Suzuki update the DR650 already!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

What you keep and what would you change? PS I forgot to add ABS to the list as its now mandatory in many countries.

[@davidnobular9220]

Lack of ABS saved me in a recent accident. It sux like a Space Invader.

[@JellyBean-xf5jt]

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[@JellyBean-xf5jt]

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[@JellyBean-xf5jt]

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[@JellyBean-xf5jt]

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[@theeschatechannel2854]

Here in the states, the DR650 falls under a grandfather clause, so Suzuki doesn’t need to update it. It’s still popular here and they sell like crazy in central and South America. Probably won’t see an update.

[@kingkire1556]

The 'Grandfather' clause is exactly why they will never upgrade. If they upgrade anything they will have to upgrade EVERYTHING.

[@tracythorleifson]

I’ve ridden an ‘05 DR650 as my dual sport for the last ten years. I commute with it almost daily in Houston and it’s earned its off road chops in Big Bend. It is the perfect dual sport. The thing is, converting it to liquid cooling and adding all the modern emissions junk would add 50 pounds of weight, and it would no longer _be_ what it is. The DR650 is a living fossil, the coelacanth of dual sport motorcycles. Enjoy it for what it is while you can, because its like will not come again.

[@MichaelWhite-cx4ho]

Agreed! Nothing at all about the DR650 needs changing. It's like Ali or Montana or Tyson or Brady w/o ever aging a day. Why change it into something else? It's the DR650; among the greatest ever and just as good as it ever was!

[@johannescarlsson4559]

It won´t add weight really. It would just be a 690 Enduro R basically

[@algee8228]

Maybe they could save some $ by replacing the DRZ and DR with a single model 450-500cc that would be middle of the road for those 2 models. DRZ already has the inverted fork on the SM, and liquid cooling. Ahhh...Saturday morning dreaming again!

[@MrTmax74]

Haha. I'm actually on board with this. A modern fuel injected 550 single thumper. I would consider it. And from there they can make an actual adventure bike version to capture that growing market. To give us that "unicorn"

[@sd3457]

400-ish seems to be the Asian market's sweet spot and they have a spanking new 760 twin that could be sawn in half and then bumped in capacity. The trend is obviously for families of bikes build around the one engine, so why not a Himalayan 450 / Triumph 400 competitor from Suzuki?

[@johannescarlsson4559]

@@sd3457 Could just downstroke a modern 600cc thumper engine. Make the 600cc 95x84 and the 400cc 95x56. While at it make it a PDS rear suspension, reverse head and put the cat below the swing arm where the linkage used to sit

[@ja_co_bus650]

Have a '96 with 25000km, my trailie. Suspension for 120kg rider, 5speed box is fine and love the old school looks. Fine as it is.

[@1971puffy]

Honda too while we’re at it. An updated XR650L maybe? My 650r was my do it all bike for many years.. dual sport, desert racing and commuting..

[@Shadow-gk3yi]

Look up moto freak they have a xr 650 scrambler in the works you just might get your wish

[@suzyamerica4679]

I've had the chance to abuse a borrowed XR650L on and off-road .. and it made me want the improved modern version with all the farkles I'd add.

[@davidc1961utube]

Whichever one does it first will crush the other one out of the market.

[@dune7824]

What do you think of the KTM690? Similar weight to 650R with a bit more power and longer service intervals?

[@Motorep146]

I've had multiple KTM's, 5 different DRZ400's, a '23 KLR650, and a DR650. Out of all of the bikes the DR is the one that always felt "right" and it certainly looked the part. When I think dual-sport it's the bike that always comes to mind. That said, I just replaced the KLR with a new CRF300L. I wanted a lightweight 6-speed equipped bike that I could build from. With a few power mods and a One Adventure rally tower I'll have the perfect bike for exploring my part of the USA. I will admit to second guessing my decision and the DR was a close second.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Yea same. I was forced to sell my dr650 and I really regret it. I've ended up with a klx300 and it's a good bike and better offroad but there's just something about the DR. It haunts my dreams.

[@bobturnbull18]

My '06 DR650 has done 67,000 km. I love it. Probably will never sell it but if this same bike was on on offer exactly as it is but with a six speed gear box I would be at the Suzuki dealer tomorrow. IMS tank and Rick Mayer seat would come off the old girl, quick install of a jet kit and Progressive fork springs and I'm off.

