As a long time owner of 2 DRs I find they have been perfect for me. I work as a motorcycle courier in Melbourne Australia so do lots of kilometres and also the bike gets used everyday, rain hail and shine, it starts every morning goes about its job, gets parked up at night and repeat the process day after day. The bikes have never been back to the dealers for any reason, I do all the work myself because they are so easy to work on, even engine rebuilds which are few and far between. 2005 with 496,000 Klm’s and 2014 with 280, 000 Klm’s, am I satisfied ? Is the pope a catholic ?
You should make a video about those bikes!!! what kind of work you've done; what tends to fail when. I'm sure you haev a lot of great information for people!
the DR650 will take you anywhere you want to go, might take a while to get there but it'll get you there! It's tough, reliable, easy to fix and maintain, great on gas, low for insurance.
Just bought my first DR650 in the past month. It's a heck of a bike. I also own a DL1000 V-strom but wanted a lighter bike to go off road on. The DR fit the bill perfectly for me.
For a 2020 year model, they're selling brand new for $6,600.00, American. I bought a 2011 with low mileage and quite a few upgrades for $3,000.00. I've done additional upgrades and I have to say, I'm very satisfied with my purchase. One of the most noteworthy upgrades was the suspension. Going from the factory rear spring to an 8.6KG spring made a world of difference. Like I said, I'm happy with my purchase. Good video.👍
Yep even though they are a bargain new the used market for these is great with alot of choice and like I said very little difference. Sound like you got a good deal there. I'm still running the stock suspension but that may be on the list. Thanks!
lucky you, anything used here in Canada that's 3k is in very rough shape with 40k+ kms. the best used are like 5-5,5k(and up to 10k kms) but for 6k i can have a new bike so not really worth it.
Local dealer has new 2020 dr650's for $5793. Been looking at used CB500X's for a while and see a nice '17 for $4100 with 4500 miles. The old school DR is definately appealing from a simplicity standpoint.
I have own a 2015 Dr 650 love it bought it new I am 62 yrs old and it reminded me of when I was a teenager riding Enduro bikes I ride all Year round even in the winter here in the states sometimes when it's 30 degrees just bundle up to keep warm best bike for the buck
Bought my 2019 new a few months ago and have been enjoying it quite a bit. I wanted more freeway capability than my CRF250L so I could get out to trails further away a bit more quickly, and the DR is more than capable. Mine is still mostly stock, but it is such a great platform to build from to make it your own.
Hi from Christchurch! Great stuff, picking mine up on Sunday, and was worried as I am the same height as you. Looks like I'll be fine! Can't wait to hit the Banks peninsula! Cheers!
@@MOTODANS Got DR yesterday evening and wow I am impressed!! There are not enough hours in the day to ride!!! No problem with the height either! It's feels like the perfect combination of everything I've ever ridden before! Love at first ride. I better stop writing this comment and get back out there!!!
MOTO DANS Seat! Haha. Then frame and case protection from B&B along with a rear rack. After my wallet recovers I’ll get some side panniers and should be set for adventure (already have bash plate, bark busters and 20 litre acerbic tank)
Will test drive this bike this weekend. I am trying to decide between this one and the V-Strom. Thanks for the info with regard to issues with past bikes. I haven't found a used one on sale. Looking at a 2020 and will be checking out your video about how to lower the bike. I think I just need about 1 1/2". I am 5-6" with 30 inch inseam. My friends recommend the V-Strom but I want a good off road bike.
Hey, You are the same height and inseam as me and my bike is Standard height. I can tip toe both feet or flat foot one without an issue. When i bought mine it was lowered and it was to low for me. V strom's are great bikes just depends on what you want to do. The Dr is the great for my current needs. Enjoy your test ride!
I have +37K odometer miles on my DR-650. Helpful on my 2,400 mile road trips. Which range from high speed traffic to slow rides on dirt, snow, and volcanic stone. Extent ? British Columbia south to Central California. Took out the factory seat for custom build for more comfort wuen using Dumlop 606 knobby.
Can't stop thinking about one. Looking 2nd hand but the prices seem rather high for the given year and miles. New seems unnecessary given the bikes long standing run but more attainable at this time with a decent discount.
They hold there value really well 2nd hand which makes new seem very feasible. Although we bought both of ours 2nd hand with a heap of accessories and mods already fitted for cheaper than new which made more sense to us.
Good all round bike. They are almost bullet proof now. Just a bit under powered for 2 up. As you said if you travel mostly with a pillion passenger then a tourer bike is the better option.
