The Bike that Suzuki FORGOT!

[@mandaloreaner]

I'm a tall guy (2m) and today I still ride an completly restored and modified DR Big from 1990. It's one of the nicest and well fitting Motorbikes I have ever driven. You still can get one of these for an moderate price. Here in Germany we have an Suzuki Dr Big specialist named: Stefan Hessler Motorsport. He knows all about the big single and he's a nice guy, too.

[@MichaelByrnes-sl6hu]

Amazing

[@FonicsSuck]

Hessler is awesome. Very helpful with old Suzuki stuff.

[@plumcrazyswede]

Tall guy here as well. It's the only Dual Sport I've ever ridden that I fit on. Loved my DR800s and I really miss it.

[@heinrichhenkel1428]

Danke für den Tipp, ich such sowas in die richtung

[@derrickmurphy7632]

Total respect to you sir keep these bikes alive❤

[@VistarZandany]

In 2016 I sent 2 DR 800 from Switzerland to Chile. Me and my friend rode them the whole length of Patagonia for 3 months. Totally reliable and plenty of power to carry us fully loaded mostly on gravel roads. I wouldn’t hesitate to choose it again for my next adventure. Zero electronics and built like a tank. Thanks for the video, brought up nice memories. 😊

[@marceloendosruedas]

Patagonia is in the Argentinean side friend 🇦🇷

[@Dutchcomentatah]

Look at the VSTROM 1050 and 800, the design screams DR heritage. Absolutely not forgotten and well loved.

[@C_R_O_M________]

The original GS1200 screams DR as well. It has the peak.

[@juhansuits6555]

I still have a late model Doctor BIG in my garage. With Mikuni flat slide pumper carbs, Sebring exhaust, Öhlins rear shock, WP front end, good tires and about 30-40kg weight loss it's still quite an effective beast of a ride.

[@plumcrazyswede]

That upgraded suspension must make quite a difference. I loved my DR800, but Always felt I wanted better suspension, especially in the rear.

[@dreadnaught688]

I'm sure the pumper carb makes that 800 snappy

[@NK-dl2nc]

The Big is an underrated bike from its time. Had 750 and 800. 750 is smoother. Both have taken me thousands of miles around Europe without issue despite being over 30 years old. My last 750 had many suspension mods and was about as good as I could get it. Sold it during covid and now have a Tenere world raid. Miss the Big. Tenere is great and I love it but not 30 years better than my modded Big. I miss the attention the bike got as well. Europe loves these Dakar reps and they were before thier time in the uk so never really caught on. Solid reliable bomb proof bikes that are misunderstood and often poorly maintained by many that bought them because they where the biggest singles around.

[@starjoke8781]

That bike looks so freaking awesome they should bring the design back.

[@Morrismarina]

Haha. I'm 6'4". Back in 1997 I'd just bought an RF900 and the first thing a mate said was that I made it look small. Tall people have feelings too. Just to take the smirk off his face I went out and bought one of these (same year model but the red version). I would never have looked at one twice but for that, but it turned out to be one of the best bikes I ever got. I loved the riding position: my girlfriend hated the RF but she loved the DR, too. I did a couple of European trips with friends who were mostly on sports bikes: I never had the aches and pains that they did at the end of a 3-400 mile day. I just love the character of them... they've got attitude

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching :)

[@pieczyslaw]

Bought one of these last year as my first dual sport and even tough I had several different bikes from a Bandit 650 to a 2015 R1200R in the past DR Big is the one that puts the biggest smile on my face. The looks, the sound, the handling... everything in exciting for me in this bike :D

[@thomaszacharias222]

Nice of you guys to make this video ❤. Lovely to get some (renewed) recognition for the DR..! I own a 94 model and drove it many times between the UK and Germany. In my opinion it gives you a true and unfiltered motorbike experience- love it!! Thanks chaps..!

[@jonathantrice7614]

I rode a DR800 from Bristol to the South of France in 1989. The seat was painful after an hour and the brakes were really weak. The motor was lumpy and unuseable under 3000rpm, but the effective top speed was limited to 70mph by the awful vibrations. I stuck to the small roads on the map and kept it at its sweet spot of 55-60 mph. I borrowed the bike from a dealer friend and was glad to give it back. The plus side was the stunning looks (red model) and despite the problems, I would love to own one now.

[@somethingelse2740]

Bought a new DR650 in 95. Things happened in life and the fuel tank was drained and put in a box for safe storage and the seat was hung on a wall so no damage would come to it and the cylinder was sprayed liberally with fogging oil. The bike is still sitting covered up in my shed with around 1,000 miles on it almost 30 years later.

