hi there. I am currently planning a trip around the world going everwhere, south america, africa, asia, ect. i like the suzuki bikes and am wondering which bike would be best. The things i want out of the bike is to be reliable, easy to fix, being able to find parts around the world, and capable of going through the sahara as well as doing long days on the high way. i am a big guy at 6'1 235lbs so wondering which bike would be best.

the bikes i'm lookign at are:

1. DR650SE

2.DRZ400S

3.DRZ400SM

reliablity i have to say is my main concern and being able to find parts around the world.

The 650.

There isn't a moto made that has parts available 'everywhere'.

Hi,

I did already some tours on Suzukis and I like a lot the DR 650 SE, put a big Tank on the bike and thats it. I also made some tours on a DR 350, for very tough roads perhaps even the better bike(Jungle etc.)

I know a girl who did Alaska - Tierra del fuego on the DR 350 - no problems!

Have fun - Jens

Ride whatever bike you like and fits you well. As has been said before, there are no parts anywhere in the world for any bike you are riding. Heck you can't even find tires most of the time.

So ride what you want and know how to service it and carry wear parts with you.

And most of all----have fun!!!

Curtis

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I just want to ride

You might want to consider the DL650. It has lots of room for luggage, is reliable as a brick, and comfortable. Off road, the bike has a smooth tractable powerband and aside from being a bit heavy compared to the DR, is pretty capable. Consider installing cartridge emulators and an upgraded rear shock, as well as crash bars and a bash plate though. I've gone on dual sport rides and had no problem keeping up with the KLR's etc on two track, and on the highway it's no contest. 60 MPG is nice bonus as well. Not a bike for tight single track, but when reliability, economy, and comfort are needed, this is one you might want to check out.

The DL650 is a nice bike, but suffers from a lack of ground clearance.

It's not a bike to take curb hopping, up/down stairs, crossing over deepish ruts or trails with babyheads.

Dry weight is approx 90lb greater than the DR650, before requisite amour is added.

A broken chain can lead to a broken clutch actuator rod which stops the bike from running in any gear except neutral.
...............

It's very quick, reliable as an anvil, has excellent fuel mileage and good range.


A friend of mine has this bike and he loves it.

"capable of going through the sahara as well as doing long days on the high way. i am a big guy at 6'1 235lbs"

If it was ME, i would say DR-Z400S. Capable yes, but i am trying to avoid "long days on the high way" and you got a pound or two or nearly 100 on me.

check out this thread will have so much info for yea.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131867

take care
WIESE

i keep toying with the "which bike", it is down to DR-Z400S or XR650R, but this is just for ME, it is what ever works for ya nothingman.

MY thoughts are there is no right bike. I also feel there is not a correct way to go RTW. With this said there is not a right or a wrong way to RTW, it is what ever works for YOU.

I tried to say the only Suzuki I would think of RTW is the DR-Z400S/kick. I tried to show this with the capital ME. (“If it was ME”)

Patrick

As for, “six feet of crap piled up on the rear rack of your bike” you could not pay me to RTW with that. Nor would I ever think of RTW on a 50cc or a BMW 1150/1200 but people do it. Do people go around the world on dirt bikes yea and I am soon to be one of them.

You may also want to check out that ADVrider again and look into DRZmaui. You know, the guy who has taken his all over the world, Siberia, Mongolia, Egypt and etc. I think he is now on his second one after putting 100+k on his first one.

“To gain more insight into this, go check out my other comments on the other threads here on Suzuki tech." Thank you, but you may wish to do the same my good friend. Do a search and plenty of people traveling 3rd world on DRZ.

Nothingman, it is what ever works for ya. Get on them both and see what feels right. When it comes time to decide, don't listen to anyone but yourself. Good Luck with it and don't worry you will be happy with what ever you are on.


Take care
WIESE

From the manufacturers' websites, so it's always suspect...
www.suzukicycles.com
www.bmwmotorcycles.com

1200GS Adv - 564 lbs wet
1200GS - 496 lbs wet
F650GS - 425 lbs wet
DL650 - 427 lbs dry
DR650 - 324 lbs dry
DRZ400S - 291 lbs dry

'If' these numbers are correct (big if), then the DL650 is:

27 lbs heavier than the F650 (dry)
35 lbs lighter than the 1200GS (dry)
103 lbs heavier than the DR650
136 lbs heavier than the DRZ400S

From my personal experience, 10 miles of hellacious (and possibly dangerous) off road conditions, can quickly nullify any comfort had over the previous 3000 miles...

What are you preparing for........

Hahaha....I wonder where he got that!

I like your DR650....and I've read a lot of what you're written about the DL650, and agree with a good share of it. I've got 16k miles on mine now and would definitely prefer something else (like your DR perhaps) for an all purpose ride. I don't care for the DL650 off-road at all.