8 Things I Hate About My DR650SM

As many pros the bike has, I do have some gripes with it.
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[@thugstomper8625]

The DR 650 is choked up by Suzuki on purpose to pass emmisions (which it barley does). It runs WAY too lean from factory, and the Muffler is ridiculously heavy and restrictive. If you put the 790 bore kit on it which pops the piston for high compression, and the carb kit which richens the mix with new jet and needle along with powerbomb muffler, the DR 650 turns into a single cylinder world beater. A fucking monster with power TO SPARE. Guys like the DR 650 because it is cheap to buy, so you have money to mod it. I like it stock though, it does what I want.

[@apostate4apostate494]

greatest motorcycle ever made. the dr650 is the most reliable true dual sport ever. the old tech and analog stuff makes it great.

[@CraftwerksMC]

Steve, you may know all this but, here goes... 1. Suspension - Front and rear + spend money at procycle. Adding some Cogent DDC's to your front forks will knock out the dive and the right spring on the rear with better valving will help you control the angle of your dangle, better control = better wheelies. New bikes have better suspension but its still pretty crappy on most bikes so you can either spend your money on upgrading a new bike with payments (if you are that broke) or an old bike that you own. 2. Trailtech Vapor with dash kit updates the gauges, adds tach, accurate speedo, plus all the old indicator beams< or save the money and get just the vapor and you will have the speedo and tach and keep your old indicators (probably the route I will go). should look good with your dual lights and fly screen. 3. Can't help the weight but you ditched the stock pipe so that is a start. Probably about 18 pound saved. It certainly makes the bike friendly when you are on the road and traveling at highway speeds. I had an XT225 and it didn't go fast enough to survive their firstly, but also I used to get blown all over the place 4. Clarke or some other kind of tank will add range but also add Wings. I don't dig the look of some of the newer bikes. Just looks like more to go wrong or break if you throw it over. If you want your maxi (pad) sized tank with wings you can get you an Acerbis 6.6 or something. Treat it with a heat gun before filling with gas and you can seal the surface and still have a nice canvas with which do display your bro-love for Jakie-poo (just hassling you man). 5. Power - Spend money with Jeff, 790 kit, big valve kit... I think also if you just do an FCR carb your opinion may change slightly. You know the routine, lol 6. FI??? You asked for it, here it is from Ecotrons (tinyurl.com/q848l2p), probably won't really give you a lot of MPG though. I have heard tales that it makes lofting the front wheel simply a matter of twisting the throttle (but then again mine's like that in first and second). From all accounts that kit gives you around 6o to 65 mpg, but I suspect if you were to switch over to a FCR setup like MXrob or Jeff at Procycle you'll probably see some return on mpg but also the power when you twist the wick... 7. Mirrors - Check on ebay for DL100 or DL650 (Vstrom) EMGO mirrors, there are some updated styles off the latest Vee's that are a little more streamlined and they seem to stand up will and not vibrate too much ( I tired tusk mirrors but fitting on some aftermarket bars didnt work out. I got the warp 9 shorty levers and I think if I had stock length I could probably move the pds in a little and plce the mirrors between them and the grips and it would be fine but I spent 80 bucks on those shortly levers and I'm friggin losing them Sorry for the book man but hopefully some will help (and I was friggin bored), lol

[@MotardSteve]

I knew like 90% of that, but the big issue for me is spending the cash. not that I'm broke but I feel like I even modding it out would be a losing battle. If I had it setup for dual sport use it would be a different story, but like you said it makes a good stable road bike. I'm really just wanting something a little more updated and lighter or at least better power to weight ratio for street stuff. And there's the fact that I'm 24 yes old almost 25 and have no credit line, and best way to build one imo is to just finance a new bike.

[@CraftwerksMC]

+MotardSteve Probably right, I just can't help myself from wrenching on stuff anyways and got a crap ton or projects in the garage so for me if I want more power I just switch over to the Hawk, or the Vstrom, lol. Nothing like a 1000 CC "DS". You wanna talk about heavy, try picking up one of those when you ditch them, lol. The DR may not be a wheelie king but its reliable so at least you got that going for you for now.

[@colheg3113]

Pull out the snorkle, ,drill 2 inch hole in the airbox , cut the carb spring at 100 mm , dyno jet kit , grind back the weld on the inside of the header , drill out the carb slide hole to 3mm , Its all on the Procycle Dr650 tuning video !! Yeah mirrors and seat are a bit crap !!

