Great review. 👍 I love my DR 650 and they are not only the ultimate adventure bike but the best all round bike, I used mine as a courier bike in Melbourne for many years, rode it many times in the Victorian High country, and it is currently sitting in Croatia after riding around the UK and Europe, I will go back in 2024 to continue my European odyssey before bringing it back to Australia. In my mind it is the ultimate go anywhere bike that doesn’t blow your budget, $8500, 9 years old, 330,000 klms, what’s not to like.
Awesome, thats great to hear! They really are bullet proof and built for any purpose. Superb. Thanks for watching mate and hope your bike comes home soon. ATB Jason.
@@paulklement4274 I don’t really notice the vibration that much but it is only what you are used too, I have ridden bikes since the early eighties and have ridden bikes much worse and it is a single cylinder after all. My T7 was worse for vibration because it was a high frequency vibration and my left hand would go numb at highway speeds. Sadly a one of ride doesn’t tell the whole story, you have to live with the bike and it doesn’t become an issue, the pros of ownership outnumber the cons by a long way, in 1996 it was a smooth engine in comparison to other singles of the time.
I purchased a 08 KLR maybe 10 years ago. Rode it for a year all over Nevada and California, and in town Las Vegas. It was reliability and a good commuter bike but Touring it was a mindless 😵💫 drag. Traded it✌️. That said,, if I were to venture back to the Duel Sport world, the Bush Pig would be my first choice. And definitely a well Farkled one. Most everything I've seen here for sale is relatively well equipped. Prices vary depending on age and Farkles.. Thanks for your great review 👍. G, in beautiful Boulder City Nv. USA 🇺🇲
@@PaydayGabeBCNV I started of on a KLR but found it much to clumsy for the places I wanted to go, lack of skills perhaps. I love the DRs simplicity and that I can do most maintenance myself. It's just bearable for long trips so still a decent all rounder. Thanks for watching 👍
Hey Jason, I brought an Africa twin to replace my 2017 DR650. Two years later and I’ve still got the DR haha, it’s not fancy but still fun to ride. Great review 👍
Very nice! I have a couple DRZ 400s and may add a 650. I chose the 400s because of weight. I like to ride solo and never want to get caught in a situation where I can't lift the bike after a drop.
That's the exact reason why I bought the DR, I was riding a BMW F800GS before that and got annoyed at not being able to easily pick the bike up after dropping it and so restricted where I would take it. After getting the DR I felt like a dog off a leash haha 👍
I ride a big old Honda Gl1200 here in NW Washington USA, looking to add a lighter bike to explore the mountain roads that abound. Torn between the DR650 and the KLR 650. Appreciate your efforts and the review of your bike
My first adventure bike was a KLR650. I'd say it's a better tourer bike but if you want something that can also do single track then the DR is your bike 👍 Thanks for watching. ATB Jason.
Great review - any comments on the smaller Acerbis tank you had vs the one you have now. I'm undecided..... I like the smaller size of the other they offer but see many with the larger like yourself. Thanks!
Bigger the better in this case. The extra 5 litres makes all the difference, especially when travelling remote areas. I didn't notice any difference in bike handling 👍
Thanks mate 😁 Yup, standard rim but as it's a tubeless tyre it takes a fair bit of brute force to mount it so the last one i put on I got the shop to do it, for free 😀 ATB Jason 👍
If you intend to use the Garmin device for an emergency call, if you come off the bike and are incapacitated and can’t reach it you are in trouble. Always carry it in your jacket. I have never understood why that B&B rack is popular as you can only use flat straps as the gap in the side is too thin. It also has a narrow base. I had a similar FFRC set up and it transformed the bike handling from life threatening to pretty decent. I converted mine to a 790 and it transforms the bike. Much safer open road overtaking and hill power but terrible fuel consumption.
