«The Dr felt lightweight and easy» ??? Its the heaviest single cylinder bike thats ever made! It really says something about how huge, enormous and extremely overweight the new socalled adv-bikes have become....
The DR 750 Big has more suspension travel and ground clearance than most modern ADV bikes. Upgrade the suspension, tune the engine to 60+HP and you got a T7 killer. 29L tank at 205kg full. Big single. It is a great bike. I crashed mine hard on the MX track and enduro events - it simply did not care! I love it to death. Once I rode with a T7 rider. He said he had a hard time keeping up, and if my bone stock DR was tuned or something. Please give the old bike more credit. If you compare specs, the basic layout is a great one to build upon for some very demanding rides.
I had an 800s years ago, it's the bike that made me fall in love with the adventure bike in general (haven't owned a non-ADV bike since). The previous owner had it tuned & upgraded: improved suspension, improved exhaust, improved power delivery. It has 60 hp on the rear wheel and was a blast to ride! I also remember doing a charity ride years later (Edinburgh > Belfast > Dublin > Cardiff > London in 24hrs) and one guy with a prosthetic arm riding an 800S on that ride. What a champ! As far as looks, the DRBIG is still the one of the best looking ADV bikes IMHO.
I have ridden a 1984 Dr 600 for the last 12 years. For the last few years I have fancied a Dr 800. Three weeks ago I found 1. It is a 1990 bike so as twin tanks. It is a UK registered from new bike( very rare) one owner from new and only covered 16500 miles with MOTs to prove. Had to have it and love it .
I own an '02 VStrom, and I agreee with the statement.. the bike is a sport-tourer that simply does not stop when the road ends.... I call it the Swissarmyfork of motorcycles.. it does everything well, but it is the master of none. I love my Strom!
Couldn’t agree more. It’s a good all round tourer that isn’t going to fall apart in terms of handling on a rough, rutted B road or a gravel farm track. My 2016 is great.
That's why this channel is great. He says the truth. The strom has never been good off road, by any measure. And I've owned one, loved it for what it was.
I really like this series, especially how the review is done by multiple expert riders. It is very cool to see how bikes have changed, and it is especially great to hear your dad's perspective, given his experience and expertise (not saying he is old, just experienced!). Keep it up and I can't wait for the next episode!
OMG! I had a DR750 in '90 as my first "proper" bike. It was awesome, but this reminds me how far things have come and that I probably should not revisit my hero. These are great series for old fellows like me who remember when the DR-Big was the long distance king (you didn't mention the 30 litre tank, at least the Aus one had it), Sydney to Melbourne with one stop (except the seat was too. hard). Thanks
This is the review I've been looking for ! I had a 1990 DR800S. The first year for the 800, the last year for the old body style with the split 29l tank. Mine was painted in 'Suzuki Champion Yellow'. It had Wilbers suspension, braided hoses, decent brake pads, proper MX bars with bar raisers & a Hessler Motorsport touring screen & crashbars. I loved that old girl. When I saw a 1050XT in yellow, it really pulled at my heart strings & I knew I would eventually get one.... one day. This review just re-inforces it.
I bought a Suzuki Dr. Big 750 S in 1988 and still have and ride it. I really love that bike because it's very reliable and easy to ride and the maintenance costs are low as well. Back in the 80s the design of the Big was very futuristic which then I really liked and still do so. Interestingly many riders say that the V-Strom looks pretty modern and they are really surprised when they hear that that design actually is retro. I am about to buy a new adventure bike and after doing a lot of research and test riding I will decide between a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT and a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. For the moment I tend to go for the Suzuki. Nice videos you do so I will subscribe to your channel.
Awesome video. Especially love to see this specific DR in action. It looks almost exactly like my 1989 DR 750S. I hate the DR Big for not having ABS, one life saved is priceless, but I just love its robustness, its sound, its big fuel tank, its pricetag, and the fact that its super-individual just out of the box because it´s so seldom. My wife and me were on a three-weeks-trip last october, covering some thousand km in Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia... we did not see a 2nd. Bottom down: Yay, this old steam loco still gives me the chills.
Been a Dr Big fan for ever. Wanted to buy one brand new but couldn't afford it. Had to buy a Dr600. Bought my first Big about 15 years ago. Loved it. Bought another...750 first of the breed. Ended up modding it as I had to sell the later 800. My 750 is such a good bike with the suspension upgrades and other mods I have done. It's taken me on thousands of miles of great adventures and I would jump on it and ride anywhere. Needs more power but the the grunt on rural roads is great and provided I stay off the motorways it's a great bike to ride. I true camel of the tarmac that can also venture into the dirt.
Tenere challenge. I'm looking forward to that. I did a lot of touring in the late 80's on a 1VJ. Now I have a 3AJ, got the suspension to suit me and now absolutely love this bike. Historical rego "$226 for 3 years" I have got 500km out of 23lt. Easy to work on. I won't be purchasing the T7 for a long time yet. I really like the sound and look of the T7 but for me the 3AJ is my love.
As an American, I can't believe anyone would choose to drink a Budweiser, let alone do it in front of a camera :-p - Reallly amazed with your production quality and thoroughness - definitely subscribed!
