Suzuki DR650 Test Ride | The Swiss Army Knife of the Bike World?

[@brandowhitemusic]

I live in the USA. Watching you drive on the left side of the road keeps stressing me out.

[@MarshallSmith27]

its easy. I'm from alabama but have lived in england. its really no different

[@kentwilliams4152]

Meee Two!! Makes me dizzy

[@bigdogpete43]

Tried and tested machine that has earned all its badges.

[@mattevans5812]

I rode across Canada coast to coast and back last summer on mine. All I changed was Acerbis 20 litre tank for 400+ km range on the highway, Continental Trail Attack 2 tires because it was mostly highway and the tires grip the road like glue wet or dry and last a long time. My front easily handled the whole 17,000 km trip and of course the rear I had to swap at 13-14,000km and the best fix was an old life jacket gorilla taped onto the seat in 2 strips with a groove for my tailbone allowed me to do multiple 1000 km ride days back to back on the way home. I don't find a windscreen necessary if you wear a full face and earplugs anyways.

[@WeNeedASaga]

I love hearing stories like this. This is what it's all about. Sounds like an amazing trip.

[@donalfredisaac]

Matt how about some photos of your jacket gorilla taped to the seat, I´m asking because I´ve thought about something similar to that, I´d appreciated it thank you.

[@GreasyBelcher]

Last year I rode across Australia Off Road from Byron to Steep Point, with the Great Australian Ride. By the time we got to Perth we have covered 8,500ks. Most of use were on DR650s. They are indestructible.

[@perpetualmoto]

Great review!! Love my DR650...just got back from Central America put 30k on the bike and it still running like new!

[@WeNeedASaga]

awesome stuff! :) what an amazing bike they are...

[@steveacevedo820]

I've owned Hondas, Yamahas, Kawasakis, Indians and Bultacos and would have to say my DR650 has been my favorite bike, goes anywhere and everywhere, has great low end power and can totally rip on the highway. The DR's are already a legendary bike, the dual sport market is shrinking, who knows how much longer Suzuki will keep making them so get one while you can.

[@anniewhite6459]

Great thing with the DR is like you said "a blank canvas". Modify it as you want with what you want, HP not up there but all round a good honest bike. Do the suspension, add a bigger tank, 20,25, or the mother 30 litre safari tank add a seat, a few more bits and bobs and still under the price of a KTM 690, lighter than the BMW or KLR by a fair bit. I am biased, I own 2, best bike I have owned, go anywhere do anything bike. 👍👍👍👍. Good review, liked the vid.

[@WeNeedASaga]

Thanks for watching Annie! Sounds like you're well aware of what the DR650 can do : ) I went dirt riding with a bunch of DR650's last weekend and they are plenty capable... it was really impressive.

[@805gregg]

Add the 790 kit and it's better than most, single DS bikes

[@HarryKey]

The DR is a beast. Does everything!

[@veronicacaspersen9915]

Not a rider just yet, but i have been looking for the last few months. I have decide that the 650 is going to be my 1st. I have lived in Michigan most of my life. Moved to north Carolina and the weather stays warm for about 9 to 10 months out of the year. Which is much better for riding compared to northern Michigan, which is beautiful country but soooooo freaking cold most of the year, especially if you live on the coastal portions of Michigan. Thanks for the info you provided!!!

[@WeNeedASaga]

Veronica Caspersen you're welcome! enjoy your riding!

[@abitofapickle6255]

With the right seat, Tank, tires. And windscreen, will this be a good cheap long distance bike.

[@michaelevans3307]

Thanks for the review. I like my DR as a solo bike. Small enough I can put it in the back of the pickup when I go camping, but big enough I can take it on the freeway. Any bike I have I have to customize it to my liking - the DR has some of the best aftermarket support of any machine out there. The DR is inexpensive to buy, easy to own, and fun to ride. FWIW I put more miles on the DR than anything else I have in the stable.

[@cstrikehero]

The pipe is more open than the stock which requires a rejet. It's too lean and that's why it pops when you're off the throttle. It'll also run hotter too.

[@markalan4026]

I just commented on that as well. I always try to inform people of this when I see it.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

It wasn't my "first" bike by a long shot, but yes, I have a ~BLAST~ on my DR650. Regarding the exhaust "popping", I'd say that your friend simply did an exhaust upgrade and quit. The rest of the story is that the carburetor needs to be tuned and the valves need checked... especially the exhaust valve. I'd say if he did that, plus opened the air box, that DR would run like it had a breath of fresh air, minus any popping. Good video.👍

[@JonTheOutdoorsman]

Hey ! I adjusted my fuel mixture screw 1.75 turns out, .75 more than stock, removed snorkel and shimmed needle, no more popping and no more glowing red header :D

[@BMWvroom]

Excellent review. Very familiar with the DR650, currently have a 2009 model with 31,415 very fun miles. My only pout about the review is the remark that the KLR 650 may be "more rugged." Not in my experience, and I,ve owned 3 KLRs as well as a few other DR suzooks. DR650 is every bit as "rugged" as any klr, and then some. Anyway, thanks for a nice review.