[@999lazer]

That's awesome :)

[@mikescott9213]

It's about time to get it going and start riding it. It's not any fun sitting in the shed.

[@JamesParus]

That is just sad.

[@ahsnap9103]

Someone needs a bike rescue

[@ATMC-su7mv]

I remember the DR BIG 750s was used in the South African Defence Force. We knew them as "Doctor Big".

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Best DR800 video on YT by a country mile. Fascinating machine.

[@999lazer]

Really appreciate that & thanks for watching :)

[@seangray4512]

Still happy with my DR650 Single slapper, Had an 88 XR650, XR250, DRZ400SM then respoke the wheels from Motard into Off-road, more fun riding adventure bikes everywhere!

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching

[@112Frosch]

I have been riding a red 1991 DR Big for 25 years and I like it. I have tested the V-Strom 800 DE and I want one. Best wishes from Edersee

[@mikehudgens7007]

Even though I am a 6'5 195 lb mx rider starting in 1977 and still going strong , I do have a softer side ( currently own a 2018 XR650L which gets use almost daily ) and having owned a XT550 Yamaha , KLR 650 kawi and a 2014 DR650 this video really tugs at me lol - big thumper 4 strokes are so fun on/off the road you simply have to try one !!! Lazer you never dissapoint in your vid's and bikes you share with us - simply the best in narration and education - the variety is A+++++ thank you again for all you share with us and say Hey to Sean for me !!! BRAAAAAP on 999 !!!!!

[@999lazer]

Thanks Mike and will do :)

[@xipingpooh5783]

What a gem of a bike it is . The story makes it even more desirable. Your content is second to none. Keep it up!!

[@999lazer]

Thanks, will do!

[@nickclarkuk]

Suzuki are coming back so strong at the moment with bikes like this GSX 8S, 8R and V Stroms. I like the styling more than the new Honda's. It's great to see. I hope to own an 8S in future :)

[@thewatcher5271]

You Lucky Duck! I Know I'm Not The Only Old Guy Drooling Over This. Thank You.

[@zap5936]

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE FOR YEARS!

[@rayrice9060]

My dad had the honda dominator 650 and the klr650 tengai together i used to love ripping them bikes awsome that u review anything 2 wheeled on or off road great channel bro

[@DRBigADV]

I bought my DR800 in pieces and rebuilt it a couple years ago. This one looks brand new!

[@RealHooksy]

I ride a 99 Suzuki 650 single thumper with 40k on the clock. Little brother to the drBig I love it? Puts a smile on my face every time 😎

[@999lazer]

awesome and thanks for watching:)

[@paulrumbold2436]

Love your videos guys . I remember these bikes . Been riding foe 50 years . I like bikes just raw . No gimmicks . Great stuff . Just keep enjoying any bike whateve4 they are

[@markhooper5824]

You pulled another one out of the bag. Brilliant guys.😀

[@999lazer]

Thanks Mark

[@nickrider5220]

Wow, a new 33 year old DR Big, nice !

[@ogasi1798]

WHAT A STORY 🙂 I had a Dr Big back in the 90s, bought it after selling my KLR600 that i used as a field ragger

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching :)

[@wherewithalmoto]

Thanks for sharing that bike! I've got a Drz400 and never knew that bike existed! Cheers 🤘

[@999lazer]

No probs, thanks for watching :)

[@user-mi6ye8qv5h]

I owned two DR750's here in Australia both of them in the 2002-2015 period. I think the thing that people forget is that even in their time there really wasn't anything like them and they just had a cool factor that you couldn't buy, who else would call their bike BIG! I am 6ft but interestingly enough with a handlebar change i found it really comfortable. The other thing that I learnt was that it wasn't about going fast, it was actually about just cruising and enjoying that big loping motor that really has enough get up and go to do anything you want, just at a cruisier pace! You could ride it all day and get off feeling like you wanted to hop on again and go for another ride, I really enjoyed them and am really sorry that I didn't keep at least one.

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulbudford]

Great story. It's nice to see one in such fantastic condition.

[@999lazer]

Thanks Paul

[@guyredshaw1422]

Fab! It’s great that you and the team are back on what you do best, and that’s with the special/quirky/rare/cool bikes Max!

[@999lazer]

Cheers Guy, Have you added anything new to your collection?

[@guyredshaw1422]

@@999lazer Nothing with an engine lately……..yet🤭

[@TwinPotMan]

I had one exactly the same colour as this in 1993. I had to sell it to pay for a new kitchen! The buyer from France saw the advert in MCN and came across on the ferry to pick it up.