[@bouncingyellowskull]

Good to see there is plenty of love out there for bushpig.

[@Pillokun]

It only has one cyl, it does not need efi. tinkering with only 1 carburetor is simpler/easier than tinkering with efi, which many brands dont allow for anyway to tinker with.

[@ed.barker7069]

It needs EFI to pass anti pollution laws. It would not be allowed into Europe without EFI. Also EFI very rarely needs tinkering with.

[@Pillokun]

@@ed.barker7069I needed to tinker with my efi on my d675 sometimes for track use.

[@niceguyrides]

If you ride with big elevation changes there is an advantage to EFI

[@suzyamerica4679]

If you want real fuel efficiency improvements and multiple maps, and you ride a wide variety of elevations, then EFI is the way to do. Even Harley Davidson figured out (a couple decades ago by now) how to transition their air-cooled carbureted 5spd models to air-cooled injected 6spd models. I know, I've ridden some of them.

[@jakeviolet2195]

Whether a bike "needs" EFI has nothing to do with cylinder count or engine size. And there is no "tinkering" to be done with EFI. It's plug and play. The only thing that can go wrong is a fuel injector, fuel pump or ECU could go bad, which almost never happens. But if it does, you can replace all three of those components and be back on the road in half the time it takes to rebuild a carburetor.

[@lachlancannard]

6 Gears, EFI and defeatable ABS, and I'd buy one.

[@cyclopathic998]

6th gear isn't that much of importance, if you look at the power delivery curve, power output and gear spread the 6-gear mounts have the same ratio spread as DR 5-speed. Plus a 50hp fire breathing dragon will be limited to ~100mph regardless, so you don't really need that much spread.

[@jcorkable]

Nah, I'd buy the final model year before they updated it. Wouldn't mind 6 gears but it doesn't really need it.

[@jakeviolet2195]

@cyclopathic998: 50 hp is not a "fire breathing dragon." That's entry-level street bike power. Horsepower, torque and gearing are important for more than top speed. I may never ride over 100 mph, but I still want to be able to accelerate quickly from 55 mph to 85 mph, especially on the highway. There is nothing worse than twisting the throttle and getting nothing but engine noise in return.

[@cyclopathic998]

@@jakeviolet2195 if you look at 6-speed gearboxes, the ratio between lowest and highest gear is ~1:3. Coincidentally, that's what DR has. 50hp limits top speed to ~100mph, therefore there's no need to gear a bike for more

[@kennymiller8973]

Yeah, sure you would. It would be heavier and more expensive. And you've probably never owned one.

[@toine0002]

I stopped waiting and bought a Kove 450 Rally. And I'm happy as hell!

[@peterdd4994]

If they build it, we will come

[@miradockal9795]

One think needs to be said!!! We want to sit in the bike NOT on the top of the bike and not reach the ground in difficult sections. DR was exllent in that department 🥳 That is the only thing keeps me away from the 690, Hus 701, Gas 700. Am 173 cm. The AT is too big, but got great low seat options without compromising on the suspension. Great channel, keep it up 🙋‍♂️🥳🎉

[@SuperwheelieOverland]

2022 DR650 owner here 😎 nice video 👍 … So I completely understand all the mandatory changes that would be required due to modern regulations. But in my dream world my stock DR650 would have: fully (& easy) adjustable suspension Front & Rear, better seat, slightly bigger tank (+1 gal 🤔 - remember the old DR600 😎). Optional bonus: a tachometer. And that’s it ! Yes, 6 speed and EFI would be nice (and would be mandatory on a brand new updated DR…) but definitely not a must-have for me and how I use my DR 🤓 Let see what Suzuki will bring us. Cheers! ✌️

[@joshdoddadbod]

I think they will update the drz400 before the dr650. Ill be happy to see them both modernized somewhat.

[@kennymiller8973]

Suzuki, please don't listen to U Tuber's who are not buying your product. Keep building the tough simple relatively inexpensive bike most people want.

