-Z (downsized from the GS to a Tiger 900 RP). Hard to go wrong with any of these bikes, and used, they are cheap enough to cross-shop....buy one, ride it for a while, sell and buy the other etc.
I really have no brand loyalty although I’ve owned more Hondas than anything.
That said I chose the DR for its seat height and lower center of gravity. It actually feels lighter than a DRZ at tipover cause the weight is carried low.
Here’s the mod list.
Here is the mod list:
GSXR Exhaust with custom Hanger
FMF Header
BST40 Magic
Galfer Steel Brake Lines
Works connection frame guards
Steel case guards
Pro Cycle lowered peg kit
Brake snake
Shifter snake
Acerbis skid plate
AMP Oil Filter cover guard
JNS Engineering oil cooler guard
Skene LED controller
AUX lights
Rowe PDM60 power controller
Voltmeter
Red LED Speedo light
Hour meter tach
JNS Engineering aux light mount
Moose rack
Australia tail light with LED bulb
YZF front fender
Double take mirrors
Acerbis tank
Acerbis skid plate
Seat Concepts seat
Oxford heated grips
Cycra Pro-bend handguards
Baja Designs Squadron Pro
Baja Designs LED controller
Headlight guard
GPR Steering Stabilizer
Pro taper Suzuki / KTM bend fat bars
ASV folding levers
JNS CS cover
SKF Sealed Wheel Bearings
Cogent Dynamics Mohave Pro Shock with 7.6 Ohlins spring
Racetech Fork .52 Springs with Cogent Dynamics Drop-in Damper Cartridges
Sure I missed something lol
If you’re around lock haven check out the dirty dabbers rides. I did one on my dr650 with mostly road tires on it. Wasn’t easy without proper tires but sure was fun. Mostly everyone else that was on the dual sport course was on actual plated dirt bikes. Not many of us true dual sport guys. They also had a course for the bigger adventure bikes as well which wasn’t as technical.
@@scrapmanindustries I did it one time I think two years ago. Was a muddy slippery day on mostly warn Shinko 244’s. That event always seemed like a once and done thing for me. Good for a big bike but it was mostly dirt road or quad trail. Their little piece of single track at their club house property was fun though
@@PennsylvaniaDualSport i’m actually watching your video of it now. Makes me want to do it again. It was cold and not so sloppy when I rode it in like 2017 or 2018 can’t remember exactly. The coolest part for me was some of them road sections where you could look over and see all the mountains. I’ve been wanting to do it again but life keeps getting in the way.
I think the DR has cush drive and the XR does not. That probably has a lot to do with with the DRs smoothness & manners. What are the oil capacities? Larger capacity helps with engine life/service intervals. You should be able to run similar octane fuel. 9.5:1 should run fine on 89. Given the same displacement and higher CR of the DR it would seem that it would have marginally better hp/torque specs. These old designs are just brutally honest. Everything is simple and obvious up front; just the necessities. That's desirable for long treks through the back country. The design philosophy of these bikes is almost timeless. For a low maintenance, impossible to kill farm/trail dirt bike that is street legal they are hard to beat. You don't have to load it up and drive to the trail. You can just bomb down the dirt roads near your house and park it in the shed until next time.
My three super cheap FB marketplace MC projects are all Suzukis; 2000 Bandit 1200 (basket case build), 1997 RF900R (low mile amateur mechanics bodge), and a 1992 DR250S (neglected and missing parts). It seems like the SAACS designs went away because of emissions requirements. I think these bikes may be locked in a loophole that does not allow certain design changes without being subject to modern emissions tests. My DR250S project now sports a DR350SE engine with a pumper carb and the more adjustable trail shock. It has a 2008 RM250 front end & Supertrapp slip-on among other upgrades. The last piece (pilot jet) I need to get this year long project running again should be in my mailbox right now. 🙂
I've developed an appreciation for Suzuki's commitment to economies of scale and their design consideration from working on them. The DR650 seems like it would have everything it needs to be equivalent to the XR650, but it does not seem to have the same cult following as the XR. Why? Maybe it's the suspension and aftermarket support? More felt power? Where & why does the Suzuki carry the extra 20 lbs? I dig the DR, but due to the cult following, resale value, 18" rear wheel, suspension, and weight it would be hard not to select the XR for even money. Seat height could be an over-riding factor for some.
