The Life & Death of the Suzuki DR650

The end of an era.
DISCOUNT CODES! Rad Guard have provided a $35 discount code (valid on all orders over $150). Use OTBW35 to get the discount.
www.radguard.com.au
They ship world wide and the shipping prices are very reasonable so get on it.
Need a battery? Use the code OTBW10 to get 10% off and support the channel @ powerworld.com.au
Feel like supporting the channel? Make sure you hit that subscribe button and use the affiliate links.
Send me some fuel money or buy me a beer.
paypal.me/onthebackwheelcurti...
My gear
Helmet - www.made2race.com.au/hybrid-h...
Jacket - www.dririder.com.au/ Adventure Vortex 2
Boots - oneal.com/products/sierra-pro...
Suspension - yssaustralia.com.au/
Crash protection - srcadventuremoto.com.au/

[@anthonya7066]

Proud owner of a 2021 model. I go through bikes fairly regularly, but this is a keeper forever bike. Sorted it out for all my desired mods to make it ideal for me. Unless laws of the land make it illegal I will be riding it until I physically can’t - it creates memories that create an emotional attachment. Sounds silly I know, there is just something intangible about this bike.

[@robertr9343]

I have a dr650 best bike I could have chose for my first on us soil

[@David..]

I have the same thing with my 06 SV650. My first bike belonged to a close friend of mine who wanted me to have it. It’s in impeccable shape. Im actually looking at buying a lower mileage used one (actually was looking at R3,Ninja 400 but SVs are much cheaper used) just for the track so I won’t have to worry about one day potentially hitting the deck with it.

[@davidfalgout7304]

YES INDEED! Absolutely ! 100 %. 🙌

[@glenholderfield9433]

Just bought a 2024 and love it 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@latituderider]

I'm sorry for your loss Australia. We'll keep carrying on the legacy in the Americas.

[@onthebackwheel]

Hold the fort mate

[@RichyRich-eo9uk]

Just bought mine last March. Love it! Its perfect for me. I love the old school simplicity, rugged looks, and fantastic duplicity. On the roads I keep up with friends who have street bikes, but then I can leave them behind on gravel and dirt. I've now toured and seen more of my neighboring countryside then in the previous 35 years living here. It's an adventure on wheels. Luv her and will keep her even when I buy another bike.

[@giscardpluie2639]

I own three DR 650 SP46 at the moment...all year 1997...one is dismantled because of the third gear issue...one is a daily driver and an offroad explorer...one is a black beauty in showroom condition. For me the most beautiful all purpose bike ...far better choice then KTM if it comes to use a bike in a real world, Greetings from Germany!

[@jm6918]

Just picked up a 2024.

[@onthebackwheel]

👊

[@DangerRick]

Me too man, have already put 2k miles on her in less than a month. Absolutely loving it!

[@DocMagoo]

Love my DR and now I've spent almost as much on mods as the bike cost I dont think I'll ever sell it. Yes it's a tractor but I love it. Glad to see you paying the old pig the credit it deserves 👍I have a fast bike (litre class sporty), a comfy bike (1250GS) and a slow bike (Sherco trials) but the DR is my EVERYTHING bike. If Suzuki did some updates similar to the KLR they would sell a heap of them!

[@onthebackwheel]

Sounds like you've got a great mix of bikes

[@kannermw]

I owned from new a 2011 DR650 but sold it at the start of the season. It is decent budget and fun starter bike but once I moved into Adventure bikes and liter class performance it sat in the garage and mostly collected dust. I did some mods as well but stopped at spending absurd amounts of money to get mediocre improvements. I honestly can't understand why a DR is your everything bike or whatever that means. I think some people just ike to tinker as a hobby and find that more rewarding than riding. I've owned 3 bikes alongside DR starting in 2013 and accumulated 5X the mileage. About 70% of mileage on DR was in first two years and I sold it with under 9K. To each their own but I wouldn't oversell the DR. It is nothing special compared to today's much better bikes, performance, and safety tech. For some the DR drool is mostly a weird fetish.

[@DocMagoo]

@@kannermw Yeah, well it would be foolish to disagree with your comment about the performance and safety tech of the DR when compared to more modern bikes! You've owned a DR, and it sounds like you've owned other bikes too so your opinion is certainly valid - it's just a different opinion to mine. As you say, to each their own... 👍

[@kengoodrich9027]

Yeah, I've got a DR, R1200GS, and a Street Triple and enjoy all of them. The DR is great for knocking around town on or poking around the country side. Cheap, simple, reliable, and fun, a hard to beat combination.

