I have been riding my 1991 Dr350s, well since it was new. Still going strong 30 years on and always a joy. Dang it's cool just turning heads because it's so old. I can't imagine some of the new dualsport bikes lasting this long.
@abrahambarkhordar5572 easily 40K or more. As time passes, simple things like brake masters, chains, and sprockets, oil and filter, as well as suspension components, will need to be replaced. But that is normal with any bike. I replaced the rear shock and chain and sprockets, rear master cylinder, tires, and tubes ~ two years ago.
the last 2 years I rode 16000 km with this bike trough all weather conditions and i find it a perfect workhorse wheter it is for commuting, traveling or offroad. always does the job well.
Excellent review! I have had over 40 bikes since 1972, ridden loads more besides, and I rate this bike very very highly, I have a dr350 sew with additional electric start over earlier models, and that is a gamechanger if you stall in deep mud or streams when youre tired and you need to get out of there. I will only sell this when too damn old to ride, then agin, I would probably give it to my favorite nephew.
Just wondering at that many miles does it use a little oil I'm guess you might have to add a quart a month that's not to bad if so let me know I have the same bike and I have 26,000 and I go thru a quart of oil once a month
Here's something a bit counterintuitive: these bikes are great for big cities! Hear me out. They tall, upright posture makes it easy to see and be seen. Easy to hop a curb to park for a quick stop, maybe hide it behind a dumpster if you don't want to pay for parking. If traffic is at a standstill you can go through the median and turn around to find an alternate route. Train tracks, pot holes... lol! I went to Rio de Janeiro and some other South American cities- it was Harleys for people that wanted to flex, sports bikes for speed demons, and dual sports for delivery drivers and almost everyone else.
I'd definitely suggest a mid sized dual sport for cities as well. Only con I can think of is is air cooled in a lot of stop and go traffic on hot days.
Just finished a full front and rear RaceTech gold valve install with new fork springs and a Cannon Race craft rear spring on my 1999 dirt model as well as a seat concepts foam and gripper cover. It's freaking amazing now.
@@CashedOutCars Seat Concepts was the best upgrade I did over these last 3yrs of DR ownership! Should have done it sooner ! All day comfort \ the seat just disappears as an issue & great grip : )
@@kevinnelson9716 Yep, the factory seat is slippery. I did mine as well with a seat concepts carbon gripper foam and cover kit. Definitely a huge improvement.
@@utdesertghost199 On this bike I went cheap, just went to JoAnnes and bought some black marine vinyl. $10 a yard. Came out nice. The factory seat, though, geez, no matter what I set on there it slid off- gloves keys, you name it.
Building two now and both Electric start, easy to modify and perfect on trails and back roads....best carb for the bike is the Mikuni TM33-8012....good video....
I do know it can and is being done....the real thought is where the original builders went was Kick start because it was so easy 2 start.... I have a kick start and also a early model and it is just plane easy to start....@@shanedresser5431
Came across your video yesterday while looking for DR350 vids. I got my 1995 as a first dirt/dualsport bike 6 years or so ago, not knowing much about either. I had some wire gremlins and carb issues but once I got those worked out it has been a really good bike. Dropped one tooth in the front and put on a DG pipe and it rips. I have it fixed up like a mini ADV bike. I have maybe $3300 total in it over the years including $1900 to buy it. Not bad for six years of reliable service. One issue that has cropped up twice recently was that he bike went totally dead for no apparent reason. I could bump start it but that's it. Turned out to be a 20amp fuse back next to the battery. Easy fix it it every happens. Thanks for your video, I enjoyed it.
I have a 1998 Off Road version that the prior owner was able to add the needed things and got it street legal. Great trail bike and I am able to keep up with much newer and bigger bikes in the woods with my experience. Reliable, easy maintenance, and just a real fun woods bike! Also own a DR250 & DR125. Nice video on it.
Awesome! Yeah all my friends have newer, more expensive stuff and I have just as much fun if not more on this. Sounds like you’ve got an awesome fleet, enjoy them!
Add some Tusk DSport tires at about $55.00 a piece from Rocky Mountain for a much better off road experience! Not to bad on pavement just a bit louder. I ride about 80% off road, gravel, 2 tracks, sand, mud, atv trails and I would rather have a more dirt oriented tire for this. It will build your confidence off road with your DR350. These bikes can really go anywhere! I've been riding Suzuki dirt bikes for almost 40 years along with many others. The Dr's just do what they need to do and what they were intended for...
Hey, cool review! I used to live in Greenwich CT, great place. Now I'm in Milan Italy and will soon pick up one of these bike to have fun on trails, nothing too complicated. Everybody's telling me that this is really good dual sport and your review confirms it. I'm on to a 97 model with electric start, should get it next month. Cheers and enjoy the ride!
Awesome! I used enjoy going to greenwich to check out the car dealerships. This will definitely be a great dual sport, specially for the price compared to new stuff. Enjoy!
Hey Bud thanks for the videos helps me out a lot I just picked up my 96 DR 350 SC for 500 bucks Rebuild the carb and repainted the plastics looks beautiful runs great. Thanks for the tips
That's my Dr 350 on the comment down below. Just love this machine. I've been making mods on mine around two years. She's a lovely thing to ride. Enjoy 🤞🤘🙌
Awesome review! Thank you! I’m glad to see this bike so appreciated! I just picked one up for a couple hundred bucks and can’t wait to get her going. Thanks for more motivation!
@@K9River The KLR is really heavy, which is a good thing on the road, but really sucks once you get to a fire road or offroad. In terms of vibrations I wouldn't say there is much of a difference between my old KLR and the DR. The thing I enjoyed about the KLR was the chug-chug-chug low-down torque. I didn't find the KLR too tall, but due to its weight it becomes hard to save once it starts toppling.
