All better than HD or bmw Currently Kawasaki is the best Yamaha would be up top with them if they still made the R6 and wr250r Honda is Honda and always solid Suzuki is still better than HD/bmw/ktm
@@user-pf6wl4hv5jAs a proud owner of a 2006 Honda 919, Honda is not best. Yamaha most definitely is. By best I mean quality/power/looks for the money. Suzuki used to be the most innovative, now Yamaha is. Honda has let their moto line get a bit repetitive and boring.
Only ever owned bikes from the 70s to the 2000s and mostly dual sports, so my opinion is based on that : Honda number 1 (smoothest motors and best quality of materials and paints) Suzuki 2 (most reliable and affordable) and Yamaha 3 (cool quirky bikes). Only had road Kawasakis, so I don't really know, but I loved my W650. The ER6 not so much.
I have a 2022 model and I will say your dad is correct, the DR650 is everything you want in the bush and nothing you don't want. There just aren't that many points of failure on this bike... no radiator, no radiator hoses, no thermostat, no electric fuel pump, no injectors, no injector wiring, no fuel injection computer, it just doesn't have any of those things to fail on you in the middle of nowhere (which is where adventure bikes find themselves most times). It amazes me that motorcycle manufacturers will refer to a bike as an "Adventure Bike" when the bike is loaded up with so many points of failure it's really the last thing you want out on the trail with you. The DR650 delivers dead solid reliability in an age where that kind of thing isn't deemed "profitable" by the manufacturers. Basically, your dad is right... it's the greatest bike ever made.
@@AusMoto I find that most times the technology doesn't benefit YOU, it benefits the manufacturer. The tech is going to fail, and when it does you'll have to go to the manufacturer to get a new one, which makes them money. Problem is, when you're out in the bush you don't want FAILURE... Somehow I don't think the manufacturer cares about that.
I've got a number of motorcycles but if I could only have just one motorcycle it would definitely be my DR650. More fun and strangely more satisfying than any other motorcycle
Watching several youtubers from Australia , torture and tour the bush with the dr650 was a strong reason I chose to buy one. If it can survive that environment and keep coming back for more , that's the bike for me.
Great video! I love my DR. I decided to get one brand new this year before Canada decides to remove even more joy from our lives through over-reaching regulation. The greatest appeal is its minimalism. Yes, the brakes are not great, the range with the stock tank is limited, and it doesn't do anything particularly well. But it goes everywhere, and it puts a big smile on my face every time I ride.
I’ve sold two other bikes since getting my DR. Had I discovered this bike earlier in life, I would’ve saved tons of money over the years. Once you fit it to your liking, it’s really impossible to want to part with it. I don’t think I’ll sell mine anytime soon!
Rare as hen’s teeth here in the UK where they never really took off. Over here, legendary status belongs to the Suzuki DL650 Vstrom , possibly the most comfortable and reliable all round bike ever made. Not really designed for off roading which is where the DR650 scores.
I just completed the ride on my DR650 from Melbourne to Cape York and back, 10,000ks, not hiccup, misfire or problem, ran like a dream, so GOAT, YES. as you said, it's been the same design since it was marketed in 1990, so how do you determine if it's the greatest. What other motorcycle is still being manufactured with the same components and only colour and decal changes, probably none. They are easy to maintain, and anyone with the basic mechanical skills can repair and service quite easily. The only other bike that has that sort of history is probably the small dual sports CT90/CT110 postie bikes, which is one of the highest selling motorcycle, funny I wouldn't have thought it as a dual sport bike. As for these two designs, if it's ain't broken, don't f@#k with it.
I regret selling mine, but just putting it on paper the 400 seems to be the better bike all round. In saying that once the right bike presents itself on market place I’ll be buying it wether it’s a 650 or 400
the 400 is awesome. it is lighter, quicker (with SM setup anyhow), and has near as much grunt however, and this is a big however, if you ever touch a high speed highway the DR will immediately show you why it exists. The 400 is fine to 55-60, but that aint gonna cut it when traffic is 75-80. Even my DR starts winding out, but not near as bad as the DRZ and its got substantially less vibration.
Good bikes, great adv bikes. Like all bikes, definitely killable. OEM suspension is rubbish, but upgraded, it's quite good. My son hated mine because it was old fashioned and agricultural, I saw that a feature. All day loaded touring at 100km/h on road or dirt was easy. Owners can be cultish... GOAT? Unicorn? Nope, not for me, but certainly for many. Best value? Definitely. You got a hell of a lot of bike for not much money. Newer bikes are objectively better, but the DR will always have a space in my heart.