[@davidfalgout7304]

@@kannermw that is only because you have failed to comprehend ! One could say you have a weird fetish for bikes other than a DR650!

[@benshew]

I bought a ‘23 earlier this year because it’s only a matter of time before I can’t get one in the states. It’s a fun bike and I bought it for the simplicity and reliability and it’s been a surprisingly good bike for everything I’ve thrown at it so far.

[@onthebackwheel]

They really are. Versatile too

[@dr650supermoto3]

Will be keeping mine for ever. 2014 with 45 000 km and still going strong go the bush pig 🇦🇺👍💪

[@onthebackwheel]

Go the bush pig 🐷

[@Trying701beast.]

45000ks with a rebuild or all original

[@dr650supermoto3]

@@Trying701beast. all original

[@davewalton2358]

Got mine new in 2021. Thanks to lockdowns and a crook back I've only clocked up 7K Km, a lot of it in the bush. Got it with barkbusters and Suzuki bashplate, added a 25L tank, bars, rack, pegs and a few farkles and I'm good to go! Might do the suspenders at some stage but it works fine for now. Does all I want a bike to do and will probably still be running when I'm not...

[@onthebackwheel]

Sounds pretty sorted to me. Top bikes

[@tomkonig9670]

I own one of the last sold DR 650 in Germany for now 20 years. Everything is original, no updates. Never had any motor problems unless some indicator and light wire issues this year, due to the upcoming age now.

[@Texan_American]

Funny, I just started to think i wanted one. Love the old school look. I shouldn't have any issue finding one around here. Sorry about your nanny state.

[@markkumanninen6524]

After seven riding season on a heavily moded '97 DR I'm very satisfied with it. Never needed no 6th gear, and the suspension upgrades (WP Extreme/Öhlins) do a super job. The previous owner installed a Brembo saddle up front. Hard to imagine ABS would improve things there. The fuel thank could be larger and the fuel consumption lower. It's been reliable except for some glitches in the electronics, but they've been sorted out. It's a marvellous all-rounder.

[@davidnobular9220]

ABS is great......for incompetent riders....

[@J-manoo7]

I have a 2024 drz 650 with bold new graphics 😂. She my first bike it was love at first sight .

[@theeschatechannel2854]

Would be nice to see a updated DR650 RS with ABS, EFI and a 6th overdrive gear.

[@onthebackwheel]

🤞

[@human1513]

For distance riding and offroad I prefer the repairability of a carburetor system over fuel injection. Leave the DR650SE as is as the price is reachable for most people. If it aint broke do not f with it!! It is a reliable bike. There are very few like this if any like this anymore. The KTM 690, 890,...are not reliable in so many ways and cost too much. People say they want a reliable bike,...then they see another bike with fancy stuff, electronics, dashes and want that one. This is marketing getting to them. The DR650 was what they wanted but are distracted due to it being an all around great bike. What they wanted. And did I say it is reliable.

[@donuthole7236]

The DR is not dead (not now at least) there is still a 2024 model. Suzuki don't change a thing on this bike as long as you can! When they do it will become heavier, more expensive and complex and harder to service. In stock from it's a good reliable bike. It's the most Mod happy motorcycle available and becomes a different animal. Out of all the bikes I've owned it's among my favorite. There are better performance bikes available, but they cost twice as much and won't have the "longevity factor" of the DR. This the bike you keep forever !

[@onthebackwheel]

A real apocalypse bike

[@donuthole7236]

@@onthebackwheel The problems is, during an apocalypse there would be no gasoline to power anything but I would agree the DR is probably the best vehicle to get out of Dodge better than any other. Add a carborated Honda CT-125 to the list.

[@onthebackwheel]

@@donuthole7236 ct110 would be a good option!

[@johnpye134]

I bought 2020 Tanami and it is going to be in my shed for many years. I agree a 6th gear would be fantastic. Love the simplicity of it plus the amount of after market accessories that's available.

[@tsdmoto]

Didn't realize you guys couldn't buy one anymore. We can still get them here in the states and I just picked up a 22 model. Finger's crossed for an update with ABS, EFI, and BOLD NEW GRAPHICS !

[@ComfyDadShoes]

Thanks so much for making this video. I still haven’t been able to get mine out to the trails. Such a fantastic bike.

[@onthebackwheel]

Glad you enjoyed it mate and hit those trails up!