The rear rack has a large top plate usually attached (not shown here) for luggage attachment when on adventures. Similarly the Garmin is attached to a backpack usually worn but not here on a short 10 minute ride. The FFRC suspension is an excellent upgrade. Personally I wouldn't bother going for the 790 upgrade. The rejetting gave it quite enough power boost and in fact I'm looking at going back to stock to minimise fuel consumption for those longer rides.
Excellent review mate. Love aussie descriptions, always straight, to the point and no bs. Very much appreciated. --- I've had bikes for over 40 years now from Dirt bikes to rice rockets to the big cruisers....all awesome but the feel and joy of freedom for me has always been the dual sport type. Again, thank you for your post, you gained another subscriber today. Cheers!
Thanks very much for your nice comment mate. Yeah, you can't beat the freedom of dual sport bikes and the places and adventures they can take you. Ride safe man. ATB Jason 👍
love the review! i have a 2012 myself and lhave been riding it all summer! unfortunately riding serason is ending here so im looking forward to your videos while mine hibernates. off topic what motor do you have that opens and closes your garage door?
Thats the beauty here in Australia, year round riding 😁Not sure what the motor opening the garage door is, its by a local company here called Secure Entry. Glad you enjoyed the video mate. ATB Jason.
I loved the DR except for 2 issues The suspension is either too soft or uncomfortable and jarring On a long trip with 3 x Africa twins,triumph scrambler ,Husky 701 the DR used 20%more fuel in some instances
Yeah, stock suspension sucks for anything serious off road and is a must do upgrade in my opinion. Not surprised about the fuel consumption. Thanks for watching 👍
I run a dry chain, prevents muck and grease build up which grinds into a paste and acts as an abrasion. When I clean the bike I clean the chain with WD40 and then clean off using a oil soaked rag to prevent rust 👍
Nice one Jason, was the seat upholstery a good price? I honestly can’t justify spending 7-800 on a seat concepts been thinking of getting someone to change the stock one.
After disconnecting the fuel pipe I drained the float bowl then carefully applied a heat gun to the inlet pipe, wrapped a protecting cloth around it and using a pair of bull nosed pliers gently applied downward pressure until I had it where i wanted it.
@@TwoTubesADV thanks. I have a new DR with an Acerbis tank and the hose angle isn’t ideal, but afraid to try this! Maybe one day when I have a spare carb handy I’ll try it.
@@TwoTubesADV great review by the way. I have a lot of the same mods done on my bike since I bought it two months ago. It’s fun building a bike that suits your riding style and can’t get one much cheaper than the DR to start with, or one much more fun to ride.
I feel sorry for each and every last one of ya’s. Cause my Doctor is the greatest DR ever manufactured in the history of all the world! The King is dead, Long live the King!
Hmm you're quite right, an often missed but important bit of info that I'm always keen to know when looking at bikes. I'm only around 175 so even with my slightly lowered seat I cannot flat foot with both feet. You would be fine, good all round height I would say 👍
@@TwoTubesADV Hello from Spain. I manipulated the suspension like the manual tells and I reduced the height like five cm. I´m 1,70 and now I´m more confortable. Bye!
@@dontriston yeah you can drop the rear shock into the lower pivot point and either drop the front forks (not recommend) or reverse the spacers in the fork tubes. 👍
Thanks
Thank you so much 🙏 ATB Jason
I fall more in love with mine each day. The power / weight / cost / simplicity makes it a perfect all rounder for me.
Yeah that pretty much sums it up 👌 Thanks for watching 👍
Seems like this model is not good for driving with passenger, isn't it?
Great review. 👍
I love my DR 650 and they are not only the ultimate adventure bike but the best all round bike, I used mine as a courier bike in Melbourne for many years, rode it many times in the Victorian High country, and it is currently sitting in Croatia after riding around the UK and Europe, I will go back in 2024 to continue my European odyssey before bringing it back to Australia.
In my mind it is the ultimate go anywhere bike that doesn’t blow your budget, $8500, 9 years old, 330,000 klms, what’s not to like.