I rode a DR Big in the day "Woolly, fluffy, mellow armchair" comes to mind - I took it off road across the moor and was impressed how sure footed and relaxed it was and how it floated over the rolling bumps - one could get sea sick I imagined - on the dual carriageway that sit up riding position made over 70 mph hard work - I once went up to 95 it took about a two mile run up and was bracing - I imagined it would vibrate but it never - not sure about 54HP felt more like 40HP - maybe because its as aerodynamic as a brick - I never fancied that oil/air cooling in what was then a mineral oil world - if I lived in the highlands of Scotland or on Bodmin Moor and I was a descendant of Heathcliff : )
I've just been shown this by a friend, who - after seeing my DR Big (which I've owned a long time) - is considering buying one himself. In actual fact, he knows that I used to off-road mine, and so he also suggested a couple of other clips for me to watch, including a couple from Raptor 990 that really showed the bike's off-road abilities, as a way of saying he was ready to take back all of his doubts. Suzuki did actually create specials of both the 750 and the 800 for Rally/Raid competition and although they took part in the Dakar I believe their most notable success - on a 750 ridden by Gaston Rahier - was a win in the Pharaoh's of 1988. If I'm not mistaken, at least some of these race versions used a kickstart (!). It could also be worth saying that the engines were pretty tuneable and for a long time were a popular choice of competitors in the SuperMono series, as they were the biggest single cylinder motors that were suitable. For my part, I've been telling the friend about Si and sent him a link to a wikipedia entry to save me explaining it all. Gotta say, I've seen many things written about him but none yet with any mention of the community project work he was doing when I first actually met him, at Thamesmead: seems a shame to me that this seems to have been overlooked. All the best, Roger
Once for all (although I've seen some really talented riders off road the 1050) it's mostly a road bike I love it... very underated and good value...cheers guys dave
Barkbusters are my favourite wear part on my WR250R. If I ever get two full seasons out of a set I will feel accomplished! Not because they break easily, I just beat the crap out of them. I also like that I can replace individual parts... Great video. Thanks!
The perfect description from Mr Pavey. A great Adventure looking road bike. I love my 1050, it will never be taken off road like 99% of owners. It will take me for 1000's of miles during it's life on great road trips with other similar bikes where speed is not important but necessary.
Really great interesting look on things. Really loved it also beautiful riding scenery. I own the 1050 love the bike thanks again for an interesting look at the evolution of this bike.
Great overview of the differences 30-years on. Thanks for the comments by Si as well as Llel! I find, being the owner of a first year VStrom, that if you back off 20% from the pace you want as an experienced dirt rider, you gain 35% of that 40% lag back... it will go most anywhere, just a little slower than the smaller dirt bikes or the 950Adventure (which is very much more dirt-oriented). My gripes against the current generation of VStrom are: a little too much on the electronic assists (though I can understand why Suzuki has implemented them) and the headlight/windscreen... WHY did they change from the BEST headlights in all of motorcycling to the new (retro) - and less effective - style? Though the original windscreen/fairing had its shortcomings, if you are going to make an adjustable one, make it adjustable on the fly, from the rider's seat! Speaking of seat, ALL of the current adventure bikes eliminate me as a customer at 5'-6 (167cm) and 32" inseam, with the crazy tall seat heights... I literally cannot climb onto any of the current models without bashing my foot on the bags or the seat, and cannot easily lift them off the sidestand.... I have no issues with my '02, nor did I have that problem with my '96 KLR (with Sargent low seat). Personally I am not a fan of the 'beak' styling, but I understand the tie-in to the history of the DR BIG. Cheers and keep the content coming! Ride safe.
I just finished a 'light' rebuild (no frame mods) and tuning of a 92 DR800. I did it because I crashed (due to the awful front brakes you mention, hit a car from behind who hit the brakes hard for imaginary reasons, I had no chance), and had to change forks and plastic anyway, so I thought, lets use the opportunity to lighten it and make it better. I always felt it was a bit big and clumsy for good offroad driving anyway. Now it weighs about 185kg. I threw off the heavy stock exhaust, all the plastic, the big speedo and front light mounting, used the original tank and fitted an extra NX650 seat I had laying around. And put on radial brakes for the front, which helped but still pretty bad. But at least I can lock the front wheel now. Its def the worst (and most dangerous) aspect of the DR800. The tuning; I opened the air-filter by punching a 100 holes in it with a chisel, went up two sizes on the main jets and tapered the needles, and put on a light single carbon exhaust. Beautiful deep potent sound now, real nice. And it pulls hard now, wheelies from natural acceleration in 1st and 2nd. And much lighter and responsive to drive off off-road. FUN! It feels like a big and powerful enduro off-road and something of a mix of a giant motard and an adventure bike on-road. Its smooth. I think I've actually created by accident a competitive dual-sport bike, much better than the original, and it still has the rawness and connection (feedback from the earth) that you miss in the modern bikes. And it looks a bit like a mix of a 70's enduro and I dont know what.. a retro street bike. I wish I could upload a photo.