[@antonkarlsson1867]

Greetings from sweden and a proud owner of a dr650 -96. Bought 6 years ago with only two previous owners and 20000 km. I love it, and so do all my friends who have ridden it even though they have newer and more powerfull bikes (Hq 701 and xt660r). I am going to make sure it will stay with me on my roadtrips until either the bike or me cant make it any longer!

[@onthebackwheel]

That's the spirit mate!

[@frederickjeremy]

The reason they don’t update the dr650 is because alot of its attributes are from its lack of updates. They built a solid, reliable, all purpose motorcycle that is mind boggling simple to work on for the average diy person, and sold it for an honest price. The updates the government’s are pushing for them to make to it…. Emissions long story short would kill most of its attributes and make it just like every other bike out there in its class. Now im not saying that they couldnt update it with fuel injection, abs, and a 6 speed and have a wonderful bike. But the price and complexity go up. Knocking people who would simply like an inexpensive, reliable, go anywhere, do anything bike that can be fixed should it have an issue with a pair of channel locks and some bubblegum out of the market for a motorcycle. It is a shame governments pushing what they are pushing. If people wanted a fuel injected 6 speed dual sport motorcycle there are plenty of them out there to choose from. For those of us with an appreciation for the economics and simplicity of a carburetor, and would rather save the money and deal with the 5speed, there should be the dr650. I cant help but feel the amount of global warming contributed by a few motorcycles that turn 55 mpg does not warrant bullying a company and a wildly successful beloved model out of a market. But they have been doing it for decades. Frankly im sick of this tactic of having these kinds of choices made for us by our governments just to be rammed down out throats.

[@onthebackwheel]

You speak a lot of truth Frederick 👊

[@Bugoutnow589]

Bought a 2022 and I love it. Best bike I’ve owned, coming off a brand new Harley Road Glide Ultra.

[@armadilllo]

I bought a new one in '21 after having a couple bikes that fuel injection or computers failed. BMW and Ducati, both less than a year old. I love my DR and I can fix it myself, none of this leaving it at a dealer for months bs

[@ikeeubuah]

I ride mine every day to work and I love it. Was thinking about selling it and getting an older ATAS but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It’s a 2020 with almost 15k miles I don’t know what I’d do without it, definitely a keeper. Bush pig for life!

[@FonicsSuck]

Proud owner of a 1985 DR600S! I really should go buy a last model year DR650 to go full circle.

[@onthebackwheel]

Be great to have both

[@nvmcrider8475]

The new Kove 450 will make both the DR650 and DRZ 400 obsolete if it proves reliable.

[@onthebackwheel]

🤞

[@aussiefarmer8741]

Still got 1. 2017 15k on the clock, all the mods. Love it.

[@1uke69er]

Its a shame that there's no real modern equivalent unless you count the 701 but that's pretty much double the price. my current bike is a 390 adventure and its a great bike but I'd love to see a DR or DRZ with fuel injection and a 6th gear or a Tenere 500 would be pretty cool too.

[@waveman1500]

Tenere 700 is pretty similar in concept, or the Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE.

[@1uke69er]

@@waveman1500 those bikes are 40-60 kg heavier than the old DR650 and considerably more expensive

[@waveman1500]

@@1uke69er Fair enough. I suppose it's just the KTM 690 then.

[@kevinarmstrong478]

Yeah everyone seems to be watching the Kove 450 as it may well be priced well too

[@MaxwellBenson80]

Fuel injection on the dr650 would be awesome.

[@BillySBC]

I won't be sad to see it go because I have a '22 model and I won't sell it. The DR650 is everything an adventure bike should be, simple, reliable, and easy to fix in a remote place. Never would I take a liquid-cooled and fuel injected so-called "Adventure Bike" to a remote spot where help is a long ways away, just too many points of failure..

[@volvogt21]

Yep total beast. I'm currently circumnavigating around Aust on most likely the first of the current models in Oz. A purple frame 1995 (96 model year). I've never heard of an earlier vin than mine. Im guessing it was a press bike.. I chose the DR over the 6 bmw gs and one tiger I have due to its simplicity and ruggedness. The two times it has let me down it has been easy to diagnose and fix.

[@DR650adventures]

My favourite memory’s of the DR 650 are still to come at 1000k young she’s not even born yet.

[@williamfoster4268]

It's an oil cooled bike, has an oil cooler and uses SACS just like the older GSXR750/1100 and Bandit 600/1200.

[@justgjt]

They are a superb all rounder. Yes, it would have been evenbetter with EFI and a 6th gear or atleast a taller 5th and a higher output altenator. The final sale price was $11 390 rideaway compared to the $7 990 for my 2014 model.

