Is the Suzuki DR650 better than the Honda CRF300L?

Is the Suzuki DR650 better than the Honda CRF300L?
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[@trevorjameson3213]

I have a DR650, and have ridden a Royal Enfield Himalayan. The DR650 has WAY more power and torque, much better suspension and brakes, and will NEVER break down. The guy I know who has the Himalayan only kept it about a year because he had several reliability issues with it (electrical and chassis related). You put some good off-road tires on your 650 and you'll see how awesome it is off-road. I've been riding mine for many years on very rough, rocky, and steep 4x4 trails in Colorado, and with the right tires, the DR is awesome for that stuff. Then I get on the highway and ride it back home, about a hundred miles on pavement, and it's awesome for that too. There's a good reason the current version of the DR650 has been around since '96 and still sells well today. They are great bikes!

[@hankwojo]

Years ago I had a KLR650 which was OK. A little while later my son bought a DR650. I took it for a ride. It was like night and day. The DR was light and snappy and wanted to go. I liked it a lot and thought "this is the bike I should have bought". I owned a shit ton of bikes in my time and although I didn't own it, the DR650 was one of my favorites. One thing to consider is weight. The DR650 comes in at 366 LBS, the Royal Enfield - 439 and the KLR - 460. All these are curb weight according to the manufacture. If you got a good deal on that DR, I would hold on to it.

[@trevorjameson3213]

People who have been riding big single dual sports for decades, and for mostly off-road stuff, will know the DR650 is superior to the KLR for that kind of riding. The Royal Enfield isn't even in the same league as a DR650, KLR650, or XR650L. As in, not even close, AT ALL.

[@6806goats1]

Great info to know. I'm trying to determine between the KLR and DR and the DR keeps showing me more.

[@twowheelboomer]

​@@6806goats1 I narrowed it to the the DR and the DRZ. I bought a DR, modded up and it's amazing.

[@hazcat640]

You did MUCH better getting the DR instead of the Himalayan.

[@crypticreality8484]

💯. It's all about Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda. Particularly Yamaha and Suzuki... (Not as invested in Thailand manufacturing.)

[@armadilllo]

DR650, best all around bike ever. You can make it anything you want or leave it stock, good either way.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Oh yes, probably the best all around bike ever designed. I bought my first DR650 new back in '05, and just replaced it with a new one two years ago. I mostly ride it on mountain trails in Colorado, and on the highways too. Has more than enough power for any situation out there, cruises great at 75 on the highway too, getting to and from the off-road mountain passes. Super reliable too, I've never once had any issues with mine. I keep them stock except for the tires and carburetor.

[@lawrwncemitchell9955]

I'm a Honda guy but the DR is Awesome💯

[@AzPauly]

CRF300L is a great bike, on the trail it's plenty, but if on any road that is 65+ with elements like head winds and grades (cagers will likely be 75+) there's just not enough power unless the rider is 150lbs.. 400cc barely adequate 650 more better.. just my experience.. ymmv... (disclamer: I'm in Arizona were people drive really fast and highway runs can be quite long)

[@user-iy2nf5zx6f]

DR650 is best.

[@mrstangblb]

I've got a 2013 DR650 that I've had for a year, and I really am enjoying it. I don't ride all the time because SC drivers are horrendous, so I'm trying to find some offroads to take. I just ordered Shinko 244s and am really looking forward to riding as soon as I can get them on - maybe you can try some of them since they're inexpensive but have good reviews.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

I got one in the uk a 1996 from italy with 25000 kms on it. What a great bike it is and simple

[@tjbrad6404]

Try a 14 tooth front sprocket, it makes it a little better for the take off and slower riding. I got Kenda k270 tires for my DR and they are great, just get rid of the trail wings immediately, they are only for a quick test drive. I had a 1984 Honda XL600 a long time ago and I had IRC tires that were great, almost like knobbies. I ride a lot more off road than on road.

