Kawasaki KLR650 Or Suzuki DR650 - Which One?

Which one, the KLR650 or the DR650?
Well, I own both bikes so I thought I'd make a video about my experiences with both bikes.
Given my riding style, both bikes have served me well!
From deep desert travel to 300 mile highway days to moto camping. Both bikes handle what I need them to do.
Is one bike better than the other? It depends. It really boils down to the individual.
Thanks for watching!
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[@precipiceofgrind]

Like The Video(s)? Hit That SUBSCRIBE!! Really Helps The Channel!! Thanks For Watching!!

[@davidkinkade4764]

DR is like a classic jeep. Nothing special in terms of specs and capability, but just straight fun to ride and an endless amount of aftermarket accessories. I love mine and plan to always have one in my garage because they’re so cheap and easy to come by.

[@user-gt2tu1ze4o]

I love my DR, in fact my dad liked it so much, that he traded his 2022 KLR in for a 2024 DR. My dad is 79 years old and the lighter weight made a big difference and the DR handles much easier for him, and he loves his DR too.He’s wanted to ride more often now that he’s gotten the DR. You’re right about changing out the seat, both my dad and I have changed the seat to the Procycle seat and love it too. Keep up the great videos.

[@kawasabi1]

The KLR for me has been the best commuter bike. Fender keeps the rain off and the fuel injection makes it easy to just go in the morning. The suspension is like a cloud and seat is a couch. Also the ABS in the rain where I live is a great add-on.

[@larrytucker1945]

I do not feel the same way as you about the DR650 being close the KLR on long highway rides. I rode with a friend on a 5hr one way trip in the West Texas desert. I have a 22 KLR and he had a 2018 DR650 with a larger tank and wind screen. I was very interested in trading for a DR650 so I spent most of the ride on my buddies DR. We road two lane back roads the entire trip going the legal speed limit of 75 mph. Yes backroads in Texas are 75 mph. I really liked the DR650, but it definitely it I’d definitely much more fatiguing to ride at highway speed than the KLR. The wind was exhausting and my neck strain was much more noticeable after a long day in the saddle. I’m very glad I got to test both bikes. I love the DR650 for everything except traveling long miles. Unfortunately I mostly ride long miles in the west Texas at 75 mph. You can watch all the reviews you want but it definitely a good idea to actually test ride the bikes the way you will use them. My buddy has a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 KLR and prefers his DR650 for everything but travel. He is 70 years old and extremely tough. I appreciate your videos very much.

[@user-bp4vj7io8o]

Love your vids, Great comparison of the two bikes. I bought the new 2024 DR 650 after buying a 2020 xt250, both like your bikes. Sold the xt with 580 miles to a guy who is now a riding buddy. Found it too small and slow for my liking. Positively love my DR, 2500 miles in 3 months. the 5 speed means one less gear to change and its still very comfortable at 75. The air/fuel was 1/4th out from factory.....now 2 1/2. and very smooth and powerful. Seat Customs saddle. Raised handlebars, lowered pegs and dropped the rear down 1 1/2". I mounted a 7/8 " x 18" alum bar with scram handlebar grips on the ends across the front frame with stainless Ubolts for highway pegs. It looks great and makes it so comfortable now for distance riding. I,m 71 ridding Suzuki, Honda and a Harley Softail Deuce in my retirement.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I could’ve saved lots of money going with a KLR, but instead I went with the DR and added a lot of the comfort and range options. I went with the DR ultimately because of that slight chance that I could find myself on a BDR or section of the trans America trail. Looking back, I don’t know that I would give up the maneuverability of the DR. It’s incredibly nimble at its weight.

[@user-uz5ox8kh3h]

I have a 2019 DR 650 I bought new. It has been a great bike. It now has over 9 K miles on it with no problems. I did not want the KLR because of the weight and height. I am 65 and the weight was a big reason I picked the DR, also, it seemed more like a dirt bike. I had my DR lowered by changing the pin location in the linkage and dropped the forks in the triple clamps. Other mods I have done are: Seat Concepts seat, Kenda K 270 tires 3.25 X 21 ft and 510 X 17 rear, which work well. I do 95 % of my riding on road and mild off road. Suzuki skid plate and 4.9 IMS fuel tank. I also dropped 1 tooth on the front sprocket and it still does fine on the HWY. I plan to replace the chain and sprockets to a 520 size chain and sprockets next rear tire change. Still need to change to a brighter head light, put on better handlebars and hand guards. Hope this may help.