Back in the day I wanted a DR Big so bad. But in the US, no dice, so I got a new 1991 DR650S. It was OK, but it didn't really have too much power given its weight. Served me well though.
Be great to see a comparison between a Cagiva Elefant and a Multistrada Enduro! Might not be that obvious a comparison at first, but given Cagiva owned Ducati at the time and used the 750/900SS engine, they are definitely related. Plus I don't think Elefants get enough love!
Loving the series. If you want to get REALLY tricky, you could try to get some Honda XL's from the 70s, 80s, 90 would be the NXs mainly, and then they have...a XRL or something don't they? You could do 4 decades!
Cool review Got a new v Strom 1050 down here in new Zealand and think it's the best bike l have owned out of the box no aftermarket parts at all just right i do 200 kms a day riding to work 😀 living the dream had a 2018 v Strom 650 was great but the 1050xt is better really enjoying it Cheers from new Zealand 🇳🇿 😀 Hate to be where you are at the moment 😕
@@MattiasE Is it? Haven't really tried a wheelie yet, it's my first bike and I don't wanna crash it too bad as it is my primary form of transportation at the moment. Also I'm quite new to riding, I started summer 2020.
@@michaelnutzel2226 Ok if you are new so dont try wheelie. I have been driving motocross enduro offroad bikes all life. With dr350 you have to use clutch to pick it up. So dont try if you dont have done it before.
@@MattiasE Yeah, I guess I will wait till I'm more experienced :D But I love the Bike it's been in our Family for over 20 year but wasn't riden since the year 2000 and was built as an ADV bike with many mods to it since my dad rode it throu the Sahara Dessert multiple times. Had to put a lot of work into it to make it street legal again but I think it was worth it :)
I am usually a sports bike or super naked rider, but Im considering a new v strom. I like the look of it and seems to be a jack of all trades. I use my bikes for commuting and trips away so think this would be ideal, especially when I get lost on some of those dodgy B roads. lol.
I’m rebuilding a DR big 750 in my channel (slowly) for anyone who wants to have a look. Awesome video guys. It would be nice to see the bikes being tested a bit more but I understand that they are on loan and they might expect it to come back in one piece Ps. I met a guy from wales when working in Milan and he made me never want to go to whatever place brought him up but you just changed my mind
Hey, You're exactly right. We did a couple of tricky trails on the V-Strim but it's not nice and we have to pay for damage! The same with the DR big. 🙂
@@Checkyoursix77 Why? Because it has two cilinders? The XTZ750 Super Ténéré already has a successor: the XTZ1200 Super Ténéré. They are heavier bikes with less offroad focus. The T700 is even called XT700 Ténéré by some sources. I see it as the successor to the XT600Z.
I had xt600z, xt660z, xtz750 and t700 and the t700 and xtz750 are very similar. The 1200 got nothing in common with the 750 exempt the word Super in the name, trust me!
Now we need the T700 vs the Tenere 750. Also what about a modern adventure bike like the T700 vs the actual old Dakar bike that spawned the XTZ750. Love this series.
Rode off the ferry in Melbourne and got home to Bourke 1,000 K's in 16 hours on a DR 500 temp around 40C. I think the 800S would have made the trip a bit more comfy.
People did notice the Dr Big you, couldn't miss it but the GSXR, CBR'S and YPVS WERE around and on the road the big thumpers felt pedesrian despute being fun.
I'd love a "Retro vs Modern" vid of the older Tiger 900 (885 "steamer") or 995i and the new Tiger 900... Well, Id really like them compared to the 800, but that' s the old model now. Along the lines of old "traily's" and new ADV bikes
The DR 800 is nice to ride with Wilbers f/r, tuned to the weight und purpose of the rider. I use a Magura TX handlebar, upgraded break hoses and ap sinter breakpads. I like roadtires on the dr (conti tkc 70). The handling is a bit better with the 130 tire on the rear. The 140 might be better off road with off road profile, i dont know. I dont drive that 220 kg piece of iron off road. I dont understand the problem with the footpegs at all. I put my foot on it - thats it.
@@BrakeMagazine well I guess it depends on point of view. For example, do you think AC/DC or ABBA is more fitting to a adventure motorcycle video? I love yours videos but as a constructive critic I believe the soundtrack could be more epic and manly. Cheers
I think it would be more fair to compare DR800 with Vstorm 650. A big single air cool engine and a V two water cool engine for around 150cc deduction seems to be more reasonable.
The old bikes are really great - especially their looks: Until you ride them. Then they lose a lot of luster compared to modern bikes. I had this distance love affair with the the naked '78 Wing until I got to ride one a couple years back. Meh. Made me appreciate the progress they have made with motorcycles over the years. Save the styling department; which can leave me a bit cold.
