Dr650 Long Term (33,000 mile) Review

My thoughts on the Suzuki Dr650 after living with it for 4 years.

[@ColeCleveland1]

4 Front Sprockets not 6🙂

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

lol thanks for the update. I was like wow

[@bushpig6837]

You must be buying very cheap sprockets. I get +60k km or of a chain and sprocket set on my DR and there's life left in them when I change them.

[@ColeCleveland1]

@@bushpig6837 just the front ones wear for me. I buy good ones from procycle. They just start warping eventually oem did too. Rears last the life of the chain ~. I don't feel like replacing a countershaft either. Not as big of an issue on a DR with a cush drive but you never know

[@samueljeppsen9785]

I am your kind of rider. Not everyone has to be Joe Rocket to be happy. Simple, reliable, easily maintainable and affordable, and I'm happy!!

[@jameswalstrom2433]

Just bought one at Estate Sale... 12,000 miles Totally Stock. Really like it so far...

[@zoninable]

I have one from 1998 here in Finland. Suzuki stopped selling them in Europe at 2001, because emission regulations. Mine has 80,000 kilometers and still going strong. Bought it 2 years ago, it was still stock then. I have modified it heavily, because I like tinkering as much as riding. And there is a huge aftermarket support for this bike.

[@jonwoodworker]

Nice review of a legendary motorcycle. Spot on that the aftermarket for the DR650 is as large as any vehicle ever made. Mine is set up for more dirt than street. I have two sets of wheels and tires for more road or more dirt.

[@doghouseriley8696]

Excellent review, thanks. I rode the heck out of two of them, then switched to an XR650R, which I don't like- it's too high-strung, so I'm selling it. Just closed the deal on my third DR; I'm picking it up this week.

[@MGWV0746]

Thanks for the review it’s always good to hear from people who’ve actually put some serious miles on a bike.

[@johnjenkins9202]

Body used 2008 model with lots of aftermarket parts for $4,500 and only $6,300 mi on it. I'm really loving it.

[@Avensur]

I bought my 08 KLR 650 7 mos ago with 32k. I have to work on it for several issues but nothing serious. Came with a Frankenstein old flat side carb with single wire, no choke system, fuel valve leaking, no air filter system, oil leak caused by overtightened plug. Now is restored to the original and working soon with oil leakage. Love this bike,,,,strong as an ox 👍

[@felipeblack851]

Nice input, thanks for the review

[@Resort_Fans]

Great review!

[@rupertsuzuki3376]

Love it… “The KTM is better in every way but it’s twice the price, unreliable and you can’t modify it” Pure gold. DR rocks.

[@bradh74]

I don't have either bikes but from what I understand the DR is the best all around bike vs the KTM because of maintenance schedules and it's better on the road ( more comfy). The KTM out performs it and the DRZ off road because of the weight, handling and power but high performance has draw backs! So the DR is like an old friend that's always there for you and can do anything but isn't as fast, so it just depends on what you want and everyone seems to agree it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow. The DR has been the same for so long because nobody can come up with a way to change it for the better, without ruining what makes it so practical and special!! Nice job on the video good luck with your channel keep putting out content!

[@ToxicGamer86454]

I have 3 miles on mine and I’m thinking about buying another before they stop selling them.

[@ColeCleveland1]

Be interesting to see what Suzuki updates it with when they finally do quite selling them

[@tylersmyth8861]

@@ColeCleveland1I’m excited to see it. Seems like they did a decent job replacing the v strom so I’m holding out hope

[@motokev2727]

Y stop making something that is popular and sells.

[@ToxicGamer86454]

@@motokev2727 Because our masters won’t allow them to sell it.

[@davehale8513]

@@ToxicGamer86454I was looking at them this weekend and the mechanic said it was to do with emissions restrictions. He said that the US is one of the last places that they are legally allowed to sell them because emissions are relatively lax compared to most other countries. This makes it tough for Suzuki to rationalize making a bike for only one market. It was his opinion that 2025 would probably be the final year for the DR.

