Hi There Mollydog,

well your the first person I've ever heard describe a DR650 as 'Light Weight'!

I always thought the curb weight was nearer 170kg mark, and having helped a mate to pick theirs up (after it decided to take a nap at the roadside), it sure felt a lot heavier than 147kg.

It's still a great all rounder and I found a brand new one for sale for my mate Doc at Bridge Moto but the others were quickly snapped up.

It's basically a Serow on steroids and would make an idea travel bike.

Me, well I've ordered a CCM GP450S to replace my XT250 Serow, being 5ft 4in (on a good day), with an inside leg of almost 28inch and only having size 6 feet (I should really get my biking boots from Mothercare).

HEY! Big congrats on the CCM! Please chime in ... let us know how you get on!

True enough, the DR650 is not a light weight compared to bikes in 250 class or compared to full spec dirt/race bikes ... but in the realm of other 650 Dual Sport bikes ... it's not bad, IMO.

(NOTE: DR650 is easily lowered using lowering links ... so at 5'4", you would be OK ... I'm 5' 6", no links, no problems)

The 147 kg. (324 lb.) is Suzuki's claimed DRY WEIGHT (as noted in my 1st post) True Curb weight (wet weight) is 166 kg. (367 lb). Measured. So you're not far off.

When you add in bash plate, bark busters, racks et al ... and FULL LUGGAGE ... add in another 10-15 kg. My bike with all the above (and more), 5 US gal. of fuel weighs in at 403 lb. (181 kg.) on certified scale. Compared to most fully loaded travel bikes, this is not too bad in my experience.

Compare curb weights and dry weights with XT's, KLR, XR650L. DR650 compares well. Lighter than KLR and XT, same as the XR650L and heavier than KTM 690. Up against BMW Sertao, GS650 or F650 dual sports ... about a 70 lb. margin in favor of the DR650.

Clearly, the 225 Serow is lighter, but with rather poor suspension, spindly forks and NO power, I would not consider one unless staying strictly to slow city traffic and mild, slow speed off road situations. The Serow is a TOUGH bike but actually heavy for what it is. I've spent a fair bit of time on them. Not my favorite 250, but many love them and have done RTW on them.

The DR650 is more than a Serow on steroids. With big 43mm KYB forks and decent KYB shock, over sized swing arm ... it's not only fast and stable ON and OFF road but nimble and can match some sports bikes on tight, twisty, beat up paved roads. It handles extremely well ... compared to ANY BIKE.
(hyperbole? Try one out)

On highway the DR can comfortably cruise at 75 mph ALL DAY, day after day after day. Smooth and easy. You can't do that easily on a Serow.

Off road a well set up DR650 keeps pace well, even with KTM's and Huskies with a decent pilot riding it. (and with key mods done)

A few Plus points for the DR650:
1. Simple: Air/Oil cooled engine, uses Suzuki's SACS oil cooling system. The engine simply NEVER overheats. (Tested by me in 118F heat in Death Valley)
A. No radiator, no hoses, no water pump to fail.
B. Screw adjust valves can be set in half hour ... they stay in spec well past 4000 mile interval.
C. Carb is simple and accessible. Owner serviceable. Reliable long term.
D. Stellar electrics. Long term reliable.
E. Excellent crash survival. Tested by ME and hundreds of other DR owners. You may snap a lever or scrap a case, but most times ..no damage save your pride.
F. Affordable. Used DR's in USA can be had in $2000 USD to $4000 USD range,
under $6000 USD new. Compare to $10,000 USD KTM 690E.
G. Tough frame and rear sub frame can carry a load off road and NOT crack or bend. You can break it, but hard to do unless way overloaded.
Tested by ME in 65,000 miles, 5 major Baja and Mexico trips, Trips to Moab, Colorado and more.

Basics needed to travel:
1. Better seat (5 choices available)
2. Bark busters
3. HID (or LED) headlight
4. luggage rack for soft panniers
5. Top quality DID X ring chain, spare front sprockets
6. With a budget ... suspension should be upgraded front and rear.
(Anywhere from $500 to $1200 USD for FULL upgrade)

Faults and Downsides:
Low Stator output (just 200 Watts) mitigated by 35W headlight and LED's.

3rd gear has failed on a small percentage of DR650's (about 1.5 %)

Fuel economy could be better. A well set up DR will return 50 miles per US gallon. BMW's get 65 to 70 MPG.

Some bikes wear rear hubb bearings and Cush Drive rubbers harden and need replacing every 10K miles or so. Fresh Cush rubbers keeps driveline SMOOTH as do fresh front sprocket.

Final comment, the DR650 has excellent parts and service support from Pro Cycle in Oregon, USA. FAST shipping of everything world wide. True ONE STOP SHOPPING.

Suzuki DR650 Parts, Accessories, & Performance - ProCycle

Hi Mollydog,

I totally agree that the DR650 has loads going for it and can be made into a great adventure bike.

I'll let you know how I get on with the CCM, I can't wait to get my mitts on it.