Are you an adventure seeker looking for the perfect motorcycle to accompany you on your journeys? Look no further than the Suzuki DR650SE. This bike is known for its versatility, durability, and off-road capabilities. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Suzuki DR650SE and everything you need to know about this incredible machine.
Contents
What is the Suzuki DR650SE?
The Suzuki DR650SE is a dual-sport motorcycle designed for both on and off-road adventures. It is powered by a 644cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that delivers excellent performance and reliability. The bike features long-travel suspension, a comfortable seat, and a large fuel tank, making it perfect for long rides.
Why this bike?
My partner Aga, and I decided to ride around Australia in 2021 (and beyond afterwards). This wasn’t my first big motorcycle trip as back in 2012 I rode my second-hand Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin from Spain to Japan via Russia and Mongolia. Thanks to my past experience – and some extra research – I had a good idea of what kind of motorcycle characteristics were important for this kind of journey. Here they are in order of importance:
Reliability
Lightweight
Affordable
Easy to maintain and repair
Plenty of parts available anywhere in the world
Good fuel range and consumption
Decent suspension
Comfortable to ride over long distances
Using this criteria we started our research, and after some time offered down our options to four candidates: Suzuki DR650SE, Yamaha WR250R, Honda XR650L and the CRF250L (now replaced by CRF300L). Arguably, none of these bikes fit the above requirements completely. However, thanks to a large number of aftermarket parts available for them, you can easily transform any of these bikes into a proper around the world machine.
In the end, we settled for the DRs as they are one of the most available second-hand bikes in Australia. And people give them funny names like “Bush Pig”, “Dirt Tractor” and “Off-road Armchair” which is very encouraging, isn’t it?
We bought both bikes in Melbourne, Australia with lots of modifications already on them such as: Safari tank, aftermarket suspension, lower link for Aga’s bike, USB charger, aftermarket seats and exhausts. We then further upgraded both bikes to make sure they fulfilled all our requirements (around 1,400 USD extra for each bike). So, the total cost with full set up for each bike pre-journey was about 5,600 USD.
The Suzuki DR650 was in production from 1996 – 2021. During that time, other than the color pallet, they stayed relatively unchanged!
You can get a lot of cheap spare parts on the market. Plus, it’s a Suzuki, so you can find dealerships almost anywhere.
You know what needs to be fixed before going on the journey and what can break thanks to thousands of reviews from other riders and RTW travelers.
You have A LOT of options in terms of aftermarket upgrades and mods. This is where the DR650 really shines. The barebone version is okay-ish, but you really can transform it into one of the best RTW motorcycles thanks to the sheer amount of quality aftermarket parts available (see the extra-long list of our mods below).
In addition, the Suzuki DR650 is rather light for its size. With 162kg of wet weight, it’s light enough to have fun off-road and still heavy enough to be stable on asphalt. And since the DRs were designed over two decades ago, they are very easy to maintain and repair. You don’t need to worry about fancy electronics and onboard computers. They don’t even have a tachometer or fuel gage – less to go wrong!
Features of the Suzuki DR650SE
The Suzuki DR650SE comes with a range of features that make it stand out from other dual-sport motorcycles on the market. Some of these features include:
Engine
The DR650SE is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that delivers 43 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission and is known for its reliability and durability.
Suspension
The DR650SE features a long-travel suspension that can handle rough terrain with ease. The front suspension is a telescopic fork, while the rear suspension is a link-type system with adjustable spring preload.
Brakes
The DR650SE comes with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. The front brake is a single-piston caliper, while the rear brake is a mechanical leading-trailing drum brake.
Fuel Tank
One of the standout features of the DR650SE is its large fuel tank, which has a capacity of 13 liters (3.4 gallons). This means that you can go further on a single tank of gas, making it perfect for long rides.
Advantages of the Suzuki DR650SE
So, what makes the Suzuki DR650SE such a great motorcycle? Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of this bike.
Versatility
The DR650SE is a dual-sport motorcycle, which means that it is designed to be used both on and off-road. It can handle a range of terrains, from dirt and gravel to pavement and highways.
Suzuki DR650SE: The Ultimate Adventure Bike
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable adventure bike that can handle any terrain, the Suzuki DR650SE is the perfect choice. With its rugged design and powerful engine, this bike is built for adventure and can take you anywhere you want to go.
Design and Features
The Suzuki DR650SE is a dual-sport bike that can handle both on-road and off-road adventures. It has a rugged, sturdy design that can withstand the toughest terrain, with a high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and sturdy steel frame.
One of the best features of the Suzuki DR650SE is its powerful engine. The 644cc, four-stroke, air-cooled engine provides plenty of power and torque, making it easy to climb hills and tackle rough terrain. It also has a six-speed transmission, allowing you to easily shift gears and find the right gear for any situation.
The bike also has a comfortable seat and ergonomic design, making it easy to ride for long periods of time. It also has a large fuel tank, providing plenty of range for those long adventures.
On-Road Performance
While the Suzuki DR650SE is built for off-road adventures, it also performs well on the road. Its powerful engine provides plenty of speed and acceleration, making it easy to keep up with traffic and pass other vehicles.
The bike also has a comfortable ride, with a smooth suspension and responsive handling. The brakes are also powerful and responsive, making it easy to stop quickly when needed.
Off-Road Performance
The Suzuki DR650SE truly shines when it comes to off-road performance. Its rugged design and powerful engine make it easy to tackle even the toughest terrain, from rocky trails to steep hills.
The bike also has a long-travel suspension and high ground clearance, allowing you to easily navigate over obstacles and rough terrain. The tires are also designed for off-road adventures, with deep treads and excellent traction.
Maintenance and Reliability
One of the best things about the Suzuki DR650SE is its low maintenance and high reliability. The bike is built to last, with a sturdy steel frame and reliable engine. It also has a simple design, making it easy to perform routine maintenance and repairs.
The bike also has a reputation for being one of the most reliable adventure bikes on the market. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years and provide countless adventures.
Conclusion
Overall, the Suzuki DR650SE is the ultimate adventure bike. It’s rugged, reliable, and versatile, with excellent on-road and off-road performance. Whether you’re looking to explore remote trails or tackle long road trips, the Suzuki DR650SE is the perfect choice. So, if you’re looking for a bike that can handle any adventure, look no further than the Suzuki DR650SE.