[@suzyamerica4679]

Honda - if you are listening - FFS please do this for the XR650L too. Even Harley Davidson figured out how to move carbureted 5spd air-cooled models to injected 6speed air-cooled models. You might have to build in an oil cooler but so what? Small percentage of build costs.

[@TommyNitro]

Meh. I don't mind the 5 speed. Could use a 6th. But I do everything from two track (i.e. rutted out Jeep trails with some bushwhacking) to highway riding just fine.

[@euenmoto]

Great video Solid! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Greetings from Spain!

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Greetings from down under 👍

[@phatsmitty]

Another good one solid - your love of duals and adv benefits us viewers. Yes, adding EFI and 6 speeds to the DRZ 400 and DR 650 would be wonderful. One thing that every one of us needs to keep in mind: in the good old days, none of us had EFI, 6 speeds, ABS, ride modes, fancy displays, quick shifters, etc. You know what? No one complained, we just went riding and had a blast.... and learned how to clean and adjust carburetors 😆🙃🙂

[@davidc1961utube]

I agree with all the costs you described except marketing. 6 speeds, efi and switchable abs would sell itsself like January ice cream in Perth...

[@gcprost]

I bought a DR650 20 years ago. I could walk into a dealership today and the DR 650 on the floor is virtually the same. The motor is fine. The gas tank is ridiculously small. The six speed gear box would be nice. A new headlight instrument package and windshield would be a welcome addition. The seat is terrible. The KLR has not been upgraded a ton but it is much more modern and viable as an ADV bike.

[@paulvandervyver4223]

The same goes for the Honda XR650L. Needs EFI and 6 gears as well

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

Mate I'm all for a major uodate on the DR. But i dont think it wil happen. It would need water cooling, abs, efi etc etc. I think Suzuki would just build a new bike. They have just built the new 800's. I wouldn't be surprised if we dont see another big single. KTM have market share in that segment and i dont think the Japanese will bother competing. I hope im wrong. But i aint holding my breath.

[@drzrider3440]

I have seen AI pics or concept bike, the DR500. would be nice to see something new.

[@williamhudson3208]

Hi Solid. I agree with your DR thoughts. I am thinking that so many of these old bikes offer more than the new ones. Reliability and fix-ability don’t seem to apply to new bikes. I am about to buy a Honda XR 400. I have a XR 250 and I not finding the new bikes better. Yes the old ones may need some upgrades and maybe a rebuild but cheaper than new and I avoid the bollocks I get from the dealership. I would be interested to hear your thoughts. Could you do a piece comparing new with old. Hope you are all well. Regards William.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Thanks Will. Doing an old vs new is tricky because finding an old model and someone willing is tough but if I get the chance I will. Would love a go on the XR400 😎

[@williamhudson3208]

@@chroniclesofsolid great thanks. Interesting. I am not spending more than £2,500 on a bike. The XRs are air cooled and easy and cheap to fix. This makes spending any more money hard to justify. Not sure if they are better or worse than new but there isn’t enough difference to justify the price of new. For me there is very little new wow. I am still not sure what the new Royal Enfield Him is. The only bike I have a wow for is the tenere t7. I will buy one but it will be the simplest model and probably second hand. The bike industry must be relieved that I am not the typical bike buyer. Regards William.

[@KurtGAndersen]

A 20 liter petrol tank would be great too! The 13 liter tank they have now is just too small. And please dont gain any more weight….😊

[@jedeckert8912]

More gas would add more weight, genius

[@billcotton1551]

They are still selling them here in the States. Saw a brand new 2024 on the showroom floor. Dash does look prehistoric, but no one can dispute what this bike has done. A true capable, affordable dual sport.

[@SirOsisofLiver]

I had a 1990 DR650S. Gloriously crude tractor of a thing. They still had a kick-start in those days. Once it got older the decompression valve got sticky and sometimes it would try to launch you over the handlebars. With DOT knobby tires and upgraded suspension is was a super versatile bike though. Only reason I sold it was lack of space. They are still available in Canada for $7,699 ($AU 8,671), but I suspect the clock is running out here as well. The XR650L has already left the market here.

[@joshdoddadbod]

If they update the dr it will become a 400-450lb blob. I get it though, emissions laws are making it illegal in many places and it's such a great bike. They need to do exactly what Kawasaki did. Slight refresh, add EFI and that's it.