[@Dumptheclutchevo]

thanks for the kind words bro… I love my DR650 both stock and now in supermoto trim. Not much I'd change from stock tbh other than the usual small stuff but going sumo required a lot more. Still stuff to do, I have the stock carb with no adjustments on mine still and am surprised at how well it's doing, got the FCR to bolt on, suspension to upgrade and wheels to paint and then I think I'm done for a while (I have the carb and springy bits already from the old blown up '96 DR). Might get those new engine bars for it and a skid plate but we'll see. Ill do a walkaround soon!

[@MotardSteve]

Hell yeah man. That for will have it breathing fire for sure. Good thing is with yours being new, ideally it should last a good 20 years of you keep it that long. I like the dr but after riding it so long, I wanna just test the waters with everything else out there.

[@Dumptheclutchevo]

yeah i hear ya…how is it on long rides? I may have to ride it back from Dallas next weekend…250 miles of highway :(

[@MotardSteve]

+evo moto stock gearing just keep it around 70 and try to stop every hour to give it a break is what I do. I got the Suzuki gel seat and for the most part it's fine. just have to stand and stretch the legs from time to time. if it wasn't for the gearing on mine I'd ride it to dfw for the meet. Sucks I couldn't find someone with a trailer that was already going.

[@Dumptheclutchevo]

+MotardSteve yeah I like to cruise at about 80 but that may be a bit much for it over that distance. regular stops are gonna be required for me more than the DR I think! I don't mind the stock seat but over that distance I'll come to hate it no doubt.

[@MotardSteve]

+evo moto I did a solid 80 at about half way through. I'd say you could get away with 75 and maybe short bursts at 80 towards the end. The dr is real good a shedding heat at higher speeds.

[@NotALizardPerson81]

I will never understand the "need" for a tac on a bike. Just listen to and feel what the engine is doing. It's not rocket surgery.

[@stormperformance]

Honest review. I have a DRZ400 (love it) and always wondered about the 650. Know fellows that have and love their 650. But! , they mostly only ride road and a little fire road. For this it works. Think I'll stick to the DRZ, more versatile.

[@apostate4apostate494]

DRZ is a dirt bike for flicking around. the 650 is for true 50/50 road use and highway traveling. the 650 is actually more "versatile". the 450 is more specific for super moto flicking and dirt bike off road use. meaning its actually LESS versatile

[@Donkula23]

High comp piston or a 790 kit fixes your power issue. Reports of big DR's making 54 reliable horses with the 790.

[@MotardSteve]

That way too much of a headache for me. at that kind of money I'd rather just buy a ktm.

[@Donkula23]

I can see that too. I just like the DR because it's got as much torque as HP in slightly modded form

[@MotardSteve]

+Don2323 true it's not a bad bike at all for an old thumper.

[@Donkula23]

Yeah I bought one and compared it to my buddies from 2001... the only difference between the two was colour schemes and the headlight cowl. Mines a 2016 too.

[@UncleSiam]

Consider this. It's a 1996 bike. Compare it to something else made at that time. Then consider that no one else has really beaten it and it's still popular and being sold 22 years later.

[@MotardSteve]

Oh no doubt out of all those other 650's the XT/XR/KLR 650 the Suzuki is the gest one all around. Klr is better at street and XR is getter off-road but all around the DR beats them out. Plus with tons of mods you can kit the bike out for a variety of uses.

[@mirko3625]

I have a question to your colleague. I noticed that he drivin on Suzuki Dr 650 SE . He changed the front wheel into smaller . How i fix the problem false speedometer ? Because front is a smaller wheel . He change a SPEEDOMETER GEAR? (is at the wheel)

[@MotardSteve]

not sure, speedo was correct when I bought the bike from previous owner.

[@mirko3625]

+MotardSteve sorry for my english this was question for you . How you fix the problem false speedometer ? Because front is a smaller wheel . Do you change a SPEEDOMETER GEAR? (is at the wheel) Because when is in original speedometer gear and smaller while example 17'' the speedometer have false speed. sorry for my english i use translator

[@MotardSteve]

+Mirko Z I don't know how is what I was saying because the previous owner did it. Think it's something at the wheel. Try googling it I guess.