So Sold my KLR650 today because at 63, it’s too much bike, too much weight to enjoy off-road. Now I’m looking for a replacement & considering the DR350. This was a helpful video as was your comment.
Had an 05 klr. Things I didn't like was not just how heavy, but with that 6 gal tank it's top heavy. Also the shifting was very 'clunky' compared to both a dr350 and drz, which are both very smooth imho. Never rode a dr650, maybe someday. Great video and y'all ride safe.
I used to have Suzuki XC 250 Djebel for while and I've decided to go fully on-road with Honda NC 750. But... I am going to buy DR 350 and get back to such a wide scope of roads, where only my skill is a limit. And if new bikes can be sold, such old-school motorcycles as Suzuki DR family should be kept, because now it is not possible to easily find something cheap, durable and light, like them. Nice video, thank you for sharing your experience.
I happen to own one of these bikes. Ive mever ridden it cause it was my dad but hes not with us and im the only one who could start it. I also own a miata and this channel has great miata content so i find it ironic that i have 2 of the same vehicles
Thanks for the vid, please keep them coming. Very informative and interesting. Bought an old Dr350 two years ago. Haven't really riden my cruiser since! In fact, I just bought another Dr350 for a spare!
Scoring a 90 dr350 clean from a 70 year old guy who has owned for 20 years tomorrow. Its completely stock and unmolested cases never been cracked topend has never been apart he said hes never even adjusted valves. Carb has been rebuilt and he put new graphics on it. Other than that untouched, and its clean with street legal title. Needles to say I'm very excited.🍻
I do a lot of enduro riding, mostly on later 2008 and newer KTM and others. Also have had lot of sportbikes(speed triples, RC51, CBR1000 etc) and i still have a RC51 and 2008 KTM 200. I bought a new DRZ400 back in 2009 and it was a pretty great bike but i had sold it years ago and decided to get back into Dual Sporting. Always like the DR350 and found a mint condition all original 1995 with 2,021 miles on it. I can honestly say this bike is twice the fun of my Ktm Duke690 that i had sold. In my opinion the bikes suspension is not all that horrible, obviously its not harescramble fast suspension but more suited for harder slower enduro type riding. I also find it holds its weight better and feels lighter than the DRZ400 and does not plow the front end like the DRZ400. The DRZ holds a lot of its weight up front and in my opinion makes it sketchy offroad. I've also put miles on a WR250R but id say i still like the DR better. Great underappreciated bike.
Hey dude I really appreciate your comment, you’ve owned a lot of the bikes I’ve been looking at buying for my next bike. I own a full power DT125R, fzs 600 and have had a couple other dirt bikes I’ve found that I’m not really feeling like I enjoy my fazer streetfighter as much and would rather stick to what I know with the dirt bikes. I’m a die hard Yamaha guy but Yamaha really don’t offer a good simple reliable all rounder like the DR350.
It’s also good to hear that from someone who’s not just ridden mainly old school dirt bikes who can say even compared to the newer enduro bikes it still very much is relevant and holds its own
Thanks! I'm real lucky to have them all so close to my house. Email me at cashedoutcars@gmail.com, I want to send you stickers to thank you for your continued support!
I bought one brand new in 1993, and have had a few others as well. I have owned and ridden many other motorcycles but the DR350 is my favorite all time motorcycle. The key is to leave the engine all stock. The torque curve is totally flat and wide, and the motor is efficient and indestructible. Once you start fucking with it, your mpg drops and you lose the range. Get a different bike if you want big power.
@@NoPrivateProperty I have dyno sheets someone on forums did a comparison of the stock 385 and 440. The big bore kit also brings the compression up 1 number. I have had to run higher octane or I get pre ignition Here is the website with the dyno graphs. images.app.goo.gl/poJiuUdaGVf3QQJy6
@@moverplus2853 the chart you posted shows a 5hp jump from stock to 385 cc. Even with that gain, I suspect opened airbox and possibly exhaust tampering. most of the power increase is from the compression, which comes with a high cost. I cracked my engine cases in half kicking the high compression motor. not worth modifying. just buy a modern bike
@@moverplus2853 I have had a number of DR350s, and I am sharing my experience as well. The claim of 10 hp increase across the rpm range is just untrue and misleading to others. I prefer the bike stock
Cant get myself to sell my 99 DR350SE. I've swapped to a pumper carb, did the airbox mod and exhaust, geared it more for road and it does pretty damn good even on technical trails. I thought about selling it once and got a nice offer but ended up turning it down because I knew i'd never find another and would miss it too much. Does everything I need it to pretty well. Revs a little high on the highway even geared up more for it, but thats not what its made for. Can't go wrong with these bikes really.
Have a 99 SE, which I've personally rebuilt. It is a nice bike. Can't confirm the bulletproof glory that it has yet, tough I've put more wrenching time than riding so far. If I have to pick up a bike right now, I would go for the new Honda CRF 300 without a hesitation. DR is cool, but parts are hard to come bye, it is an old design, everything on these is old and tired and in need of replacement (20 to 30 years old bikes). I guess it depends on the specific bike. If you have to put a new acerbic tank on it (stock one is small) and a new seat (Seat Concepts are incredible), then deal with the new brakes and the list goes on .... it gets expensive. It is very good if you want to learn how to work on your bikes. Very basic engine design (by modern standards), you don't need much specialised tools other than flywheel removal tool and case splitter. It is sad, that for a long time this segment has been ignored by manufacturers, light-ish dual sports are very fun bikes.