Depends what you define as more than enough grunt. I have seen people travelling long distance 2 up on a 125cc. But for me a bike that is used for a lot of 2 up should have at least 2x the power output of my Dr. If your happy 2 up on your Himalayan that is great! Everyone is different as long as your happy with what you got. Keep on Riding!
My wife and I used to tour 2up on my DRs, before we became parents. Power was adequate to slab 15/41 sprockets with just a snorkelectomy, extended idle-mix screw, and a KTM 640 needle. Our issue was seat shortness/comfort with a tankbag, tank panniers, topcase, and saddlebags. It was a bit tight. I lowered both sets of pegs and bolted touring pegs to the skid. Things were somewhat more open then. We both have about 30" inseams. If your legs are much longer, stick to 1up and/or less luggage on a DR. Otherwise, the bike can be built from mild to wild. Just drag it through the Procycle salad bar. Mine can rip wheelies with just throttle.
I also bought mine new in 19.. for commuting and some fun off-roady stuff.. i now have 9440 miles on it. With the BST Magic...awesome. But...i wouldn't turn down at T700 either. My probably next bike.
One of the really good things about the DR650 is the "Vass Tell Ay"?? What are you saying there, I can't understand what you said and I'm curious what I missed there! thanks! Great review by the way. I have an '05 DR650 that I bought new, still running just fine, very tough bike. Mine has never had any problem with 3rd gear, or the counter shaft seal, or anything for that matter. It has 36,000 miles on it and still no oil use.
great vid !!! im on the fence about getting one as a first road bike ... they're 8199 as they're being run out & discontinued in nz unfortunatly due to abs
i asked suzuki nz , apparently nothing , suzuki isnt willing to update the brakes to keep selling it here . but they could be just saying that to clear the current stock who knows
Better to be safe. There was obviously a fault with that circlip looking online there was alot of people who had that piece fall out and then nothing ever happens and then there was some people who had that piece fall out followed by the rest of the circlip. Problem is most of the circlip could have been missing but have fallen somewhere that it couldn't exit the sump. If it happened again I would do the same again as you just never know. I would rather spend $300 for piece of mind than worry about it every ride I go on wondering if the engine was going to seize up.
@@MOTODANS yes,I almost got the T7, but it was still just a bit too heavy and big for my taste. I feel with a few good mods the DR truly is the unicorn dual sport!
Base gasket might leak oil; 3rd gear is prone to exploding; counter shaft seal tends to pop out and dump all its oil on the road right in front of the rear tyre; nsu screws like to work loose and fall into the engine half a second before destroying it; gear retaining cir-clips are likely to fall off randomly so you might want to pull the gearbox apart and replace all the cir-clips before you take the bike out on the road; the head bearings, linkage bearings, and swing-arm bearings come with insufficient grease from the factory so you'll have to strip them and give them a wee grease to stop them gouging out the bearing seats in the first few hundred kms; the rear sprocket carrier bearing is prone to failure due to poor design so you should check it for sideways movement regularly and replace the bearing from time to time, otherwise it will sooner or later lock the back wheel up and kill you; if you put the 20 litre AM fuel tank on it the outlet hose may terminate somewhere north of the tank's bottom making it effectively a 17 litre tank with the last 3 litres being inaccessible; it doesn't have efi so if you do get it started you have to run the engine for 5 minutes to warm it up properly in the morning; the seat is extremely uncomfortable and totally unsuitable for 2-up riding, for which it doesn't have enough power anyway; the suspension sags noticeably after you've been riding it for a year or 2; it's not the lightest bike; and it has just the 5 gears. That's about it and apart from those few items it's a general all-round good motorcycle.
Something like that Anthony. Fuel intake pipe shouldn't be affected if you only have the 20 litre tank on. My 25 litre tank will empty completely no issues. If you run the 30 litre safari I have heard of people having to turn the fuel outlet. I don't recommend starting your bike to warm it up for 5 mins just start and ride if your bike can't do that then you have an issue. When you think about that list is pretty good for a bike at this price point that has been around for this long. Most of the things have been fixed now anyway
@@MOTODANS Thanks MD, despite the list of issues everyone I meet who's got one of these loves it. I'll probably get one when it's time to trade in my WR250R
@@MOTODANS Yeah I found one on BikeSales a couple of weeks ago and bought it MD. Glad I did, thanks for your input. Btw I notice mine blows around a bit on the motorway, when I get up around 110-115kph. Do you notice that on yours? I read a comment somewhere that said it's because of the long front mudguard, and it can be fixed by cutting a bit off. Thought I might try just tightening the nut on the steering. Any thoughts?