[@bradsanders6954]

Im not sure why this comes up, my DR with stock gearing runs 85mph smoother than it runs at 75 mph. Its gone 600 miles in a day routinely running over 80mph. It will never be smooth like a twin, but its smooth for a single. It will cruise at 75mph with a 14 tooth countershaft sprocket.

[@CorePathway]

$11 grand for a thumper? No wonder it died.

[@Speedytrip]

Enjoying my 2018 here in Canada. Fully agree, with a 6 gear, EFI, and upgraded suspensions (and ABS if required with an on/off button), would still sell like hot cakes. They could probably even shave 10-15lbs off of it.

[@onthebackwheel]

That's the dream mate 🤩

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

I'm looking forward to turning my recently acquired Tanami edition DR650 into a small project. The plan is to do the basics, suspension upgrade, carb and exhaust mods. Probably upgrade the hand and foot controls, then go out and enjoy it. This is a far different bike to what I've owned in the past and not something I'd dreamed of owning. However, some of the most fun I've had on bikes are the slow and unassuming variants. Maybe as I have gotten older, the reasons to ride have changed a little also. Appreciate the content mate.

[@onthebackwheel]

Cheers mate. That'll be a top bike once you've got it all sorted. Bloody capable

[@MaxwellBenson80]

The cogent ddc /spring / oil upgrade helped the front suspension alot. Good luck on your build!

[@frankensteinsgarage9632]

@@MaxwellBenson80 thank you

[@Bugoutnow589]

The Doctor will never die! 2024 models just hit some dealers floors here in Canada.🇨🇦

[@onthebackwheel]

Let's hope it never dies!

[@Bugoutnow589]

@@onthebackwheel Yes, Sir!

[@DiveTrainerDan]

I think the KLR Gen 3 was a huge miss at the end of the day. It's a fine bike but not really an advancement. They could have changed the gearing on their z650 engine and updated the gauges or just lightened the frame and went more towards an updated gen 1. I hope Suzuki will take there sv650 engine and gauges and put it in the dr650 and update with switchable ABS.

[@verlinswarey507]

I agree

[@eamonneamonn]

Isn't that pretty much what the vstrom 650 is?

[@kgill5]

Love my 2021 DR650. Simple, affordable (US$6700) lightweight, many upgrade options if you want to spend the money. I understand the lack of ABS and EFI forced it out of AUS and Europe. Most gremlins have been fixed for sometime. I’m happy with Suzuki no frills tried and true. Not interested in Chinese knock offs. If you have the money, buy the KLR, Honda, Yam, or KTM. Will they make you happier?

[@reidmcclaren5068]

Yesterday I bought a 2024 model so far its first 130 miles have been awesome

[@onthebackwheel]

Nice mate, she'll treat you well

[@smashedgyro]

I loved my 2015, had some decent adventures on it. 👍

[@onthebackwheel]

Not many better bikes to have proper adventures on

[@waveman1500]

I had a 2007-ish DR650 SE as a very cheap used bike in roughly 2010. The engine sounded like it had a handful of loose washers rattling around in the crankcase, which made me nervous. Nothing went wrong but it just sounded like the timing chain might fall out of it or something similar. I only rode it on tarmac and sold it to buy a VFR 800.

[@onthebackwheel]

Vfr800, nice bikes

[@aderiley6592]

Great bike, still want one, but here in the UK...well... Actually just bought a pair of DR650SE inner fork tubes for the soon to be born FrankenStröm though!

[@Noastrenght]

Bought mine in 2017 and modded it like no tomorrow. I LOVED this bike. Sadly the DR and I got pinned under a car and her frame cracked :(. She would have driven of the scene no worries but I was due for hospital XD. Bye DR my fair lady.

[@onthebackwheel]

Argh that sucks. Fingers crossed you weren't too badly injured

[@Noastrenght]

All good mate. I am greatful to be able to ride again given the circumstances.🤠@@onthebackwheel

[@onthebackwheel]

@@Noastrenght that's good mate, hard to beat being on 2 wheels

[@bartoszpajak2285]

I had a DR650RSE back in the 90‘s and it was a great bike taking me across Europe on all kinds of roads. Unfortunately it disappeared from the dealers in EU in the early 2000s.