[@tracythorleifson]

You are exactly right. Look at the new Himalayan 452, add another 20 pounds for the extra 200 ccs of displacement, and that is what a modern DR650 would be. Would it be more powerful? No doubt. But I’m an old fart. I don’t need more power. I need less weight. Even the 370-ish pounds of the old bush pig is getting to be a bit much for me. A 450 pound ‘dual sport’ is a contradiction in terms.

[@lcagle33]

@@tracythorleifson You are spot on. Weight is the overriding factor. I've been riding a Kaw Versys X300, a very underrated bike, partly because it is 386 lbs wet. I want a more powerful and LIGHTER bike for under 7K.

[@sreimert]

I had a DR650 and had it kitted out pretty well. The only thing I would really ask for as an update is the six-speed gearbox. I never had a second of trouble with the carb at any altitude, and other than missing 6th-gear it was **perfect**.

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Ha Chronicle, is just an updated "Suzuki update the DRZ 400 already" with a few minor script changes (Bold new graphics) ? So funny. Love your work.

[@ComfyDadShoes]

Nova racing has developed a wide ratio gearbox. The ratio change seems like it would be as good as another gear. C’mon Suzuki, we’re rooting for you!

[@6226superhurricane]

there is no case for the 650 having a 6 speed gearbox. a 6 speed doesn't give you a wider ratio box it's not a 5 speed with an extra gear to go faster. this is a common misconception you can have a 5 speed with the same gear spread as a 6 speed. (most are) a 6 speed is useful for underpowered bikes with a lack of torque like 300cc or less or high strung peaky competition bikes that lack low end grunt. there's a few reasons a 5 speed is better for a bike like the 650 5 gears are stronger to have 6 gears of equal strength the engine needs to be wider, dr gears are big and the motor is already wide, extra gear, wider case = heavier engine it's slower and you have to change gears more, the dr650 motor doesn't really care if you short shift every gear it has tractable power so the last thing it needs is gears closer together.

[@romroger]

Seems like our best chance for a 650cc dual sport is with DUcati new engine. And I doubt it will be much cheaper than KTM 690 considering the engine has better perf.

[@brettsteele2146]

Don't worry about looks and a 6 speed, they are wants not needs. ABS is the thing that removed if from the NZ market.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Here in the USA the dr650 is less expensive than the drz400s

[@deepspoke2201]

Spot on analysis, especially when it comes to the risk adverse nature of the Japanese manufactures. The fact that Yamaha has never come up with a Honda CRF 300 competitor is reflective of how skittish these companies are. And with China and India coming on strong they’re going to be even more reluctant to invest in what they unfortunately consider to be fringe products.

[@jakeviolet2195]

What the heck happened to the Japanese anyway? Back in the 60s - 80s, when they burst on the scene and dominated it, they were some bold little fuckers! Every six months they were releasing a new bike that put the English and Americans to shame. Remember the quad wars of the 1980s? The Suzuki Quadzilla and the Yamaha Banshee duking it out for most radical death machine on four wheels? Now they are a bunch of bean-counters. Pathetic!

[@Liberty4Ever]

8:50 - "Nobody cares about the peak horse power." While I agree with the sentiment, this is the only comment in this video that I disagree with in point of fact. We care about torque off road and we care about power on road. The brilliance of the DR650 is that it has the torque for off road, the power to cruise comfortably at highway speeds (referring to the engine here and not the rider), and it has the power for highway use while being lightweight enough for the trail - incredible all round utility that few bikes have, even today.

[@jonwoodworker]

How incredible is the DR650 platform, when we still talk about it with all the other modern options. I would like to see a DR with similar specs as the MT450 will offer.

[@wesbell3628]

As a big single fan boy this would be wonderful. I have a new klr. If DR would pull the same trick kawi did, small simple changes, then I don’t see why this isn’t possible. EFI, other small drivetrain refinements but you can forget a 6 speed without it costing a lot more. Give me EFi and small refinements and I’d still buy one tomorrow.

[@janwigger5853]

I haven't read all the comments sp maybe it is mentioned. However I feel the need to throw in an 650 cc (600cc) 165kg wet motorcycle other than the KTM/Huski/GasGas. The AJP PR7 as a current alternative.

