Suzuki DR650SE reviews

I got the first black 2007 that came in to the dealer. The bike is totally fun and easy to handle. I only had her up to 50mph one time, and since I have not ridden in about 15 years, I forgot how much the wind hits you in the chest. Anyway, for the price, this is the best all around bike you can get! It looks very awesome too! I plan on doing some local street riding, and really looking forward to some fireroads. The 650 has plenty of power!!! Buy one, and get the all black model! Show less

Since my days on a Suzuki 185 then to the street, my god have things changed! Real suspension and just roll on torque! This bike has real power yet is nimble. It takes you out and brings you back, it's just plain fun. Wish I would have gone back to the dirt a long time ago, and yes it is great on the street as well. Show less

I have been riding for over 30 years. Picked up the bike, and thought I turned the fuel on by putting the fuel cock down in the on position. That was the prime, and when I ran out of gas, the reserve was also empty. The dealer didn't show me the change. I have never seen a fuel cock being forward being on. Bike is great, runs fantastic, but too new to really test it out. Smoother and more power than my XR650L Honda. I think I am going to like this bike. Show less

I wanted a dependable dual purpose that I could ride on the highway and then take off on a dirt trail... I was not disappointed! What a bike! It cruises at 80 MPH and still has a lot of throttle left! I found it like new with only 2000 miles on it for half the price of a brand new bike. On trails, it's got a lot of guts... and no vibration or rattles! Almost 60 MPG with all the power you could ever want for a dual purpose! If you can find one without a bunch of miles on it, buy it! Show less

It is a bargain priced, simple air-cooled do everything bike. Off road the handling and suspension were better than expected, but the ride is not plush off road. It gets great mpg, mostly very reliable and durable. Some fixes: The gearing is way tall-tried various sets: the 44 rear tooth is the way to go (42 stock). Street/freeway is still good, and off road much better. The bonus is it pulls the rear wheel forward putting more weight towards the rear for less knifing and better wheelieing. Drill the muffler plates thru all 4 with a 1/2" bit. Adjust pilot jet 1/2 turn out additional from stock setting. Raise needle with small washer. This will increase your low end torque which the DR is weak on. It improves top end power a little. And it still won't be loud at all, just a little louder with the same sound quality. Change the main jet to a 145 (mikuni large round) only if you modify the air box. There have been various mods on the net for this bike's air box-you can screw it up and make the bike feel lazy! If done right you will have much more tractability at low and med. revs and more power everywhere. I recommend do not remove the snorkel! Do drill two 1" holes on the top of the air box close to the front of the bike-there is space there, behind that put a row evenly spaced behind those of 1/2" holes three each; followed by four 1/4" holes. Round holes flow smoothly, the setup allows good flow without ruining air box pressure-no pressure from vacuum=poor incremental response! The sizing of the holes permits velocity of air increase to match low to mid to high rpms. Last if you insist on a slip-on, I recommend Supertrapp or FMF; this will probably require an additional 1/4 turn of the pilot, and may take a 150 main jet. DO NOT WASTE MONEY ON A JET KIT!! Show less

This bike is very nice. It totally fits the description of "Dual Purpose". I have no problem taking it anywhere. I live in an area full of logging and forest service roads. This bike is perfect for it. There are a lot of 1 lane, twisty, bumpy, and paved roads. Again, perfect for that. I get about 55 mpg overall. The stock tires are great on the pavement, and work well in the dirt (don't expect MX performance!)Not the greatest on long highway trips (buy a Goldwing!)I am VERY pleased with this bike....except....the seat is TERRIBLE!! Show less

I bought this bike new in August 2004. I converted to a 520 chain and sprockets with 15/46. Due to mostly trail work as well as some commute. I love this bike for value for money, reliability and good performance after some mods. I can only criticise the seat comfort as I do long rides of 200 to 300 klms (120 to 180 miles) in a day. I don't take a pillion and thus removed the rear pegs. No radiators to bust in the bush is a good thing. Rattles mentioned in other reviews come from the chain. I replaced the chain roller guides with sealed bearing ones, no the original ones are not, just a shaft. I wanted the Blue, but was not available in Australia at the time. Now it is, so I might buy a new one. Show less

I just rode this bike from douglasville, GA to fort myers, FL.(june 20th 2006) 642 miles one way. Other than my butt being sore it was a great ride. Mostly interstate riding. I rode about 125 miles before stopping for gas. I am averageing about 49 mpg. My butt needs the rest by then. Traffic rode about 80 mph and I kept right up. Plenty of power to pass quickly. This is great bike whether you ride the interstate or 2 lanes or the sand dunes. It is great on gas. Show less

I have had a couple of Yamaha dual sports and they all fall flat compared to this bike. I ride hard to and from work. Average 80 to 85 mph. And I ride hard in the desert too. I race my friends with thier YZ250's and WR450F's on the short track they can out manuver me. But on the long runs they don't stand a chance. I average about 55 mpg. This bike handles great for its size and is an awesome ride. Show less

I've read reviews and I've heard the good and the bad. I think it handles offroad just fine and I think it's quite powerful. Can't legally drive on road yet but from what roads I've been on I say it's got a lot of torque and low end. Show less