[@jonwoodworker]

DR650 with a gigantic aftermarket is the only option out of all the others you mentioned. The KLR is sooooo much heavier and slower. The CRF300L is only 40lbs lighter with half the power. Good luck finding ANY parts for the Himalayan. The only bike I would consider a DR replacement would be the Husqvarna FE501....but at twice the price and 27 years newer, it should be better....lol..I have all the dream list mods on my DR and I can ride Enduro with the Euro bikes in my area.... DUDE, I don't know what your doing, I NEVER stall my DR.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Right, they don't stall. I don't know how he did that. I have a DR650 and it will idle along at nearly zero rpms in first gear, and not stall. Anyway, I had a chance to ride a Himalayan once, and man that thing felt like a piece of crap. I'm just not used to those India bikes I guess. Felt weird, and clunky, and no power. Suspension sucked. Also rode a CRF300L once, and it was a nice bike, but it was nearly as heavy as a DR650 but will a LOT less power, not impressive really.

[@adventureundone]

I am a fairly new rider, not even a year at it yet. The 300L was my first ever bike, and the clutch had to be released so much, my DR is like a little pinch and its going. I guess that's what's messing with me a bit, and making me stay. I just gotta get use too it

[@jonwoodworker]

@@adventureundone you can adjust the engagement point of your cluch pull. I used to have it release about 1" off of the grip. Now I have it release at the top of the pull. This enables me to do one finger clutch ups to get over obstacles.

[@adventureundone]

@@jonwoodworker is that an easy mod, or probably a shop mod?

[@jonwoodworker]

@@adventureundone Its stupid easy, just watch a few videos on how to adjust a motorcycle clutch. And you can start playing around with your friction zone to dial it in to what make you comfortable.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Got to love the DR 650. Cool video mate 😎👍

[@adventureundone]

thank you

[@BadgerMcblasty]

Spoiler Alert. The DR650 = winner, winner, chicken dinner.

[@jarrodleis4046]

You can get by with the stock rear but the front has got to go unless you ride the DR like a street bike. The Shinko 244 is a good all around front for the DR

[@trdutch]

Thanks for this video You ride off road about how I ride off road, slow an easy . I had a Triumph 800 XC but it was big and too heavy . I never had confidence and got stuck deep in the woods by myself. No Bueno!😅 Anyway I thought long and hard about the Himalayan but my buddy said you need the DR. , you will be disappointed In the power riding to get to the off road This video is helping me decide If I get one, it will leave the dealer with different tires 😂

[@Not_Sure-2020]

If you're going to do anything more than that little dirt road you were on, you need knobby tires. I had my DR with full knobbies, 2 brothers exhaust, a skid plate, and a jet kit for the carb and I could go anywhere in the dirt. Made it a little less stable on the highway but I tuned it for the dirt anyway so....

[@mattevans5812]

I love that I can do a "DR650 vs CRF300L" search on youtube and there's a video for that. Thanks for making it. I don't know if I will ever find the unicorn but the steeper and looser terrain gets I find myself wishing I was on a lighter bike than my DR. Damn range of capability. Maybe the XT would be a better second bike for me because I think on the tight mountain stuff the XT might give me more confidence than the CRF but as it is the DR is great for any road. It is just too heavy for me on mountain single track.

[@zanejohnson3053]

The reason why there's a dirt road going to nowhere is because somebody has bought up the property. And in order to subdivide it they have to blaze a road through it.

[@mikeschlup5279]

Death wings are what most folks call those tires ..how is the vibration difference between the two on the Highway.?

[@adventureundone]

I would say close to the same. The 300L was just a wobbly mess above 60mph

[@mikeschlup5279]

@@adventureundone interesting...never heard that from anybody else...

[@AmeriMutt76]

Never ride a bike home with death wings still on it. Unless it's a TW200 rear tire, there's just no reason.

