@@bushpig6837 just the front ones wear for me. I buy good ones from procycle. They just start warping eventually oem did too. Rears last the life of the chain ~. I don't feel like replacing a countershaft either. Not as big of an issue on a DR with a cush drive but you never know
I have one from 1998 here in Finland. Suzuki stopped selling them in Europe at 2001, because emission regulations. Mine has 80,000 kilometers and still going strong. Bought it 2 years ago, it was still stock then. I have modified it heavily, because I like tinkering as much as riding. And there is a huge aftermarket support for this bike.
Excellent review, thanks. I rode the heck out of two of them, then switched to an XR650R, which I don't like- it's too high-strung, so I'm selling it. Just closed the deal on my third DR; I'm picking it up this week.
Nice review of a legendary motorcycle. Spot on that the aftermarket for the DR650 is as large as any vehicle ever made. Mine is set up for more dirt than street. I have two sets of wheels and tires for more road or more dirt.
I bought my 08 KLR 650 7 mos ago with 32k. I have to work on it for several issues but nothing serious. Came with a Frankenstein old flat side carb with single wire, no choke system, fuel valve leaking, no air filter system, oil leak caused by overtightened plug. Now is restored to the original and working soon with oil leakage. Love this bike,,,,strong as an ox 👍
I don't have either bikes but from what I understand the DR is the best all around bike vs the KTM because of maintenance schedules and it's better on the road ( more comfy). The KTM out performs it and the DRZ off road because of the weight, handling and power but high performance has draw backs! So the DR is like an old friend that's always there for you and can do anything but isn't as fast, so it just depends on what you want and everyone seems to agree it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow. The DR has been the same for so long because nobody can come up with a way to change it for the better, without ruining what makes it so practical and special!! Nice job on the video good luck with your channel keep putting out content!
@@ToxicGamer86454I was looking at them this weekend and the mechanic said it was to do with emissions restrictions. He said that the US is one of the last places that they are legally allowed to sell them because emissions are relatively lax compared to most other countries. This makes it tough for Suzuki to rationalize making a bike for only one market. It was his opinion that 2025 would probably be the final year for the DR.
Had one and kinda miss it have XR650L they are very different but these are incredible bikes to buy and hold.. Unlike new over technical cars they are simple and great for the pepper mindset.
My DR650 is awesome. I believe it is the GOAT for a commuter/adventure bike. Being able to wrench on it myself is one of the best things about it. Acerbis tank and a windshield make this bike PERFECT imho.
@@ColeCleveland1 I had planned on putting a Parabellum Rally windscreen on a DR650 but when I finally picked up my used bike it already had the Laminar Windscreen on it. I commute to work 20 minutes at highway speeds and it is awesome to have at 80mph. I might still get a new cowl and try out the Parabellum.
Nice summary. I have a 98 and would have treated it much nicer if I had known how well it was built. The only way to break one of these is to forget to put the oil in it.
The DR650 is a solid choice. I've never owned one, but I've ridden a lot of them. I like 350lb dual sports, they're heavy enough to feel decent on the highway but light enough to take on most trails. I personally prefer the 690 for a little more highway pep and a 6 speed, but I totally understand the allure of a DR. (KTM's are darn reliable too, but the expensive part isn't a myth)
The soft bars might save ur triple clamps in a big fall. I still am using them coz the bend is a good compromise of dirt and road riding. A riser and a forward offset riser has made mine a just right for me at 188cm. The DR would probably make for a better road tourer than the KTM.
U forgot the XF Freewind. Sister Model of the DR. A bit more comfy too. Softer in Suspension too. But if u want to go offroad, u have to change the Suspension anyway. So no big deal!
Well stated insightful video, thanks for posting.. I have a question for you and or any DR650 riders regarding vibration.. the DR has a cush drive rear, I have an XR650L which does not and am curious if any of you can comment..I feel the XR is fatiguing at speed for 30+ miles at >65mph.. I also have a Vstrom 650-great on the road and forest roads but not so much anything else and am considering the DR as a one bike solution as I seldom ride the V more than 200miles per outing.. thanks all..
I tried to make a video about the DR on the interstate but the audio didn't work :( the DR is a good bit happier cruising 65+ than the XR. ~65 indicated 70 being it's happy spot in 5th gear. I dont think about the cush drive too much except when I'm changing tires. I'm sure it helps some. Cheers
I think most of the points that you cover in this video are pretty much spot on. I was a little surprised that you went through that many front sprockets though. Are you using 90w gear oil on the chain?
I went through ~4. The front one gets warped after 5-10k miles for me using high quality sprockets with decent chain maintenance. So I just switch them out preventativly. More worried about the countershaft than the chain tbh coming from an xr650l
Absolutely. But if you are buying new it also has to compete against everything else too. If I was doing it again I would be picking against a T7 or a DR650. Or a 690/701. The klr/xr/dr comparison is well documented for the most part
@ColeCleveland1 as a viewer those looking at this type of bike for the first time I was hoping the nearest competitors would have been mentioned. I feel like somone interesting in looking at a old school 650 would also be interesting in how it stacks up to the others. Like it's true a ktm 690 is also a dule sport but with it being so much more modern or double the price the comparison feels feels less helpful than the klr650 would be.
@@pleasedontwatchthese9593 heard. I have an xr650l. It's great if you are 6'2 and like giant dirt bikes. The Dr650 has a smoother engine and way more aftermarket support. It is the best overall. The klr is the best option if you want something that is adventure ready right out of the box. It already has a large tank and windscreen if that is your jam. xr650 more dirt/dr balanced/klr more street. But the DR has the most room to grow. It's been beaten to death is why I didn't go over it.
My XR650L, with much needed carb mods, at a slow roll, will pull the front wheel straight to a tall wheelie, with just a snap of the throttle . The 1000cc sportbikes I've ridden required the clutch to do the same thing. Is the DR650 capable of that? Thanks
Switched from a CRF250L with fuel injection for the slightly higher top speed on highways and the ability to wrench on every part of it on the dr650. Sometimes i just need to take a break from my home business and goto the garage and wrench a little bit to clear the mind. While I did enjoy the lighter weight of a 250L, the bush pig is whats best for me.
Great video! Thank you Question? Have you had to deal with the neutral sending unit bolts coming loose? The two bolts behind the clutch basket. The DR 650 community is saying that starting in 2017, the factory started using thread locker, but I was wondering if you know if this is a fact or rumor? I also have a 2019, with only 134 miles. Got it for $5200 out the last November. I’m ready to wire tie these bolts together, unless if I can find confirmation that they were put in with thread locker Thank you from your newest subscriber.
