Any Suzuki DR650 owners out there?

[DucatiSSsp]

Was debating between the KLR650 and DR650 and seem to be leaning towards the DR.

Both good bikes but the DR is more simple in design, air/oil cooled and less bulky than the KLR.

The adventure/touring market must be heating up as there weren't too many DR's or KLR's in the Cycle trader.

Just looking for any drawbacks or problems with the DR.

Looking to fill the nitch between the FJR and WR. :yahoo:

KTM's are out of my $ range. So let's not head off in that direction :angry2:

Bryce

 

[RenoJohn]

Was debating between the KLR650 and DR650 and seem to be leaning towards the DR.Both good bikes but the DR is more simple in design, air/oil cooled and less bulky than the KLR.

The adventure/touring market must be heating up as there weren't too many DR's or KLR's in the Cycle trader.

Just looking for any drawbacks or problems with the DR.

Looking to fill the nitch between the FJR and WR. :yahoo:

KTM's are out of my $ range. So let's not head off in that direction :angry2:

Bryce

If you're locked into getting a 650thumper, I'd definately go with the DR over the KLR ...and that is said after putting tooooo many hours and miles on both. Even with the improvements of the 07KLR (are they really improvements or just more of a street pussy bike?), the DR is a much better choice. Simple fact is that the KLR is like the Concours, a tired old generation bike. Nothing wrong with the connie, but if you're on an FJR likely enough said.
Good news: both the KLR and DR can be had slightly used for a song ....and tons of after market accessories to farkle it as needed for your riding pleasure.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I have a late '99 DR 650 with 12K (mostly dual-sport) miles. I had several d-s bikes previous to the DR and used them all as close to 50-50 (street-dirt) as I could. I've ridden (but, not owned) a couple KLR 650s and consider them nice touring bikes compared to the DR (even tho....a good rider can almost ride any bike almost anywhere). I chose the DR.

Like the hyphenated sport-touring, a d-s bike is a compromise. But, for me, the Suzuki fits right in there where I want it to. I've ridden mine on the Great Divide Ride and rode close to 2K miles on the highway to the start -- then, a few days later was standing on the pegs negotiating a rock-strewn up-hill first gear climb out of some Rocky Mtn. canyon.

As RenoJohn says: they can be found at very reasonable prices (new, non-current, and used). I guess my only concerns for you would be very early editions and ones where the owners attempted various modifications for more power (like: what's the point?). :blink:

good luck

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I understand the desire for a DR. I ended up with a DR400SM that I bought the extra equipment for so I can swap between the enduro wheels/tires and the street 17's.

This was bought for short jaunts, but a more comfortable seat and larger tank and I think I'd be fine taking it longer distances than I do. It seems to handle 70mph easily on the tar.

In some ways I wish I got the 650 thumper...but in others, I really think I just want one of everything and at some point I have to quit buying bikes. After the DL____ I'll quit buying...for awhile.

 

[DucatiSSsp]

I understand the desire for a DR. I ended up with a DR400SM that I bought the extra equipment for so I can swap between the enduro wheels/tires and the street 17's.
This was bought for short jaunts, but a more comfortable seat and larger tank and I think I'd be fine taking it longer distances than I do. It seems to handle 70mph easily on the tar.

In some ways I wish I got the 650 thumper...but in others, I really think I just want one of everything and at some point I have to quit buying bikes. After the DL____ I'll quit buying...for awhile.

I guess it is true that great minds think alike! :yahoo: Heading down to the mega-cycle store tomorrow to see if i can cut a deal!

Might try to find a '06 yellow as I'm not to keen on Black, but can live with blue.

Thanks for the replies!

Bryce