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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #23  
Old 15 Mar 2014
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
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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