Haven't noticed it on mine. Mine is pretty stable at those speeds. You could even just remove the mudguard only 4 bolts and give it a quick spin to see if that fixes it. Just be careful of your cable though they may be a bit close to the wheel
Because it's rare they fail you have to understand this is Suzuki's most popular bike they have sold millions of these and maybe a couple thousand across the world have experienced problems out of millions that's pretty good reliability wise
Your right. According to Suzuki NZ my bike is the first in the country to suffer the circlip fault that plauges the internet. Whether that is true or not who knows. The rest of the faults I mentioned have been fixed over the years
@@Bush_Tucker Thats all good saying the odds are slim to it happening to you... but it happens. Whats the average repair cost for a motor that has this happen? Im sure whoever it has happened to...isn't happy that a $20 part supplied by the manufacturer, could have prevented it. Were not talking a $100 part, or a $500 part... its $20. The trouble is, Suzuki and other manufacturers don't give a shit. They know people will buy their bikes or cars, a couple that it happens to isnt a big deal in the big picture, even if those people don't come back to Suzuki. And thats just sad... but the reality.
Hey Greg, I am currently running the Shinko E700s great all round tyre around 7000km from the rears front still got plenty left having gone through 2 rears now. Also have a set of Motoz Desert H/TS for more serious stuff
Hey i just bought a brand new dr and am 5ft 6 the same as yourself. I pick it up on Thursday. Ive been nervous the whole time about my height without lowering the bike. I'd rather leave it at the factory setting and just buy a decent pair of boots lol. I guess down the track i could lower it if I need to. Did it take much getting used to? I'm used to low down harley davidsons so this is a whole new world for me
Mine was lowered when I bought but I raised it back up pretty quick. I can flat foot one side without to much problem. When lowered I could flat both sides. Got used to it pretty quick but I have come from a bmw GS which was taller again and much heavier. Will be completely different than what you are used to. However it is alot lighter so might not be to bad. Just take it easy and get confident only putting one foot down.
Can you explain what you mean by prone to exploding? I grew up on 2 strokes, but I want a street bike. Looking into multisports because I don't like how low a lot of street bikes sit
Hey Stevie, Check this thread out on Adv rider advrider.com/f/threads/dr650-3rd-gear-blowups.424132/ The internet makes this issue worse than it actually is in my opinion but it does happen and something to keep in mind. This bike does have it issues but every bike does. All the issues with these bikes are well known and because of its long history they have mostly been fixed or can be fixed.
Hey Vincent. They work ok with the Bc35s. Not much room for adjustment though. The panniers sit all the way forward which you can see in the video they don't fit any further back. The panniers wouldn't even fit on the Barrett frames. Ideally you would get frames that are just a square with nothing going on inside.
@@MOTODANS Thanks Dan. If you have a photo of the bike from the rear with the bags on, send it thru. Was keen onthe Tusk aluminum panniers but i think they make the bike too wide
I’m looking at it, I’m a shorty too, but also a total noob learner, but I want something to do adv stuff on, looking at the Honda CB500X but it’s 30kg heavier and more road oriented, and I want a work horse, thinking of going around Australia on it once everyone stops overreacting and locking us down. Any good websites you can recommend for adv type mods for the bike? Cheers from a south islander living in Vic, Oz.
Hey Badger. Heard good things about the Cb500 take a look at rally raid website they are a uk based company but offer alot for the cb500 it is pricey though
MOTO DANS I have, it’s stupid expensive. And that’s in pounds as well. I’m thinking the DR650 as a cheaper alternative it does seem to be able to handle being dropped a bit better, I sure as hell will be doing a lot of that.
The bike will cruise happily at more than that but fuel economy does suffer. I am happy sticking to 100 kmph and so is the bike which so happens to be the speed limit anyway. I have looked into the Bst magic although i think if i was going to play with it i would just get a better carb.
@@MOTODANS If you load up the bike and tackle any moderately rough terrain you will find the forks simply bottom out and the shock is virtually the same. it really needs a new spring and valving change and the best fix for the forks is the Full Force Racing Components Plex valve. Transforms the front end and provided you are not very heavy you can use the standard spring.
Great review and history. Love the detail you add on faults and issues. I’m curious - do you regret selling your GS and buying this? I’m looking for a bike at the moment. I just can’t decide what I want. Honda CB 500x second hand and then moding as I go would be good(rally raid) but that’s not cheap. Also considering a KTM390 adventure. Thoughts?
Don't regret it at all. This does everything i need at the moment and has taken me to a lot of places that my riding ability wouldn't allow be to go on the Gs. Sure on the highway the Gs was great but i try and avoid that as much as i can. I haven't ridden either of those 2 bikes you list so can't really help. We were looking for a CB500 awhile ago and everything we read about them was great however very expensive if you go rally raid route. Where do you spend most of the time riding?