[@DeepintheWood_Folk-and-More]

If you liked the Dr 800, I have a 43 years old Honda CX 400 Custom with 3000 miles on it, just like a brand new machine, if come to France this summer I'll be glad to let you ride it, just to see how incredible a 43 years old Honda can be. Cheers from France

[@FrenchCrow]

That DR BIg is in incredible condition! It was an excellent bike, yet at that time I would have loved if Suzuki had also made a version of the DR800S less influenced by Paris-Dakar rally : lower, lighter, with small tank. A bit in the spirit of the DR400S which was my first "real motorcycle" in the 80s - fond memories riding it...

[@Chuv777]

Cracking big thumper.Very underrated.

[@allistairneil8968]

There was a reason we forgot it. And now you reminded us!

[@MichaelByrnes-sl6hu]

As a V Storm 800 DE owner, This video was absolutely amazing . As an American!!! LMFAO when you said BLIMEY.Great stuff , Thank you fellas

[@s-code-b]

Thought it would be a fun little view. Turned out quite something else. There are many, many motorcycle videos out there by now, but this one is somewhere way up there.

[@999lazer]

thanks:)

[@64faffi]

Thank you for making this video! It would have been great to have them time trial tested around a track, but that would likely be too crude to the old girl, considering its unique condition. The other day, I test rode a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. An amazing motorcycle, hardly any vices. And utterly uninteresting because it is too close to perfect, although I do appreciate its competency. My 1990 XT600Z 3AJ still put a grin on my face every ride, never mind that it functionally is far inferior to the new stuff. Simply put, I have more fun on older bikes.

[@gee_on_wheels]

I found out after seeing this that my Dad used to have a DR 750 and he used to pop wheelies on it 😂 My Mum used to have to find a wall to stand on so she could get on the back of it 😂

[@999lazer]

haha , that's cool

[@Bartskarts]

I didn't know ur channel was 17 years old man..... I didn't realize u had such great videos..... I only found ur channel last year and I don't understand how u don't have more subs.... ???......

[@999lazer]

Thanks, Yep I've been working hard on it since 2007 :) I appreciate your comment.

[@Bartskarts]

@@999lazer I work a lot of hours every day.. I don't get much time to watch KZbin after work, before bed... So when one of ur vids pop up I'm clicking on it.... I've been getting notifications for older videos of urs since I been watching ur old vids at night.... That's when I realized I got a lot of catching up to do lol.... Have u ever thought about messing around with some trials bikes?.... They're pretty fun.. 😉..... BTW.. it might take a bit, but imma watch all the old vids too.. 🙂 cheers from southwestern Missouri USA... 👍

[@Chrissurfs]

If I had to ride street, the Vstrom is perfect. If I have to go off road, Id still pick the DR. Trail bikes of back then seemed more oriented towards off road than todays.

[@criscross572]

Loved the suzuki but ended up on a XTZ with a TRX engine in it, was a wild bike.

[@marksanderson1332]

Always wanted 1 of those.

[@jfro5867]

I don’t particularly like how the new 800 looks but seeing the DR800 I can see the strong resemblance. Makes sense.

[@Wuestenkarsten]

Bikes of "my " Time: Dr Big, TT600, XR 600 R, KLX 650 R.....what a World it was!!! Today.....all "electronic" Nonsense on Board......nope, thx. I´ll never forget; Sahara Desert with TT600 and only on T Shirt....my Nippels got infected by all the Sand and Salt rubbing from that one Shirt....what a Pain in the Ass it was at that Time......today, still laughing about it!!

[@999lazer]

awesome :)

[@kekenooutthere3095]

Sand, salt, nipples - Sahara TT600 sounds like an Only Fans :-)

[@brianhoward9217]

GOOD words - agree 100% TO THE MAX!! 🙂 THE 80s ROCK!

[@gregorymcnear6474]

Needs to go to a deserving museum

[@maulp0k3r]

Biggest production single. Would love to see this in a supermoto. Maybe something like a CCM 644 frame

[@tomwagemans1872]

Nice to see this. In the days, I always wanted one but slow moved a supermoto. Which you had to build yourself.

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching :)

[@Morrismarina]

I've just watched this again and there are - if you're familiar with the bikes - a couple of unusual features about this one. At first glance the bike appears to be missing its front disc guard but, on closer inspection, it seems there are no lugs on the fork for fitting one. The other is the silencers: I've seen some European market versions (eg. Italy) which were fitted with a hoop type rail - as a kind of heat shield - and others (eg. Germany) which had a wire guard like you might see on an old electric fire... however, one thing I've never seen before is silencers that didn't have any additional heat guards at all. Although everything else about the bike looks 100% standard, I'm actually starting to think there's a possibility this one could have been a one-off pre-production version for the 1991 model, which - if so - could add even further to this particular bike's rarity.