[@onthebackwheel]

They are versatile that's for shame. Be good to see them updated and sold in Europe again

[@neilstuarr2278]

Still got mine and will see what happens I just add stuff to it as time goes on for its benefit and may buy the replacement or the ktm. A complete redesign with weight as the major focus but keep the friendly torque maybe lasting a bit longer in revs

[@onthebackwheel]

The KTM is starting to prove itself and certainly has the grunt

[@jasonrichardwatts]

I've had two DRs as well as two KLRs (a 2018 and a 2022). The DR was awesome but it could really do with an update like you mentioned with 6th gear, EFI, ABS, adjustable windscreen and updated suspension valving (adjustable?). It wouldn't be difficult for Suzuki to pull off but maybe they think the DRZ400 and 800DE models are adequate? If they do bring it back I'll buy one! 🎉

[@onthebackwheel]

I think you're right, they'll just stick with the 400 and 800. Hopefully not!

[@jackheinemann1994]

I just got back from a 3hr ride on mine. brilliant bike. I don't know if I could ever own a sport/road bike... you know, youve actually got to stay on the road then

[@onthebackwheel]

Can't beat heading off the pavement

[@eugenebarron692]

Last week purchased a 2024 ready to start modding probably start with a seat, stock one is killer on the ass.

[@onthebackwheel]

A few blokes I ride with have the Sargent seat. Enjoy the bike mate, so easy to mod

[@cavscout62]

They’re here for 2024 and still carbureted, what more could one ask for except for a kickstarter?

[@donut3110]

I think they're still worth getting. It will probably take 30yrs for aftermarket parts to dry up, but there are so many other common parts on the bike used with other bikes or the ease to convert bearings, triple trees etc the bike could easily live another 40-50yrs without OEM support. And while they're still not being sold for new in AUS, there are so many available it's still a bargain bin bike for the next 5-10yrs until we get a refresh or Husky makes it as reliable. What I love about the DR is the lack of electronics, completely. I think with the ABS laws there, Suzuki could offer it as an optional addon and skirt around the law with that, but it does seem like the end for the iconic bush pig over there, for now. If we really want to see Suzuki do something about it, we need support and to make contact with Suzuki reps in Japan, they need to know there's a massive market looking for this bike even if it's a slight refresh or a complete re-work.

[@onthebackwheel]

Great finally mate. I agree, still one of the key adventure bikes on the market

[@renebenitezalumnobrunobeni4275]

Te recuerdo que México también existe, esta a un lado de E.U.y acá la tenemos! Tengo una , llevo disfrutando 2 años y lo único que al momento ha fallado es el desgaste prematuro de la batería ya que al encenderla la luz del faro se prende simultáneamente, recomiendo poner un un botón de encendido y apagado, saludos!

[@onthebackwheel]

That's good to know, thanks for the info!

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Had a 2004, and it was great. Very utilitarian bike. But having said that, I wouldn’t buy another, and now ride a CB500x

[@onthebackwheel]

How do you rate the 500x compared to it?

[@davidnobular9220]

@@onthebackwheel Ask him AFTER he hits a 20cm deep pothole...... 😄

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍I took my Big Drasaurass for a ride on the weekend

[@davidnobular9220]

DR Big ?

[@jasongallagher73]

Be interesting to know how many have been produced over the years

[@iSim0641]

What is the name of the video of you riding with your DR650 buddy? Looks fun to watch.

[@onthebackwheel]

It was a blast. Most of that was from this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXe4eYdmp9l9fqcsi=KNkbDM6XQxPt98e_ but a couple of others too

[@citizenX117]

i still own one, this bikes are really popular in mexico and south america and if you want buy one new 2023 model its about 10.000$ or 12.000$US in Venezuela

[@leighhill9185]

Never owned one but they are awesome bikes! If I had the money, I'd find one and buy it just to keep. I am still pretty happy with my WR250R for now though (which this law also killed) mongrels lol

[@gs9761]

I didn’t know they were on their way out, I have an xt250 as a second play around bike and sometimes consider trading it in for a dr650 as that second play around bike

[@onthebackwheel]

Both solid options

[@tieoneon1614]

Is this just for Oz? Cant find any info bout discontinued in USA. Had to laugh the old XR650L was always ugly but long in tooth for decades. When they recently made them look better with just the black wheels/white retro graphics they sold out. A lot of people including me prefer the old tech vs new. XR, DRZ, and Kawi just updating efi on old models. Love it!

[@onthebackwheel]

Everywhere except Canada and the USA. There were tons of the XR650L's when I was in the states, always one on a ride

[@tieoneon1614]

@@onthebackwheel I think the DR and XR are becoming popular again after the splurge of expensive ADV bikes.

[@fredtracy3931]

I prefer old tech too!