Thank you for a well thought-out, logically structured review - a breath of fresh air on a platform where anyone can dump a video. I have been researching for my first bike, at 54 years of age, I shortlisted a 1990, 1994 DR350, a 19xx KLX300, and 2004 KLX400. For Practical reasons the 1994 DR350SE, is what I will most likely get. I hope to get a KLX400R next. My needs are the same as you outlined, I live in southern Ontario Canada. I am 6'4" 230 Lb and believe the DR 350 suspension can be modified for me. I have read about "Gold Valve Emulators" and rear and front springs. Your insight about the suspension (valves, springs, oil, possible overhaul) options, would be appreciated. Thanks again.
It certainly can be modified but I don’t know too much about these bikes. I lot of people will do fork upgrades off of newer bikes or motocross bikes which would help. The 99 SE comes with dirt suspension which is tunable from the factory. Good luck with your search!
Got a 94' SER as well... I did a DRZ/SM Fork swap the front, and throw a RMX250 swinger/linkage out back with a non-cush wheel... then you can spring and valve and rebound-adjust to your heart's content. The 94' OEM fork/shocks are mush piles or pogo sticks... PM me and we can talk about the details.
Mr you sure gave us a great review on this bike. Organized and polished. Im a Honda guy but think I would enjoy owning a dr350se. I'm in putnam ct should you ever want to part with it hah ha
My uncle gave my dad his old dr350s and I finally convinced him to give it to me lol so hopefully I’ll be getting it running soon it has been sitting since 13’ but it’s a four stroke.
Have a 99 DR350se as well, 3000 miles. Every time I ride it, I wonder why I don't ride it more. Traded my ktm 450exc for some tree work, so the DR is in the top spot now.
I went with the 350 since I got a better deal than I could have on a 400, and it is a simpler bike than the 400 as well, being air cooled. The 400s are cool though, I like them both very much though!
Great review. I recently sold my 1999 dr350se, I've been regretting it ever since. I'm located in CT as well. would love to hit some new trials of you know of any.
Thanks! I'm up in Northwest CT and there's tons of dirt roads that I ride up here. The Thomaston dam is also a great spot but I haven't been there with this bike yet
@@CashedOutCars I've been to Thomaston dam and pauchaug a few times, the dam is better IMO. I am in North central CT. Looking to go on some dual sport rides once it warms up a bit.
Not a comment but i wonder if you would share where you got your headlight? Thanks. Good review. I've been considering which dual sport bike to get and for my budget this is the one. Going to check out a 1998 model this Sat.
Thanks! Mine came with the kick starter on it but I bought the bike 2nd hand so it very well could be an aftermarket part. I'm honestly not sure if it was available as an option from the factory. I am very glad I have it though. Enjoy yours!
Thanks for the info. I couldn't find alot on my 91 dr350s. I finally got it running but it dies with throttle. Still not sure how to tune the carb properly.
I have a video on a carb clean on these bikes. Mine had the same issue and I spaced up the needle to fix the problem. I'm not sure if it's the best way to do it, but it worked for me!
@@CashedOutCars thanks for the reply. I have all new jets and rebuilt carb. Ill try the needle spacing you did for the throttle. But now it's having trouble starting. I feel like it may be an ignition or valve clearance issue
It appears to have electric start and it has a kick starter. Did it come this way from the factory? Or was the kick starter retrofitted? I'm looking at a 1994 DR350E electric start. It does not have a kick starter.
I bought my old '91 plated off road model for 1K in CT about 4 years ago . Seems like you have to leave the state if you want semi reasonable prices on anything now.
Nice! I bought this bike for $475 but it was a project. Prices have gone way up in the last few years, I wish I kept my old bikes and sold them now hahah
Hi-key... think you stumbled onto the **apex** of mid-weight dual-sports. air-cooled reliability, nearly 400cc displacement for extra grunt, and a sweet (and rare) 6-spd box for highway ratios. ...is the Fit/Finish where HMC's work is? No. ...But, can you throw this thing down a mountain or rip it like a dirt bike and expect it to still run? Absolutely. Nice purchase. Now; mod the piss outta' it.
Picking up a DR350SE for free from my cousin, great vid! Although he lost the key a while back, if anyone has a new ignition cylinder w a key please let me know! Also that’s a nice headlight, where did you pick that up from?
Awesome! You’ll enjoy it. There are a few DR350 Facebook pages that might be able to help you find an ignition set up. Here’s my vid on the light! th-cam.com/video/qJVzBXRnF_E/w-d-xo.html
if you feel like undertaking a bit of pain in the ass diy you can try to impression the key. i was actually able to do it on a second blank i tried; it's pretty tedious but the feeling of victory makes it worth it lol
If you can, look for a 97' model. They've got tunable suspension up front. Otherwise, plan on a really mushy ride until you put 10w/15w fork oil into the forks.
Immutable Value is that which time cannot make obsolete. Consider: What does a 400cc dual-sport cost new today? ...then consider, what the value of one tested by the slings/arrows of time is worth?
@@CashedOutCars nah not in a Miata, I put one in a Holden jackeroo (Isuzu trooper) that I turbo'd the V6 in , I did use to have a fast Mazda with a 13bt though 👌👌
So i found Dr 350 1997 for about 1500 dollars is it worth it getting it looks in good condition, and is it good for begginers im 6,2 220lbs i driven befor my friends kawasaki kmx 125. So should i get it or should i save some more money and get yamaha wr 250f 2004
I really enjoy this bike. Since you’re taller than me it’s suit you even better for starting out since you’d be able to easily put your feet down when you need to
I don't think this bike is heavy at all, yeah it's not motocross light, but it hides it very well. There's defo bikes out there that are lighter than this but actually feel heavier than the DR. My mate put motocross gearing on his and I let the clutch out and gave it a tiny bit of gas and it stood up straight vertical. I didn't ask to ride it again. 🤣
Did you install LED ones or factory style bulbs/ If they're LEDs you may need additional parts to make it work. On my bike I just installed a fresh one and everything worked
Do i need to worry about the seat height ? I am 5 feet 8 with no experince at all next year i want to get my license and start riding but i worry about the height of it.
