Suzuki DR650SE reviews

After MANY years riding, I've gone from Suzuki 4 cylinder bikes (last was a Bandit 1200) to the DR. The bike performs well (no problems with 80+ on freeways) and I'm having a ball with it.
And yes, I do drive 65 miles to the superior service & treatment I have gotten for years from my dealer, after some negative dealings with more local dealers. Show less

I got my bike new in February. Stock it's like a big moped. Ultra quiet, low torque and real smooth. I bought the bike planning on using the factory lowering option, but once I added the optional gel seat it made the bike low enough for me to put one foot flat, or both toes. Now that I have added a few things to the bike it runs like a beast. It will pull the front wheel right up in 2nd, and 3rd if you try hard enough. It is kind of a heavy bike to have on the trails, depending on what you like to ride. I would strongly suggest anyone who has this bike to put the dyno jet kit in and open up the airbox, using K&N filter and high flow exhaust. Totally changed my bike. Four stars just because I had to do so much work to get the thing to run the way I want. I also understand Suzuki has to make the bike the way they do so that people can buy the bike and have an ultra quiet street capable dirt bike with enough power to ride the highway. Show less

This is the bike I was looking for, and when I did research of the market in all manufacturers the Suzuki was the Dual Sport for me! Appearance, quality, power and relablilty - this machine is the best! The seat on my bike is a bit stiff for my tail bone, and since have found a factory gel seat that should do the trick. Best motorcycle for dual sport, street and dirt! My wife was the one whom said I should have one, needing a hobby! Show less

The bike is smooth going down the road, yet fun in the dirt. I have had a few different dual sport bikes and this is the best for the money so far. Show less

I have a 2004 dr650se yellow with almost 14000 on the clock. It is the perfect island bike for our island with our endless trails. I have been to the top of 13000 foot MAUNA KEA to the green sand beaches of SOUTH POINT the farthest place south in the United States and everywhere else in between. The 650 is a good choice for sheer versatility in our diverse terrain of cane field roads and forest trails in KULANI, to the winding saddle roads. The SUZUKI 650 is my weapon of choice for all around fun in the sun!Lots of power quick, handling, just an all around winner! Show less

After owning several motorcycles, I did some soul searching about what I wanted in a bike, and came up with the DR650. I've been very happy with the choice. I've put 8,000 miles on my 2003 DR650. Its been offroad a few times - great fun on the open trails and dirt roads, but geared too high for tight stuff. Mine is mostly used as a commuter - 85 miles/day. The windscreen, IMS tank, oiler, and Corbin seat are a huge transformation - well worth the investment. I did have a problem with a gasket at 3,000 miles - that set me back $500. I understand they use better gaskets now. Other than that, it's been great. The power/weight ratio is perfect for my rides, and the high seat helps in traffic. The lousy N.E. Ohio roads are no problem, and neither is cruising at 80 mph (except for the police...). The low cost also allowed me to get some good gear to extend my riding season. All in all, a great bike - I can go anywhere I want on it and not worry about scratching it up. The only difficult thing about having this bike is resisting the urge to go tearing down the median ... Show less

What a great compromise of style and function. I ride with the Gold Country Dual Sport Riders and this bike is perfect for both trails/fire roads, and cruising around town. While it won't keep up with a dedicated off-road bike, it lets you have fun in the dirt, without having to truck the bike to the site. The DR650 will easily out pace the overweight KLR 650, and do so with style. The only downsize is the rather small fuel tank. You can only get ~150 miles before you need more Go-Juice. Show less

I am writing this for those wanting to know how a DR650 Compares to KLR650. I have an 05 KLR and have just purchased an 07 DR650. The DR in my opion is much better. No problem hitting 80mph, feels ligher and better brakes. It feels lighter and handles the freeway just fine. The DR has more zip than the KLR. It has a stiff seat but it does get softer or your backside seems to get used to it. KLR does win with the bigger tank. This bike is a keeper and I have had lots of bikes. Low maintenance and great gas mileage, I'm getting 55mpg. Show less

My first street bike was purchased in 1970. I have had the good fortune of being able to replace my bike with a new model every two or three year since then. I have had my DR650se for a little over two years now and never before have I not wanted to trade for something different! This thing puts a smile on my face everytime. If I had to buy a new one today, it would be another DR650 !!! Show less

I have ridden this bike in all types of terrain: Mud, sand, fire roads, desert trails, and on pavement. I love it. I am getting an average of 60 mpg. I have hit 100 mph across the desert and still felt stable. Way better bike than the Yamaha that I had before. It's a bit heavy but once the suspension is dialed in, it's awesome. I have put 3150 miles on this bike in 7 months. Long highway rides can get a little uncomfortable, but hey, it's a bike. Show less