[@FT__Cool_Stuff______-of5pi]

I owned one for a couple years. it works ok. It's a decent bike for certain things. But it was badly in need of a re-design. It has a LOT of design/manufacturing problems. And since it was made in nearly the same way for so many decades, it didn't make sense to buy a new DR. There is a large selection of used DR's available of the exact same design and likely with a bunch of mods you want already installed. I owned mine in 2021-2022 and I can barely remember what year model it was because it didn't matter... Maybe 2013?

[@onthebackwheel]

Hehe you're right, doesn't really matter what year they are

[@qwertyword]

i'm a big fan of EFI but not on a dual sport. The DR650 is significantly lighter and more reliable because it is a simple air cooled, carbed, and no ABS bike. It appears to be the only air cooled carbed bike you can buy right now and I think that sets it apart in a good way. EFI is great when it is working properly but on a bike it is significantly harder to diagnose an issue and parts are very expensive. I can clean or rebuild a carb on the side of the road/trail fairly easily with no cost. Look at the weight of a klr650 vs the dr650. Those components add a lot of weight and complexity.

[@onthebackwheel]

Mate you're right and it certainly has a place, just look at how popular it is. Weight wise, all the new dirt bikes are efi and extremely light, so it can be done. Whether or not they would though...

[@Ebbrush3]

i put 43K mi. on my 09 driving to work .....i geared the sprockets to hum at 90 mi per hr on the freeway

[@onthebackwheel]

That's moving for a bush pig!

[@SWATT101]

I like tinkering with my 17...its a keeper...6000kms under 5g's CDN. How can you go wrong?

[@leanit5756]

I had a couple of them over the last 22 years. Might get one more while they are still in production (USA). It is a really great DP bike. The only thing holding me back is my aversion to carburetors. Hate those things on a bike that has to sit around unridden over the cold months.

[@onthebackwheel]

Fuel injection is bloody good, wish I had it on my KLX when travelling the states

[@armadilllo]

just leave it alone and no problem

[@SWATT101]

Take the fuel line off, put a bolt in the open end and run it dry

[@stevestowell-virtue3781]

Also, run non-ethenol fuel. Ethenol is the enemy of carbies.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

We were cruising in the RAV4 down the 101 yesterday, doing about 75mph and a DR 650 passed us. I told Ms Wolf that the rider impressed me doing probably 80 mph or more on the ole DR. I added, that’d be like me cruising over 100mph on the 890 Adventure. lol I’ve never owned a DR… or any Suzuki. I’ve always wanted a DR, Katana, or of course a Hayabusa but never had the opportunity when it was time to purchase. I’ll sell my Gen 2 KLR when I get through modding it out and my old ZZR 1200 should go to make space. If I ever sell the 890 and 501 the DR would make a good old guy bike.

[@onthebackwheel]

80 on a DR would be close to tapped out!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@onthebackwheel I suspect he had a bigger bore on the bike. I know there were 685 and I think 701 kits for the KLR.

[@onthebackwheel]

@@pinkiewerewolf maybe! That or it was just flat out 😂

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@onthebackwheel 😂 it was hauling ass for sure. 👍

[@onthebackwheel]

@@michaelhrivnak1719 a Dr would be a great 2nd bike alongside the big 1000

[@chunkybullmoto]

Proud owner of a 2023 DR650 here in the U.S. I don’t plan on ever selling it. Long live the Bush Pig!

[@onthebackwheel]

👊

[@matthewdittrich2976]

I have broken my DR to the point of blowing a motor and bending the frame and have brought it back to life to be my go to bike. I just find it is so much fun even though it isn't fast. I was wondering if you felt the DL800 is a complimentary bike to the DR? If I get a DL800, would my DR get ignored?

[@onthebackwheel]

Depends on the riding you do. The Dr is a good 65kg lighter, makes a big difference off road

[@johndevito4237]

I have a 650 V Strom and a KTM 790. My DR is my favorite!

[@toine0002]

Been searching for a DR650SE successor in Europe. 701/690 seem great but like 14000€ to buy it new and equip them... AJP PR7 : No dealers and 11500€ starting price as well (better equiped than HVA/KTM though)... If they made a new all rounder light single ADV bike below 9000€, I would buy it right away...

[@onthebackwheel]

We're all waiting. Maybe the Kove 450

[@duncanwhitcombe4392]

I'll just be ke÷ping mine going

[@onthebackwheel]

I like your thinking

[@bradsanders6954]

DR650 Is not dead, still for sale new, many 1000's available on used bike market. They are not disappearing from showrooms in the US. Mine has 51,000 very hard miles on it, it runs same as new.