[@johnharvey5338]

Mash do a 650 that uses the old XR 650 engine and that has Eli, tried it but it felt strangled by the emissions regs, it had no bottom end I was long for, loved the looks, but it’s an 80,s air cooled engine, also tried the Fantic Caballero 500 and that was so much fun.

[@davidmallia628]

Good to hope that Japanese icons are updated, but China is beating them to it!

[@latituderider]

I had a 2016 model, I miss it. (I'm also looking at getting another one.) I would love to see it updated but I'm not blind to the fact that big singles the world over are going extinct. The real frustrating thing is that Suzuki already has an EFI version of their 400cc engine, but it's exclusive to a quad...

[@chroniclesofsolid]

It’s a dam shame 🙁

[@OldMotoGuy54]

I agree with you.... the days of the DR are numbered. We are fortunate here is the States, that we are still getting it, but...... for how long? Give it a 6 speed gearbox, EFI.... keep the oil/air cooling, they can if they run the numbers on the intake and exhaust.... they can make it run "clean". The problem I see, is like you said; "the minuet they touch it" all the legal stuff kicks in and from what I hear the Euro 7 regs are monstrous, trying to destroy the whole Motorcycle Industry. Suzuki will try to make it a twin to meet the regs and then it's not a DR anymore. We will all cry elephant tears for a while.... until we see what Suzy cooks up.... and knowing them, they can be VERY inventive.... just look at the Busa!!!

[@davidcauchi2837]

I agree, its time for a review of the DR 650; Or do Suzuki use the SV 650 as a naked off roader with lower pegs etc...??? David....Adelaide...Triumph Scrambler 1200X....one bike for all.....

[@Nerb1]

I think you should weigh the difference between the DRs regular 41mm fork and a modern upsidedown 48mm forks and add a radiator with water and see what that would do to the total weight of a DR650. Plus, it sounds like youre happy with the 17" rear wheel?

[@MotoCocoTV]

I'm obsessed with my 03 BMW F650GS DAKAR....hoping a newer model coming from BMW...so comfortable and she a beast in all Conditions

[@lcagle33]

BMW blew it. I've had 5 of them. I actually corresponded with them about the old F650 with similar requests as for the DR here. They blew me off, came out with he G310 mini bike. The "new" F650 (800cc) was the worst and most disappointing of the bunch. Now all those bikes weigh 500+ pounds.

[@MotoCocoTV]

@@lcagle33 well that was a while back, and the did the 310 gs to mostly do the "entry" lightweight which is required to almost all European, India and Australian markets that do a beginner lisc. Which is required before a rider can then get a full motorcycle lisc. Very smart of them...I. still hopeful for a new mid size as there are tons out there now between. 500cc to 700cc

[@lcagle33]

@@MotoCocoTV Sure, but my point is they (BMW) did nothing for the US riders like me who want a decent middleweight single ADV bike. Adventure Bike, i.e. A decent roadable bike capable of handling all types of ROADS (note 19" front wheel), not a dual sport bike which is a street legal dirt bike (note 21" front wheel) which is so often is mistaken for an ADV bike. Sure, people ride these bikes cross platform, heck, I've ridden street bikes on trails, they all have 2 wheels! 🤣

[@lcagle33]

Also, they (BMW) came close with the G650 X Country Scrambler which was underrated and parked in a corner in the dealers show rooms, "girls bike". It had more HP than the GS and was lighter weight. Like many other potential ADV bikes it had way too small of a gas tank.

[@citizenX117]

1. better lighs 2. adjustable suspension 3. 18" rear tire 4. EFI fuel mileage and big OEM fuel tank 5. 6 speed gearbox 60HP at least 6. TFT Screen infosystem and OEM windscreen deflector

[@davidnobular9220]

...and the same weight as a T700 ? (much like the new KLR)

[@Grampadude]

My fear is like the KLR it will get heavier. In order of importance to me: 6speed, EFI,Suspension. Current look is fine but I’ve been riding 50 years +.

[@samhill3496]

Good vid, hope yes, market, maybe smaller cc's. Higher tech motor wil make up power difference goodbye big torque. it will have to be changed if it exists, rules won't allow it to continue on. It can't be made for only one USA market.