So much for the bulletproof claims. I'm scared to buy one now. I want to ride it, not tinker in the shop all the time. I understand about maintenance and getting to know your bike, but with the high probability of third gear blowing up...and all the other issues he listed, I just don't know if this is the bike for me. I was thinking with a low concept seat, It would be the perfect bike for my needs. Maybe I should sacrifice the highway speeds and get an xt250.
@@SweWince Then people should stop referring to certain bikes as being "bullet proof". Those types of comments are usually followed by other comments like, "there is a reason this bike has been around for 30 years." If all bikes have mechanical issues, no bike is "bullet proof".
Hey Murray, i said 1 tooth lower on the front not more just my accent haha. So at the time of this video i was running 14 tooth front and the stock 42 rear. I have tried 16/42 and the stock 15/42 and for me the 14/42 is the best for my riding.
It would be revving fairly high as it is only a 5 speed box. It isn't screaming with the standard exhaust you can hardly hear the bike at 100kmph. You still have plenty in reserve though you could cruise at 110, 120 if you wished which it would handle no problems although for me a bit to vibey at those speeds.
Louis Driscoll all bikes have issues. Dr issues are all well documented and have mostly been fixed. For a bike as old as it is the list of issues is very small.
Looking online it seems there is a bad batch of circlips on some of the 2015 onwards bikes. Good thing about the Dr is it was very simple to strip and repair and cheap to. A lot of long running bikes have problems and the good thing about them being so long run is there is a lot of fixes out there, look at the Klr and the Doohicky.
As a long time owner of 2 DRs I find they have been perfect for me.
I work as a motorcycle courier in Melbourne Australia so do lots of kilometres and also the bike gets used everyday, rain hail and shine, it starts every morning goes about its job, gets parked up at night and repeat the process day after day.
The bikes have never been back to the dealers for any reason, I do all the work myself because they are so easy to work on, even engine rebuilds which are few and far between.
2005 with 496,000 Klm’s and 2014 with 280, 000 Klm’s, am I satisfied ?
Is the pope a catholic ?
Awesome, Nice to hear of a few Dr's with some serious Km's!
You should make a video about those bikes!!! what kind of work you've done; what tends to fail when. I'm sure you haev a lot of great information for people!
the DR650 will take you anywhere you want to go, might take a while to get there but it'll get you there!
It's tough, reliable, easy to fix and maintain, great on gas, low for insurance.
Just bought my first DR650 in the past month. It's a heck of a bike. I also own a DL1000 V-strom but wanted a lighter bike to go off road on. The DR fit the bill perfectly for me.
Nice one Russ
For a 2020 year model, they're selling brand new for $6,600.00, American. I bought a 2011 with low mileage and quite a few upgrades for $3,000.00. I've done additional upgrades and I have to say, I'm very satisfied with my purchase. One of the most noteworthy upgrades was the suspension. Going from the factory rear spring to an 8.6KG spring made a world of difference. Like I said, I'm happy with my purchase. Good video.👍
Yep even though they are a bargain new the used market for these is great with alot of choice and like I said very little difference. Sound like you got a good deal there. I'm still running the stock suspension but that may be on the list. Thanks!
lucky you, anything used here in Canada that's 3k is in very rough shape with 40k+ kms. the best used are like 5-5,5k(and up to 10k kms) but for 6k i can have a new bike so not really worth it.
Local dealer has new 2020 dr650's for $5793. Been looking at used CB500X's for a while and see a nice '17 for $4100 with 4500 miles. The old school DR is definately appealing from a simplicity standpoint.
I have own a 2015 Dr 650 love it bought it new I am 62 yrs old and it reminded me of when I was a teenager riding Enduro bikes I ride all Year round even in the winter here in the states sometimes when it's 30 degrees just bundle up to keep warm best bike for the buck
I am 69 and reliving my past too. DR650 is the best darn bike ...period! ( & I have owned over 30+.... all makes and models)
Bought my 2019 new a few months ago and have been enjoying it quite a bit. I wanted more freeway capability than my CRF250L so I could get out to trails further away a bit more quickly, and the DR is more than capable. Mine is still mostly stock, but it is such a great platform to build from to make it your own.
Nice one. So many options with the Dr you can make it into the bike you want
Picking up a 2020 this afternoon. Looking forward to it and I look forward to more of your videos. Cheers from Oklahoma 🤙🏻
Awesome Casey! Enjoy the bike!
Just put a downpayment on one and getting it in three weeks!!
@@no-won Congrats! Enjoy!
Well I’m enjoying mine but will be broke by the time all the mods are installed. It’s a fun bike!