[@pilotdane1]

ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 !!!!! - A 16 tooth front sprocket - especially for "Highway" riders - You don't need 6th gear. I run a 14 tooth front personally for the desert. Forgive me for the following comments. The Gen 1 KLR was awesome. The new KLR is an underpowered top heavy pig. They are both "Bullet proof" - And "P.O.G." is correct - there are just things you'll want to do to the DR. If I were to take you out in the AZ desert - a "KLR" simply cannot do what the DR can "off road".... some of the time - "yes" - the tough stuff - "no".... However - if you spend most of your time on roads, or the freeway, the KLR is the better, more comfortable choice. Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls - it comes down to this. It depends on where you ride, how you ride, what your "mission" is, skill level - etc.... "P.O.G." is correct on another point. I live in Phoenix, AZ - and even if it's 120° - THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 doesn't care at all.... Even in traffic - at stop lights.... No matter what your choice, there is nothing like a single cylinder, big bore, carbureted "THUMPER".... Just sayin.... Cheers to all - another Great video !!!!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Appreciate you watching!!

[@JohnDoe-1000xt]

precipiceofgrind: I think you nailed it..owned 2 KLR's gen 1..gen 2 now have a DR650..as you stated (agreed) on road KLR . mile fire road duable but heavy bike..no way around it..OFFROAD DR650 no debate.. 100lbs lighter , I go places on my DR that I would never take the KLR..esp the gen 2 KLR..the gen 3 KLR added even more weight..UG..I guess it depends on what you intend to do.. both reliable bikes..

[@RosieGabrielle]

Thank you so much for this video. I was looking at exactly these two bikes and was going to buy a new ‘24. I was already leaning towards the DR like you said- weight is an issue. I also travel on my own and my body is tired of picking up heavy bikes. Last Benelli was 550 lbs and my back was done for a month! I also am less confident to take it up technical tracks on my own, limiting the places I can go. I was hesitant which one to buy, but now this seals the deal. DR 650 all the way ! 🎉

[@precipiceofgrind]

You're very welcome, thank you for watching! Congrats on your soon to be DR!

[@Duhhwight]

I was deciding between these two bikes, when I recebtly upgraded from my Honda CRF250L that I learned to ride on over the last year. Bought a modded DR from an owner who purchased it brand new. Im absolutly loving it!

[@johnjenkins9202]

I picked up a 08 Dr all decked out 18-in rear rim suspension already done up for 4500 and I'm loving it. Put about a thousand miles on it already. I went with the Dr because I was going to do more dirt road riding then paved road.

[@allenallen1521]

I love my DR.

[@precipiceofgrind]

Hell yeah, me too! Thank you very much and appreciate you watching!!

[@pilotdane1]

FNA !!!!!

[@bradh74]

I think the DR just has a cool factor all of it's own! Not many pick the XR or KLR over it for back roads fire roads etc. If anything they seem to lean towards the DRZ for mixed riding if they're more serious about off roading a bigger bike. Single track the 300 size bikes do really well. I guess it just matters what you can get a hold of. I'd be on the roads more often than not being we don't have the trails in Ohio but maybe one day I'll get on track and get started riding.

[@humunguswarrior]

Great vid! Thank you for sharing! My dad lives in St. George, maybe I'll see you around sometime. I did the Toroweap ride some years ago, it was awesome! I want to explore more of the strip though. I have a first gen '06 KLR-650, and I was on the fence about the cam chain tensioner upgrade (doohickey mod). On a friends reccomendation I opened it up at 10K miles, and found the stock cam chain tensioner spring HAD ALREADY BROKEN. In fact, a part of it was never found. Perhaps it came out in an oil change, or perhaps it still lurks deep in a recess of the motor just waiting for the opportune time to burn me. Wherever it went, I never found it. So, I can say first hand, the stories of that thing breaking are no joke. I mean, 10K miles? No way that thing should have broken! The upgrade kit was easy to do though. The rest of the bike should be dipped in loc-tite because bolts do tend to want to unscrew themselves, so I've learned to carry a kit of nuts and bolts (and loc-tite). Over the years since, I've done the sub-frame upgrade, upgraded front springs, heavier rear spring, thermo-bob, Corbin seat, and even the 685 bore-out kit from Schnitz. It now sports a fat rear rack, and the tusk panniers. It's pretty much a pig on the trail, but I find it always soldiers on, and at this point I'm so deep into it I am not replacing it any time soon. I've ridden it from San Diego to Oregon, Zion, and Moab, and found it has enough power to keep up with traffic on the highway, enough grunt to get up the trails when they are steep, and enough gas to avoid range anxiety. Keep up the good work D-rock! Love your channel!

[@precipiceofgrind]

Sounds like you got your KLR where you want it! Awesome! Thank you very much for watching!!

[@MaxwellBenson80]

Both are great bikes. The dr is my favorite.