[@onthebackwheel]

They are hard to kill. And yes, still for sale in the USA and Canada. Be interested to see if it lasts there too

[@bradsanders6954]

@@onthebackwheel There are so many used DR's for sale, they arent going away any time soon. Mine was 3K in 2008 and has had zero problems. A bargain.

[@adambatchelder4121]

Basically always been heavy and slow compared to the compilation but also cheap and reliable.

[@Herzankerkreuz67]

Would be interesting if anyone here could comment about a direct comparison with the Honda XR 650 L.

[@onthebackwheel]

You're in luck, I've ridden one. Similar, but slightly more off-road oriented. More suspension travel and slightly better suspension. Any long term owners able to comment?

[@user-xz7wl6bm7p]

Love my bush pig bought her new back in 2017 she has never let me down she is slow on the highway but makes up for that on the back roads and dirt I'll never sell her

[@onthebackwheel]

Great all-rounder 👊

[@telcobilly]

I had a 1993 and a 2003 DR650, both brand new. The 2003 was vastly superior, hence it's longevity in the marketplace. Still wish I had a current generation DR650..

[@onthebackwheel]

Can't get your hands on another?

[@rachidsabil3873]

Even just a fuel gauge and a tachometer would be great additions IMHO

[@onthebackwheel]

Haha baby steps

[@makzzz1986]

Had Suzuki XC 250 Djebel for a few years and would like buy DR 250 and 650 for future. But laws are pushing us harder to buy heavy and unreliable new motorcycles. So I ended up to buy Kawasaki KLX250S for now. I would like to buy DR650 in future as a part of a great history. It is pity we don't have so many dual-sports nowadays, everything getting heavier and much expensive :(

[@onthebackwheel]

There's still a few kicking around! Enjoy the klx. I owned one and had some great times on it

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

On my short list. Actualy there are one or two low k available I'm looking at, just need to sell or save a few grand to make it happen.

[@onthebackwheel]

You'll have had nearly all the thumpers then mate

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

@@onthebackwheel Can't forget a KLR & a KTM500 2015/16 model or there a bout, son has one. 😁

[@billcotton1551]

I'm sad that I have never ridden this bike, though I think they are still being sold here in the U.S.

[@onthebackwheel]

Yeah you can still grab them in the states. Plenty of used ones too!

[@robertr9343]

Got my death machine for 1500

[@onthebackwheel]

@@robertr9343 bargain

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

not in us lol they got both 400 , vstrom 800

[@onthebackwheel]

You guys are holding on strong!

[@L5man]

Well 20 subscribers

[@onthebackwheel]

?

[@GROMSQUATCH]

theres a 23 model at a dealership close by.. i thought about getting it but the price tag stopped me.. more than $9000 us dollars out the door. with the money i would have to throw at suspension and a few other parts it's really not worth it to me..

[@onthebackwheel]

Yeah that's just too much isn't it

[@GROMSQUATCH]

@@onthebackwheel way too much. im tired of all these crazy prices.. klr650 around 9-10,000. T7 around 12 and 14,000. heck even groms are over 5000 now.. used market is all just as high if not more..

[@onthebackwheel]

@@GROMSQUATCH it's a bit crazy. Thankfully some are back down here in Aus but other prices are there to stay

[@GROMSQUATCH]

@@onthebackwheel for sure.. the era of the cheap bike is over for the most part.

[@powertrip1050]

About the DR650...I love the Tuareg off to the left..so much so I went and bought one.....Sorry, was that inappropriate? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@onthebackwheel]

Haha good choice

[@MrEtnorb]

No chance of ever seeing it again. Needs water cooling, fuel injection, abs as a minimum. Suzuki pulled out of GP racing, apparently due to costs and all the emphasis is in the Vstrom 800 now.

[@onthebackwheel]

It would certainly need a full revamp. Though they did bring the KLR back...