[@tonyspilsbury2110]

Ace bike my first suzuki thumper was sp370 followed by sp400 then dr600 then 650 a now have 3 dr350s an xt660z tenere an love thumpers had hondas xlr xr engines were not as good as drs a love these bikes they have all been bomb proof

[@kai-uweoch1159]

The DR650 must have been gone from Europe by now for at least 10 years? Would be cool if it would be reintroduced, but getting that four decades old engine Euro5+ compatible (even adding EFI) is basically close to impossible - at least with air cooling. Suzuki would need to come up with a brand new single piston engine with water cooling and give the bike a ABS system (which is necessary for all bikes here above 125cc). I doubt this will happen.

[@alexjohnson3696]

They’d need to stop making them in Japan too as the cost would simply be too high. Look at the obscene price of the DRZ400 in Australia now as an example

[@6226superhurricane]

the drz400 has rm suspension, it's fully adjustable with high and low speed compression and rebound. 49mm cartridge forks and race shock. the suspension is far beyond what is required for dual sport and adventure riding even for am expert rider. suzuki should use that suspension on both the drz and dr, at least until some significant advancement in suspension is made. because the difference between drz suspension and the best suspension you can get is single digit percentages which is only important if you're expert enough to need it and actually need to use it. there is currently no suspension that i'm aware of that will be ideal for a 50kg person and a 150kg person therefore all bikes need tuning if the owner is outside the weight of what the factory set the suspension up for. . .

[@peterdawson7775]

The dr650 is a model in its own right, the only way suzuki is going to beat that model is to bring out another completely different model of dual sport bike!

[@pepedafrog6951]

What about a reduced vstrom with dr geometry ? tuned for torque and less power, no ridding modes, no complex electronics, no fairings or heavy parts? budget oriented. the R&D is done. true 180kg is doable and a reasonable compromise. It can be marketed as the "xTrail" version of the vstrom.

[@dune7824]

I love the DR more than any other bike for what it is. A living dinosaur! If we cannot have a DR650 without ABS, ESC fuel injection then I'm afraid I'd prefer to see it go the way of the dinosaur than see it ruined.

[@ynotjf]

What you are saying is the market is ready for a modern Dual Sport in the 350lb class that works equally well on dirt or pavement. All the new ADV bikes are 450lbs (or more) but Riders want less weight easier to handle bikes. Manufacturers know we want lighter bikes but in todays “green” world it’s just not possible.. The DR650 is a far from perfect “Jack of all Trades” bike that excels at nothing but does everything reasonable well so enjoy the dinosaur while you can..

[@veetwotls]

SV 650 v2 engine with few tweeks in a dirtbike frame , suspension upgrade.

[@JohannesDalenMC]

Now we're talking!

[@NZCycletherapy]

As a Kiwi we’ve suffered the loss of the DR650 from the showroom floors, my WR250R almost ticks all the boxes but lacks the power and torque for an adventure bike loaded. I’m saving up now to purchase a second hand one to have the best of both worlds. I see you WR in the video Solid, can you tell me which hand guards and radiator guard you used?

[@Ntmoffi]

Both the DR and XR need to be modernized. They're basically dinosaurs at this point.

[@unknowncommonman]

Here we have only the KLX 300R and an out and out dirt bike not much in terms of proper dual sport bike's , I hope KLX 300 arrives here in Asia .

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

We love it when things stay the same. We hate change. That's been the DR's ticket to success. But the reality is that the powers that be dictate that it just can't be that way, anymore. Please, Suzuki, just put switchable ABS on it and make the move to fuel injection, preferably one that is easily replaced with a carby!

[@niceguyrides]

Keep the suspension cheap. Add EFI and 6 speeds and you’re done. Most hard riders are going to tweek the suspension anyway, so to keep price down, leave it alone. What we don’t need is another 10K bike.

[@seba8425]

I think all they need to do is update to Led lights and maybe a 6 speed.

[@yorkchris10]

Suzuki probably fullfills global supply of DR650 in one weekend. The people know how to build it in their sleep or practically builds itself. MASH has an air-cooled, EFI thumper made in China. I think off-road performance will only come from a l/c engine in the future.