[@KPP365]

Wow, what an amazing bike 👏 👏 I can remember the yamaha XT500 , but not this beast 😊

[@bigstevoUK]

I still have my ‘Dr Big 750s’ I totally agree with your conclusion, my bike still gets plenty of attention at bike meets, people always ask if the beak was the inspiration on bmw GS…. Great video buddy, thank you 👍🏻😎

[@kevinmee3501]

Great story of the big Suzy, got some skills for road racing max, are we watching a future Rossi maybe.

[@999lazer]

haha not sure about that :)

[@DatBikerDude]

Had this for a few weeks. Damn good torque, a fuel hog like none other. Drank through petrol like an Irish in a pub

[@exothermal.sprocket]

From the data I could find, double/triple checking: Only 3cc engine displacement difference between the two. 800DE is 7 pounds (3.2 kg) heavier. 800DE makes 24 more horsepower and 10 ft-lb more torque. 800DE holds 1 gallon less fuel.

[@Patiboke]

Problem with the new bike: no grunt whatsoever, lots of high RPM power that no one needs.

[@asher45kate]

I had one of these in the early 2000s, was a brilliant bike. Would love to try it now going from a KTM1090 to feel the difference

[@999lazer]

that would be a cool thing to do. We really enjoyed the experience.

[@terrystratford1235]

I was close to getting a mint 800 2 years ago! My mechanic said getting parts could be an issue! So I got a new africa twin 1100L dct!

[@jesseleblanc989]

Excellent overview! Thank you!

[@999lazer]

No problem Jesse, thanks for watching:)

[@TS50ER]

The MET got equipment and never used it? DR. PIG, anyone? Well done Suzuki for reclaiming the bike in pristine condition before the coppers could paint the bike with flowers and rainbows.

[@marcmorris-kb9ry]

Fortunately they didn't ride...I've followed them riding Drzs before...😂😂😂truly shocking....used to seem sunday at cafe for bacon sandwiches,then they would go looking for children with a half broken scooter in the woods......😂

[@motozz8258]

Really kool and I share your thoughts on all bikes. The new one will be legendary and great now 🎉

[@TheHemiphil81]

I gotta say this suzuki is a pretty good looking bike. I would park it beside my honda xr650 and my beta 500 rr-s. ❤

[@jamesstenner8335]

Brilliant vid love it , took me back

[@999lazer]

Thanks James:)

[@michaelcahan8675]

I’ve still got my ‘88. I think that Suzuki only brought 30 of them to Canada in ‘88. It’s like flying in a biplane.

[@JollUsARoint]

Hey Max you're right we don't see these very often I think they use them over there in Japan or China but have you ever seen the 1986 movie winners take all this gives me the vibes of the hurricane that was the dirt bike that starred in the movie and they looked way different than anything else pretty badass and with your new CR500 and Suzuki RM250 I am stoked man I am so happy for you and proud of you Max and you are worthy brother you're always Worthy💯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💚😎👊🏻🗯🗯💥👍🏼👍🏼🤝🏼

[@999lazer]

Cheers :)

[@JollUsARoint]

@@999lazer Cheers :-)

[@kadien2006]

Give me DR BIG all day tons of character bold graphics were always great back in the 90s.

[@NigelHearne-yv7en]

I seem to remember James Bond (Sean Connery) riding a DR Big in Never Say Never Again (or one of the Bond movies maybe)

[@andrewcook2525]

Check out the Hessler Rallye Team shop they still sell loads of cool parts for the DR Big!👍

[@cosmicsurfer5911]

Suzuki in Yellow, Amen. Sadly, one of the greats I never had the pleasure of riding one or owning one. Sherman tank engine, goes for ever. 💪👍🙏

[@999lazer]

it was fun to ride :)

[@brianhoward9217]

Thanks for a GREAT vid on this incredible bike Blast-From-The-Past 🙂 I have a 2005 DR650 (a life keeper!) and I clearly recall the DR750 & 800 from the 90s. Some guys we knew back then had them and ride with us in the bush and sandhills. The big Suzies floated over the dunes on those massive waves of torque, just like my DR650 does now but the 800 was MUCH better. Sheeeeesh . . . what a machine for the sand! A paddle tyre on the back and you are nobody's bitch in the dunes 🙂 That DR800 would be worth an absolute fortune in that condition. I'm in Australia and I would buy it in a heartbeat for almost any price! It can only increase in future. 999lazer, please tell us, who currently owns it (Suzuki GB?) and do you know what their plans are for it? Thanks again for all your enthusiasm and great work! Cheers from Sydney Australia.