@@caseyholthaus6626 hell yeah glad you're enjoying yours. Makes me look forward to getting mine more lol what upgrades/mods did you do first?
Just got my first DR. Found your channel and SUBSCRIBED immediately. Thanks for the great content!
Thanks Cameron!
I really enjoyed Moto Dan's DR and story. I'm buying a nice 2013 and will follow your advice. Thank You. Jim Outback of Australia.
Thanks for watching Jim. Enjoy the Dr!
Great video, answered a lot of questions i had before buying a new one. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Thanks glad it helped!
Great video. Thanks for sharing. The DR 650 won't let you down.
Except when 3 gear explodes
Hi from Christchurch! Great stuff, picking mine up on Sunday, and was worried as I am the same height as you. Looks like I'll be fine! Can't wait to hit the Banks peninsula! Cheers!
Hey Tom. Yep your height won't be an issue. Enjoy the bike!
@@MOTODANS Got DR yesterday evening and wow I am impressed!! There are not enough hours in the day to ride!!! No problem with the height either! It's feels like the perfect combination of everything I've ever ridden before! Love at first ride. I better stop writing this comment and get back out there!!!
Awesome glad you liked it👍
Very informative video - thank-you for taking the time to do this
Thanks for watching, hope it helps
Thank you for such a nice straightforward and informative no b******* review. Good job
Thanks David 👍
Love your videos, just subscribed and it looks like I'm number 1000! Congrats on hitting 1000.
Hey it looks like you are Thank you!
Great overview mate 👍 I’ve just bought a new DR the other week to replace my F800GS. Looking forward to working through all the mods 💪 Cheers.
Thanks! Plenty of options for mods! What is first on your list?
MOTO DANS Seat! Haha. Then frame and case protection from B&B along with a rear rack. After my wallet recovers I’ll get some side panniers and should be set for adventure (already have bash plate, bark busters and 20 litre acerbic tank)
Sounds good! Seat is definitely a good place to start. Mine has a gel insert and is very comfy
MOTO DANS nice. That must be super comfy, I’m getting my seat made up by a local guy, new foam and lower.
Will test drive this bike this weekend. I am trying to decide between this one and the V-Strom. Thanks for the info with regard to issues with past bikes. I haven't found a used one on sale. Looking at a 2020 and will be checking out your video about how to lower the bike. I think I just need about 1 1/2". I am 5-6" with 30 inch inseam. My friends recommend the V-Strom but I want a good off road bike.
Hey, You are the same height and inseam as me and my bike is Standard height. I can tip toe both feet or flat foot one without an issue. When i bought mine it was lowered and it was to low for me. V strom's are great bikes just depends on what you want to do. The Dr is the great for my current needs. Enjoy your test ride!
I have +37K odometer miles on my DR-650.
Helpful on my 2,400 mile road trips. Which
range from high speed traffic to slow rides
on dirt, snow, and volcanic stone. Extent ?
British Columbia south to Central California.
Took out the factory seat for custom build
for more comfort wuen using Dumlop 606
knobby.
Sounds like you have been to some great places on your bike 👍
Nice brief history of the DR mate. Your backdrop isn’t too bad either 😁 Cheers!
Thanks Rick!
Can't stop thinking about one. Looking 2nd hand but the prices seem rather high for the given year and miles. New seems unnecessary given the bikes long standing run but more attainable at this time with a decent discount.
They hold there value really well 2nd hand which makes new seem very feasible. Although we bought both of ours 2nd hand with a heap of accessories and mods already fitted for cheaper than new which made more sense to us.
What a beautiful area!
Thank you it certainly is!
I feel like I watched this video the other day on the Cross Training Enduro Channel
Thanks Kenny👍
Good all round bike. They are almost bullet proof now. Just a bit under powered for 2 up. As you said if you travel mostly with a pillion passenger then a tourer bike is the better option.
Correct Len!
lol, if i can 2 up with my 24 hp himalayan i think the dr650 has more than enough grunt..
Depends what you define as more than enough grunt. I have seen people travelling long distance 2 up on a 125cc. But for me a bike that is used for a lot of 2 up should have at least 2x the power output of my Dr. If your happy 2 up on your Himalayan that is great! Everyone is different as long as your happy with what you got. Keep on Riding!
My wife and I used to tour 2up on my DRs, before we became parents. Power was adequate to slab 15/41 sprockets with just a snorkelectomy, extended idle-mix screw, and a KTM 640 needle. Our issue was seat shortness/comfort with a tankbag, tank panniers, topcase, and saddlebags. It was a bit tight. I lowered both sets of pegs and bolted touring pegs to the skid. Things were somewhat more open then. We both have about 30" inseams. If your legs are much longer, stick to 1up and/or less luggage on a DR.