I wouldn’t worry about it too much! Try to sit on one and lean it a bit to feel the weight. 230s are smaller and usually a bit easier for beginners in the woods, but that’s not to say these bikes are bad for beginners. Good luck and have fun!
i have a 94 dr650 and love it... except that the prior owner ignored the balance shaft chain and parts are hard to find! I'm thinking the DR350 would be a great bike for my roommate who is a bit overly timid right now, but I think would quickly outgrow the bikes he is looking at. Note: when I say outgrow, he is looking at dual-sport to old street bikes that are approx 150cc in an area where going almost anywhere requires 70mph freeway. I have gone from a ninja 250 to a ninja 300 that I love and also a dr650 (and love that too), so it isn't about thinking people must always outgrow a bike. It's just that too weak a bike will limit out so soon that I think even a few weeks of daily riding would bring him to wanting something more than mid-70's era low cc. (and the maintenance will get him too)
It's reasonable, not super fast but not terribly slow. I can do an acceleration video come nicer weather here, with a GPS timer so we can see the results
Dr350 always had a 6spd tho, my 1990 has it
You’re right, my mistake. I was thinking about the DRZ400 for when I wrote that for the review. Thanks for the correction!
I was thinking the same with my 89 lol
My '92 has a 6-speed
Yeah my 92 has 6 speed too
Owned a 1990s, 1992, 1996SE, and 1996 off-road. All had 6 speed
The DR350 was the bike of choice for the Mondo Enduro trip. Incredible achievement.
I have been riding my 1991 Dr350s, well since it was new. Still going strong 30 years on and always a joy.
Dang it's cool just turning heads because it's so old. I can't imagine some of the new dualsport bikes lasting this long.
Awesome! It's crazy to think that it's a 30 year old bike at this point, it still rides great and is a ton of fun!
Suzuki V-Strom 650 lasts for generations
Another original owner from 1996. 33k and never turned a screw or bolt on it. Just tires, chain, sprocket.
How many miles do you think are okay on it?
@abrahambarkhordar5572 easily 40K or more. As time passes, simple things like brake masters, chains, and sprockets, oil and filter, as well as suspension components, will need to be replaced. But that is normal with any bike.
I replaced the rear shock and chain and sprockets, rear master cylinder, tires, and tubes ~ two years ago.
the last 2 years I rode 16000 km with this bike trough all weather conditions and i find it a perfect workhorse wheter it is for commuting, traveling or offroad. always does the job well.
How much did you pay for your advice
Very informative! Gotta Love the DR 350! Happy Trails.
Excellent review! I have had over 40 bikes since 1972, ridden loads more besides, and I rate this bike very very highly, I have a dr350 sew with additional electric start over earlier models, and that is a gamechanger if you stall in deep mud or streams when youre tired and you need to get out of there. I will only sell this when too damn old to ride, then agin, I would probably give it to my favorite nephew.
Thanks! I love the E-Start on here, it saves tons of effort. Sounds like your favorite nephew will be a lucky one!
Can you actually install the e-start? I have a 1992 model. Would love to!
I have a 95 350se with 23000 miles and absolutely love it!
Enjoy it my friend!
Just wondering at that many miles does it use a little oil I'm guess you might have to add a quart a month that's not to bad if so let me know I have the same bike and I have 26,000 and I go thru a quart of oil once a month
damn zero dislikes! I appreciate how you repeatedly came back to the fact that it's not an MX bike. Also how you talked about your background. Cheers.
This is one of my few videos that consistently only has support! Bike people are more chill than the car crowd hahaha
Here's something a bit counterintuitive: these bikes are great for big cities! Hear me out. They tall, upright posture makes it easy to see and be seen. Easy to hop a curb to park for a quick stop, maybe hide it behind a dumpster if you don't want to pay for parking. If traffic is at a standstill you can go through the median and turn around to find an alternate route. Train tracks, pot holes... lol! I went to Rio de Janeiro and some other South American cities- it was Harleys for people that wanted to flex, sports bikes for speed demons, and dual sports for delivery drivers and almost everyone else.
I'd definitely suggest a mid sized dual sport for cities as well. Only con I can think of is is air cooled in a lot of stop and go traffic on hot days.
Just finished a full front and rear RaceTech gold valve install with new fork springs and a Cannon Race craft rear spring on my 1999 dirt model as well as a seat concepts foam and gripper cover. It's freaking amazing now.
Awesome! I definitely plan on upgrading my seat cover soon, this one is a bit slippery. Enjoy your bike!
@@CashedOutCars Seat Concepts was the best upgrade I did over these last 3yrs of DR ownership! Should have done it sooner ! All day comfort \ the seat just disappears as an issue & great grip : )
My seat was also super slippery. I redid it myself. It's easy and inexpensive.
@@kevinnelson9716
Yep, the factory seat is slippery. I did mine as well with a seat concepts carbon gripper foam and cover kit. Definitely a huge improvement.
@@utdesertghost199 On this bike I went cheap, just went to JoAnnes and bought some black marine vinyl. $10 a yard. Came out nice. The factory seat, though, geez, no matter what I set on there it slid off- gloves keys, you name it.
Building two now and both Electric start, easy to modify and perfect on trails and back roads....best carb for the bike is the Mikuni TM33-8012....good video....
Just wondering if you know how to modify it to add Kickstart as a back up. Thanks for your time!