[@Edward-pf3lo]

Cool Video 👍🏼 Very imformative!! Thank you. Ride On!!!

[@bwnco]

Love your place or whoms ever that is.. My kind of country...

[@EagerMartialArts-cl7vd]

Props for lifting the bike into a boxcar and making a video while hobo’ing.

[@ColeCleveland1]

🤙

[@Haytifdad]

Thank you and well said!

[@jamespolucha8790]

I think your bike and the Honda XR 650 are the best all around bikes and so reliable

[@Elosee]

the dig at the Tenere earnt you a sub HAHA, I own a 2020 DR650 & 2024 KTM EXC300 aaaaand ill never get tired of the DR650.

[@ColeCleveland1]

Ktm 300 would be a dope bike to have not going to lie

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Nice review, thanks for sharing it. JT

[@Gorilla_ADV]

love mine

[@KNIGHTRACEDOTCOM]

Had one and kinda miss it have XR650L they are very different but these are incredible bikes to buy and hold.. Unlike new over technical cars they are simple and great for the pepper mindset.

[@ColeCleveland1]

Xr650l was my first bike. Still have it just need to put it back together.

[@momoski68]

My DR650 is awesome. I believe it is the GOAT for a commuter/adventure bike. Being able to wrench on it myself is one of the best things about it. Acerbis tank and a windshield make this bike PERFECT imho.

[@ColeCleveland1]

I never liked the windscreen lol

[@momoski68]

@@ColeCleveland1 I had planned on putting a Parabellum Rally windscreen on a DR650 but when I finally picked up my used bike it already had the Laminar Windscreen on it. I commute to work 20 minutes at highway speeds and it is awesome to have at 80mph. I might still get a new cowl and try out the Parabellum.

[@ColeCleveland1]

@@momoski68 Yeah, it makes sense at 80.

[@fendermon]

Nice summary. I have a 98 and would have treated it much nicer if I had known how well it was built. The only way to break one of these is to forget to put the oil in it.

[@bwnco]

Wind, what wind??? Nice review, love honest an purity

[@mannyechaluce3814]

You right hand determines the motorcycle's nature

[@Zt3v3]

The DR650 is a solid choice. I've never owned one, but I've ridden a lot of them. I like 350lb dual sports, they're heavy enough to feel decent on the highway but light enough to take on most trails. I personally prefer the 690 for a little more highway pep and a 6 speed, but I totally understand the allure of a DR. (KTM's are darn reliable too, but the expensive part isn't a myth)

[@ColeCleveland1]

Yeah, I think bikes are reliable as you make them for the most part. Can't count the times I have reached for a 6th gear on my DR either

[@caveyful]

The soft bars might save ur triple clamps in a big fall. I still am using them coz the bend is a good compromise of dirt and road riding. A riser and a forward offset riser has made mine a just right for me at 188cm. The DR would probably make for a better road tourer than the KTM.

[@ColeCleveland1]

Never thought of that. Makes sense though! Pros and cons I guess

[@brummil]

U forgot the XF Freewind. Sister Model of the DR. A bit more comfy too. Softer in Suspension too. But if u want to go offroad, u have to change the Suspension anyway. So no big deal!

[@JarrodLeis-ep3se]

I think most of the points that you cover in this video are pretty much spot on. I was a little surprised that you went through that many front sprockets though. Are you using 90w gear oil on the chain?

[@ColeCleveland1]

I went through ~4. The front one gets warped after 5-10k miles for me using high quality sprockets with decent chain maintenance. So I just switch them out preventativly. More worried about the countershaft than the chain tbh coming from an xr650l

[@SgtRock51]

They'll bury me with my DR650!

[@AzPauly]

Well stated insightful video, thanks for posting.. I have a question for you and or any DR650 riders regarding vibration.. the DR has a cush drive rear, I have an XR650L which does not and am curious if any of you can comment..I feel the XR is fatiguing at speed for 30+ miles at >65mph.. I also have a Vstrom 650-great on the road and forest roads but not so much anything else and am considering the DR as a one bike solution as I seldom ride the V more than 200miles per outing.. thanks all..