I never really understand the slightly shaded comment about the V Strom "it's a great adventure-looking road bike". So it has the same comfortable ergos as ADV bikes, larger fuel range, good pillion comfort, luggage capability, good wind protection, good cruising and safety electronics, good suspension on/off road, 19" wheel to smooth out crumby pavement, low weight for the class... but it has low ground clearance and street tires and all of a sudden it's not a "real" ADV bike? I really don't understand where these round-the-worlders are actually going off road so much. Lets keep it real BMW GS spends 99.9% of the time on road, and when it is off road it's still heavier and bulkier than the V Strom 1050 XT.. so it has a bit more ground clearance which automatically make it more "capable" and a "real" ADV bike? Ehhhh, I feel like the "concessions" Suzuki made with the V Strom are tactical and actually just make it a much better road bike which is where it will spend the majority of its life. Not to mention I have seen plenty of videos of people actually RIPPING the V-Strom off road, I am not sure what more capability you'd get from a GS.
@@diabloman So the footpegs are rubber mounted, so that would have to be a more complex solution than just changing them. The handle bars are very close to the rider and they clamps are fixed to the triple clamp so that also needs a creative solution. There may be a product to solve the problem but it's not something just footpegs and bars would solve easily.
@@BrakeMagazine thats fair, i havent dealt with that style footpeg, this might be a good solution for the bars though www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-Offset-HandleBar-Handle-Bar-Mount-Clamps-Risers-Fit-For-Suzuki-DR800-89-96-/254480705412 and there are some other good risers that can be adjusted forwards and backwards as well. I had to do some of this stuff modernizing my old XR's.
@@BrakeMagazine I made an insert to replace the rubber mounting. Straight MX handlebars. Wilbers suspension. Replaced pegs, and levers/shifters. This thing rocks. I talk about a sub 200kg DR 750 Big! :D Since the riding style back then was to sit ( footpegs and bar closer together than nowadays), I would not mess with the triple clamp thing. You barely have to hold on anyways. No arm pump of anykind ever. It is not exhausting to ride fast through the rough at all. It is worth a shot.
I hope that all who comes across this message get rich and achieve their highest dreams, my dream is to be successful with my videos, bless up and have a great day.
«The Dr felt lightweight and easy» ??? Its the heaviest single cylinder bike thats ever made! It really says something about how huge, enormous and extremely overweight the new socalled adv-bikes have become....
Klr650 is heavier. Early DR750-800 was lighter. I love them.
The DR 750 Big has more suspension travel and ground clearance than most modern ADV bikes. Upgrade the suspension, tune the engine to 60+HP and you got a T7 killer. 29L tank at 205kg full. Big single. It is a great bike. I crashed mine hard on the MX track and enduro events - it simply did not care! I love it to death. Once I rode with a T7 rider. He said he had a hard time keeping up, and if my bone stock DR was tuned or something. Please give the old bike more credit. If you compare specs, the basic layout is a great one to build upon for some very demanding rides.
I had an 800s years ago, it's the bike that made me fall in love with the adventure bike in general (haven't owned a non-ADV bike since). The previous owner had it tuned & upgraded: improved suspension, improved exhaust, improved power delivery. It has 60 hp on the rear wheel and was a blast to ride!
I also remember doing a charity ride years later (Edinburgh > Belfast > Dublin > Cardiff > London in 24hrs) and one guy with a prosthetic arm riding an 800S on that ride. What a champ!
As far as looks, the DRBIG is still the one of the best looking ADV bikes IMHO.
I have ridden a 1984 Dr 600 for the last 12 years. For the last few years I have fancied a Dr 800. Three weeks ago I found 1. It is a 1990 bike so as twin tanks. It is a UK registered from new bike( very rare) one owner from new and only covered 16500 miles with MOTs to prove. Had to have it and love it .
"it's a sports tourer"
I was hounded out of the V-Strom owners group for saying the same thing. They're gonna hate you.
I own an '02 VStrom, and I agreee with the statement.. the bike is a sport-tourer that simply does not stop when the road ends.... I call it the Swissarmyfork of motorcycles.. it does everything well, but it is the master of none. I love my Strom!
I called mine an all roads tourer.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s a good all round tourer that isn’t going to fall apart in terms of handling on a rough, rutted B road or a gravel farm track. My 2016 is great.
That's why this channel is great. He says the truth. The strom has never been good off road, by any measure. And I've owned one, loved it for what it was.
It doesn't have the sports in sports tourer. I'd say supermoto tourer.
I really like this series, especially how the review is done by multiple expert riders. It is very cool to see how bikes have changed, and it is especially great to hear your dad's perspective, given his experience and expertise (not saying he is old, just experienced!). Keep it up and I can't wait for the next episode!
Thanks Tim! Glad you're enjoying! We love making them 😁😁
OMG! I had a DR750 in '90 as my first "proper" bike. It was awesome, but this reminds me how far things have come and that I probably should not revisit my hero. These are great series for old fellows like me who remember when the DR-Big was the long distance king (you didn't mention the 30 litre tank, at least the Aus one had it), Sydney to Melbourne with one stop (except the seat was too. hard). Thanks
This is the review I've been looking for !
I had a 1990 DR800S. The first year for the 800, the last year for the old body style with the split 29l tank. Mine was painted in 'Suzuki Champion Yellow'. It had Wilbers suspension, braided hoses, decent brake pads, proper MX bars with bar raisers & a Hessler Motorsport touring screen & crashbars.
I loved that old girl.