[@WeNeedASaga]

BonnevilleJim cheers Jim. And in my experience since making this video I'd agree - DRs are every bit as rugged as anything out there...

[@1990-t1j]

A bike I always fancied owning in the past. Only managed a DR250SH after owning an XT500E.

[@zrkn1]

It's running too rich and or not enough air. Easy fix. I'm sorry I meant to say too lean which could also burn your piston. Fuel is actually used as a top end coolant. Good Luck

[@catsgonom]

Just got one of these and can't find anyone who keeps theirs stock like I will. I just don't get the appeal of making it louder and putting road tires on it. It's perfect stock.

[@richardpearce2186]

Cat S You 100% Want to get it sprung for your weight, stock springs are for a 150lb rider(maximize handling and braking). Better headlight is worth it (you see better, others see you better). Pulling the air box snorkel is worth it. Better seat is worth it.

[@comixof2morrow]

Well, what would I need to do to make it right for me? I am 6'3" tall and weigh 225lbs

[@mikeboshko2623]

Stock is the best. A better seat and racks are all you need.

[@Chris-iy4vr]

u must be a grandpa

[@martyn_g]

Subject to bank clearance, I’ll be picking up my DR in 2 days:) new, last of the DR’s🤘🏾

[@jasonlawrence8302]

hahaha I just think all these pitch in mechanics are tooooo funny. DR is a great bike. coming from the Harley world I never had so much fun on a motorcycle before!! DR!

[@straycat62]

Ditto

[@SciFiLou51]

Thanks for the great advice I just picked up a brand spankin new DR650! Yeah! Swiss Army Knife indeed!

[@WeNeedASaga]

Lewis Sofia nice! congrats mate, they're an awesome machine. it'll take you anywhere you dare to go!

[@MrBrentles]

Great video

[@brandonveal69]

360lb bike with 40 horsepower is good!

[@randymcgiveron3268]

I'm thinking about selling all my bikes and picking up a dr650 as my only bike. And would likely get an extra wheel set. Curiosity, did he drop the shock setting when he fitted the 17-in front wheel?

[@lovetofishneosheo1829]

Awesome review going to get one used right now

[@apostate4apostate494]

DR650 is the best motorcycle ever made

[@markalan4026]

That popping on deceleration is a classic lean air/fuel mixture condition. Did you rejet carburetor when adding the performance exhaust? If not, you will not see a boost in power, you will actually loose power and throttle response. Also not good to run engine lean.

[@cheqdavids6315]

hi, I have a Suzuki DR600 1990, which carburetor can fit, because I can't find the original one online .

[@passsacaglia]

Ahh, finding dream Suzuki bikes and finding an Aussie bud driving this and awesome colors too! Excellent! It's a sub! ;) ps let me know if you want any 80s synthwave music made I'll do it for ya!

[@Mac-ry1pq]

This guy is nuts. Driving on the wrong side of the road

[@212driller]

took mine on the highway today for the first time, what a ton of fun! Cant wait to test her off road!

[@leecourt8509]

So if you only ever rode Wisemans Ferry with all the bumps and tight twisties what would you take... Duke 690R or DR650? FYI I rode a BMW G650GS loaner on Wisemans the other day and that was the best bike I've ridden on it! The whole bike was wonderfully composed and so easy to ride on the nadgery bits. Made it a road I'd seek out more often if I had that bike. So I am shopping soon and it's DR650, Duke 690 or G650GS. Done the R1, r1200GS etc, etc....want small now ;). Cheers!

[@WeNeedASaga]

Hm, interesting! I think the extra power of the 690R would probably make it more fun around Wisemans than a DR650. BUT, it's also 2.5x the price, and you can't take it offroad. If you're not interested in dirt riding and aren't on too much of a budget, check out the 690 Duke I reckon :)

[@leecourt8509]

Cool - thanks for your opinion. No dirt roads - only gravel so I may have to just take the plunge on a KTM...

[@j.lizbardo]

Check out the xt660r

[@yazanakho8907]

Are you that much tall to be able to bend your knees on it or did you lower it?

[@Derek-1145]

The popping is a carb jet issue.

[@ujmrider]

@TBear300 Your both partly correct. When going to an aftermarket exhaust that flows better, its necessary to go with larger main jet, or there will be lean popping. The stock jetting and exhaust are already a bit on the lean side anyway. A slip on makes it worse! One or two sizes up on the main usually gets it right.

[@JosephMelia]

now I want one...

