I have a DR 650 and it has many good features. The engine does not have a lot of power or torque for two up riding in my opinion. I only ride solo. The seat can be an issue in terms of comfort. If you look at the stock seat you will notice it narrows and thins out at the pillion area. I think this can limit effectiveness for the pillion. The seat can be modified without a lot of money.

I find the seat ok but to get around the lack of comfort I ride with bike nicks (lightly padded insert)and a set of foam padded shorts made for off-road riders, under my riding gear. Works for me.

The bike is really a good bike - light weight; simple; no fuel injection and can maintain 100kph with the load; easy on fuel. etc. It does need (and I have) a safari tank; extra carry racks; tool carriers and tube carrier on the front mud guard.

For two up I think I would look at the V Strom. The twin cylinder motor provides more power and torque and will rev out better. Bike is a bit heavier than a DR however. Looked at these but for weight I chose the DR. A GS is a great touring bike (I have one) but too heavy when the going gets a bit technical.


M

Some good posts on the DR650's two up ability!
I've owned both the Vstrom and DR ... and must admit, unless A LOT of off road riding is intended, then a DL650 (or something similar) may be the better travel bike riding two up.

As Grif mentioned, if pilot and pillion are small folk and pack lite and a GOOD aftermarket seat is installed, it could work .... But RTW is a very long ride. Petite pillions fit fine on my DR with the wide Corbin seat. I am not a big guy either, so that helps. Large humans will not do so well. And then you've got to deal with luggage and packing for two.

Two up I can still easily hold a true 70 mph. Power falls off in the mountains over about 2500 meters and aggressive passing is limited. At slower speeds on tight paved roads, its fine and fine riding technical dirt roads as well, even two up loaded.

At that is where a DR650 will pay it's way ... on technical, slippery, rutted or rocky dirt roads, it will out pace a Vstrom and many other larger bikes. Torque is very good for 650 single with simple minor Carb/air box/Exhaust mods, all DIY. So if lots of dirt riding is the plan ... then the DR could work out.

By the way ... a DR650 is roughly 100 lbs. (45 kgs.) lighter weight than a DL650. Maybe this would help?

Thats a great trailer you've got there. Hadn't thought of doing that. Where did you get it from?

That is Big Al's bike. He did a fly and ride from Seattle to down South somewhere. The Seller through in the trailer. Not sure who makes it ... but there are several outfits doing lightweight trailers for dual sport/dirt bikes.

Find Big Al's ride report here and PM him. Perhaps he can provide info the trailer? ... or maybe he'll sell it to you? He pulled it all the way cross country with NO ISSUES. (he and his buddy rode DR650's to Tierra del Fuego ... but no trailer)

I appreciate the thought but I'm in Australia

That was going to be my next question, how does it handle RTW?

Hi, I am in the UK and just brought a DR650RS 2001 model, I was a bit unsure about the 650, I was going for a newer DR400, but a friend told about a DR650 he knew was good and going at a good price, I loved the bike when I saw it, they are rare in the UK, this one was owned by a bike nut who has stripped it and powder coated everything! frame, swinging arm etc., I was really happy with the bike, then I went to a Trail riders federation meeting, first time, they are the guys to know, but was told people buy big bikes as a compensation for a small "" well I got I bit put out by it and questioned my purchase! but I love it, and don’t give a f##k after reading the post on here, I think my gut feeling was right and the most important thing is to love the bike you ride, yer a CRF or KTM would have been more sensible for TRF stuff, but I want to get familiar with big bikes off road and hope to do a big trip, Thanks!
Kind Regards
Andy

and we want the XT660 and Transalp over here

If you have a DR650RS ... then you've I believe you got a different model DR than the one shown in this thread. (DR650SE) Take a look at the other DR650SE pics shown in this thread ... is your bike like those?

The DR650 RS model is a totally different bike. No interchangeable parts.

It's also news to me that Suzuki still even made the RS in 2001. That model was discontinued here in the USA in 1995 or '96. Perhaps production was continued in UK and EU? Dunno?

For more info, check out the Zen Seeker page:
Suzuki DR650 History Page

Mines the same as this only with full engine bars fitted, the logbook says DR650SE, the bike is an DR650RS? 2001, but these were all imported to the UK, prob. from New Zealand?

I think mines the 1991? because it was imported the log book is probably quoting the the year it was imported to the UK?

I have no idea what was imported or what bike was called what in the UK. What I do know is that bike IS NOT a DR650SE.

The bike above is a totally different bike. Different motor, swingarm, frame, forks ... and more. Take a CLOSE look at the SE model (from 1996 onward) and you can see the differences. Not much support for the pre '96 S models here in USA, maybe better in UK? Good luck with it!



Left side, 2006 DR650SE. No changes since 1996.


This is the right side of my bike after a 4000 mile trip through Baja .. so it's a bit dirty after a month on the road.
Is this your motor?

Thanks for the reply, I have got confused due to the log book! imported bikes seem to be registered a little different? it's registered as a DR650SE, I think the SE means special edition?
It's a 1991 DR650RS, identical to the pic, apart from a few edition bits, parts don’t seem to be an issue on eBay! yet! lol, it's got a 21lt tank as standard, and I’m really happy with it! done 30'000 miles.
The tyres are very similar to yours, how do you find the off-road riding with them? at the trail riders meeting I was recommended to fit a good set of off-road tyres, the ones I have are brand new, I'm not changing anything until I have tried it out first.
I was pleased to see people using the DR650 as an adventure bike! that’s what really made my day!!!! it’s exactly what I thought it should do well! I paid £1350!! for the bike, it’s had a bolts up rebuild, good to go! if you’re interested I can post a few more pics, when the sun shows itself!
My intention is to learn the basics for off-road riding, on the road repairs, kit etc., I don’t have the cash for a BMW, or new bike, especially as I am likely to drop it a few times in a ditch, (hope not!)

I´m no expert on DR650-models, but I do know there are at least two, and probably three very different models.. (and yes, even their engines ARE different).

Suzuki´s model naming policy is sometimes just weird. Well, at least they don´t have a ´650´ or ´700´ that is actually an 800......

It's all good! You got a good deal on your bike. I'd go onto ADV Rider, Thumpers forum. Find the pre 1996 DR650 thread. Lots of good info for you!
Pre '96 Suzuki DR650S - ADVrider
Also, go to DRRiders.com forum. There they have a pre 1996 forum ... just for your bike. Ask questions, read and find solutions!
Pre-96 DR650 Forum

Tires sizes are the same as post '96 DR650SE:
90/90-21" front, 120 or 130-17 rear.

Tires like Conti TKC 80 are expensive but work well off road. They wear out quickly however. Also, Michelin T-66 is a popular off road tire that comes in your bikes size. There are a few others ... look around. (Maxxis, Shinko, more) Regular knobbies are good too ... but the rear size is a bit rare.
You could switch up to a 18" rear wheel which would mean hundreds of knobby tire choices.

Good luck!