Suzuki DR650SE, do FJR Forumites have any experience?

[beemerdons]

Do any of you FJR Forumites have riding experience with the Suzuki DR650SE? The older I get the smaller dual sport motorcycle that I need, I have transitioned from a BMW R1100GS, to a Kawasaki KLR650 to a BMW F650GS Twin. It looks like a Suzuki DR650SE will fit the bill, but i need info.

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2011-Suzuki-DR-650SE-110979654

Through Cycle Trader I have discovered that within 400 miles of Chandler, AZ I can pick up used two year old DR650SE's all day long for $5K.

Interestingly, used 2011 DR-Z400S's are going for the same amount of money! 650 weighs 366 lbs. and the 400 weighs 317, no big difference!

As a BMW loyalist I looked at the G650GS, but with a weight of 423 lbs., forget it! No use getting a new dual sport only 75 lbs. lighter than Salma!

I also was interested in the Husqvarna Terra 650, but Dashbaw says that bike is an orphan and getting computer service on it will be almost nil!

Yamaha WR450 also interests me, but it's 90% off road. My ideal bike would take me to Creel at Mexico's Copper Canyon, then down to Batopilas!

 

[xcsp]

Had a '96 and '09 DR650se, great bikes, used them basically for commuting and around town but will easily run down the highway, just not as stable as a street bike.

The DR650 can be lowered some if needed, not so sure about the DRZ400's.

Simple bikes, air/oil-cooled, low maintenance and basically bullet-proof as they're virtually the same bike today as they were in 1996.

 

[beemerdons]

Had a '96 and '09 DR650se, great bikes, used them basically for commuting and around town but will easily run down the highway, just not as stable as a street bike.

The DR650 can be lowered some if needed, not so sure about the DRZ400's.

Simple bikes, air/oil-cooled, low maintenance and basically bullet-proof as they're virtually the same bike today as they were in 1996.

Many Thanks xcsp, this is the info I'm looking for! I'm 6'-1" so I'll not need to lower, just need to ride Mexican pavement to El Divisadero, Chihuahua Estado from USA.

 

[phil]

beemerdons, I'm sending you a PM, as I have a bike that may interest you.

Phil

 

[beemerdons]

beemerdons, I'm sending you a PM, as I have a bike that may interest you.

Phil

Many Thanks Phil, I have returned your PM.

 

[Escaped]

I am a little late in responding but the DR650 is a great commuting/ fire trial / easy to moderate off road bike. I have over 46,000 miles on my 2006 that I bought new. No problems whatsoever - just normal maintenance.

 

[maddad]

I haven't been on the DR650 but have riden a few KLR 650s, own a DRZ400 and spent two weeks on a BMW F650GS.

KLR like the 650 is noticeably heavier. DR not as bad as KLR I think. Both are a little better on the hiway speeds when you are up to 70-80 mph. But a bugger in the trails.

DRZ400S is nice and light. Modded it has as much power as the 650 and they are known to be bullet proof. I wouldn't hesitate to do a 100-200 mile run on it on back roads up to 60 mph. But would feel I'd be pushing it to do 75 mph for anymore than a short run. I'm using stock gearing. Max speed I've been at is 140kmh.

F650GS I had in New Zealand. Not a trail bike or for the dirt. Heavier and great for the gravel roads or adventure riding but not dirt. Buried it on the beach one day.

 

[Bugnatr]

Don, look at the seat on a the 650 and the 400. Which one do you want to be on after 6-7 hours on the bike?