When I saw a 1050XT in yellow, it really pulled at my heart strings & I knew I would eventually get one.... one day.
This review just re-inforces it.
Thank you for doing these! I am looking forward to the GS episode!
That DR Big is incredible clean. Nice find
Nearly brand new!
my big is better
I think mine is better
Well my uncle works for Suzuki and he got me a zero kilometer museum Dr Big so i win guys
@@HeyAddieImTojo niice, 750 or 800?
This series is awesome! Hope we get more!
I bought a Suzuki Dr. Big 750 S in 1988 and still have and ride it. I really love that bike because it's very reliable and easy to ride and the maintenance costs are low as well. Back in the 80s the design of the Big was very futuristic which then I really liked and still do so. Interestingly many riders say that the V-Strom looks pretty modern and they are really surprised when they hear that that design actually is retro. I am about to buy a new adventure bike and after doing a lot of research and test riding I will decide between a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT and a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. For the moment I tend to go for the Suzuki. Nice videos you do so I will subscribe to your channel.
Now this was done really well guys good work !!!
Awesome video. Especially love to see this specific DR in action. It looks almost exactly like my 1989 DR 750S.
I hate the DR Big for not having ABS, one life saved is priceless, but I just love its robustness, its sound, its big fuel tank, its pricetag, and the fact that its super-individual just out of the box because it´s so seldom. My wife and me were on a three-weeks-trip last october, covering some thousand km in Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia... we did not see a 2nd.
Bottom down: Yay, this old steam loco still gives me the chills.
Been a Dr Big fan for ever. Wanted to buy one brand new but couldn't afford it. Had to buy a Dr600. Bought my first Big about 15 years ago. Loved it. Bought another...750 first of the breed. Ended up modding it as I had to sell the later 800. My 750 is such a good bike with the suspension upgrades and other mods I have done. It's taken me on thousands of miles of great adventures and I would jump on it and ride anywhere. Needs more power but the the grunt on rural roads is great and provided I stay off the motorways it's a great bike to ride. I true camel of the tarmac that can also venture into the dirt.
Tenere challenge. I'm looking forward to that. I did a lot of touring in the late 80's on a 1VJ. Now I have a 3AJ, got the suspension to suit me and now absolutely love this bike. Historical rego "$226 for 3 years" I have got 500km out of 23lt. Easy to work on. I won't be purchasing the T7 for a long time yet. I really like the sound and look of the T7 but for me the 3AJ is my love.
What have you done to the suspension? I have just purchased a 3AJ my self
@@cr23racer Hi Lerroy, I got some gold valves put in for the front and a Wilbers shocker. Made just for the 3AJ
As an American, I can't believe anyone would choose to drink a Budweiser, let alone do it in front of a camera :-p - Reallly amazed with your production quality and thoroughness - definitely subscribed!
I rode a DR Big in the day "Woolly, fluffy, mellow armchair" comes to mind - I took it off road across the moor and was impressed how sure footed and relaxed it was and how it floated over the rolling bumps - one could get sea sick I imagined - on the dual carriageway that sit up riding position made over 70 mph hard work - I once went up to 95 it took about a two mile run up and was bracing - I imagined it would vibrate but it never - not sure about 54HP felt more like 40HP - maybe because its as aerodynamic as a brick - I never fancied that oil/air cooling in what was then a mineral oil world - if I lived in the highlands of Scotland or on Bodmin Moor and I was a descendant of Heathcliff : )
I've just been shown this by a friend, who - after seeing my DR Big (which I've owned a long time) - is considering buying one himself. In actual fact, he knows that I used to off-road mine, and so he also suggested a couple of other clips for me to watch, including a couple from Raptor 990 that really showed the bike's off-road abilities, as a way of saying he was ready to take back all of his doubts. Suzuki did actually create specials of both the 750 and the 800 for Rally/Raid competition and although they took part in the Dakar I believe their most notable success - on a 750 ridden by Gaston Rahier - was a win in the Pharaoh's of 1988. If I'm not mistaken, at least some of these race versions used a kickstart (!). It could also be worth saying that the engines were pretty tuneable and for a long time were a popular choice of competitors in the SuperMono series, as they were the biggest single cylinder motors that were suitable. For my part, I've been telling the friend about Si and sent him a link to a wikipedia entry to save me explaining it all. Gotta say, I've seen many things written about him but none yet with any mention of the community project work he was doing when I first actually met him, at Thamesmead: seems a shame to me that this seems to have been overlooked. All the best, Roger
Once for all (although I've seen some really talented riders off road the 1050) it's mostly a road bike I love it... very underated and good value...cheers guys dave
Fantastic show, it’s a shame that there are not more episodes regarding modern vs retro!
Barkbusters are my favourite wear part on my WR250R. If I ever get two full seasons out of a set I will feel accomplished! Not because they break easily, I just beat the crap out of them. I also like that I can replace individual parts...
Great video. Thanks!
Great video as always and a massive thank you to Bark Busters ( run them on all of my bikes)
Spectacular videography, simple and to.the point explanation..Best wishes buddy from India 🇮🇳
Thanks a ton!