I do know it can and is being done....the real thought is where the original builders went was Kick start because it was so easy 2 start....
I have a kick start and also a early model and it is just plane easy to start....@@shanedresser5431
Came across your video yesterday while looking for DR350 vids. I got my 1995 as a first dirt/dualsport bike 6 years or so ago, not knowing much about either.
I had some wire gremlins and carb issues but once I got those worked out it has been a really good bike. Dropped one tooth in the front and put on a DG pipe and it rips.
I have it fixed up like a mini ADV bike. I have maybe $3300 total in it over the years including $1900 to buy it. Not bad for six years of reliable service.
One issue that has cropped up twice recently was that he bike went totally dead for no apparent reason. I could bump start it but that's it. Turned out to be a 20amp fuse back next to the battery. Easy fix it it every happens.
Thanks for your video, I enjoyed it.
Definitely not bad, enjoy it, they're great bikes!
These bikes were the sweet spot size. Why they don’t make the 350cc anymore baffles me
Because they came out with the DRZ400.
@@Just_Chuck_ItI’ve had both bikes over the DR is the better bike. DRZ 400. Close 5 speed gearbox really let’s it down
I have a 1998 Off Road version that the prior owner was able to add the needed things and got it street legal. Great trail bike and I am able to keep up with much newer and bigger bikes in the woods with my experience. Reliable, easy maintenance, and just a real fun woods bike! Also own a DR250 & DR125. Nice video on it.
Awesome! Yeah all my friends have newer, more expensive stuff and I have just as much fun if not more on this. Sounds like you’ve got an awesome fleet, enjoy them!
Add some Tusk DSport tires at about $55.00 a piece from Rocky Mountain for a much better off road experience! Not to bad on pavement just a bit louder. I ride about 80% off road, gravel, 2 tracks, sand, mud, atv trails and I would rather have a more dirt oriented tire for this. It will build your confidence off road with your DR350. These bikes can really go anywhere! I've been riding Suzuki dirt bikes for almost 40 years along with many others. The Dr's just do what they need to do and what they were intended for...
If it's good enough for Austin Vince and the Terra Circa boys, it's certainly good enough for me. Legend. 👍
Who? Send link
@@kieranprotsmith th-cam.com/play/PLaKtUn9Af-ToZ9oQoj3Q4kYPU-f7oTnpo.html
@@kieranprotsmith Check out "Terra Circa" brilliant.
@@kieranprotsmith please?
Such a great bike, just now learning on mine, also a 99se. Love what you’ve done with yours 🙌🏽
Awesome man, enjoy it! They're a blast!
What a damn good review.
Hey, cool review! I used to live in Greenwich CT, great place. Now I'm in Milan Italy and will soon pick up one of these bike to have fun on trails, nothing too complicated. Everybody's telling me that this is really good dual sport and your review confirms it. I'm on to a 97 model with electric start, should get it next month. Cheers and enjoy the ride!
Awesome! I used enjoy going to greenwich to check out the car dealerships. This will definitely be a great dual sport, specially for the price compared to new stuff. Enjoy!
@@CashedOutCars Yes I agree, can't wait to do some cool trails in Italy, woods, mountains and beach perhaps :) Cheers
Hey Bud thanks for the videos helps me out a lot I just picked up my 96 DR 350 SC for 500 bucks Rebuild the carb and repainted the plastics looks beautiful runs great. Thanks for the tips
Enjoy it!
YES still a great dual sport by today’s standards.
That's my Dr 350 on the comment down below. Just love this machine. I've been making mods on mine around two years. She's a lovely thing to ride. Enjoy 🤞🤘🙌
They’re great bikes, enjoy yours!
Awesome review! Thank you! I’m glad to see this bike so appreciated! I just picked one up for a couple hundred bucks and can’t wait to get her going. Thanks for more motivation!
Got myself a 1991 earlier this year. Coming off a KLR650, I am willing to call this a rocket ship! ;) It is such a joy on the dirt roads! Nice vid!
Haha nice! My friend has an older KLR too and it's certainly not fast.. Thanks, enjoy yours!
I had a KLR 650 and really disliked it. Heavy and tall and buzzy. How do you feel about the DR's height and buzziness compared to the KLR?
@@K9River The KLR is really heavy, which is a good thing on the road, but really sucks once you get to a fire road or offroad. In terms of vibrations I wouldn't say there is much of a difference between my old KLR and the DR. The thing I enjoyed about the KLR was the chug-chug-chug low-down torque.
I didn't find the KLR too tall, but due to its weight it becomes hard to save once it starts toppling.
So
Sold my KLR650 today because at 63, it’s too much bike, too much weight to enjoy off-road. Now I’m looking for a replacement & considering the DR350. This was a helpful video as was your comment.
Had an 05 klr. Things I didn't like was not just how heavy, but with that 6 gal tank it's top heavy. Also the shifting was very 'clunky' compared to both a dr350 and drz, which are both very smooth imho. Never rode a dr650, maybe someday. Great video and y'all ride safe.
An honest review.
I used to have Suzuki XC 250 Djebel for while and I've decided to go fully on-road with Honda NC 750. But... I am going to buy DR 350 and get back to such a wide scope of roads, where only my skill is a limit. And if new bikes can be sold, such old-school motorcycles as Suzuki DR family should be kept, because now it is not possible to easily find something cheap, durable and light, like them. Nice video, thank you for sharing your experience.
I happen to own one of these bikes. Ive mever ridden it cause it was my dad but hes not with us and im the only one who could start it. I also own a miata and this channel has great miata content so i find it ironic that i have 2 of the same vehicles
Bike looks bad ass. Old school front fender is awesome
Thanks man! I love it
Thanks for the vid, please keep them coming. Very informative and interesting. Bought an old Dr350 two years ago. Haven't really riden my cruiser since! In fact, I just bought another Dr350 for a spare!
