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  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2014
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Smile DR650 2 up
I have 2008 DR650 that I have been using as a backroads travel bike for just over 2 years now. In my opinion, riding a DR 2 up on a long trip would be similar to using a 250 solo - something that is becoming increasing popular as people realize that low cost, light weight, and simplicity are often more important then power.

Stock the DR is so-so, built to a budget (but at least built to a budget and priced accordingly!). However, as many have already pointed out there is fantastic aftermarket support for suspension, tanks, seats, etc. as the bike has been pretty much unchanged since 1996.

In my opinion, the DR would be a good 2 up choice for the following situations:
  1. You and your back seat companion are relatively small and short. The DR is one of the few 'dirt bikes' with an accessible seat height, and can be easily lowered.
  2. You are looking for a low cost starting point. Fuel economy is good, overall running costs are low. In North America these bikes are comparatively cheap new and used, and in general the tanks, seats, suspension mods required are affordable as well. I figure that a DR can be pretty well set up for travel (including suspension & luggage) for $2000-$3000 if you can install parts yourself, much less if you can live with the stock suspension - but IMO there are very few bikes with stock suspension that is up to an RTW trip, and I wouldn't consider the DR650 2 up without at least replacing springs front and rear.
  3. Your intended riding terrain is rough and the ~100+ pounds that a GS800 or 1200 type bike adds will be more of a hindrance then the extra HP will be a help.

Personally, I like the DR650 because it is sized and priced like a 250 and I can manage it off road much better then I can taller/ heavier bikes. 99% of the time I don't miss the extra HP of a bigger bike, but I always appreciated the low weight.

Having said that If you and your partner are larger/ taller, a bigger bike will probably offer quite a bit more comfort and carrying capacity.
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  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Timo View Post
Stock the DR is so-so, built to a budget (but at least built to a budget and priced accordingly!). However, as many have already pointed out there is fantastic aftermarket support for suspension, tanks, seats, etc. as the bike has been pretty much unchanged since 1996.
Good post!
But it's important to point out that "built to a budget" should not be misconstrued as "Cheap". The Suzuki's DR650 motor is one of the best ... if not THE best single cylinder motors ever built by anyone.

Hard to match it's utter simplicity combined with modern utility. Really quite impressive for a design from 1995. The SACS Air/Oil cooling system means the DR can go many thousands of hard miles with just minimal maintenance. It really can take a hammering. Trust me.

The "budget" part (as you've pointed out) is more reflected in the mid level suspension components. But at least Suzuki had the vision to use a nice, stout 43mm fork (Compare to other bikes out there today)
That KYB fork has potential and with valves & springs is not bad.

The rest is just plain old Good Japanese Quality and superior Design. As an example, compare electrics with any BMW single or KTM. The Suzuki is a simpler and more reliable design.

The chassis and rear sub frame is another stand out area. "Cheap" bikes don't get such good frames (like the KLR) ... I'd put the DR's frame and sub frame against BMW/KTM singles ridden loaded up on rough roads for 50,000 miles any day. There is Cheap and then there is Good Value!
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Old 17 Mar 2014
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"There is Cheap and then there is Good Value"

Agreed! Re-reading my post I certainly don't want to suggest that the DR is a poor bike, far from it. IMO it is the best choice out there for the type of riding I do, which is just about everything. Out of the crate it doesn't perform at the level of a more modern design like a KTM 690, but then it is almost half the price. Ironically, even a 690 needs work to be a decent travel bike.

The DR650 is a great starting point, and can be cost effectively developed into a very capable travel bike as long as you can work with ~40 HP and a 225 watt alternator. There are very few 'issues' (NSU switch, rear drive seal, upper chain roller, soft springs, poor seat) with the design and these are well documented and easily fixed quite cheaply. Even the potentially weak 3rd gear has a fix if you really want to reduce all risks of failure.

After living with the DR for a couple of years now, I am more confident about it's combined reliability and capability to get me anywhere then any other bike currently on the market.
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Old 17 Mar 2014
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Spot on Timo!
I guess we're both kind of "preaching to the choir" here.
Most everything about the DR has been said already. But hard to over emphasize the great versatility of the DR650. As you've said, all bikes need upgrades for LD travel. The DR is no exception, but costs are relatively low.

I'm amazed at the number of converts that have come over from BMW's, KLR's and even KTM 640's and Huskies.

Oddly, one weak area is the point of this thread: It's NOT a great bike two up, the reasons already made clear many posts back in this thread. But as stated, for some smaller riders traveling light, it can work.
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