Owned both. 1993 XR650L w/4,000 miles and currently my 2005 DR650 I bought with 10,000 miles. Between the two the Honda is better offroad (helps if your tall 6 foot or more) but the Suzuki makes up for its lack of offroad ability with its smoother motor on the highway. They both have their trade offs. The DR is a little easier to handle in my opinion simply because it's lower to the ground and carries its weight lower. The XRL has more ground clearance and more suspension travel which makes jumping big logs and other obstacles easier. Both bikes are super reliable and have huge aftermarket support (see Procycle). The DR gets the nod for a little better longevity because of the oil cooler. You can add one to the Honda. For an adventure bike I'd pick the DR. In my opinion the XRL is a 75/25 bike and the DR is a 50/50 off road on road bike.
Yep, you're pretty spot on with the 50/50 comment.
Bout time someone compared these two!!!
Thanks Roman!
Having owned and ridden some pretty wild sport bikes including a number of heavily modded road going 2 strokes the DR-650 (also heavily modded) is by far the most fun bike I've owned. Mine is a dirt bike, an Adventure bike and a Supermoto all rolled into one with an evening's worth of swapping out parts. It's so easy to work on, a valve adjustment in 1/2 hour, will take you anywhere and is absolutely void of tech. Huge aftermarket for the DR 🙂
I have two Beta 300s (RR and Xtrainer), a Triumph Scrambler XE 1200, and now my second XR650L. The XRL is the last bike I'd get rid of! Yes, it's a pig with very long legs, but it's remarkably reliable with a huge accessory market! It really is a dooms-day bike! Also about the closest thing to a dirt bike that works well with a passenger. Perfect for my wife and I on back roads and trails.
Must mods for the XRL: air pump delete kit; FMF Q4 (or at least uncork the muffler); Dynojet carb kit; bigger foot pegs; IMS 3.5 gal fuel tank; Ricky Carmicle high rise bars with 2" risers; and for what I do, I dropped a tooth on the front sprocket (which is also a wider sprocket) which makes it so much more fun on trails and fire roads. Only likes to cruise at a max of about 50-55 mph though; foam air filter; and I went to Sutton oil cooler kit. Not a huge difference on the temp, but it helps!
Great review. The only thing that I would add is, as a XR650L owner, the one thing that I envy on the DR650 is the oil cooler …one-off my projects I’m looking at is desmogging and putting on an aftermarket cooler. As for the seat height, I got a “low comfort” Seat Concepts seat … it dropped the seat height by an inch and that has helped me immensely. The gas tank is small, but I am learning to like that in case of dropping the bike -the height of it offers a little more torque to overcome when lifting. Still, I love my bike warts and all, and I like the “Apocalypse Bikes” that are the XR650L and DR650. (Extra shout-out to my bike for starring in a movie with a mullet-haired JCVD … I guess it is an old design.)
Great points and well said LJ
Try the sutton oil cooler, easy to install and keeps oil looking cleaner a lot longer
I got the Sutton Oil Cooler. One of the best mods I've done to date. Higher oil capacity, helps with cooling and lowering Temps, and oil just lasts longer. Also got a Mikuni TM42 Pumper Carb, full exhaust. Really transforms the bike. Getting a Sumo setup to hopefully lower it a bit. Lol.
I got the one that was available, the dr650. I love it, especially with the oil cooler and cush drive.
One doesn’t have the stupid bucket and shim valves. Ease of valve adjustment alone make the Honda a winner
The Suzuki has regular adjustable valves with a feeler gauge and 10mm wrench you can adjust the valves in like 10 mins.
I absolutely love my 2021 xr650l. I turned mine into a Supermoto with a Yoshimura pipe. I can’t get off of it,,and haven’t even ridden it in the dirt yet
Very cool! 👍
Please stay on the pavement.