The perfect description from Mr Pavey. A great Adventure looking road bike. I love my 1050, it will never be taken off road like 99% of owners. It will take me for 1000's of miles during it's life on great road trips with other similar bikes where speed is not important but necessary.
it was my first bike 30 years ago, it was the greates ever to ride a single cylinder bike big bore ;-) i like the design of the 1050 too
Really great interesting look on things.
Really loved it also beautiful riding scenery.
I own the 1050 love the bike thanks again for an interesting look at the evolution of this bike.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Would be interesting to see a blueprint engined DR 800 with modern suspension, brakes, bars and pegs.
Look up Stefan Hessler, he has some truly epic DRs ..
@@robhart3451 You're right; his latest V-Strom is a magnificent machine.
Great overview of the differences 30-years on. Thanks for the comments by Si as well as Llel! I find, being the owner of a first year VStrom, that if you back off 20% from the pace you want as an experienced dirt rider, you gain 35% of that 40% lag back... it will go most anywhere, just a little slower than the smaller dirt bikes or the 950Adventure (which is very much more dirt-oriented). My gripes against the current generation of VStrom are: a little too much on the electronic assists (though I can understand why Suzuki has implemented them) and the headlight/windscreen... WHY did they change from the BEST headlights in all of motorcycling to the new (retro) - and less effective - style? Though the original windscreen/fairing had its shortcomings, if you are going to make an adjustable one, make it adjustable on the fly, from the rider's seat! Speaking of seat, ALL of the current adventure bikes eliminate me as a customer at 5'-6 (167cm) and 32" inseam, with the crazy tall seat heights... I literally cannot climb onto any of the current models without bashing my foot on the bags or the seat, and cannot easily lift them off the sidestand.... I have no issues with my '02, nor did I have that problem with my '96 KLR (with Sargent low seat). Personally I am not a fan of the 'beak' styling, but I understand the tie-in to the history of the DR BIG. Cheers and keep the content coming! Ride safe.
It's all the bike most people will need 🙌🏻
I just finished a 'light' rebuild (no frame mods) and tuning of a 92 DR800. I did it because I crashed (due to the awful front brakes you mention, hit a car from behind who hit the brakes hard for imaginary reasons, I had no chance), and had to change forks and plastic anyway, so I thought, lets use the opportunity to lighten it and make it better. I always felt it was a bit big and clumsy for good offroad driving anyway.
Now it weighs about 185kg. I threw off the heavy stock exhaust, all the plastic, the big speedo and front light mounting, used the original tank and fitted an extra NX650 seat I had laying around. And put on radial brakes for the front, which helped but still pretty bad. But at least I can lock the front wheel now. Its def the worst (and most dangerous) aspect of the DR800.
The tuning; I opened the air-filter by punching a 100 holes in it with a chisel, went up two sizes on the main jets and tapered the needles, and put on a light single carbon exhaust. Beautiful deep potent sound now, real nice. And it pulls hard now, wheelies from natural acceleration in 1st and 2nd. And much lighter and responsive to drive off off-road. FUN!
It feels like a big and powerful enduro off-road and something of a mix of a giant motard and an adventure bike on-road. Its smooth.
I think I've actually created by accident a competitive dual-sport bike, much better than the original, and it still has the rawness and connection (feedback from the earth) that you miss in the modern bikes. And it looks a bit like a mix of a 70's enduro and I dont know what.. a retro street bike.
I wish I could upload a photo.
Great Job!!! Give us a video to show that beast! Regards.-
Back in the day I wanted a DR Big so bad. But in the US, no dice, so I got a new 1991 DR650S. It was OK, but it didn't really have too much power given its weight. Served me well though.
Be great to see a comparison between a Cagiva Elefant and a Multistrada Enduro! Might not be that obvious a comparison at first, but given Cagiva owned Ducati at the time and used the 750/900SS engine, they are definitely related. Plus I don't think Elefants get enough love!
It's on our list!
Loving the series. If you want to get REALLY tricky, you could try to get some Honda XL's from the 70s, 80s, 90 would be the NXs mainly, and then they have...a XRL or something don't they? You could do 4 decades!
Cool review
Got a new v Strom 1050 down here in new Zealand and think it's the best bike l have owned out of the box no aftermarket parts at all just right i do 200 kms a day riding to work 😀 living the dream had a 2018 v Strom 650 was great but the 1050xt is better really enjoying it
Cheers from new Zealand 🇳🇿 😀
Hate to be where you are at the moment 😕
How did you find the weight difference?
Find the weight ok and was surprised as thought it might be to heavy after the 650 it hides it well 😀
Cheers 🍻
@@jimdoolan2277 nice one thanks. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger after trying one. Keep enjoying it ;)
Love your videos guys! Especially this series. The soundtrack is a little bit repetitive though
Agree. Skip the music and more exhaust-sound.
Great Video!
I own the small DR 350 but I love that DR BIG!
Dr350 is good and fun. Had 2 over the years. Easy wheelie bike 😊
@@MattiasE Is it? Haven't really tried a wheelie yet, it's my first bike and I don't wanna crash it too bad as it is my primary form of transportation at the moment. Also I'm quite new to riding, I started summer 2020.