[@999lazer]

Thank Brian, Yes Suzuki GB own it. They have a pretty cool heritage collection.

[@cyclopathic998]

The show was over in 2003 when they cancelled Freewind in favor of V-Strom 1000.

[@gee_on_wheels]

I really enjoy your videos This video is unusual, but it's not too bad actually.🙂

[@999lazer]

Thanks Gee

[@MichalBaginski-m3b]

Bikes of my young age Jawa 350ts Russian make That was my bike . Miss it

[@fox1nz]

Gotta love the DogRooters

[@plumcrazyswede]

I really miss my DR800s. Sold it a few months ago. It was a 1996 from Germany, imported to Sweden in 1997. I'm 6'8" (203cm) and I fit perfectly on it. the only thing I didn't like was the bars. But I replaced them with wider ones. Suddenly it was soo much better. I'm really considering getting another one soon. Why did I sell it? (Video available on my channel)

[@mandrakejake]

Bikes are cool Max!

[@999lazer]

they sure are :) thanks for watching:)

[@queenofspadz]

Can you find and test one of those 90's model two stroke dual sports from Europe?

[@999lazer]

tdr 250 ?

[@queenofspadz]

@@999lazer DT200, CRM250R, KDX200 (street legal version), Aprilia RX125, Cagiva Tamanaco 125

[@queenofspadz]

also the Suzuki RMX250S

[@queenofspadz]

@@999lazer kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHvUlIiFoc12ldk

[@chopshopchopper]

Try to find a Synergy Motorsports Q450, and tell us the whole story about the bike, the company, and the people involved...

[@greggory448]

HERE YOU GO AGAIN 😂😮👍

[@roberthyde3893]

I know this is off topic but have you ever heard of the Harley Davidson MT350 or Armstrong MT500? They are both ex British army motorcycles and people like me still use them in long distance trials and a few who use them for motocross

[@MrGroovy87]

One of the best bikes

[@marcmorris-kb9ry]

Gaston Rahier was it rode one on the Dakar?......i think ...not sure what year....

[@bobbreckenridge8880]

I owned a 90 Dr Big and wish I still had it. The engine was way too complicated and it was too top heavy to be a dirt bike. It was great for cruising gravel roads and doing power slides but the soft sticky seat was it’s worst feature. I think they built it for bragging rights as an 800 twin would be lighter and better.

[@milawhite4005]

Hi the other day when u where at the moped mayhem I was also there !

[@murdoch9106]

What a weird thing, did the Police plan to use it and have it equipped for duty and then forgotten about it? Like... did they never open the storage room again... The Police literally never even tried it out once... Just stuffed it in somewhere and that was it... crazy! 🤣

[@999lazer]

A cool story right :) Thanks for watching.

[@matthewcochran3325]

At 15:00 you said the V Strom was a parallel twin. Isn't it a V Twin?

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Just getting started watching, but 54 hp from an 800cc 4 stroke? Was thinking it'd have 70-80 hp or so. Oh well.

[@jakeviolet2195]

The DR650 only makes about 40hp, so it's right inline with single cylinder power of the day. A modern KTM 690 single cylinder makes 70+ hp, but it's a much higher performance machine.

[@mitkomitkov8192]

Its have so big piston..you hard to imagine

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

Here's my suggestion,, Showcase the Yamaha TDM 850 3VD from way back in the day. They are/were real popular in the UK/EU but rare in the States where I am. And I'm an Owner of a 92 3vd 😍. What's your thoughts? Thanks for the cool Retro/Mod video comparison 🙏🏻. Cheers 🍻,, G. In beautiful Boulder City Nv, USA 🇺🇸

[@peterprzywara5258]

I had one but it had dual tanks

[@nedhourani]

I owned a DR Big 750 🥰

[@rfiskillingussoftly6568]

Nice!

[@999lazer]

Cheers:)

[@Oldguy-k3t]

Most fun bike maico 700.😊 Next up, Ducati 698 Rally.

[@RobsNeighbor]

Love it!

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching dude :-D

[@corinful]

Who owns it now ? Is it for sale ?

[@catmate8358]

So Suzuki abandoned the V architecture from the 650/1000 V-stroms. I wonder what was the reason for the change because the V engines were well loved and appreciated.

[@kekenooutthere3095]

Unicorn - an ultimate (Police Lockup) Barn find!

[@ajaxracing]

Vstrom 800de is basically the modern version

[@gordonsmithsa115]

I absolutely loved mine, I should never have sold it….

[@flyovercounty1427]

So did this bike get forgotten?