[@timlubbers2884]

Live in Florida, without water cooling you are in for a very long summer… When I lived in Texas, my carbed klr would fuel lock every time it was shut off for more than a minute. Actually had my gas in the tank boil over while sitting at a light . Water is a must, fuel injection is better but maybe not (extremely) necessary… 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ToitMosquito]

If Suzuki would just throw an EFI on it, it would have been one of my top choices, but a carbureted bike in 2024 is wild to me. That and the fuel range of the KLR is why I went with it.

[@starseeddeluxe]

I had a DR350 with a pumper carburetor. For $508 you can get a pump carb kit that bolts onto the stock DR650. You would not believe how good the throttle response is from a "pumper" carb. It squirts a huge unnecessary spray of gasoline straight into the engine, at the slightest touch of the throttle, and it makes for insanely strong throttle response. You have to consider on an EFI. You have 1.) Map sensor. 2.) TPS Sensor. 3.) Coolant temperature sensor. 4.) Fuel injectors. 5.) High pressure fuel pump/s. 6.) EFI computer system. 7. ) Oxygen sensor.

[@juliancain6128]

Great channel! Utah is Adventureland!

[@rodolfojosuheflorescastill5432]

Nice cap! Love both bikes!

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Good review of two fantastic bikes.

[@danledbetter9535]

I have the KLR Gen 3, I live in Texas & have a long highway ride to anywhere I like go adventuring , The KLR is a good choice for my riding, Now if I lived where D Rock does I might have to lean towards the DR as he does over the KLR. I understand both bikes are copiable bikes..... If your going to Trailor your bike to your adventure & your adventure is challenging , the DR is probably the best bike for the deed....... For me , getting there is half the adventure. For the highway & side dirt roads capabilities all rolled into one, the KLR is hard to beat, if I were planning a BDR I think I would lean heavy toward the DR. After watching several videos on the DR ( with no hands on experience ) it seems as the more manageable bike in rougher terrain ( especially when dropped & if your solo )....... That being said , I'm investigating doing the New Mexico BDR with my KLR, I would have about a 500 mile ride to the southern starting point & about 1000 mile ride home, we'll have to see what works out !

[@lincolnscott5547]

I constantly find myself looking for 6th gear on my '23 KLR 650. It is not a deal breaker, for me. A gear indicator on the dash, would be nice. Even if that gear indicator only told you when the bike is in 5th gear. The other gears aren't as important, because the KLR's will go up steep hills in 5th gear. They definitely have the thumper "tractor factor." Love my KLR!

[@pilotdane1]

"P.O.G." - Procycle jet kit & after market exhaust (2015 GIXXR 1000) - I'll take that any day over fuel injected.... but that's Just me.... that's what I grew up on.. If something goes wrong - I can fix it... on the side of the trail - without a computer.....I'm 63 - been riding since I was about 5 - "if you count Mini-Bikes"....

[@theshibsox44]

Great video! I am going back and forth with the KLR and DR. I have mostly owned Suzuki, so I am leaning towards DR. Thanks for ALL the vlogs, really enjoy them.

[@nseric1233]

I’ve had both they’re both good. For where I ride I like the dr better because most rides are under 2 hours and I do next to no highway riding. The klr was better for long road trips but I don’t do those much. There is nothing wrong with a klr but it doesn’t suit my needs.

[@AwesomesMan]

Great video! I've thought of purchasing both bikes in the past. I slightly lean towards the DR. I feel like I'd just splurge on a BMW GS with all its tech if I wanted a heavier bike.

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

RRRRR here..RRRRR there...To many RRRRR's....starting to sound like a pirate....😂😂....My age and riding is the KLR...looking to down size to a 300 klx. great videos. Garth

[@EvendimataE]

i have a 750 magna that is always having carb problem. i just want to get a single cylinder now. i thought they may be easier to service

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

full w gas klr450. dry380. older 40 n 25lb light

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

first gen more of a comp

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

cheap usd. both. i gota atk but dr can use offrd n a first gen klr

[@9719178]

What tires do you have on them?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Both have Tusk D Sports. Awesome tires!

[@jonwoodworker]

There is no comparison, the DR650 for every type of riding. Faster, lighter, largest aftermarket, more reliable, more capable, just to name a few.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

20-50oil

[@bungholjio]

How often have you had to clean the carb on the DR?

[@precipiceofgrind]

Haven't had to yet.

[@jonwoodworker]

I've put 8k miles on my DR, have never cleaned the carb, and it runs perfectly. Never had a fueling issue.

[@tribalbc]

30,000 km on mine and never an issue. The only time a problem will arise is if you leave it sitting for prolonged periods of time without draining the carb. To me the carb is a selling feature. I will take the simplicity of a carb any day over the complexity of dealing with FI issues. Anything mechanically run will be more reliable than electronics.

[@whereswaldo5740]

Run real gas. No ethanol in all your bikes and lawn equipment. No more carb trouble.