I had a DR 650 for a long time. Very fun bike. And yes it will do a little bit of everything OK.I moved to the beach and tried to take that heavy bike in the sand with knobby tires.I only did that twice. Got rid of it got a Purpose built dirtbike and a purpose built street bike. But if I can only have one bike and it had to last forever, I think it would probably be the DR 650. However, there is nothing like a two-stroke in the sand. And there’s nothing like 100 hp plus Street bike impossible to make both into one bike at this time. Yesterday I looked at a Tiger 1200 and I stood there laughing beside it. The salesman said why are you laughing and I said because people watch the commercials for these things, and think they can take a 500 pound motorcycle in the sand. What a complete joke. I wouldn’t take the damn thing down a gravel road. But that’s why they make a lot of different bikes for a lot of different people that have a Lotta different needs. The bottom line is ride hard and keep the shiny side up.
Agreed, you can always get a bike specific for the riding or you can go a dual sport which is about compromising, but lets you do the most amount of different types of riding
Having owned a DR and now a '23 KLR, I have to mostly agree. In the 'real' world, the KLR is much better on road where both bikes actually ride. The KLR is smoother, more comfortable, more stable, faster, better fuel range, etc. That said, the DR is without a doubt the one you want when SHTF: carb, screw-type valve adjustment...just simple as an anvil. Either way you can't go wrong.
I bought a brand new DR650 two weeks ago here in Colorado. I've owned plenty of bikes over the years. The DR is a fun bike. I haven't had the chance to take it on trails yet, but I can't wait to see how it does there. I'm waiting for my Plex Valves and the Seat Concepts seat. It would be such a shame if they'd have to stop producing this motorcycle in this form to comply with regulations. It would go the way the KLR is going, getting heavier and less dirt capable. May the story of the DR go on for ever.
Definitely a fun bike. I picked up a 99 barn find and fixed it up and my wife rides a 2018. My front brake is pretty solid but the rear is basically just a suggestion unless you stomp on it, lol.
all I did to max the brakes performance was EBC *sintered* pads, but you could also double the precision by adding a radial brake lever if you want.. the sintered pads changed A LOT for me 🎉
@@AusMoto I have no idea what brands you can get there, but I promise it might worth a little internet homework, and even calling\messaging some people(hopefully pro's) much luck ride smart & safe 💪🏽
IMO. Yes. It’s one of 2 bikes that has not been changed in over 20 + years. No other model even comes close. This & the drz 400. Are 2 of the most durable & reliable bikes ever mass produced. Mods are just about endless. Just a shame they don’t make them anymore!
Got mine this year, 2023. Ride two up on the highway 110kmh. putt around on the trails. gravel roads, Bomb around the city on the weekends sightseeing. sometimes at night. all two up. cranked the rear spring up a bit. set compression to hard and put on a seat concepts seat. And left it stock. Calling it a day with wondering about other bikes I think, I want a sport bike but, ha... I dunno after having this thing lug us around. its to simple and satisfying. a pure legendary bike indeed. I ride in Alberta canada.
Great overview, looking at purchasing one myself soon. Cant get over how similar your area looks to my own here in the States, like riding in my own neighborhood.
I’ve decided that I’m buying a DR650 as my retirement (from both work and racing) bike. I was planning on an adventure bike but I want something similar can fix on the road or trail, simple, cost effective and stone reliable. I might not go far and fast but for my needs I believe it’s the perfect do it all bike.
Mine was the worst bike I ever had. Sidestand lugs had to be hammered back straight frequently as they'd bend under the bike's weight, had a sudden and catastrophic oil leak from the cam chain tensioner that dumped almost all it's oil in a very short ride, nothing was lubed from the factory or dealer, the seat would cause pain after just a few kms, etc... Great bike if you spend as much as the purchase price on mods.
Cool Video, they are great bikes. Two Aussies (North and Left a Bit) went across southern and Central Asia on their DR650's. I ride a DR200 which has a real farm bike vibe and is a mini-650, identical in many features such as oil cooling and electrics. It's all about luggability, there are plenty of times when you only riding at 30kph on dirt but you need all the torque. The 650 is perfect for this. It's a pity the 650 doesn't have a kick starter, I've often needed to us mine, the small battery is a weak point.