Awesome, I love this bike and would buy another if I found a good deal!
Yo can i buy some parta
this is exactly the video I was looking for !
Thanks !
Scoring a 90 dr350 clean from a 70 year old guy who has owned for 20 years tomorrow. Its completely stock and unmolested cases never been cracked topend has never been apart he said hes never even adjusted valves. Carb has been rebuilt and he put new graphics on it. Other than that untouched, and its clean with street legal title. Needles to say I'm very excited.🍻
Sounds like a great bike! Enjoy it
@@CashedOutCars heading out in 5 to go get her cant wait I'll be ripping it this afternoon
If Steve Mcqueen was alive today, this bike would be in his stable.
I do a lot of enduro riding, mostly on later 2008 and newer KTM and others. Also have had lot of sportbikes(speed triples, RC51, CBR1000 etc) and i still have a RC51 and 2008 KTM 200. I bought a new DRZ400 back in 2009 and it was a pretty great bike but i had sold it years ago and decided to get back into Dual Sporting. Always like the DR350 and found a mint condition all original 1995 with 2,021 miles on it. I can honestly say this bike is twice the fun of my Ktm Duke690 that i had sold. In my opinion the bikes suspension is not all that horrible, obviously its not harescramble fast suspension but more suited for harder slower enduro type riding. I also find it holds its weight better and feels lighter than the DRZ400 and does not plow the front end like the DRZ400. The DRZ holds a lot of its weight up front and in my opinion makes it sketchy offroad. I've also put miles on a WR250R but id say i still like the DR better. Great underappreciated bike.
Hey dude I really appreciate your comment, you’ve owned a lot of the bikes I’ve been looking at buying for my next bike. I own a full power DT125R, fzs 600 and have had a couple other dirt bikes I’ve found that I’m not really feeling like I enjoy my fazer streetfighter as much and would rather stick to what I know with the dirt bikes. I’m a die hard Yamaha guy but Yamaha really don’t offer a good simple reliable all rounder like the DR350.
It’s also good to hear that from someone who’s not just ridden mainly old school dirt bikes who can say even compared to the newer enduro bikes it still very much is relevant and holds its own
Nice review and some sweet trails.
Thanks! I'm real lucky to have them all so close to my house. Email me at cashedoutcars@gmail.com, I want to send you stickers to thank you for your continued support!
I bought one brand new in 1993, and have had a few others as well. I have owned and ridden many other motorcycles but the DR350 is my favorite all time motorcycle. The key is to leave the engine all stock. The torque curve is totally flat and wide, and the motor is efficient and indestructible. Once you start fucking with it, your mpg drops and you lose the range. Get a different bike if you want big power.
Agreed! This carb was slightly messed with and it took a lot of playing around to get it to run right again. Great bike though!
Moverplus adding a larger piston, and not changing other components, will not add 10 Hp. You definitely have no data to back that claim.
@@NoPrivateProperty I have dyno sheets someone on forums did a comparison of the stock 385 and 440. The big bore kit also brings the compression up 1 number. I have had to run higher octane or I get pre ignition Here is the website with the dyno graphs. images.app.goo.gl/poJiuUdaGVf3QQJy6
@@moverplus2853 the chart you posted shows a 5hp jump from stock to 385 cc. Even with that gain, I suspect opened airbox and possibly exhaust tampering. most of the power increase is from the compression, which comes with a high cost. I cracked my engine cases in half kicking the high compression motor. not worth modifying. just buy a modern bike
@@moverplus2853 I have had a number of DR350s, and I am sharing my experience as well. The claim of 10 hp increase across the rpm range is just untrue and misleading to others. I prefer the bike stock
Used to have a 94 dirt bike model. Made it street legal and made 1k profit. Such a great bike.. I regret selling it lol
Nice profit! They are a blast though, maybe you can find another nice one and do the same with it!
Cant get myself to sell my 99 DR350SE. I've swapped to a pumper carb, did the airbox mod and exhaust, geared it more for road and it does pretty damn good even on technical trails. I thought about selling it once and got a nice offer but ended up turning it down because I knew i'd never find another and would miss it too much. Does everything I need it to pretty well. Revs a little high on the highway even geared up more for it, but thats not what its made for. Can't go wrong with these bikes really.
Great review! good job.
Have a 99 SE, which I've personally rebuilt. It is a nice bike. Can't confirm the bulletproof glory that it has yet, tough I've put more wrenching time than riding so far. If I have to pick up a bike right now, I would go for the new Honda CRF 300 without a hesitation. DR is cool, but parts are hard to come bye, it is an old design, everything on these is old and tired and in need of replacement (20 to 30 years old bikes). I guess it depends on the specific bike. If you have to put a new acerbic tank on it (stock one is small) and a new seat (Seat Concepts are incredible), then deal with the new brakes and the list goes on .... it gets expensive. It is very good if you want to learn how to work on your bikes. Very basic engine design (by modern standards), you don't need much specialised tools other than flywheel removal tool and case splitter. It is sad, that for a long time this segment has been ignored by manufacturers, light-ish dual sports are very fun bikes.
*based*
Thats the thing people say "oh its bulletproof" but they mean the 0-XXXX miles you got on a dualsport from the 90s
Klx or drz
Naysayer.
