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21 Mar 2013
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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2006 Suzuki DR650SE good for two?
I am looking to travel with a friend on a 2006 Suzuki DR650SE. We hope to spend several months traveling through North and Central America.
Would this bike be a proper choice for a 330lb of people plus side bags and equipment? What modifications should be made?
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21 Mar 2013
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
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Hi Kase, Welcome to the HUBB
See This Post and take a look through our blog, link in my signature below.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-america-53258
For 2 up in Central America if you are travelling slowly a sorted out DR would be OK and you can get off the beaten track better.
But I cant recommend one for an extensive fairly fast tour of North America using Highways/Freeways.
For that I would find a used V Strom 650, but if you are prepared to compromise and you are looking for a 650 thumper, the DR will do the job, just make sure the suspension has been sorted out, shock revalved and stiffer springs front and rear as a minimum.
The only other limiting factor is your height, Im 5'10, 180 lbs, my wife is 5'6, 115 lbs, if you are any taller than this, id look for a V Strom or it will be quite cramped.
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21 Mar 2013
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I didn't even enjoy riding around town on my DR650SE 2-up so certainly wouldn't fancy a long trip like that though I'm reasonably tall and I know others have done so and seemed to be ok with all the usual suspension upgrades.
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21 Mar 2013
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
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For me, 2 or more cylinders (instead of one), will always be better for two-up. I´d also be a bit worried about space for two people and their luggage on a bike, that is basically an off-road machine, and has not really been designed to carry that much weight.
DR650 is a proven overlander, though. I´m sure it COULD do what you´re asking, especially if you´re not in a rush, and want to do the backroads a lot. It´s just that there are better options for long two-up tours IMO.
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26 Mar 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper
For that I would find a used V Strom 650, but if you are prepared to compromise and you are looking for a 650 thumper, the DR will do the job, just make sure the suspension has been sorted out, shock revalved and stiffer springs front and rear as a minimum.
The only other limiting factor is your height, Im 5'10, 180 lbs, my wife is 5'6, 115 lbs, if you are any taller than this, id look for a V Strom or it will be quite cramped.
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What suspension modifications would you recommend? I saw quite a variety and am unsure of what would be most appropriate.
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