[@chrisogle4698]

Coming here to see if someone can help.. I’m looking at a 2006 Suzuki dr650se with 17,000 miles on it and he’s selling it for less than 3k.. is that a good deal and is the bike still got a lot of life in it? Or is it not worth it?

[@kspice403]

What kind of tires? And are they stock rims?

[@markonovkovic9920]

Great review mate , I’m looking for a work commuter approx 200ks a week on a freeway almost all the way, will this bike be ok for that type of riding ?

[@WeNeedASaga]

The DR650 will do the job ok but if you're not interested in dirt and the bike will be for the freeway commute, i'd probably get something with a bit more wind protection to make the commute a bit more comfortable. For example I had a Honda CBR500R for 18 months and that made a great highway commuter - great on fuel, comfy, and can do 80mph no problem. Hope that helps!

[@comixof2morrow]

Marko Novkovic ,you could look into getting a klr 650 2018 matrix camo

[@comixof2morrow]

The klx 250 2018 is right up there with the wr250r and also comes in matrix camo

[@mikeboshko2623]

Great review!

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks Mike

[@vuelco1]

I have a 2013 Krl 650, yes it is comfortable. This do to, I replace the sit put and made a custom huge sit for me as well the back sit rider, the back sit rider have more foam almost have of what I have for my side. Thing I don't like hate about the KRL is his heavy and punch of from panel that look that you are flying a plain instead of ridding a bike and plus the HP is only 30 0 34 hp torque no idea. All this panel in front of the bike 1 hard to ensemble when you want to fix of replace a small part. such a spark plug and of course the panel will start making noise as time goes by. What I like about the DR 650 SUZUKI doesn't have multi panel and is not heavy but the greatest is his 61.2 hp and 64 Nm torque. The same as the 650 Vstrom that have 64 hp but again many useless panel and heavy ass hell. Ah for got something to mention to krl 650 manufactures. please you have the worst cable in history manufactures brands in the world. So please take notice of this.... final resume dual purpose best bike DR 650 SUZUKI.... RESUME> DR 650 SUZUKI.... light bike, same hp as the Vstrom, easy maintenance and believe you wont have noise to make adjust because of all of the plus i just mentioned. THX JOY BIKE. coming from a 55 year experience bike rider and no only dual bike, my first bike was in 1968 50cc yamaha enduro put immediately a Hoover mod. If what is a Hoover mod exhaust than you know what i refer to, than street bike one I love it the honda 1977 750 four. what a bike. yes i did change in the engine transform the bike from a 750cc to a 1.150cc yes I was having fun. than trial, motocross, enduro, except hardly davinson bike, yes i know is the holly grail in bike but holly expensive too. well sorry for the long chat.

[@WeNeedASaga]

thanks for sharing mate. ride safe!

[@FFFFFFF-FFFFFFFUUUUCCCC]

When you make those hand gestures while making a video, did anyone driving in front of you think you were angry at them?

[@WeNeedASaga]

It hasn't happened before but that's a good point - I should be careful when I do it...

[@pauldenino9329]

I think a majority of people assume everyone on a motorcycle is a vlogger so should be fine

[@kevindurden2880]

That back fire pop IS a little excessive. She is burning too rich.

[@C0PED0GG]

What wheels are fitted to this one?

[@goodfellamoto5787]

Totally thinking about trading my Harley sportster for one of these.. just don’t know

[@j.lizbardo]

Check out the xt660r or the tenere too.

[@roryscott7452]

I just traded my Yamaha R1 for a DR650.. It's so much more fun

[@honestcustomer3598]

Says not much vibration..... While sounding like he is being shaken to death lol

[@sharksfarming836]

Honest Customer his talking about bike vibration not the bumpy road

[@richardpearce2186]

The dr650 is a great ride, vibration at freeway speed is negligible, drive cross country no problem. The drz400 however is buzzy as hell on the freeway.

[@BMWvroom]

@@richardpearce2186 very true. The DR650 is in fact remarkably smooth even at high speeds and for long distances. I know I've done it many many times

[@rockym.g.3827]

@@patriotofgod9827 its not actually, it's a dual sport, and the 650 cc is made for high speeds

[@justinwatts6210]

Is the exhaust a full exhaust or a slip on

[@ericppagel]

Nice video, sounds awesome! Hope you’re well and be safe M8👍

[@feducci]

One question about cruising speeds on highways… Could keep about 90mph?

[@madbroindustries]

Did you ever find out if it could?

[@badhombre2305]

It’ll be fine at 90 kinda up there in the rpm’s but it’ll be good

[@aussie6639]

Great informative vid, I’m late to riding, and I’ve always liked this platform, I’m pretty well convinced I’m getting one of these. anything else you could advise me on? Cheers

[@WeNeedASaga]

nothing specific to advise, but I will say that 3 of my friends have DR's and they love them. There's a reason they've been selling these for so long - they can do anything and last forever! You won't be disappointed :)

[@Shadow-gk3yi]

Had a new one in 2011 3rd gear failed twice

[@ImNotStalkingYou]

We got too many suicidal deer to haul ash down the highway next to the wood line where I live.