Thank you for a well thought-out, logically structured review - a breath of fresh air on a platform where anyone can dump a video. I have been researching for my first bike, at 54 years of age, I shortlisted a 1990, 1994 DR350, a 19xx KLX300, and 2004 KLX400. For Practical reasons the 1994 DR350SE, is what I will most likely get. I hope to get a KLX400R next. My needs are the same as you outlined, I live in southern Ontario Canada. I am 6'4" 230 Lb and believe the DR 350 suspension can be modified for me. I have read about "Gold Valve Emulators" and rear and front springs. Your insight about the suspension (valves, springs, oil, possible overhaul) options, would be appreciated. Thanks again.
It certainly can be modified but I don’t know too much about these bikes. I lot of people will do fork upgrades off of newer bikes or motocross bikes which would help. The 99 SE comes with dirt suspension which is tunable from the factory. Good luck with your search!
Got a 94' SER as well... I did a DRZ/SM Fork swap the front, and throw a RMX250 swinger/linkage out back with a non-cush wheel... then you can spring and valve and rebound-adjust to your heart's content. The 94' OEM fork/shocks are mush piles or pogo sticks... PM me and we can talk about the details.
I jump mine 6+ft just have to adjust the rear shock also my 91 has a 6 speed.
Sweet! Yeah I pinned a comment about the transmission, I forgot old bikes were in fact 6 speeds
Thanks for the review, looking for a DR/DRZ-type, great overview given.
Best bike i ever owned and wish i had kept it.
Great video! Just adding that a carburetorated anything is better than fuel injectors only my opinion but its a strong one
been hunting...still haven't found "the one". nice review.
Top notch review!!!
Mr you sure gave us a great review on this bike. Organized and polished. Im a Honda guy but think I would enjoy owning a dr350se. I'm in putnam ct should you ever want to part with it hah ha
Hahaha I'll certainly be keeping it for the foreseeable future! It's a great bike
@@CashedOutCars lmk if you see one like it for sale in our area
My uncle gave my dad his old dr350s and I finally convinced him to give it to me lol so hopefully I’ll be getting it running soon it has been sitting since 13’ but it’s a four stroke.
Good luck with it!
@@CashedOutCars thanks, I want to start working on it but its cold and I don’t have a garage
Have a 99 DR350se as well, 3000 miles. Every time I ride it, I wonder why I don't ride it more. Traded my ktm 450exc for some tree work, so the DR is in the top spot now.
Excellent review!
great review man,thanks! say, what is the wet weight? fuel consumption?
And now I know!☺ Great review.👍🌲
Nice bike, i have a 92 and i love this bike 🔥
They're a blast, enjoy it!
Love the headlamp, where can I get this one?
This is Review is real good. Thx
Check the throttle cam. They might be different between off and on road to get some snap back to the throttle
Larger rear sprocket, dual 17's, conti attack Sm's, have a mad retro supermoto
True that! I’ve seen some pictures of some pretty awesome builds
Great explanation
i grew up riding these and xr 600 and donda dominator nx650 al[l good bikes work machines
Awesome bike glad I bought one!
You and me both!
Your review skills are great nicely done on the content ...
What is your say between drz400s and dr350
I went with the 350 since I got a better deal than I could have on a 400, and it is a simpler bike than the 400 as well, being air cooled. The 400s are cool though, I like them both very much though!
Great review. I recently sold my 1999 dr350se, I've been regretting it ever since. I'm located in CT as well. would love to hit some new trials of you know of any.
Thanks! I'm up in Northwest CT and there's tons of dirt roads that I ride up here. The Thomaston dam is also a great spot but I haven't been there with this bike yet
@@CashedOutCars I've been to Thomaston dam and pauchaug a few times, the dam is better IMO. I am in North central CT. Looking to go on some dual sport rides once it warms up a bit.
I have a 99 in Spain. It does everything
Not a comment but i wonder if you would share where you got your headlight? Thanks. Good review. I've been considering which dual sport bike to get and for my budget this is the one. Going to check out a 1998 model this Sat.
th-cam.com/video/qJVzBXRnF_E/w-d-xo.html Here's the video on it, the light came from eBay!
where'd you get the headlight?
Where in Conn ? I live in Waterbury . I'm always looking for new roads and trails to ride
Up in the northwest corner! There’s a lot of good riding up in the Colebrook area
@CashedOutCars Bet, thanks . I know Colebrook well. Now I just need what rd gives me a inlet
Hey I have one I never had problems with the carb I just keep Marvel mystery oil in it and it stays clean
That's a good tip, since I've cleaned mine i haven't had problems. I just run the bowl out of gas if I know it'll be sitting for a while
@@CashedOutCars It goes in oil too and I changed my oil yesterday and no Metal flakes in it
Love my 99 DR350SE and your walk-throughs.
Did yours come stock with a kick starter or did you add that?
Thanks! Mine came with the kick starter on it but I bought the bike 2nd hand so it very well could be an aftermarket part. I'm honestly not sure if it was available as an option from the factory. I am very glad I have it though. Enjoy yours!
Thanks for the info. I couldn't find alot on my 91 dr350s. I finally got it running but it dies with throttle. Still not sure how to tune the carb properly.
I have a video on a carb clean on these bikes. Mine had the same issue and I spaced up the needle to fix the problem. I'm not sure if it's the best way to do it, but it worked for me!
Likely to be blocked jet. A thorough carb clean should help.
@@CashedOutCars thanks for the reply. I have all new jets and rebuilt carb. Ill try the needle spacing you did for the throttle. But now it's having trouble starting. I feel like it may be an ignition or valve clearance issue
It appears to have electric start and it has a kick starter. Did it come this way from the factory? Or was the kick starter retrofitted? I'm looking at a 1994 DR350E electric start. It does not have a kick starter.
Excelente video, excelente máquina es un mini tractor
The ttr250 is a very similar weight i think
Hi please where do you buy the front light? Thanks
How you get a 99 model with a kickstart option ? I thought the 95s and ups been switched over to electric start?