[@mirko3625]

+MotardSteve speedometer gear on wheel 17'' i could buy in procycle but it is very very expensive , maybe previous owner fix this problem something different way cheaper way

[@KiDpLayGaME]

So funny man. Buying a DR650 tomorrow and also live in Charleston😂

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

I feel ya about the suspension. It is cheap to upgrade though which is a plus. I spent $200 and have a kick ass suspension now. But I do agree with your dislikes. Stock the bike sucks.

[@MotardSteve]

Yeah, don't get me wrong it's a great bike for its own reasons and makes a good laid back sumo, but I'm looking for something with a little more punch. Could be selling her this year.

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

+MotardSteve I'm buying a new bike this summer. Most likely a GSXR-1000 but I am going to keep the DR for my off-road adventures.

[@thugstomper8625]

Just put the 790 high compression kit on it, along with the carb and muffler kits, and you will have the punch you are looking for.

[@Stangpede67]

Suspension isn't bad for the street but THAT BRAKE DIVE THOUGH!!! I'm bummed that you got to it before me. I shot the video of the 10 things I hate today but haven't gotten it edited yet. Was hoping to be the first DR650 10 things. Lol. I'll likely still upload though because there are a few things about it that drive me crazy that you didn't mention.

[@MotardSteve]

+DRBrewsky I need to see yours, just to see what I missed. Yeah the brake dive is retarded.

[@kindpanda1075]

have you done the lightening mods? Tubeless tries, light mirrors, light exhaust delete helmet holder etc.?

[@MotardSteve]

+Paul Dykstra Other than the aftermarket two bros exhaust and removing the passenger pegs, no not much.

[@linustelljohann8669]

So would you say i should buy it or better an TT 600 or an xt 660 cause im about to buy my first bike and want a daily one.

[@MotardSteve]

Buy a 701 😎

[@linustelljohann8669]

MotardSteve i would like to but dont have the money for that sweet thing and it has a Bit too much PS for my license in germany and i only am allowed to Run Bikes which have no more than 48PS

[@MotardSteve]

Drz400sm or wr250 are great bikes as well

[@linustelljohann8669]

MotardSteve both are in germany round about more than half aß extensive as the bikes i named btw all 3 of them are sm

[@FrankieMotovlog]

This kind of videos are hyped because of downshift.. I made one for my wr250x if you want to check it out.. You know if your dr650 can get more mods? Maybe something like a powercommander? I know its carburated so power commander is out of the question i guess?

[@MotardSteve]

Sure it is a bottomless pit to sink mods into, I just haven't put any performance mods into mainly because I don't feel like ducking with carbs and jetting. And with it being my only transportation I can't risk taking it apart and screwing something up. no truck to haul it to a shop in that case either.

[@thugstomper8625]

I got a DR 650 SE, but I love trails. I guess the Motard thing is to beat sportbikes around corners? BTW the DR 650 is easy to drop weight off of.

[@savitridworkin2514]

Especially as a daily driver, I can't imagine that there is *any* bike that could fulfill the niche you need, other than the DR650. Maybe an XR650L, but god they're ugly. Yea, its not great at anything and needs a lot of mods to shape it up, but at the end of the day you can't beat it in terms of being bomb proof and well rounded.

[@MotardSteve]

exactly at the end of the day is the perfect do everything and still commute bike. good at a lot, but great at nothing. I've since did a rejet and open airbox so I really need to update this video.

[@savitridworkin2514]

Yea if you spend *enough* time tinkering with the carb or get someone else to do it, should make a huge difference. I finally got a TM40, it rips.

[@MotardSteve]

+Savitri Dworkin my next step is skid plate, case savers, quick turn throttle and some new levers.

[@savitridworkin2514]

Here is the tube i bought, just a little dremel work as per the drriders threads www.ebay.com/itm/Motion-Pro-Nylon-Throttle-Tube-Sleeves-Yamaha-YZF-R6S-2006-2009-/271929109405

[@MotardSteve]

+Savitri Dworkin sweet. appreciate it man

[@codybertram6122]

They’ll get good mileage but you have to ride them like a moped. Short shifting, taking off slow, coasting.

[@CanzZz]

dude 45mpg is excellent... my 125cc aprilia mx sumo does 25mpg with 15hp stock

[@succurromarketing2356]

Nailed that review. I feel exactly the same.

[@Tysontastic]

So what´s your next bike gonna be ? Another SuperMoto ? Cruiser ? Naked ? Or a SuperSport ? ;PP

[@MotardSteve]

Can't say yet, but my mind is made up. I think it will be a surprise to some but plan to own one of each in the next few years because sumo, cruiser, and naked sport bikes all fit into different niches and uses.