[@laxE3h3ad]

Where do you ride at? Looks like down here in Florida lol

[@twowheelsdown2002]

Don’t even bother with the KLR. The DR is way way lighter, has more ground clearance, more suspension travel, and a lower center of gravity. Put some cheap Kenda K270 tires on it and it will fly down dirt roads. The DR is also smoother at 80 mph than the KLR, and it will run up to 100 mph and not even bother it. The DR does not blow around on the highway as much, and is much more stable both on and off the road. On the dirt above 70 mph of the KLR is twitchy and I have had the DR up to 90 mph on the dirt and it is stable Just put a different seat, a bigger tank and some decent tires on the DR and forget about the KLR because it is not even close. Also, the DR valves are easier to adjust, and the oil cooler is not nearly as vulnerable as the radiators, and it doesn’t have all that plastic junk to get broken.

[@l1qu1dm3t4lIV]

lol, yeah, there's a reason they call those tires Death-wings. It does help to lower the pressure a few pounds tho. I'm still on my first set, and they've been going for 4200 miles of 70on 30off riding already.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Yeah the stock tires are only good for pavement and gravel roads, and they're pretty good for that. They seem to last pretty long too. But if you get on grass, mud, sand, or other "real" off-road surfaces, you have to be careful and take it easy.

[@adventureundone]

man I went down twice yesterday on the trails due to that junk front tire

[@VegasRT500]

What year is that DR650?

[@MotorcyclesOffroad]

The Dr is a cool bike, I like my Tenere 700 much better. I also have a 300L with exhaust intake and ecu, it rips.

[@stevelamby7658]

300l with mods vs dr650. Which is quicker? I want the fuel injection of the 300, but a bit worried I wouldnt be pleased with the power. I have watched many of your videos. Thanks

[@mohawksniper79]

Get some smaller sprockets it will help you to take off a little better since you don't like revving it up when you take off it will give you more low end torque the trade off will be less top end.

[@jcee2259]

Whole using SCUBA I never saw a Suzuki on the sea bed chained to a buoy afloat above me in a boat anchorage. Honda was seen so chained and helpfully employed.

[@williambedard8452]

Cool video, can you turn up the idle screw or something? Surprised on how often it stalled.

[@armadilllo]

he need to learn how to ride

[@michaelbassett14]

It’s a logging road the point of it is to get trucks to the pine trees which are either grown for lumber or paper pulp.

[@BillySBC]

You don't know much about engines by your own admission, so I'll help you see which bike is better for remote travelling and camping situations. The Honda has the following things to fail out on the road... electric fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel injection wiring, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, radiator. The aircooled and carbureted DR650 has none of these items, it's fuel is simple gravity feed from the tank, there is no electric fuel pump to quit. The DR has no water pump or associated coolant items because it's aircooled. See the problem with the Honda now? TOO MANY POINTS OF FAILURE... too many ways to let you down in the middle of nowhere. This is the same problem with the KLR650. You choose the DR650 for reliability, which is the #1 important thing in remote motorcycle travel.

[@sws5833]

That was a good comment, im researching what bike to get and it keeps going back to the DR, simplicity and less things to go wrong is always a good route to take, I will be solo riding in the backcountry most of the time and dont want to get stranded

[@joelerk6298]

This helped me alot

[@PsychoSainten]

Amen thats why i have a tw200 and im picking up a dr650

[@Evil_Morty2000]

Great comment 👍

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Sure but it also depends, modern fuel is harsher on carbs if you park your bike up once in a while. Theyre also harder to start in the cold usually. That being said, i dont know how, but ive seen some people tinker on these carbs not too tough so if you have a few of the right tools you can keep it running.

[@EffequalsMA]

I chose a 300L because insurance is by displacement where I am and I ain't paying 600RR prices for a beataround daily bike. I already have a ZX14R, which I have to take a second mortgage to insure for longer than 3 months. The CRF is surprisingly capable, was way cheaper (like 2K) than the 90s-vintage-tech DR, again where I am. The CRF has things that would piss me off if absent, as I'm used to modern motorcycles, EFI, digidash, gear indicator, fuel gauge, shift light, 6 speeds.