I've always looked at dual Sports longingly. They seem really cool, but at least here they carry a pretty hefty premium. Even an old pre-2000 that's bigger than a 100 cc is a hard find below two grand.
Both engines are reliable, but the DR is the most reliable. Seen an old man on YT with 145k miles on original DR engine. Even as lean as it is,still runs much cooler than XR. Sort out the suspension and a few other mods, and a DR is great SHTF bike, as long as you have lots of extra fuel. Love my black '17.
Yeah I have a black 2022 DR650 also, love the bike. I also have a little TW200 that I love for different reasons. Between the two I think I've got it covered in the fun department. lol
I have a new xr650l just hit 1500 miles. It eats up the miles on and off road. Really enjoy everything about it so far however, I have done a few mods. It can feel tall at first but can be cornered hard and fast with a confident rider and proper rear tire.
I have had both. I recently got rid of the DR . To me the XR was the better choice. They are both amazing machines .
Hard to beat either one 👍
you forgot to mention th DR oil filter,oil pump and cooler that makes the DR superior on the long rides and engine longevity
Great video, as a DR owner I’m bias but think you got the right answer.
Both incredible bikes, especially after a few mods which (pretty much) everyone does.
For me the Honda was initially more money and the height is substantial…
Also the DR is the closest to a 50/50 bike I’ve ever seen, and with mods can be excellent if you push it to either touring or dirt preference.
The Honda is more dirt orientated and gravitates to dirt builds, the touring not as much.
Good points for sure.
Both bikes are real men bikes. When you ride these bikes the experience itself makes it worth it. They are worth more then what they cost.
Once I opened up the deliberately restricted intake and exhaust, my 2001 XR650 really came alive.
LOVE my DR650! Great motorcycle for 'forest tourism.'
Well said!
What're some good aftermarket foot pegs for the suzuki?
I got a new one in 06, but sadly had to sell it a couple years later. I tried a KLR for a few years, great bike but didn't make me miss my DR any less. Sold the KLR and went a few years without a bike; family, younger kids, no time to ride. Fast forward to 2023 and i finally replaced my DR with a low mile used one. Super stoked. The DR just feels right : )
Great video and great comparison of two legendary bikes! As a 63 year old man, I grew up with these old "thumpers", and what amazing bikes they are! As a current owner of a few bikes (BMW GS1150 Adventure, BMW Dakar 650 GS, & a little Honda XL200), I am getting to the stage where I need one light "do it all" motorcycle. I would not hesitate to get either the Honda XR or Suzuki DR 650's, but sadly they don't bring these models into South Africa anymore. It's such a shame! My choice would be the slightly lower DR, but hey, I can only dream, as most of the 2nd hand models here are pretty beaten up. Thanks again for a great review - keep up the good work! 👍😉
Get a KLR.
I started out back in 1983 on a brand new SP500, remember those? I liked that bike more than anything else out there until the modern DR650 came out in '96, but I kept the old SP500 until '05 when I bought my first DR650. Still have a DR650 to this day. Most of my riding is on gravel roads and mountain trails in Colorado, and these big dual sports are absolutely perfect for that.
Fortunately here in the UK we had another option, the CCM DS644. A dual sport with a Suzuki XF650 engine (basically a DR bottom end but with twin carbs), plus things like Acerbis bodywork and WP suspension)
Never had a DR, have owned my XRL 15+ years and 30k miles. With the proper task oriented tires, real hand guards and a big tank, play around with gearing, it has been a great all-rounder on the cheap. Added a lower Seat Concepts seat and couldn't be happier.. I'm sure the DR is similar, love the XR600R Baja racing heritage the XRL is created from, more capable than you think..plonk down a trail or scare the S@#% out of yourself at full beans race pace, no reason to replace at this point...
I have the dr650 now.Always had Honda's before.The Honda seems much more balanced to ride notably the gearbox always has a natural feel to the shifting and is so easy to have in the correct gear.I am better at riding the Suzuki now after some years but I have to manhandle it with a lot of effort.Think I am gonna go back to Honda.