@@michaelnutzel2226 Ok if you are new so dont try wheelie. I have been driving motocross enduro offroad bikes all life. With dr350 you have to use clutch to pick it up. So dont try if you dont have done it before.
@@MattiasE Yeah, I guess I will wait till I'm more experienced :D
But I love the Bike it's been in our Family for over 20 year but wasn't riden since the year 2000 and was built as an ADV bike with many mods to it since my dad rode it throu the Sahara Dessert multiple times. Had to put a lot of work into it to make it street legal again but I think it was worth it :)
@@michaelnutzel2226 Nice to hear 👍 Keep riding that bike 😎
Dr800s all day for me.
Thanks for the link for barkbuster ...wanna change my flimsy oem ones
I am usually a sports bike or super naked rider, but Im considering a new v strom. I like the look of it and seems to be a jack of all trades. I use my bikes for commuting and trips away so think this would be ideal, especially when I get lost on some of those dodgy B roads. lol.
I’m rebuilding a DR big 750 in my channel (slowly) for anyone who wants to have a look.
Awesome video guys. It would be nice to see the bikes being tested a bit more but I understand that they are on loan and they might expect it to come back in one piece
Ps. I met a guy from wales when working in Milan and he made me never want to go to whatever place brought him up but you just changed my mind
Hey,
You're exactly right. We did a couple of tricky trails on the V-Strim but it's not nice and we have to pay for damage!
The same with the DR big. 🙂
Had one a - 96 regrett selling it. Great bike.
from my point of view the dr 800 looks more capable and safe, those modern stuff "adventure Bikes" looks too fragile to me lol
Hopefully Ténéré (T700 vs XT600Z) is next. Especially now with the T700 Rally edition paying homage to the XT600Z with same color scheme.
T700 vs xtz750 would be a better comparison.
@@Checkyoursix77 Why? Because it has two cilinders? The XTZ750 Super Ténéré already has a successor: the XTZ1200 Super Ténéré. They are heavier bikes with less offroad focus.
The T700 is even called XT700 Ténéré by some sources. I see it as the successor to the XT600Z.
I think it'll be to original 750 Twin Tenere as they're more similar in style :)
@@BrakeMagazine Well the 750 is a Super Ténéré not a Ténéré. Even Yamaha themselves are referring the T700 Rally to the original XT600Z.
I had xt600z, xt660z, xtz750 and t700 and the t700 and xtz750 are very similar. The 1200 got nothing in common with the 750 exempt the word Super in the name, trust me!
I'll take a retro bike any day, nostalgia rules in my world!
Spot on!
Glad you like it!
Brake Magazine I restored a 1988 Dr750 this summer so I really enjoyed this one. I laughed when you talked about the foot pegs!
i would like to see a comparison between the yamaha xt 350 vs wr 250 r
Nice!
Now we need the T700 vs the Tenere 750. Also what about a modern adventure bike like the T700 vs the actual old Dakar bike that spawned the XTZ750. Love this series.
Glad you're enjoying it! I'm working on that video as the next episode. Won't be too long :D
Rode off the ferry in Melbourne and got home to Bourke 1,000 K's in 16 hours on a DR 500 temp around 40C. I think the 800S would have made the trip a bit more comfy.
People did notice the Dr Big you, couldn't miss it but the GSXR, CBR'S and YPVS WERE around and on the road the big thumpers felt pedesrian despute being fun.
So, in terms of the new V-Strom's off-road ability we can conclude that it rides ok in gravel and can be optimized a bit more for that?
Yup. Fair conclusion.
Great content,where did you film this? Also want to see xt550 on one of these programs
In Wales. 🙂
Which reservoir is that gravel Road, is it open to the public?
@@robertkeoghane2554 Claerwen. Yes it is.
How old is that stone arch bridge? Bloody hell that was cool!
Roughly 120-130 years old. The reservoirs were started in 1893 and finished in 1904. :)
No link to Barkbusters in the description!
I'd love a "Retro vs Modern" vid of the older Tiger 900 (885 "steamer") or 995i and the new Tiger 900... Well, Id really like them compared to the 800, but that' s the old model now.
Along the lines of old "traily's" and new ADV bikes
Hello. Nice vidéo (as usual) Can you tell us which lake is ut please ? Christophe from France.
Yes! It is the Claerwen Resevoir.
@@BrakeMagazine thanks !
how about v strom 650 old vs new ? please as i have an old one
Awesome video but how did you find a 1991 bike that’s this clean and new?
From Suzuki!
In Belgium the fixt a old one big money
The DR 800 is nice to ride with Wilbers f/r, tuned to the weight und purpose of the rider. I use a Magura TX handlebar, upgraded break hoses and ap sinter breakpads. I like roadtires on the dr (conti tkc 70). The handling is a bit better with the 130 tire on the rear. The 140 might be better off road with off road profile, i dont know. I dont drive that 220 kg piece of iron off road. I dont understand the problem with the footpegs at all. I put my foot on it - thats it.
Awesome production thank you.
The music chosen is quite girly tho.