[@Tysontastic]

My guess is you are getting a cruiser next ;D

[@zabrow187]

360! Jesus, my YZ weighs 240 and I complain about it being heavy.

[@MotardSteve]

I know man. I'd kill for 240.

[@mattevans5812]

My DR has 2 tachometers: my ears and my ass. The DR is a pig for supermoto but it's a featherweight adventure bike. The reason it's the best bike to take around the world are the toughness, reliability, cheap to buy, proven reliability, best aftermarket assortment and the things it doesn't have to go wrong, it has no: - fuel pump - water pump (and the DR can not overheat with the oil cooled SACS as long as it has oil in it) - radiator - rad fan - water that can boil, leak and/or contaminate your oil - electronic control from something that looks like a cell phone that if it breaks your done - unnecessary extra cylinders - inaccessible engine covered in cowls (because this and above valve lash check is quicker than any other bike) - windscreen (if i want to look through a window i'll take the car) Sometimes i hate mine too because of the old technology but if mine every bites the dust hard i'll get another one cause what else is so reliable, easy to maintain and tough to go 8 or 10 hours a day on the highway and then in the dirt. Nothing has aftermarket support like the DR since it's the longest running virtually unchanged bike since 1996.

[@klrrafman]

What windshield is that?

[@MotardSteve]

I believe it was custom, but I'm not sure really.

[@andrewturner9520]

if anyone needs a tach to tell them where there powerband is,they obviously don't know there bike very well

[@MotardSteve]

+Andrew Turner Yeah I learned just from looking at Gearingcommander to ballpark know where my revs are at.

[@GladiusJon]

DR650 is definitely a Pig.. Kills me to lift it out of mud holes..

[@MotardSteve]

I bet that's a nightmare

[@Dalongnecker]

Iv'e never Liked those mirrors Ever since i started watching you They bother the shit out of me!.

[@MotardSteve]

+The Xbox 360 Gamer Ha big ugly squares. I hate em.

[@Dalongnecker]

lol

[@whiteraven4417]

You best hate the colour your bike is more than anything. At least work into a gloss canary yellow on black combination. Yuck...

[@JoeMama-vj8es]

Sounds like a Ghost Facers video.

[@mathieurichard9700]

It!s old tech man, cant't compare to the new one. Anyway this is a great bike

[@MotardSteve]

True I just finally did the open airbox and rejet and it has livened it up a good bit.

[@MrQbista]

wtf it is a glass tank on DR's? :o

[@MotardSteve]

damn it did I say glass, meant metal if I did.

[@davidquinn5430]

Comparing oranges and tomatoes

[@LarsshhTM]

take a sumo, makes people happy.

[@MotardSteve]

+Larsshh - doei Yes Sumo is life!

[@LarsshhTM]

:D

[@garychief2338]

wheelie with an empty gas tank.

[@johnbass7551]

Dude, my xs750 is like 550#

[@charlesmansfield3238]

what the "SS" stand for

[@davidquinn5430]

Just go get a bmw I’l take your dr. It take so little to light a fire under a dr... EFI is for people who lack imaginations. Haha Nice bike

[@MotardSteve]

You seen this coming....

[@zhaneoakley7117]

It's weird that my 1998 dr350 has a tachometer

[@MotardSteve]

+Zhane Oakley Maybe after market or just happened to come with it. Wish the DR had one. Just an analog one would suffice.

[@ramongarciano569]

am sure u have a better bike NOW ..

[@MotardSteve]

+Ramon Garciano ha yep Husky 701 😎 but the DR made me love the character of a big bore single.

[@bulletben5837]

I still want 1

[@jesseholmes1860]

Can't watch the whole thing guy sounds like he needs a drink n a mint lollipop sick 🤢🤮🤯

[@dank864]

Damn dude glad you quit riding

[@MotardSteve]

Sorry(not) to disappoint, but I haven't stopped riding. Just stopped posting.

[@dank864]

@@MotardSteve just kidding man. I love any bike videos. Worked at MUSC, lived in west Ashley. I envy you man. Be safe in the world. Soup

[@RS-pk3lg]

Please....no more reviews!! Go buy a 250.

[@MotardSteve]

+R S lol I have a 701 now and this wasn't a review in the slightest. The 701 addresses all the gripes I had with the DR

[@TheCode27red]

2k'th subscriber.

[@MotardSteve]

:D Awesome!