[@lucaspeden3727]

are they getting rid of the DRZ as well? i traded my S straight up for a Yamaha fat girl and have never looked back

[@onthebackwheel]

The 400? That ain't going anywhere

[@lucaspeden3727]

except antilock brakes in kangaroo country @@onthebackwheel

[@onthebackwheel]

@@lucaspeden3727 nah it doesn't apply to the 400. Only applies motorcycles over a certain weight, bikes like the DR650 for example. Our enduro/dirt bike laws are probably the best in the world, been able to register them since the 90's

[@davidnobular9220]

If Suzuki did update it like Kawasaki did the KLR, it would probably weigh over 220kg like the top of the line KLR. No thanks...... I give the middle finger to the greenies, do-gooders and bureaucrats everywhere who have shut this bike down. I had an accident on mine recently (someone came through a roundabout from my left as I was going through), but because it DIDN'T have ABS I was able to lock the rear and impact the car fully sideways, thus spreading the force of impact over a larger area. If I'd had ABS I would have most likely gone head on into it. RIP DR650

[@MrThejunkman]

They’re never going to update them while people are still buying them from dealerships. It may even take a few years of absolutely dogshit sales for them to drop it from production. Who knows what the price would be on a freshly updated one anyway? Probably close enough to the price of a KTM or some other enduro bike that would make cheaping out seem less worthwhile. They’d probably update the DR and DRZ at the same time, I don’t see why they wouldn’t.

[@onthebackwheel]

I don't reckon they'll ever update them. The drz still sells well here in Aus

[@jackheinemann1994]

They still sell an absolute boatload of these bikes in south america and the likes. Why would they ever 'update' it. some stiffer stock springs would be nice though.

[@smartacus88]

I feel bad for my Aussie brethren. Y'all have such a huge and beautiful country, and a once great pioneer outdoorsman tradition. The left has RUINED all y'all's fun. Can't shoot, can't hunt, can't fish, and now they're coming for riding. Pitiful.

[@jackheinemann1994]

Don't even get me started

[@kevinarmstrong478]

My Dakar had the most brutal kickstarter!

[@onthebackwheel]

Haha don't miss kick start

[@chrislollich6064]

I own an XR 650l; U know Y , Because XR'S RULE.

[@onthebackwheel]

Love xrs too! Great bikes

[@TwoTubesADV]

Still for sale in the US and other regions

[@onthebackwheel]

Ya, just USA and Canada

[@MM-cr7dq]

I had a DR650R Dakar for along time, it was a beast. High Km's off road and on road, awesome bike very reliable.

[@HypeRapEnjoyer]

He's a beast dood

[@stb357]

Own the 2022 model. And they will need to pry it off my cold dead ass…

[@onthebackwheel]

That's the spirit!

[@johancarlbark]

Xr650r is a better option but hard to get unfortunately..

[@onthebackwheel]

Not many left

[@TNZZ_650]

The DR650 needs a ton of things to even compete with the KLR. For example, the KLR has a bigger fuel tank, LED lights on the base model, available ABS, available OEM saddlebags, available LED fog lights, USB port for your phone and a 12v port. All that for maybe an extra 2500$. I was considering the DR for a while, but it just doesn’t make sense compared to what the competition has to offer

[@onthebackwheel]

I'd put them in different categories now though, there's a good 40+ kg difference

[@MattPerry]

DR more power, and less weight, better bike.

[@nelsondavis4310]

KLR better on the road, DR better in the dirt.

[@mprivitt1]

2024 model here..

[@6226superhurricane]

increasing bore and reducing stroke brings power up not down. nobody wants any of the stuff you mentioned, the proof of that is the dr was a top selling bike from start to end, it would have to have efi to pass emissions it has to have abs to meet requirements. it definitely doesn't need to be an overweight slug like the klr and a 650 has never needed 6 gears yet.

[@onthebackwheel]

I get what you're saying about the KLR, they weren't more the adventure route than dual sport. An updated DR650 would sell like hot cakes. The only modern equivalent is the KTM690 and lots of people are getting them instead

[@6226superhurricane]

@@onthebackwheel the dr was so good because it was simple, reliable easy to work on, cheap to buy and fix. a ktm 690 has none of those attributes.

[@onthebackwheel]

@@6226superhurricane some people swear by them, but it's still a KTM 😂

[@6226superhurricane]

@@onthebackwheel did you mean swear at them.

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

I remember when they came out, thats about it. Haha

[@onthebackwheel]

😂

[@redtobertshateshandles]

If you ever owned a DR500 you'll realise how crap the 650 is. Heavier, taller and no faster. Front brake and headlight probably the only real improvements.

[@user-zn8su4eb5p]

🇮🇳❤👌❤👌❤👌❤

[@hazcat640]

Don't want an over priced high maintenance 701 and don't want an over weight porky pig KLR.

[@onthebackwheel]

One of the Japanese guys needs to step up

[@hazcat640]

@@onthebackwheel And with modern engineering a 500 - 600 could be made that will run at 70 or 75 mph easily on the road, be light on the trail and simple to maintain. Yeah, I know, a unicorn that will never be made.