Suzuki DR650SE- Best Used Dual-Sport Bikes

Suzuki DR650SE – Best Used Bikes A reputation for being downright bulletproof.

Suzuki DR650SE: 1996-Present

Years sold: 1996-present (except 2010)

MSRP new: $5199 (1996) to $6399 (2013)

Blue Book retail value: $1830 (1996) to $4985 (2012)

Basic specs: An air-cooled, 644cc, single-cylinder, 40mm-Mikuni-carbureted dual-sport bike with a 58.7-in. wheelbase, a 34.8-in. seat height and weighing 366 lb. with its 3.4-gallon fuel tank fully topped up.

Why it’s desirable: It’s not going to win any enduros or cross-country races, and it’s far from the lightest dual-sport motorcycle ever built. And it hasn’t significantly changed since it first became the SE model rather than the SR 17 years ago. But for anyone looking to do some fun, not-too-intense off-road exploring on a bike that can easily stay ahead of four-wheel traffic—or even run away from it if necessary—the DR650SE is an excellent, affordable choice. Not only is the SE’s counterbalanced engine noticeably faster, torquier and smoother than the big Singles powering its closest competitors (Honda’s XR650L and Kawasaki’s KLR650), it has a reputation for being downright bulletproof. What’s more, the chassis provides enough on- and off-road handling competence to let you have a good time without scaring the bejeezus out of you or hammering you to a pulp. Plus, if you’re a tad on the short side or don’t have an NBA-caliber inseam, Suzuki’s accessory department can provide you with a rear-suspension lowering kit that, in conjunction with a quick-and-easy sliding of the fork tubes up through the triple-clamps, can drop the seat height by about an inch and a quarter. Besides, look at the ridiculously low prices listed here; this is one heck of a lot of motorcycle for not a lot of money.

Useful resources: Two informative forums (drriders.com and thumpertalk.com) offer a lot of useful insights into Suzuki’s DR models, the majority of it from owners of DR650SEs. Scouring the Internet will also lead you to numerous sites hawking parts, accessories and performance equipment, as well as several others providing reviews of the DR650SE from media sources all around the world.

CrumblyChris

Great bike. I had the DR350S and am considering the DR650SE as my next DP bike. Suzuki builds great bikes!
drrider

I bought a 2011 DR650 6 mos ago for $3900.00. It vibrates, it isn’t particularly fast, and I wish it was fuel injected. But as an everyday bike it is fun to ride, and comfortable for short hops. I now use the thing as my primary transportation, as a BMW wagon and three other motorcycles (VFR800, ST1100, and an older triumph) sit in the garage. If I have less than 10 miles to travel the DR almost always gets the nod. There is much to be said about light weight (compared to other street bikes) and simplicity. The bike has been dead reliable. Repair cost over last 4,000 miles has been $0. Use a good chain lube and run the Michelin Anakees on the street and you’ll be very happy. But get a larger displacement bike with FI and a comfortable seat for long trips.
Gabriel

I toured South America with a DR650 for 7 months, in the way I got my current girlfriend with whom I started to ride my DR650. I can only say that this bike is indestructible, versatile and beautiful.
Daddio

I had a DR650SE for several years, and it IS as reliable as people say. I did not think it vibrated much at all, esp. for a single with a 4″ (approx) piston unless you kept the revs high, which was relatively pointless because the power is at the bottom end.
The only real complaint I had was the seat. I swapped it out for a Corbin. If I had to do it again, I’d get the Sergeant seat, I found the Corbin fit to be poor (check thumpertalk for lots of posts on seats).
I wrote to the editor about this when I saw the above article in the mag: you do NOT have to buy extra items or kits to lower the DR. It was designed from the factory such that you can change-up the rear linkage yourself (it’s in the service manual). The forks are the same, but more difficult — you have to tear down the forks, but there are parts in side you can “flip” around to lower the front. Details are also in the service manual.
If you want it MORE than the 1+ inches that these “standard options” provide, then you can go to various accessories catalogs. NOTE on forks: some dealers will take the “lazy way” out on the forks and just slide them up in the clamps (see posts on thumpertalk). This changes your steering geometry and ground clearance; the process in the service manual does not. I’m sure other shops might take this “lazy” approach, so if you’re not sure, check the tube height: spec has it flush with the clamps, if it’s not, then they did not lower it as per the manual.
Scott

Great bike that does what it’s supposed to do…competently. And as an added bonus, Suzuki hasn’t goobered it up with any trendy plastic bits like a mini-fairing and/or protruding “beak”. Leaving well enough alone is appropriate sometimes.
Kris

Fantastic bike. I’ve racked up 9.5k miles on mine in just over a year, done all the upgrades and ride the crap out of it on and off-road in the SoCal mountains and desert. Biggest failure was a blown fork-seal. Just change the tires/oil and the bike keeps going. Yeah it’s heavy and not the fastest, but it’s half the price of a KTM and you can load it down for camping and just go!