Otherwise, the bike can be built from mild to wild. Just drag it through the Procycle salad bar. Mine can rip wheelies with just throttle.
Love my 2019 DR and I regret not getting it sooner
Awesome
I also bought mine new in 19.. for commuting and some fun off-roady stuff.. i now have 9440 miles on it. With the BST Magic...awesome. But...i wouldn't turn down at T700 either. My probably next bike.
just bought my 2022.. feel the same way. I had to get over the BMW GS cool-aide!
One of the really good things about the DR650 is the "Vass Tell Ay"?? What are you saying there, I can't understand what you said and I'm curious what I missed there! thanks! Great review by the way. I have an '05 DR650 that I bought new, still running just fine, very tough bike. Mine has never had any problem with 3rd gear, or the counter shaft seal, or anything for that matter. It has 36,000 miles on it and still no oil use.
Haha, Had to rewatch it i said "One of the really good things about the DR650 is the "versatility"?
great vid !!! im on the fence about getting one as a first road bike ... they're 8199 as they're being run out & discontinued in nz unfortunatly due to abs
Thanks. Good bike if you want to venture into dual sport. I didn't know they were being discontinued. I wonder what will replace it
i asked suzuki nz , apparently nothing , suzuki isnt willing to update the brakes to keep selling it here . but they could be just saying that to clear the current stock who knows
Awe no you're right. I didn't think of that. Glad I got a new one while they're available!
Yep was the same back home Toq Toq
imagine rebuilding the engine only to see the circlip was still in place still doing its job, better safe than sorry I suppose!
Better to be safe. There was obviously a fault with that circlip looking online there was alot of people who had that piece fall out and then nothing ever happens and then there was some people who had that piece fall out followed by the rest of the circlip.
Problem is most of the circlip could have been missing but have fallen somewhere that it couldn't exit the sump. If it happened again I would do the same again as you just never know. I would rather spend $300 for piece of mind than worry about it every ride I go on wondering if the engine was going to seize up.
New 2019 are on sale here in Victoria, Canada for $5499
Can't argue with that!
Love my DR, its a great do it all bike!
Sure is. Keep thinking of other bikes until I ride the dr again and realise how versatile it is
@@MOTODANS yes,I almost got the T7, but it was still just a bit too heavy and big for my taste. I feel with a few good mods the DR truly is the unicorn dual sport!
Thanks very much for sharing!
Thanks for Watching 👍
Great honest review. Cheers
Thanks Adrian
Base gasket might leak oil; 3rd gear is prone to exploding; counter shaft seal tends to pop out and dump all its oil on the road right in front of the rear tyre; nsu screws like to work loose and fall into the engine half a second before destroying it; gear retaining cir-clips are likely to fall off randomly so you might want to pull the gearbox apart and replace all the cir-clips before you take the bike out on the road; the head bearings, linkage bearings, and swing-arm bearings come with insufficient grease from the factory so you'll have to strip them and give them a wee grease to stop them gouging out the bearing seats in the first few hundred kms; the rear sprocket carrier bearing is prone to failure due to poor design so you should check it for sideways movement regularly and replace the bearing from time to time, otherwise it will sooner or later lock the back wheel up and kill you; if you put the 20 litre AM fuel tank on it the outlet hose may terminate somewhere north of the tank's bottom making it effectively a 17 litre tank with the last 3 litres being inaccessible; it doesn't have efi so if you do get it started you have to run the engine for 5 minutes to warm it up properly in the morning; the seat is extremely uncomfortable and totally unsuitable for 2-up riding, for which it doesn't have enough power anyway; the suspension sags noticeably after you've been riding it for a year or 2; it's not the lightest bike; and it has just the 5 gears.
That's about it and apart from those few items it's a general all-round good motorcycle.
Something like that Anthony. Fuel intake pipe shouldn't be affected if you only have the 20 litre tank on. My 25 litre tank will empty completely no issues. If you run the 30 litre safari I have heard of people having to turn the fuel outlet. I don't recommend starting your bike to warm it up for 5 mins just start and ride if your bike can't do that then you have an issue. When you think about that list is pretty good for a bike at this price point that has been around for this long. Most of the things have been fixed now anyway
@@MOTODANS Thanks MD, despite the list of issues everyone I meet who's got one of these loves it. I'll probably get one when it's time to trade in my WR250R
There is no other bike that meets my current needs at the moment it is the perfect bike for me
@@MOTODANS Yeah I found one on BikeSales a couple of weeks ago and bought it MD. Glad I did, thanks for your input.