[@snakeeyes875]

Fix the Dr , forget the rest

[@trevorjameson3213]

That's what I think too. I've been riding DR650's since '05, and currently have a '17 model. I wouldn't have anything else. I rode one of those Himalayans once, man that thing felt like crap in comparison. The Honda CRF300L was better but not much lighter than the DR650 and the 300's engine was quite anemic. I've just gotten so used to having all that big bore 650's torque I guess, I'm spoiled from it. Lol

[@ColeCleveland1]

I love mine :)

[@behzadr4850]

What tires did you get?

[@adventureundone]

next video ;)

[@pandaholica7467]

is it true about highway speeds? i heard some mention the 300L and XR650L being a bit "ehh" near the 60mph mark, where alot and i mean alot of people said the DR650 has no issue pulling up too 100 if needed

[@ComfyDadShoes]

My stock DR650 feels great at 70. I personally wanted a klx300 for the EFI, but I don’t think I could ever swap from the DR knowing what I know now. I would “maybe” consider the xr650 way down the line. The DR is just such a unicorn that you can do anything with.

[@armadilllo]

I cruise all day at 70, sometimes 80 with stock gearing

[@Crnlconnychung]

I cruise around at 72 mph on my 300l comfortably. Along the north coast of Lake superior so it gets quite windy might I add. I'll admit it does lack a little bit of jam after that, but will definitely get up to 80+ when I need it too.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

"Better" is subjective and dependent on criteria. But the answer to the question is, Yes.

[@colinbowman8816]

I have never seen barkbusters put on that way before... Doesn't mean it's wrong, just an observation.

[@scottmacleod6301]

Look for the kenda 257 classics completely changes the bike, especially in that terrain. I put the Bridgestone battleax at41s on this year and I might as well have put the original tires back on, don't like em.

[@RKmndo]

Get midway up the revs in 2nd and the DR handles sand better.

[@tjbrad6404]

I am surprised that you like the 650 over the 300, you seem to be a slow rider. Slow is fine, I am slow now because I just don't want to get hurt. I ride alone out where there's no cell service. I have a DR650 but I thought a smaller, lighter lower geared bike would be better. You are going to wear out the starter prematurely with all the stalling and starting. Get the clutch-throttle coordination down.

[@brianrahuba6919]

Im hoping you kept the DR650 . I find that the KLR leans more to fire roads and black top were as the DR leans towards the unbeaten path . Those Enfields aint built well . Peace ✌️

[@user-su2ql2if4k]

Why no one says about fuel consumption? Honda crf300l - 3-4 liters/ 100km, Suzuki dr650 - 6-7 liters/100km. If we're talking about full load, dr650 can "eat" up to 12 liters on highway! Off-road - up to 17 liters!!!

[@golfncars5094]

Put some motoz tractionator adventure s on it night and day off road

[@Ian-bq7gp]

You can hit a speed bump flat out on a DR

[@trevorjameson3213]

Oh yeah no doubt! I was riding across a grass field one time at about 40mph and hit a telephone pole that was lying in the grass, I couldn't see it. Huge jarring hit and scared the heck out of me, but the bike stayed straight and kept going. I had to stop to check the rims and tires after that. It cracked the front rim and pinched the tube, but otherwise no other damage. Main thing was, the bike didn't go down or toss me off of it, very well designed suspension and bike geometry to handle something like that I thought.

[@user-iy2nf5zx6f]

Yes.DR650 is best.

[@berealistic]

yes

[@josephthornton8560]

Buy em all, ride em all, enjoy em. For these two bikes, there is no wrong answer. For me, I will not buy any carbureted motorcycles if I can help it. I've had TOO many issues with carbs and tanks with Ethanol fuels. When someone asks for DS motorcycle suggestions (for just ONE bike) I ask "4 hours riding, what does your WORST day look like?" Is it more unpleasant sitting in the saddle of a small bike for 4 hours, OR is more unpleasant riding tighter trails and picking up a heavy bike 12 times? If the problem is saddle time, get the bigger bike. If the problem is trail maneuvering control and picking up a big bike, get the small one. (just helping your channel with a comment)

[@ih8momjokes1]

fuel stabilizer.