I bought the bike used so I suspect it was an aftermarket part!
These bikes are top shelf man
Agreed, love mine. Enjoy yours!
Hi, where can I find the same front light ? Thank you :)
I bought my old '91 plated off road model for 1K in CT about 4 years ago . Seems like you have to leave the state if you want semi reasonable prices on anything now.
Nice! I bought this bike for $475 but it was a project. Prices have gone way up in the last few years, I wish I kept my old bikes and sold them now hahah
Seeing a really nice '97 listed for $3500.
Tough price to swallow.
Hi-key... think you stumbled onto the **apex** of mid-weight dual-sports.
air-cooled reliability, nearly 400cc displacement for extra grunt, and a sweet (and rare) 6-spd box for highway ratios.
...is the Fit/Finish where HMC's work is? No.
...But, can you throw this thing down a mountain or rip it like a dirt bike and expect it to still run? Absolutely.
Nice purchase. Now; mod the piss outta' it.
Picking up a DR350SE for free from my cousin, great vid! Although he lost the key a while back, if anyone has a new ignition cylinder w a key please let me know!
Also that’s a nice headlight, where did you pick that up from?
Awesome! You’ll enjoy it. There are a few DR350 Facebook pages that might be able to help you find an ignition set up. Here’s my vid on the light! th-cam.com/video/qJVzBXRnF_E/w-d-xo.html
if you feel like undertaking a bit of pain in the ass diy you can try to impression the key. i was actually able to do it on a second blank i tried; it's pretty tedious but the feeling of victory makes it worth it lol
Where can I buy the dashboard for my dr350. Im in México
Was hoping I'd be able to adjust the forks to be stiffer on a '92. It's crazy soft. Way too soft for WOT off-road.
Yeah it's unfortunate how soft they are. Still fun though! And nothing that can't be fixed with a little work!
I’m 14 5’10 and about 200lbs and ride rocky trails would this be a good bike for me.
I think you'd be fine on it! You're taller and bigger than me and if you've got at least some experience on a bike I think you'd do great
If you can, look for a 97' model. They've got tunable suspension up front. Otherwise, plan on a really mushy ride until you put 10w/15w fork oil into the forks.
Where did you get the LED headlight?
Found a 1995 in great shape with 800 miles but for $2300. Do you think thats too much?
If it’s really in great shape it’s not ridiculous in my opinion. People are shelling out good money for dual sports these days
Immutable Value is that which time cannot make obsolete. Consider: What does a 400cc dual-sport cost new today? ...then consider, what the value of one tested by the slings/arrows of time is worth?
What's the difference between an SE and a nun SE?
Is it weird I have a dr350 and a speeduino as well🤔
Sounds like you’ve got great taste! Do you have a Speeduino in a Miata or something else?
@@CashedOutCars nah not in a Miata, I put one in a Holden jackeroo (Isuzu trooper) that I turbo'd the V6 in , I did use to have a fast Mazda with a 13bt though 👌👌
Awesome! Enjoy both!
Buy one with no papers to use off road only ?
Where can i get this Headlight ?
So i found Dr 350 1997 for about 1500 dollars is it worth it getting it looks in good condition, and is it good for begginers im 6,2 220lbs i driven befor my friends kawasaki kmx 125. So should i get it or should i save some more money and get yamaha wr 250f 2004
I really enjoy this bike. Since you’re taller than me it’s suit you even better for starting out since you’d be able to easily put your feet down when you need to
I don't think this bike is heavy at all, yeah it's not motocross light, but it hides it very well. There's defo bikes out there that are lighter than this but actually feel heavier than the DR. My mate put motocross gearing on his and I let the clutch out and gave it a tiny bit of gas and it stood up straight vertical. I didn't ask to ride it again. 🤣
How do I get advice on my dr350 without having my credit card ready to go
I just need somebody who could tell me what the problem is I know it's in front of my face but I just can't see it
How did you fix your front and rear turn signals?
I've got my head light turning on, and my blinkers turning on but they are not blinking
Did you install LED ones or factory style bulbs/ If they're LEDs you may need additional parts to make it work. On my bike I just installed a fresh one and everything worked
Do i need to worry about the seat height ? I am 5 feet 8 with no experince at all next year i want to get my license and start riding but i worry about the height of it.
I wouldn’t worry about it too much! Try to sit on one and lean it a bit to feel the weight. 230s are smaller and usually a bit easier for beginners in the woods, but that’s not to say these bikes are bad for beginners. Good luck and have fun!
@@CashedOutCars okay thanks 😁
How much weight can you shave off the bike?
I dropped a Thumper Racing 435cc kit on mine; fun bike but junk suspension.
What year was yours?
what a Clean bike i wish
i have a 94 dr650 and love it... except that the prior owner ignored the balance shaft chain and parts are hard to find!
I'm thinking the DR350 would be a great bike for my roommate who is a bit overly timid right now, but I think would quickly outgrow the bikes he is looking at.
Note: when I say outgrow, he is looking at dual-sport to old street bikes that are approx 150cc in an area where going almost anywhere requires 70mph freeway. I have gone from a ninja 250 to a ninja 300 that I love and also a dr650 (and love that too), so it isn't about thinking people must always outgrow a bike. It's just that too weak a bike will limit out so soon that I think even a few weeks of daily riding would bring him to wanting something more than mid-70's era low cc. (and the maintenance will get him too)
I dare say this bike beats the KLR650.
Does this bike have good acceleration
It's reasonable, not super fast but not terribly slow. I can do an acceleration video come nicer weather here, with a GPS timer so we can see the results
My '91s got six.
Dr 350 has never been the best of anything but it is atleast decent at everything and its great at everything for the price