Btw I notice mine blows around a bit on the motorway, when I get up around 110-115kph. Do you notice that on yours? I read a comment somewhere that said it's because of the long front mudguard, and it can be fixed by cutting a bit off. Thought I might try just tightening the nut on the steering. Any thoughts?
Haven't noticed it on mine. Mine is pretty stable at those speeds. You could even just remove the mudguard only 4 bolts and give it a quick spin to see if that fixes it. Just be careful of your cable though they may be a bit close to the wheel
Why Suzuki hasn't done recalls on these basic items is beyond me...
Because it's rare they fail you have to understand this is Suzuki's most popular bike they have sold millions of these and maybe a couple thousand across the world have experienced problems out of millions that's pretty good reliability wise
Your right. According to Suzuki NZ my bike is the first in the country to suffer the circlip fault that plauges the internet. Whether that is true or not who knows. The rest of the faults I mentioned have been fixed over the years
@@Bush_Tucker Thats all good saying the odds are slim to it happening to you... but it happens. Whats the average repair cost for a motor that has this happen? Im sure whoever it has happened to...isn't happy that a $20 part supplied by the manufacturer, could have prevented it. Were not talking a $100 part, or a $500 part... its $20. The trouble is, Suzuki and other manufacturers don't give a shit. They know people will buy their bikes or cars, a couple that it happens to isnt a big deal in the big picture, even if those people don't come back to Suzuki. And thats just sad... but the reality.
Coz Suzuki doesn’t give a shit. I worked for them.
hey bro, great video. cheers from west coast nz ;)
Thank you :)
I really like this video thanks a lot, actually I think I will change my DR800 to a DR650 😎
Thanks Thomas! Dr800?
@@MOTODANS Suzuki DR 800 S Big 1990-1997
Great review yes love my dr650 great alrounder do any thing go anywhere
Cheers
Cheers Jim
Great vid, great bike! Wondering What tires you’re running, and how you like them?
Hey Greg, I am currently running the Shinko E700s great all round tyre around 7000km from the rears front still got plenty left having gone through 2 rears now. Also have a set of Motoz Desert H/TS for more serious stuff
Hey i just bought a brand new dr and am 5ft 6 the same as yourself. I pick it up on Thursday. Ive been nervous the whole time about my height without lowering the bike. I'd rather leave it at the factory setting and just buy a decent pair of boots lol. I guess down the track i could lower it if I need to. Did it take much getting used to? I'm used to low down harley davidsons so this is a whole new world for me
Mine was lowered when I bought but I raised it back up pretty quick. I can flat foot one side without to much problem. When lowered I could flat both sides. Got used to it pretty quick but I have come from a bmw GS which was taller again and much heavier. Will be completely different than what you are used to.
However it is alot lighter so might not be to bad. Just take it easy and get confident only putting one foot down.
Can you explain what you mean by prone to exploding? I grew up on 2 strokes, but I want a street bike. Looking into multisports because I don't like how low a lot of street bikes sit
Hey Stevie, Check this thread out on Adv rider
advrider.com/f/threads/dr650-3rd-gear-blowups.424132/
The internet makes this issue worse than it actually is in my opinion but it does happen and something to keep in mind. This bike does have it issues but every bike does. All the issues with these bikes are well known and because of its long history they have mostly been fixed or can be fixed.
Hi Dan, do the Tusk racks work well with Mosko moto panniers?
Keep up the good work lad
Hey Vincent. They work ok with the Bc35s. Not much room for adjustment though. The panniers sit all the way forward which you can see in the video they don't fit any further back. The panniers wouldn't even fit on the Barrett frames. Ideally you would get frames that are just a square with nothing going on inside.
@@MOTODANS Thanks Dan.
If you have a photo of the bike from the rear with the bags on, send it thru.
Was keen onthe Tusk aluminum panniers but i think they make the bike too wide
Sure thing Vincent, Where do you want me to send them?
@@MOTODANS vmanbarrett@gmail.com
I’m looking at it, I’m a shorty too, but also a total noob learner, but I want something to do adv stuff on, looking at the Honda CB500X but it’s 30kg heavier and more road oriented, and I want a work horse, thinking of going around Australia on it once everyone stops overreacting and locking us down.
Any good websites you can recommend for adv type mods for the bike?
Cheers from a south islander living in Vic, Oz.
Hey Badger. Heard good things about the Cb500 take a look at rally raid website they are a uk based company but offer alot for the cb500 it is pricey though
MOTO DANS I have, it’s stupid expensive. And that’s in pounds as well. I’m thinking the DR650 as a cheaper alternative it does seem to be able to handle being dropped a bit better, I sure as hell will be doing a lot of that.