Awesome, thats great to hear! They really are bullet proof and built for any purpose. Superb. Thanks for watching mate and hope your bike comes home soon. ATB Jason.
How did you deal with the vibrations? I rode one today and damn is it not smooth
@@paulklement4274 I don’t really notice the vibration that much but it is only what you are used too, I have ridden bikes since the early eighties and have ridden bikes much worse and it is a single cylinder after all.
My T7 was worse for vibration because it was a high frequency vibration and my left hand would go numb at highway speeds.
Sadly a one of ride doesn’t tell the whole story, you have to live with the bike and it doesn’t become an issue, the pros of ownership outnumber the cons by a long way, in 1996 it was a smooth engine in comparison to other singles of the time.
They are such a solid versatile all-rounder of a bike, its hard not to like its simplicity. Solid review. Cheers
Thanks mate. You really cant go wrong with the DR can you Thanks for watching. ATB Jason.👍
I purchased a 08 KLR maybe 10 years ago. Rode it for a year all over Nevada and California, and in town Las Vegas.
It was reliability and a good commuter bike but Touring it was a mindless 😵💫 drag.
Traded it✌️.
That said,, if I were to venture back to the Duel Sport world, the Bush Pig would be my first choice. And definitely a well Farkled one.
Most everything I've seen here for sale is relatively well equipped. Prices vary depending on age and Farkles..
Thanks for your great review 👍. G, in beautiful Boulder City Nv. USA 🇺🇲
@@PaydayGabeBCNV I started of on a KLR but found it much to clumsy for the places I wanted to go, lack of skills perhaps. I love the DRs simplicity and that I can do most maintenance myself. It's just bearable for long trips so still a decent all rounder. Thanks for watching 👍
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Safe trails and happy adventures 👍👌
Thanks, you too!
lets race, i own a DR650 from 2006. Sunshine Coast Based. Ready to ride!!
They make for a great fast road bike too, nimble, punchy, good ergos and plenty of range.
They certainly do mate 🤙 Thanks for watching 👍
Hey Jason, I brought an Africa twin to replace my 2017 DR650. Two years later and I’ve still got the DR haha, it’s not fancy but still fun to ride. Great review 👍
It sure is. I'll be bringing home a new bike Friday but I'll not be letting my DR go, love that bike 💪 Glad you enjoyed the review.
Very nice! I have a couple DRZ 400s and may add a 650. I chose the 400s because of weight. I like to ride solo and never want to get caught in a situation where I can't lift the bike after a drop.
That's the exact reason why I bought the DR, I was riding a BMW F800GS before that and got annoyed at not being able to easily pick the bike up after dropping it and so restricted where I would take it. After getting the DR I felt like a dog off a leash haha 👍
Love the new channel, of course loved the old one too. Keep up the good work. Such a great bike. I love Build videos.
Thanks mate, great to hear you're a long time supporter ! ATB Jason.
I ride a big old Honda Gl1200 here in NW Washington USA, looking to add a lighter bike to explore the mountain roads that abound. Torn between the DR650 and the KLR 650. Appreciate your efforts and the review of your bike
My first adventure bike was a KLR650. I'd say it's a better tourer bike but if you want something that can also do single track then the DR is your bike 👍 Thanks for watching. ATB Jason.
Mate............ Suzuki should pay for such a good review😁
Mate, you're too kind 😁 Thank you 👍
Great review - any comments on the smaller Acerbis tank you had vs the one you have now. I'm undecided..... I like the smaller size of the other they offer but see many with the larger like yourself. Thanks!
Bigger the better in this case. The extra 5 litres makes all the difference, especially when travelling remote areas. I didn't notice any difference in bike handling 👍
To fear and alarm don't think so you are just greeted
Nice rundown TT 🤙 well set up bike cheers
Thanks man 🙏
Thanks for a good , no nonsense video.
Got a question on the rear tire, how did you mount the tubeless Motoz tire ? Standard rim ?