[@ColeCleveland1]

I tried to make a video about the DR on the interstate but the audio didn't work :( the DR is a good bit happier cruising 65+ than the XR. ~65 indicated 70 being it's happy spot in 5th gear. I dont think about the cush drive too much except when I'm changing tires. I'm sure it helps some. Cheers

[@spookychief]

Maybe i missed it but why are you changing sprockets so much? Did you find a gearing that best suits your riding style?

[@ColeCleveland1]

Bit of a mistake. I pinned a comment to the top editing it. My front sprocket wears out after 7-10000 miles

[@brymanable]

Where did you get that headlight , Is it good at night compared to stork ?

[@ColeCleveland1]

JNS Morimoto not cheap but boy does it throw some light.

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

I think this bike is more suppose to be compete against the other 650s. Like the KLR 650 and the Honda XR650L which are also about the same price.

[@ColeCleveland1]

Absolutely. But if you are buying new it also has to compete against everything else too. If I was doing it again I would be picking against a T7 or a DR650. Or a 690/701. The klr/xr/dr comparison is well documented for the most part

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

@ColeCleveland1 as a viewer those looking at this type of bike for the first time I was hoping the nearest competitors would have been mentioned. I feel like somone interesting in looking at a old school 650 would also be interesting in how it stacks up to the others. Like it's true a ktm 690 is also a dule sport but with it being so much more modern or double the price the comparison feels feels less helpful than the klr650 would be.

[@ColeCleveland1]

@@pleasedontwatchthese9593 heard. I have an xr650l. It's great if you are 6'2 and like giant dirt bikes. The Dr650 has a smoother engine and way more aftermarket support. It is the best overall. The klr is the best option if you want something that is adventure ready right out of the box. It already has a large tank and windscreen if that is your jam. xr650 more dirt/dr balanced/klr more street. But the DR has the most room to grow. It's been beaten to death is why I didn't go over it.

[@clutch2315]

Switched from a CRF250L with fuel injection for the slightly higher top speed on highways and the ability to wrench on every part of it on the dr650. Sometimes i just need to take a break from my home business and goto the garage and wrench a little bit to clear the mind. While I did enjoy the lighter weight of a 250L, the bush pig is whats best for me.

[@ColeCleveland1]

I like the 250l I want a wr lol

[@tayloralvidrez4342]

My XR650L, with much needed carb mods, at a slow roll, will pull the front wheel straight to a tall wheelie, with just a snap of the throttle . The 1000cc sportbikes I've ridden required the clutch to do the same thing. Is the DR650 capable of that? Thanks

[@ColeCleveland1]

Nah. The Dr is not the wheelie monster the XR is. You just have to think wheelie on an XR

[@tayloralvidrez4342]

@@ColeCleveland1 Damnit! Its easy to find deals on DRs and I was hoping it was similar. Thanks for the info. Do you know how the KLR compares?

[@davida1679]

Great video! Thank you Question? Have you had to deal with the neutral sending unit bolts coming loose? The two bolts behind the clutch basket. The DR 650 community is saying that starting in 2017, the factory started using thread locker, but I was wondering if you know if this is a fact or rumor? I also have a 2019, with only 134 miles. Got it for $5200 out the last November. I’m ready to wire tie these bolts together, unless if I can find confirmation that they were put in with thread locker Thank you from your newest subscriber.

[@ColeCleveland1]

Suzuki fixed that issue I believe. I forget what year exactly but it was before 2019. maybe 2017?

[@bfe671]

Where do you store your crossbow?!

[@ColeCleveland1]

Which one?

[@je7647]

I saw some dude with a 2020 T7 with nearly 200,000 miles lol

[@ColeCleveland1]

Nice

[@SmokinZen]

The T7 is simply a better bike for the money

[@mrtimhawk1]

Which Ktm are you comparing to?

[@ColeCleveland1]

690

[@motokev2727]

Amazing what is required to maintain cars or motorcycles over time. I think best not to own anything and just rent.

[@ColeCleveland1]

They are fun to work on with the right mindset!