Yes I've watched all of their videos and what a great example of these great bikes! I'd love to give a DR200 a shot one day, look like a super fun and reliable bike!
I have been looking at the DR650’s but ran into a XR650L for a price I couldn’t pass up. The XR sits higher than I’d like but I was a crotch rocket (CBR 600) guy before the XR. Where we live now, the CBR would never get ridden where the XR is perfect for our gravel roads, tons of state/fed trails, etc. And I’d actually ride the XR in snow where the CBR was never considered unless it was nice and dry (and warm) outside.
I owned a DR650 and a DRZ400E. I had a tonne of fun on both bikes, but to be honest I am a bit tired of the over-glorification and exaggerations about the capabilities of these bikes. No, they are not any better than modern single cylinders, and their legendary reliability is not so legendary…often exaggerated by their owners. Their only advantage is the price…actually not anymore according to the second hand market, they are way overpriced for what they are.
I agree on the fact that these older bikes obviously don’t compare at all with the modern stuff, but I reckon greatest of all time is looking at different things other then performance and capability.
Definitely the GOAT. My 2014 has been used as a courier bike in Melbourne for 6 years, ridden around the Vic high country roads and tracks and toured around Europe. My 2005 was a courier bike for 9 years and done a few trip around Victoria on the dirt and still running 18 years later, both bikes bought new for $8000. 2005= 505,000 klms 2014= 330,000 Klm’s Try that with a modern bike.
Rode a 98 model DR around British Columbia. Did china head trail .Alexandra Mackenzie trail . Stayed with ranchers in that area. Great times then down through USA including the origin coast back country mainly forest. Shipped it Victoria Aust. Did the high country on a organise ride by the late Tony Kirby . Twenty five thousand tuff kms. Not one issue. Didn’t realise I was riding a leg and at the time, but we got a lot of riders attention.👍
Hello from Germany! At the time I own three DR 650 SP46. One in showroom condition, one as daily driver and cross country enduro bike...and...well one dissmantled because of the famous 3rd gear issue. Before those three, I had two more...one is in use by my son...the other sold to a friend. All togehter in my enviroment of friends, there are about 10 machines. So...no doubts about the DR 650 SP 46 beeing a great bike. But the geatest of all time? Well there is the issue with the 3rd gear already mentioned...happens to the majority of the DRs here...fixing it is a financial desaster...or...a complete overhaul, if you can do yourself. Then always the fixing screws of the neutral switch get lose and may cause sever engine damage if you do not fix this The bearing of the wheels are bad, they wear ou very fast...same ist the steerring head beering. The read shock is also far too soft, the adjustment screw in the damper has no effect...you cannot change the spring precharge withaot taking the shock out. So ....well the best bike....no...unfortunately not. I also own some KLR 650 from the late 80th...well....problem like this are unknown....90.000 km...first engine, never open, original bearings.
Same design since 1996. I had one and put over 55,000 miles on it before selling it. My big thumper has been a KTM690 since 2016. Still miss the DR but I do like the power and suspension of the 690. With the DR you don’t need ABS it won’t lock up the front wheel unless you really crush it.
Imagine being Suzuki and making the DRZ400 and DR650, being on top of the dual sport world and then letting that victory make you stagnant for the next 30 years. I'm team Yamaha until Suzuki gets off their lazy behinds and make something modern.
I do believe you're correct concerning this bike & it's little brother the DRz400..... both are impressive for longevity & I've just looked up the local dealers which has the Drz400 at a higher price than the 650.... go figure? But I'd probably look around for a good used bike? Who knows, I'm trying to get the heads up on 400's & I saw you so I think I like this bike more than the DRz400. Both have the same reliability.... ride on
5 speeds huh, ohh yeah & that's one drawback to the DRz400 on the highway, w/ only 5 speeds running at the 70-75mph speed limits you're up in the rpm range making it somewhat shaky/sketchy. Gets worse in high wind conditions so you've almost sold me on this bike for a Dual Sport. peace
I had a DR for many years. Master of nothing but capable of almost everything. Reliable, heavy, terrible suspension and brakes, enough power, and lots of after market fit out if you are the sort of character that is happy to ride past the local cafe and get dirty
It's a great compromise and a perfect base for mods. Mine has WP forks, Brembo saddle in front, Öhlins in the rear, so it's pretty good for my unpaved-road needs and with proper 2ndary gearing I can do 800 miles in three days without pain. The worst feature is the fuel consumption.