[@stephen8618]

DO NOT trade it for a KLR...you'll kick yourself later. I've had 2 KLRs, never again unless money limited and just riding asphalt plus no interstate plans. Now on my 3rd dr650; tis a great bike. I rarely stall my dr, but it is geared down a touch, which helps. If I'm looking for interstate riding, I hop onto my excellent Af Twin Twin.

[@beaucst]

Princess review...

[@motoXplore23]

Bro you really losted me when mentioned changing the dr650 for the cr**p Himalayan bro that thing is way heavier and less powered, but of course is the buyer's decision

[@Propelled]

I think a KLX 500 would be a great bike.

[@damacknificent151]

Hand guards are on the wrong side. Upside-down

[@adventureundone]

I had to they wouldn't fit the correct way.

[@user-bi1yf5wg5o]

The Honda 300 is a foo bike the. DR650 is a real motorcycle.

[@mikebolding9421]

Trail wings? You mean DEATH WINGS!!

[@thodoris3790]

its better and from cb500x.they are or nor real on off.heavy with short suspention travel

[@davidjenkins1568]

You comparing a 650 to a 300 is like comparing a new ram pickup with a 5.7 hemi to a 08 chevy Colorado 4 cylinder. The DR has twice the motor. A proper comparison would've been the Honda xr650l

[@buffering7612]

Dr650 Wr250 Klx230 KLX300 My favorite dual sports Wr250 was so good if the wr300 comes it could have the best power/suspension/style combo

[@vitiatedvagabond9632]

if rocks could talk they would make this video

[@duncanwhitcombe4392]

Mod the bike. Put a set of tyres on it .

[@thodoris3790]

of course it is.and my xt600 is better

[@triot2127]

These dead ends are probably for hunting. Or fire service. Or both.

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

No real comparison.

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

If u go from the doctor over to a Himalayan or klr..there will likely be much regret

[@czrider6300]

You have subscribers ?

[@adventureundone]

hu?

[@jeffpotter7656]

Carbs are a pain.

[@jessepoorman2621]

Especially with this ethanol in the new gas

[@Ram-re5em]

Royal endfield is complete junk

[@simonodell2103]

Crf is gutless

[@someguy5035]

It would ride straight up the side of a wall if it had enough grip. Clearly you have never ridden one.

[@simonodell2103]

@@someguy5035 I have ridden one otherwise I wouldn't have commented.Gutless compared to my Dr 650 for context.

[@someguy5035]

@@simonodell2103 You are talking a 650 vs a 286. That is like me telling you a DR is gutless compared to an Africa twin.

[@simonodell2103]

@@someguy5035 Yes it is .My point is I can live with a Dr on a long journey but the crf is left wanting and feels as though it struggles to keep up with traffic above 60 65 ...I found it frustratingly slow .Ok off rd though but not suitable for my type of longer trips.Everything is a compromise in the land of adventure bikes.

[@someguy5035]

@@simonodell2103 Yeah, sucks on pavement for long slabbing. Backroad stuff is fine though. The problem is, slabbing eats up any decent 50/50 (or more aggressive) tire.

[@Idahoshepherds83440]

Really???. How can you compare 2 bikes that are on the other side of the spectrum from each other. You must be really digging here

[@someguy5035]

It is heavier. It has a carb. It is more expensive. It is only tolerable after you put a lot of money into it. No. Also, what is with the trend of dumbass YTers asking questions no one asked and then making videos about it? Again, no one asked. Stop the clickbait BS. iS tHe R1250GS bEtTeR tHaN tHe CrF3o0?!?!?

[@adventureundone]

shesh

[@ridenm7748]

@@adventureundone 😂😂😂

[@chancepappas9880]

Triggered

[@NopeVS]

7:00 this statement turned me off very quickly. Bye and I’ll never see your face around here again. BTW if you older then 15 (doing trail riding) and don’t know much about engines, I recommend your to fix that pretty quickly.

[@adventureundone]

thanks for making broadcasting your departure, LOL

[@YouTubesucksdix]

Honda is for smaller riders. If you 6' or taller the Honda lline was made for short Asians originally.

[@jessepoorman2621]

That makes zero sense. The Honda is taller than the DR 650.