You didn't mention the large oil cooler on the DR650, which is a huge plus when riding in hot weather or in slow traffic in the city. The DR650 will never overheat, or at least I've never heard of one overheating. But with the XR, overheating issues are well-known. Also the DR650 has a cush hub and the XR does not. This is important for street use to protect the drive train. Anyway, I've owned both bikes and currently own a DR650. I didn't like the XR nearly as much as the DR.
Great note, thanks!
I wanted to hear horsepower and speed rating of each
XR650L will do about 100mph stock (depending on rider weight and position), 34hp/31ftlb at wheel, 346lb wet
DR650, 35hp/32ftlb, 100mph, 369lb wet
Modifications can boost torque a bit at lower rpms, but the biggest factor for dirt bike performance is the most overlooked: rider weight and cardio vascular condition.
I remember riding my 1977 yamaha xt500. It was ok for the time. I had so much fun riding that bike. Hitting trails and street is the way to go. I wish it had a starter, broke my knee on the kick back.
I’m a Honda man!! Ride red!!
I have a 16’ XR650L, I’ve ridden with a late friend who had a DR650. In my opinion there’s little difference between the two. Both are bulletproof apocalypse bikes. It comes down to rider preference
I've owned them both...if u want Performance go with the Xr..overall the best bike for all occasions is the DR..
Good points
I love both bikes. I was going to get an XR650L but being 5'10" with a 30" inseam that just wasn't happening. So l ended up with my 2023 DR650 and l've been having a great time riding, tuning and modding this n that which is fun and makes the bike more capable for my specific needs. I can only own one motorcycle, thankfully the big DR can handle everything l throw it's way!
As a tall guy the xr is the way. I ride 80% dirt and have ran this bike in mojave for years. The amount of possible mods are endless. New stem and crf450 forks really makes her pop. Stiffen the spring. She's a nasty bit of business. I had a dr and my luck I got what they call a suzuki bomb. It's not enganered the same. Al baker sells a lowering link if needed. Keep riding everyone. Much love
Great tips! Thanks Jim
my brother had both and I would always choose the dr over the xr for an overall better experience between the street or dirt. the lack of a cush drive really hampers the xr on the road. but the xr is a great bike, the suzuki just seemed smoother
I went with the Xr. It's the very edge of what I can reasonably tippy toe, but I love it. Deciding factor was steel cylinder vs the Dr treated alloy. I know from experience that if push comes to shove, (you go broke), an XR will run with finger nail clicker grooves in the cylinder, as long as you keep adding oil. I'm pretty sure the Dr is dead at that point.
@@jakeviolet2195 no probably not, but I always lean towards, "what if?" I also like that it's the most off road/rugged of the 3 classic thumpers. Not to knock the others. Just my preference.
the Dr runs a nicasel coated cylinder bore, thats as tough as bores go.
Both are great bikes. Ridden both. Own an XR. Lighter and more HP after desmog and exhaust can.
I had a 2017 xr650l and since you have to upgrade the front sprocket anyway its the same to drop 1 tooth in the front as it is to go up 3 teeth in the rear
Nice comparison review!
Both are good bikes and each has some advantages over the other.
I am 6'-4" and I used to prefer the higher ground clearance and more suspension bikes but as I've gotten older (and slower) the lower seat height has become more important. So I have two DR650's, both highly modified and both with excellent suspension from Cogent Dynamics, one full height and one lowered.
Comfy seats? I guess compared to the typical dirt bike maybe?
But there are many better seats available for both the XR & DR.
Well said. The seats seem to be a hot topic. They are wide and couch-like, but something from say Seat Concepts can improve the overall ride.
@@cyclenews I feel like Seat Concepts seats are worth every penny.
@@cyclenews A lot of people complain about the DR650's seat being hard and uncomfortable, but I've never noticed any problem with it. I've owned DR650's since the late '90's and still have one. It's my favorite motorcycle of all time, nothing else is close except for another DR, the old DR350 which was also a fantastic bike.