[@johnrogers5825]

Mate, I guarantee our Roos would be ten times worse. I love them to death, but they are everywhere and worse at night, and even worse when in plague proportions. Oh, some are big buggers too, tall, over six feet, and heavy. Deer taste better though.

[@cr-us9ch]

That carb is too rich at idle. That’s why it’s popping

[@sebastiankopera5708]

What a pitty it is no more on the market in Europe. Everything you can find is really old.

[@RidingOnEggshells]

Do you go offroad? We should ride sometime!

[@jacksongreenaway6986]

Great information and commentary, was quite distracted by the shaky video. New subscriber :)

[@straycat62]

He said the road was quite bumpy. And the DR650 has almost zero wind protection. I thought it was fine.

[@kindpanda1075]

how much more nimble is that than the stock version?

[@WeNeedASaga]

I've not ridden a stock one so it's hard for me to say... In general motard wheels help make the bike a bit more nimble given they're usually lighter and shod with gripper tyres than the stock wheels.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Holy hell bloke riding on the wrong side of the road

[@397coney7]

Anyone know the difference is between the “S” and “SE” models?

[@david-zh6ct]

There is no difference ,just a name change

[@jrbass62]

Needs carb tuning...

[@MyRandomLife247]

Honda XR650R if you can get your hands on one. Looking at one to purchase.

[@WeNeedASaga]

MyRandomLife247 I've heard those XR650Rs are awesome. I don't know anyone who has one though :(

[@MyRandomLife247]

Same weight as a DRZ but double the power and torque XD. I'm still keen for you to try an FZ XD.

[@WeNeedASaga]

I'm sure I'd love it. I really like 4cyl bikes!

[@trevorjameson3213]

I used to have a '00 model XR650R, uncorked and re-jetted. That thing was a monster with truly massive torque and acceleration. I loved it, but it was just too much power and too much bike for the type of off-road riding I was doing. I sold it in '04. I wish I still had it though!

[@wellsy6503]

Is that Tassie it looks awfully like tassie In some spots

[@WeNeedASaga]

no this is north of Sydney, near Wisemans Ferry!

[@undrwrldsk8fred]

5:18 the bike doesn’t have a rev limiter.. no ecu

[@maxmartin-merrells3723]

Wisemans Ferry

[@danfield5605]

how would Dr be on highway

[@WeNeedASaga]

Fine! Gearing is good, not a lot of protection from the wind is the only problem - but that can be solved with an aftermarket windscreen if you wish.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Dan Field , I have a DR650, and it's great on the highway, as far as speed and power are concerned, and the engine is not revving much at highway speeds. The gearing is excellent for road use, too.

[@comixof2morrow]

how well does it ride off road and on small trails,and what about going up mountains and such? I realize that you would need different tires than this guy has in the vid but would stock be ok? Also,I'm 6'3" tall and weigh 225lbs...I'm sure adjustments to the bike would be necessary and would the dealership be able to take care of all that?

[@swampjoe1985]

@@comixof2morrow I'm 5'9 230 and my '08 dr pulls like a boss

[@comixof2morrow]

@@swampjoe1985 ,thanks brother

[@spartanj2957]

I have 2 friends with KLR 650,s and they are always adding oil no thanks.

[@slomnim]

klr's are totes diff mate

[@drj2039]

​@@wakenbake3682 - no shit he's talking about the Kawasaki KLR 650 (same as the guy in the video did at one point)

[@adamrichards2072]

#notakawasaki

[@elendshuraglump3620]

Much tu much blablabla ......

[@zedwart8534]

It's outrageous that you insist on riding on the wrong side of the road. Very dangerous and a bad example.

[@jakejones3921]

I hope your Joking lol

[@lony208]

Nothing against dude, but testing the ENDURO motorcycle on the asphalt road is just as stupid as putting on the GSXR 1000 grabs and "testing" riding on sand and gravel. :) This test is for 9 out of 10 people who want to buy this bike for nothing..

[@WeNeedASaga]

I agree with you mate, ideally it would be a test on the trails with the 21"/18" wheels. however I'm not a professional journalist and don't have access to all kinds of bikes. my friend offered me to ride of his and so you work with what you have I guess.

[@lony208]

@@WeNeedASaga So now I get it. ;) Enjoy the ride. It's a great bike. I bought one the day before yesterday. :)

[@R.Stridstrom]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6evZ5J5qK1sZqM

[@R.Stridstrom]

you said... ? :)

[@ericweber1969]

He said right at the beginning that this one was set up as a supermoto. SM's have street wheels and tires on them.