Thanks mate 😁 Yup, standard rim but as it's a tubeless tyre it takes a fair bit of brute force to mount it so the last one i put on I got the shop to do it, for free 😀 ATB Jason 👍
Great lookin bike! That bash plate looks sick.
Thanks mate 🤙 The great thing about the DR is you can make it what you want. ATB Jason 👍
If you intend to use the Garmin device for an emergency call, if you come off the bike and are incapacitated and can’t reach it you are in trouble. Always carry it in your jacket. I have never understood why that B&B rack is popular as you can only use flat straps as the gap in the side is too thin. It also has a narrow base. I had a similar FFRC set up and it transformed the bike handling from life threatening to pretty decent. I converted mine to a 790 and it transforms the bike. Much safer open road overtaking and hill power but terrible fuel consumption.
The rear rack has a large top plate usually attached (not shown here) for luggage attachment when on adventures. Similarly the Garmin is attached to a backpack usually worn but not here on a short 10 minute ride. The FFRC suspension is an excellent upgrade. Personally I wouldn't bother going for the 790 upgrade. The rejetting gave it quite enough power boost and in fact I'm looking at going back to stock to minimise fuel consumption for those longer rides.
@@TwoTubesADV fuel consumption with the 790 dropped to 17 km/ litre!
Great video thank you.
Did you replace the whole headlight or just the globe?
Just the globe, super bright super happy 🤙 ATB Jason 👍
Phoenix Seats…..give him a plug!! Buy Australian….he did my DRZ, long rides are pain free!!😀👍
The seat I'm using is by a local Australian on the sunny coast 🤙
Great review, and a very nice bike build. Thanks for sharing it with us.
JT
Kentucky (USA)
Thanks mate! Much appreciated 👍
Excellent video, thanks for sharing. Cheers
Cheers mate 👍
Love the review.
Thanks mate! 🙂👍
@@benw834 glad to hear you enjoyed it 😊 ATB Jason 👍
I think you made the correct chose !
Yup, for sure. Thanks for watching 👍
Excellent review mate. Love aussie descriptions, always straight, to the point and no bs. Very much appreciated. --- I've had bikes for over 40 years now from Dirt bikes to rice rockets to the big cruisers....all awesome but the feel and joy of freedom for me has always been the dual sport type. Again, thank you for your post, you gained another subscriber today. Cheers!
Thanks very much for your nice comment mate. Yeah, you can't beat the freedom of dual sport bikes and the places and adventures they can take you. Ride safe man. ATB Jason 👍
A thorough review well presented.... cheers
Thanks mate 😁 ATB Jason 👍
love the review! i have a 2012 myself and lhave been riding it all summer! unfortunately riding serason is ending here so im looking forward to your videos while mine hibernates. off topic what motor do you have that opens and closes your garage door?
Thats the beauty here in Australia, year round riding 😁Not sure what the motor opening the garage door is, its by a local company here called Secure Entry. Glad you enjoyed the video mate. ATB Jason.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it 😁👍
Nice one. I'm working on a leaky fuel tap atm.
Ye old bushpig...😆
Ha ha, we all get a bit leaky with age lol. Thanks for watching mate 👍
Motorcycle just like life, it won't satisfy us. We just have to adapt
Not wrong there
hey great, review, thanks! For reference, how tall are you?
I'm about 5'10 on a good day 😜 Thanks for watching 🤙
I loved the DR except for 2 issues
The suspension is either too soft or uncomfortable and jarring
On a long trip with 3 x Africa twins,triumph scrambler ,Husky 701 the DR used 20%more fuel in some instances
Yeah, stock suspension sucks for anything serious off road and is a must do upgrade in my opinion. Not surprised about the fuel consumption. Thanks for watching 👍
круто! Отличный байк и его апгрейд!
Thanks mate 😁
Need to lube chain tho mate 👍
I run a dry chain, prevents muck and grease build up which grinds into a paste and acts as an abrasion. When I clean the bike I clean the chain with WD40 and then clean off using a oil soaked rag to prevent rust 👍
Nice one Jason, was the seat upholstery a good price? I honestly can’t justify spending 7-800 on a seat concepts been thinking of getting someone to change the stock one.