I have a 2008, some minor mods to carbie, to was lean on highway and part throttle. Up 3 teeth on back sprocket, gearing was not quiet right for 60, 80,100kph.
I have one. For sure it is one of the greatest motorcycles but the seat is abysmally bad. Who designed and approved the mass production of that year after year.
I can’t comment on the stock seat as I haven’t tried it but I’d imagine it would suck just as much as all the other dual sports. I’ve never ridden one with a good stock seat and I’ve pretty much ridden every dual sport there is haha
First off, yeah you better do what pops tells ya, he's a big ol boy😳. Second, dang that thing looks like it pulls pretty hard. While I do agree it is the best all around bike and some mods will fix the shortcomings of the suspension and whatnot, I think the T7 will soon take it's place, but I'm a bit biased towards the T7 now😜. I am really partial to fuel injection but, you do have a point about fueling issues. If there were any problems you could limp it to a repair shop, or fix it yourself, where fuel injection issues will leave you calling a tow truck.
...I forgot the startermotor...they all fail and the bearings need to be changed...if you look at it right at the beginning of it screaming, you can save it just cleaning it and by greasing the bearings
Unfortunately we didn't get this bike in The Netherlands, but i'd love to have one. Only thing i think it needs is a kickstarter. When you're in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery, bike full of luggage and tough terrain, you're gonna have a very tough time getting it started.
No kicker but you can bump start the bike. I had to once while running full heated gear. I stopped for gas and my gear used all my recharging wattage plus some of the battery so it wouldn’t crank. Cranked right up when I pushed started it. The bad thing is I had to ride home without heated gear and it had dropped to 27F.
sorry, i prefer something with EFI. I ride til winter, when temperatures can be -5C to 0C, i like easy starting and go. I don't want to deal of flooded engine or long warmup. If only yamaha make a WR400R or honda XR400L and get it close to 300 lbs
Nice. Toyed with gettin one of these to do adv,.camp bike trips. Already have an xr650r tho, plated so no real need except e start. Basic bike = more "uptime" to use a computer term, ready to go.
So to say that, you must have rode a hundred bikes? Go ahead with a old carb. Bike kick only start or electric tip it over then pick it up and start it, probably flooded. Drop fuel injection bike upside-down and they start right away, one example but if your low on $$$$ DR or XL your self
Get over the front brakes Dude... they are super-manipulatable in the dirt. Using front brakes in the dirt...Imagine that! I love them. I've also had an emergency stop (or two lol) on the streets and the front brakes "manipulated" to the edge of traction extremely well. Get used to it!
Yeah, they’re usable, of course they’re usable. It’s just compared to the 50+ other motorcycles and many dual sports that I’ve ridden, they’re lacking and of course they’re fine in the dirt but this bike is widely used as an adventure bike and that means riding on the road…dude….
@@AusMotoI like them spongy especially for the dirt. Allows for very fine manipulations to take the traction to the very edge. Saved me on the streets quite a few times, once in particular, that fine control may have saved my life. To each to his own though.
Tuff call. Agree its awesome...but i lean more towards its younger brother. 53,000 miles and runs better than new. Best bike i have owned in 35 years. Zero issues in 53,000 miles...well zero issues that werent easily, cheaply and quick fix. Only left me stranded 1 time, bad battery...two cells damaged so only put out 10v. Other than that, which was only a 3 month old battery, which is bizzar, cause i replaced it with a 3 year old battery i had laying around, and that was at the begining of the summer.
I concur. Great bike. I think it only needs fuel injection, a taller 5th gear or even a 6th and a higher output alternator. All the rest of the minor deficencies are easily fixed by a DIY capable wrencher.
And what happens when your electric fuel pump or injectors or injector wiring fail on you 200 miles out in the bush? You're gonna wish you had a carburetor when that occurs, and sooner or later it will occur.
Back in 1989 I had a Yamaha XT600 that I drove from SoCal down the Baja peninsula. With a tent, sleeping bag, gallon of water, and two-piece fishing rod. Talk about fun! It was a simple dual sport bike and I miss it, because of the simplicity. Compared with modern bikes it was crap. Really makes me want a more modern equivalent like the DR.
On your weak front brake I would find some new grippy brake pads--your dad may have polluted you current pads with lubricant by accident. New pads may wake up your brakes--its inexpensive to try.