Yep. Can't avoid dropping them
What was the wear pattern on the circlip as of this vid? Industrial mechanic asking.
No obvious wear on the circlip apart from the tip being broken off
What part did this circlip come from?
3rd gear
The real question is: are any of the other motorcycles good...?
Only one way to find out!
Yeah a ktm 690
I own one
62..? Wow ..need some BST MAGIC on that DR. 65 mph is just silly.
The bike will cruise happily at more than that but fuel economy does suffer. I am happy sticking to 100 kmph and so is the bike which so happens to be the speed limit anyway.
I have looked into the Bst magic although i think if i was going to play with it i would just get a better carb.
The standard suspension is life threatening. Pogo sticks at both ends.
A lot of people say that, i don't find it to bad. I am sure if i upgraded them though i would realize the difference!
@@MOTODANS If you load up the bike and tackle any moderately rough terrain you will find the forks simply bottom out and the shock is virtually the same. it really needs a new spring and valving change and the best fix for the forks is the Full Force Racing Components Plex valve. Transforms the front end and provided you are not very heavy you can use the standard spring.
Great review and history. Love the detail you add on faults and issues. I’m curious - do you regret selling your GS and buying this? I’m looking for a bike at the moment. I just can’t decide what I want. Honda CB 500x second hand and then moding as I go would be good(rally raid) but that’s not cheap. Also considering a KTM390 adventure. Thoughts?
Don't regret it at all. This does everything i need at the moment and has taken me to a lot of places that my riding ability wouldn't allow be to go on the Gs. Sure on the highway the Gs was great but i try and avoid that as much as i can.
I haven't ridden either of those 2 bikes you list so can't really help. We were looking for a CB500 awhile ago and everything we read about them was great however very expensive if you go rally raid route. Where do you spend most of the time riding?
Anyone else think of the Hodge Twins?
Great video thank you : )
Glad you liked it!
So much for the bulletproof claims. I'm scared to buy one now. I want to ride it, not tinker in the shop all the time. I understand about maintenance and getting to know your bike, but with the high probability of third gear blowing up...and all the other issues he listed, I just don't know if this is the bike for me. I was thinking with a low concept seat, It would be the perfect bike for my needs. Maybe I should sacrifice the highway speeds and get an xt250.
All bikes have their issues Mike. Remember this bike has been out for over 20 years and there are many thousands riding around with no issues.
Tango India Mike I dont think the 3rd gear issue is that high probably.
Good luck finding a bike that has no mechanical weaknesses
@@SweWince Then people should stop referring to certain bikes as being "bullet proof". Those types of comments are usually followed by other comments like, "there is a reason this bike has been around for 30 years." If all bikes have mechanical issues, no bike is "bullet proof".
Nothing is bulletproof every vehicle has issues just the way it is.
Clarify gearing please?? At 6m20s, you say you run 1 tooth MORE at the front, surely you mean 1 less?
Hey Murray, i said 1 tooth lower on the front not more just my accent haha. So at the time of this video i was running 14 tooth front and the stock 42 rear. I have tried 16/42 and the stock 15/42 and for me the 14/42 is the best for my riding.
@@MOTODANS Thanks for that,,I too am running a 14/42 and find it a pretty good compromise for road and off road.
Nice job
So at 100km/h what is the rpm at?
No idea, the bike doesn't have a rev counter.
@@MOTODANS darn, okay so you said it handles 100km/h all day, is it reving high at that speed?
It would be revving fairly high as it is only a 5 speed box. It isn't screaming with the standard exhaust you can hardly hear the bike at 100kmph. You still have plenty in reserve though you could cruise at 110, 120 if you wished which it would handle no problems although for me a bit to vibey at those speeds.
It is revving around 3500 rpm at 100kph
@@zaq2938 awesome thanks, that seems like a decent cruising rpm.
Buy a ktm 690 ...73 hp...it flys with two up
Different machine. More power less reliability.
@@MOTODANS 3rd gears explodes....how’s that reliable ...plus all the other issues he lays out in video
Louis Driscoll all bikes have issues. Dr issues are all well documented and have mostly been fixed. For a bike as old as it is the list of issues is very small.
You get what you pay for
Unburstable.
Great bike but third gear explodes ... what the fuxk...buy a ktm 690 😎
So Suzuki has built this POS for 20’years n you’ve had to pull the engine out n tear it down to replace a circlip? Hell no. Sry.
Looking online it seems there is a bad batch of circlips on some of the 2015 onwards bikes. Good thing about the Dr is it was very simple to strip and repair and cheap to. A lot of long running bikes have problems and the good thing about them being so long run is there is a lot of fixes out there, look at the Klr and the Doohicky.