@@trevorjameson3213maybe you have a small a$$ like me
DR if you are not tall and/or will do mostly tarmac roads, XR if you are not afraid of heights, and plan to go offroad more frequently.
My wife just picked up a 18 DR and I found a barn find 99 DR with 5k miles on it. Going through the 99 now getting it ready, can't wait to try it out.
Make sure to check and see if it has the Torque limiter! 98 and half of 99 Suzuki went without and it can break the inner engine case. It's a semi known defect. Ask me how I know...
Just a heads up. First thing I did was buy a link and lower the seat height on my 2012 Honda XR650l. I'm 5' 10" seats me just fine. Thanks for the informative review.
Great note, thanks for sharing!
I'm also 5'10" and remember putting only the tip of one foot down at a red light. But I liked the view in city traffic, being able to look over the roofs of the cars. Had both bikes at the same time, sold the XR because the engine of the DR is just perfect. More usable torque down low and midrange while the XR you had to wring out aggressively.
Great review. I'm going with the XR. In 1975 I was 9 years old my father bought me the XR75 and she was built to last. Have to have another XR in my life right about now.
Right on!
I'm like 6' 190 something.. and thinking either of these bikes are probably what I'm looking for coming from looking at the crf300l and kw300. For shorter lighter riders. Want something with more than enough power to be on the road with traffic!! That's very important. Not necessarily going 85 mph or anything but at least 65 with ease and passing power. Want to feel confident and safe as possible. And want it to be dual sport for light commute and cruising some old back roads .
After 7 seasons on a heavily moded '97 DR I'm very satified with it. I tour the countryside, photographing landscapes, buildings and memorials. I don't ride in the dirt, just unpaved roads. As an old geezer I don't need a navigator (paper maps give you a better overview). No windscreen, no ABS - the bike has a Brembo saddle in front. Only glitches have been in electronics, the battery went flat once, but luckily in a city street. I just did a 700 mile tour with no trouble. The worst thing is the fuel consumption - it guzzles more than my wife's car.
Both these bikes are rock solid, very versatile. I got the DR6 just because it is slightly better on better on the road and I usually have to ride 60-80 miles before I get to dirt. On addition I got a deal on the DR. However I would have been happy with the XR. If I had lived closer to trails the XR would have edged out the DR. Either of these bikes are simple work horses.
Does anyone make a slightly longer swing arm, 2-3 inches, for these bikes?
Fun fact, honda turned down a fellow for credit one time who was wanting to buy an xr650. With sn 800+ credit score. So i cant tell you if the honda rides worse than the suzuki… but i can tell you first hand the suzuki dr650 rides way better than that honda😬🍻
It blew my mind to see the aftermarket following the dr650 has. Over the years and miles i have transferred it into an adventure bike. Have a little over 20,000 miles on it. Has been an absolutely wonderful machine. I hope they never quit building it, but i feel its days are numbered with Australia banning them.
Havent an XR Honda here in Australia for decades, not sure why, they seem to sell ok in your country? We still have the DR here however
I chose the DR on a few factors and fuel economy was a large one as I didn't want a bike that got less than my car and I wanted to add a larger tank for better range. Mine gets 55 when I calculated it out and from what I read on forums and the like the Xr supposedly gets 40-45 maybe 50 if you're lucky, my car gets a solid 45. So far it's been a fun first "large" bike compared to my dr350.
Lmao you drive a smart car . What a beta
Good info I had my mind set on the Honda but being only 5’ 7” maybe the Suzuki is a better fit. I heard most falls are because the rider has a hard time getting a foot on the ground.
The DR seat is many things, confortable is not one of those. You can build a bunker with that seat
I currently have the DRZ400S but I'd love to add the DR650 to the stable. Sometimes you want to ride more street than trail or equal amounts. The DRZ will do it but not at freeway speeds for very long. Maybe if it had a 6th gear.