How can music be girly 🤣🤣
@@BrakeMagazine well I guess it depends on point of view. For example, do you think AC/DC or ABBA is more fitting to a adventure motorcycle video?
I love yours videos but as a constructive critic I believe the soundtrack could be more epic and manly. Cheers
I think it would be more fair to compare DR800 with Vstorm 650. A big single air cool engine and a V two water cool engine for around 150cc deduction seems to be more reasonable.
Suzuki should bring back the DR Big. Love big thumpers.
Yes, at least bring the xtz660 Tenere from de 90s and of course the xt660z Tenere from the 00s!
We will do out best!
Where are the shots taken around the lake?
Elan Valley.
@@BrakeMagazine thank you
640 adv vs ...? 690 enduro?
Where was this filmed please?
Wales!
I know and I’m not telling either
Is big DR800S good for touring
Nice video! What's the name of the song?
Don't know sorry. It's from Epidemic Sound.
You should do a Kawasaki comparison either klx or klr
Suzuki should had kept teh DR Big designation...
The old bikes are really great - especially their looks: Until you ride them. Then they lose a lot of luster compared to modern bikes. I had this distance love affair with the the naked '78 Wing until I got to ride one a couple years back. Meh. Made me appreciate the progress they have made with motorcycles over the years. Save the styling department; which can leave me a bit cold.
I totally agree. I had the same thing with dirtbikes. Even in ten years bike have come a long way!
Please do an xr400 vs crf450l (unrestricted of course) as commuter/hobby bikes
Literally on our list 😁
Good video guys - btw: you are driving on the wrong lane 😉😂😂😂 Greetings from central europe.
The Dr Big was a good idea, but why the hell didn't you bring the previous generation v strom1000?
... I say it's a first-class country road surfer. Tip: use a sprocket with 42 teeth at the rearwheel,
I have an 87 DR750 i am restoring.......yeah she rides different but mine only has a rear drum......
Next please make tenere 700 vs xtz 750
Would love to se the old bmw funduro stack up against the new
I never really understand the slightly shaded comment about the V Strom "it's a great adventure-looking road bike". So it has the same comfortable ergos as ADV bikes, larger fuel range, good pillion comfort, luggage capability, good wind protection, good cruising and safety electronics, good suspension on/off road, 19" wheel to smooth out crumby pavement, low weight for the class... but it has low ground clearance and street tires and all of a sudden it's not a "real" ADV bike? I really don't understand where these round-the-worlders are actually going off road so much. Lets keep it real BMW GS spends 99.9% of the time on road, and when it is off road it's still heavier and bulkier than the V Strom 1050 XT.. so it has a bit more ground clearance which automatically make it more "capable" and a "real" ADV bike? Ehhhh, I feel like the "concessions" Suzuki made with the V Strom are tactical and actually just make it a much better road bike which is where it will spend the majority of its life. Not to mention I have seen plenty of videos of people actually RIPPING the V-Strom off road, I am not sure what more capability you'd get from a GS.
looking for a DR big now, no emission rubbish
Sounds like a lot of the problems with the DR800 would be easily solved with swapping out the somewhat "consumable" items like the footpegs and bars.
I think it's not as simple as you think but it could be solved.
@@BrakeMagazine oh surely, just that some of those wouldnt be too difficult for a owner/prospective buyer to consider.
Not all tho
@@diabloman So the footpegs are rubber mounted, so that would have to be a more complex solution than just changing them.
The handle bars are very close to the rider and they clamps are fixed to the triple clamp so that also needs a creative solution. There may be a product to solve the problem but it's not something just footpegs and bars would solve easily.
@@BrakeMagazine thats fair, i havent dealt with that style footpeg, this might be a good solution for the bars though www.ebay.com/itm/7-8-Offset-HandleBar-Handle-Bar-Mount-Clamps-Risers-Fit-For-Suzuki-DR800-89-96-/254480705412
and there are some other good risers that can be adjusted forwards and backwards as well. I had to do some of this stuff modernizing my old XR's.
@@BrakeMagazine I made an insert to replace the rubber mounting. Straight MX handlebars. Wilbers suspension. Replaced pegs, and levers/shifters. This thing rocks. I talk about a sub 200kg DR 750 Big! :D Since the riding style back then was to sit ( footpegs and bar closer together than nowadays), I would not mess with the triple clamp thing. You barely have to hold on anyways. No arm pump of anykind ever. It is not exhausting to ride fast through the rough at all. It is worth a shot.
I have dr800sr42b and i dont sale my bike best big enduro ever-sand express forever
You need to feel every Bone in your body after a day of driving. we just got weak over the years.
😂
1:30 IT'S A STREET BIKE. watching finished
What 😳
the dr750 was a much prettier bike
Agreed.
Sound is horrible
I hope that all who comes across this message get rich and achieve their highest dreams, my dream is to be successful with my videos, bless up and have a great day.
Dudes , a lot o BS !!! Comparing 1991 x 2023 Bike is Non-sense, just a like capture video ...... lost my time watching it .
You don't have to watch it 😂
HI were was this filmed please thanks
Wales.
Great review from guys who know their stuff...Cool! Where was it filmed?
Mid wales 🙂