[@leanit5756]

We all know there is a hole in the dual-purpose market 100 miles wide... a modern street engined bike for intermediate to experienced riders of about 500cc that has Japanese reliability and longevity, built with a leaning towards dirt. Like a modernized DRZ400 with a bit more motor.

[@plokmko0]

Add EFI and ABS to the existing bike and I would buy one tomorrow, a wide ratio 5 spd in the existing cases is all that is needed with a torque monster engine. The KLX 230 got both added to a old school bike. The XT250 also got EFI added to an AC engine.

[@Farkle222]

They should make a modern simple air cooled DRZ500 to replace the 400 and 650.

[@tarjas]

EFI is a downgrade for those that like to modify/tinker. Stone cold reliable with my TM40 and 52+ MPG on the highway. 6th would be nice but it isn't that hard to carry around an extra counter sprocket if you want to reduce highway buzz a little...

[@carni6319]

Leave it alone. It's not a highway bike.

[@flyovercounty1427]

I like my air cooled injected XT250. A full sized 500-650 version would be interesting…

[@jehanswanepoel4854]

Make a deal with Royal Enfield and put the RE 650 parallel twin engine in there. Simple cheap engine with more power and already emissions compliant. Only issue could be weight perhaps?

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

You really know how to stir the pot hey Solid? 😉 more unicorn dreams 🦄

[@mikelobdell2666]

if it is updated it's more likely to see only EFI and antilock brakes.

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

All they would need to do is add one-button switchable ABS and they’d still sell in solid numbers (maybe fix the random NSU issue with some loctite lol). I’d buy another!

[@TommyNitro]

I believe the NSU was fixed in 2015 or so. Not an issue on newer ones.

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

@@TommyNitro I didn’t know that. I never had any issues with mine, had two DRs (2011 and 2012 models. The NSU ‘issue’ always floated around in the back of my mind as a niggling concern. Thankfully no issues. But glad they fixed it eventually. Great dual sport for sure.

[@TommyNitro]

I could be wrong. I forget where I saw that. I think it was on this channel. Great bike for sure. @@Bicycle_Fungi

[@WrightWayAround]

If it 50bhp 150kg efi. Update on the looks. It sell off the floors be sold out. Keep it cheap under 7k

[@MauricetheMonster]

The upgraded DR650 does exist. It goes by the name "Kove 450".

[@johnspringer7189]

What about a dr650 with an sv 650 motor, they would not need to retool plus it has fuel injection and liquid cooling. I would buy one.

[@cyclopathic998]

SKIDSnSTUFF, SKIDSnSTUFF!

[@jonwoodworker]

Lol SkidsNStuff is awesome

[@thefathippy]

Umm... Solid agree, Solid. 😂 My DR died last year (it happens), and I'd have loved to replace it with a version designed this century. Something simple, but modern. Alas, second hand only for us these days, and apparently zero interest from Suzuki in building a whole new unicorn (because that's what it would be). The closest hope for a new big single appears to be Ducati, and they won't be inexpensive. 😱 I ended up with a clone*. It's very good, but I would have liked a real choice. Not just pick a colour. 😂 A similarly light bike with a little less power, more low-down grunt, decent suspension, and good economy on 91 would suit many people down to the ground. The popularity of the old one shows that. *and now I find myself reaching for seventh instead of sixth - where's my 7 speeder? 😂

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Always more gears :P

[@davidnobular9220]

Just take a gearbox out of a 2.0l Ford Ranger and use that......Ranger Danger !!

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

Watercooled, EFI, fine tune the weight ( no need for exotic materials, smart design and materials will do a lot. Take a look at the metal block discs . Proper floating alloy centres will halve the weight) . I can live with ABS ( I detest the ABS on the CRF300. Bloody dangerous). Suspension is not totally necessary though a swap to USD's would be nice). Aftermarket is always going to be better. You could even REDUCE the displacement to 600 if it was EFI and watercooled and still have the same/more HP from a mild tuned motor. If the japanese do not take their fingers out, the Chinese and the Indians will push them aside.

[@davidnobular9220]

I'd still prefer reliability and longevity.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@davidnobular9220 So what in my list isn't reliable or long lived. EFI will out last the press fit float needles on Suzuki carbs by a long way!!! Air cooled motors are more prone to wear and heat damage.