I think I paid around $300 😊 but you can get cheaper that use the original foam and vinyl. Mine was a complete refabrication on original base 👍
@@TwoTubesADV wow that’s great👌
Do you remember the business name? I’ll give them a call.
@@anotherguyonabike4726just searching for you now mate 😂
Give me a couple of hours, just off to pick up new bike 😁
Does the Acerbis fuel tank requiere crashbars for the less experienced bikers?
I don't have crash bars, not sure I've seen any for the bushpig.
How did you turn that carb inlet pipe down like that to get the gas line straight and flowing downhill better with the larger tank?
After disconnecting the fuel pipe I drained the float bowl then carefully applied a heat gun to the inlet pipe, wrapped a protecting cloth around it and using a pair of bull nosed pliers gently applied downward pressure until I had it where i wanted it.
@@TwoTubesADV thanks. I have a new DR with an Acerbis tank and the hose angle isn’t ideal, but afraid to try this! Maybe one day when I have a spare carb handy I’ll try it.
@@TwoTubesADV great review by the way. I have a lot of the same mods done on my bike since I bought it two months ago. It’s fun building a bike that suits your riding style and can’t get one much cheaper than the DR to start with, or one much more fun to ride.
@@michaelhefford6420it's the ideal bike to customise and work on, love it. Have fun mate 👍
Honda crf 450 rallye i bet mate 👍
stay tuned hehe
Wow buddy, didn’t know you had a second channel. Subscribed! 🍻
Thanks mate! I no longer publish to Biker Bytes, I've transitioned to this my new channel TwoTubes ADV 👍
They don't sell the dr in Australia anymore???
No unfortunately. Emission regulations. Still available elsewhere.
@@TwoTubesADV so one would have to buy from overseas and get it shipped to Australia?
nice rig mate, get some proper footpegs tho, they make a world of difference.cheers :)
Cheers 👍 I don't mind the stock pegs. I've had pivot pegs before and they didn't do much for me.
Tank bag and handlebars bag?
Correct 👍
Are you a ham radio guy, too? I heard the VK4RMC repeater ID in one of your videos on the other channel. 73.
I am indeed 😁 Callsign VK4JSN. Well observed mate 👍
@@TwoTubesADV N0SHU...And I will soon be a DR 650 owner. Good stuff.
@@patring620 cool, you'll love it, such a capable bike, go anywhere 💪
Do crash bars fit to that fuel tank?
No idea, wouldn't bother either.
Tubeless conversion?
Ideally, but not as yet as now my money is pouring into my other bike 😬
I feel sorry for each and every last one of ya’s. Cause my Doctor is the greatest DR ever manufactured in the history of all the world!
The King is dead, Long live the King!
Still going strong mate 💪
I subscrbed mate 👍
awesome, much appreciated 🙏
As you need the Money
Care to explain?
@@TwoTubesADV look what's in your gauge 100,000 toyota plus More.
Good one. But can you tell something about the size? So how tall are you? Because me for instance I m 186 cm ...
Hmm you're quite right, an often missed but important bit of info that I'm always keen to know when looking at bikes. I'm only around 175 so even with my slightly lowered seat I cannot flat foot with both feet. You would be fine, good all round height I would say 👍
Thanx mate@@TwoTubesADV
@@TwoTubesADV Hello from Spain. I manipulated the suspension like the manual tells and I reduced the height like five cm. I´m 1,70 and now I´m more confortable. Bye!
@@dontriston yeah you can drop the rear shock into the lower pivot point and either drop the front forks (not recommend) or reverse the spacers in the fork tubes. 👍
Look what in your garage
Yikes! What, a ghost?
25 liter....6.6 US gallons! That's what's up. Range? ELEVENTY KABILLION MILES!
Haha. I might rejet the carby back to stock to squeeze more milage out of it now i got another bike 💪