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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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.

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.

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.

What suspension modifications would you recommend? I saw quite a variety and am unsure of what would be most appropriate.