[@davidnobular9220]

@@gregjetnikoff7124Sorry, to clarify, I was referring to Japanese reliability vs Chinese. I am not sure we would get the same reliability/longevity from equivalent bikes made in China - this is important to me being a True Povo. I am still stunned at the new KLR weight....top spec is the same as a T700. EFI, water cooling etc have their price.... Oh, and I give praise every day that I did NOT have ABS when I had an accident on my DR650 about 12 months ago....I was able to lock the rear, slide sideways into the car (that had come out in front of me). This dissipated the force of impact across the side of the bike and my body, rather than a front on collision and a Superman over the top of the car.

[@gregjetnikoff7124]

@@davidnobular9220 Just remember when commenting on Chinese bikes that the parallel twin BMW's ar made by Loncin In China ( since the beginning of the model) including the GS models. So was the TR650 Husky and the only unreliable part on that bike was the Italian made Magnetti Marelli ECU ( I had both a F800R and a TR650)

[@shaun8256]

Uh 6 speed yes, efi most definitely not! K.I.S.S. no fuel injection!

[@whitedrguy6503]

The DR 650 is dead and buried unfortunately, the chances of a replacement is basically none. It is nice to come up with ideas like adding EFI and ABS but it is a little more involved, especially if you want to keep the simplicity, even adding ABS is an engineering feat in itself, where do you mount the ABS pump ? And just adding EFI to pass emissions is more complicated as it would also need double overhead cams and a whole new combustion chamber, especially to pass Euro 7 regulations, plus liquid cooling, all adding to weight and complexity. The idea that the DR is also a reasonable weight at 166 Kg is also a dream, out of the box yes but add a bash plate, bigger tank, I run an IMS 19 litre tank, b+b bash plate and rack and fully fuelled it weighs 180 Kg with a 360 klm range, with a full 30 litre safari tank that would nudge it close to 200 Kg. The days of KISS are long gone.

[@6226superhurricane]

it's easy to design a bike, it's the tooling, parts supply chain and production line to build it that's expensive

[@ruahinesrider]

Can you buy a 2022-24 model that's still road legal in NZ 🇳🇿 ir Ausie or is it competition only road legal like the DRz 400 & have to buy a 2021 model.It's a bit confusing cause they still selling them as LAMS bikes?

[@tsdmoto]

But the DR has SO MUCH TORQUE, does it need a 6 speed? I guess I don't ride interstate so I don't need a LOT of top end.

[@unappreciatedfew3701]

Do the same thing for the XR 650L...

[@permaculture3]

Hey Solid. Any truth to the rumors of a DR800 for 2025? Love your detailed videos.

[@chroniclesofsolid]

Nope, Fake news as far as I can tell.

[@donreed1133]

I wonder how much Suzuki really cares anymore? I know it would need to pass emissions requirements, but the other manufacturers figure out a way to pass. Also why won’t they put an electric starter on their off-road and motocross motorcycles?

[@yomommaahotoo264]

I'd prefer tubeless tires to useless abs any day.

[@dipl.braumeister2745]

Die DR 650 SE hat ein Problem. Das Moped ist in Europa neu nicht mehr zu bekommen.😢

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

We all wanted an updated modernized DRZ400 and DR650 but we were told it wasn't possible because they were Grandfathered in as far as regulations go. They said , there is no way to make it modern. Then all of a sudden Kawasaki puts out a modernized KLR 650? Looks like Suzuki making excuses once again.

[@shaun8256]

6 speed maybe ok but absolutely no fuel injection, that would destroy it's reliability!

[@benfox8571]

DR650 ftw

[@badyride909]

We are in a bad moment, Japan no longer reacted and they will continue to use only their names. On the other hand, China does react with excellent machines but they need time to reach the level, but they are going there! My time with Japan is over and I am going for CFmoto 450 MT.

[@lachy1709]

Suzuki Australia doesn't even list the DRZ650 anymore, only the 400

[@prawns]

The last year model dr650 allowed to be sold in australia was the 2021 model (I bought one) due to mandatory ABS laws on new bikes these days here (with a couple exempted classes that the dr650 didnt qualify for)