Had a plated 95 xr600r, and just got a dr650......im in love with the dr! The xr was so tall and was exhausting to off road, but had way more power. The dr.....such a gentle giant. Still plenty of power, feels way more solid on and off road. I still miss that 600r, but being 41, i would pick the dr everyday over it.
Loved my DR650se Bush Pig! Smiled for miles every time I rode it! Sold it, Sadly. Will buy another one soon!
I loved everything about my XR but the seat height made it dangerous. I’m 6’1”. This wouldn’t be a problem for a highly experienced maniac type but I’m not that type. A lowering link is available but you don’t even get a full inch lower. Everything else about the XR was awesome.
Great comparison. I love the DR myself. It’s a do everything bike.
I understand that nobody will read this, but as a PROUD owner of THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 - I have to say, it is THE best TRUE 50/50 Dual Sport Bike on the planet. There are some mods you will want to do, but that depends on where you ride, how you ride, etc. I am almost 62 years old, and have been riding since I was about 5 - and it is the best bike I have ever owned. With a little research, you can do all the mod's & maintenance yourself. It is bulletproof and NOTHING beats a Big Bore Single Cylinder Carbureted Thumper !!!
Well said.
Thanks for doing this review
No problem!
I'm using my DR in Mexico mostly for commuting, sometimes offroad. I'd say it's the sharpest knife in the drawer.
Awesome!
XR is the only way to go
Love my DR I almost went with Honda but Glad I went with my dr650. I love it 1 hell of a bike
I’d like a review that emphasizes what the DR650 or XR650 are actually best at in stock form: scrambling. I don’t need to change the gearing or buy expensive off-road shocks. Sure, you can, and many do, but where the DR and XR shine on the cheap is tearing ass down gravel roads. I live in a state with 8000 miles of unpaved roads. That’s why I bought the DR. I get to ride to work on dirt. If I wanted something that can do massive jumps I’d buy a more modern dual sport, like the CRF450RL, but then I’d have to sacrifice top end speed. For a bullet proof, affordable, gravel rocket, that can also blast comfortably down paved country roads, instead of the retro UJMs with knobby tires, get an old fashioned dual sport.
Nailed it! Happy riding
I’ve got both and descriptions fit well
Lucky to have both! Thanks for watching 👍
@@cyclenews yes I am. Thx for the video.
Although I've ridden both these bikes, I don't think either can hold a candle to a 690/701 performance wise. But they are definitely affordable and reliable.
Great comparison. Cheers.
Thanks for watching!
Which one of these bikes would be better for a heavy rider? 6'1", 330 lbs. I will occasionally be riding either one at roads up to 55 mph. I never intend to have them on the freeway.
The XR is definitely taller if that's what you prefer.
The seat will concentrate that 330lb into a small area which equals more pain than a lighter rider.
I Prefer The Dr, Can't Go Wrong with Either One! It's Your Choice Ultra Reliable Easy To Maintain! Thanks For Your Report!
as someone that owned a 97 Honda XR600 with a Baja designs street legal kit on it, i feel itnimportant for all XR650L owners to always give thanks to the Honda engineer that gave them electric start
I can't speak for the DR as I have never owned one, but what I can speak for the XR: The aftermarket for the XR650L is IMMENSE, and while the stock XR650 makes a sad, measly 34hp, there are affordable kits to remove the smog BS off the bike, put an exhaust on it and jet the carb, these bikes very very easily make more than 50hp. They're just extremely choked up from the factory.
I'm a Suzuki guy but I've owned a XL600. Honda all the way.
I envy you for having these fantastic bikes available in your country. In Europe politicians are denying us awesome bikes and cars because they are not clean... bullshit!
where are you living, i have one for sale. Dr650. from 1996
great video. i am gonna get a dr fo sho
Its❤ good indeed ineed it
Las dos son muy buenas! Difícil escoger una.
Was looking to buy a 650 Honda but my local shop didn't have one so I opted for KTM 500
Not available in Europe due to emissions and ABS regulations. I would love to get my hands on a new XR. Pure motorcycling without all the new age fuss.