How is the DR650?

[schleppy]

I've been thinking about getting a dual sport as a second bike / commuter. I like the KLR, but it's really heavy. The Honda XR's aren't bad, if not a bit overpriced. The DR650 seems to be almost legendary in its reliability, and is as simple as it gets. Air cooled thumper, 360lbs wet, decent sized (and upgradeable) tank, easily/cheaply upgradable suspension, and dead-easy maintenance. The motor also seems to be a lot more "at home" doing slab rides when compared to say the DRZ 400.

Anyone have any experience with the DR650? The bike would spent most of it's life on the road, and would probably end up being super moto'd. And don't say "get X street bike instead". I want a thumper and long travel suspension I figure I need to have a carb'd bike to learn about them. And maybe it would get me to try simple dirt riding

[GixerJockey]

Buy it. As long as you're keeping the SV, don't think any more. Just buy it. It's got good power, makes tons of torque, and the price is right. Plus all the reliability and ease of maintainence reasons you listed above.

[schleppy]

Have any in stock at your dealer? Any 08 leftovers you need to get rid of ?

[TTD]

I test rode a DR650 when I was out riding with someone on my KLR.

For off road, it seemed much more like a dirtbike than my KLR. Hopping between the two bikes made this painfully obvious. I could basically go anywhere he did off road, but I was working harder and going slower.

However, on the street, I believe the KLR is the better bike (at least the 08 model) mainly due to it's size and the excellent fairing protection.

Under 60mph, either bike is going to be about the same. If you plan to do mainly longer trips, possibly higher speeds, then I would give the nod to the KLR.

If you plan to do some off roading, the DR will be the better bike to learn on as the size of the KLR can be intimidating off road for beginners.

You can't go wrong with either bike... just one is going to be a little better than the other in different places. Either way, get some off road gear and join us on our dual sport rides when you do decide!

[richw]

MY DRZ400s tools around up to 70 but 5 inch seat is a bear after a while

either model check the seat If I ever loose the gixer 1k then I am thinking Versys though only dirt roads are left

[GixerJockey]

Have any in stock at your dealer? Any 08 leftovers you need to get rid of ?

Oh... you were serious? Sorry... ... Sorry, that one slipped...

At this point, there probably isn't one in all of New England. When the gas prices skyrocketed this season, dual sports got scooped up very quickly. Suzuki doesn't import too many since, under normal circumstances, they are not a big seller. Low inventory + High demand = No available product...

[TTD]

There's a pristine XR650L sitting outside on my way to work everyday... it's in Palmer MA.. not sure if it's on craigslist or not?

If really interested... I could stop and look.

[schleppy]

There's a pristine XR650L sitting outside on my way to work everyday... it's in Palmer MA.. not sure if it's on craigslist or not?

If really interested... I could stop and look.

If it's not a hassle, sure take a look!

[TTD]

Wasn't there today... not sure if it was sold?

[schleppy]

No worries. If you see it again, cool, if not, that's cool too. Thanks Tony!