I've had 10 bikes since 2001 and liked most of them very much. Current road bike is a 2014 Vstrom 1000 ABS which shares a stable with my DR650. The DR is the bike I'll always keep. When you modify a bike to suit you it's as if it becomes a "friend".
A great commuter, fabulous dirt/gravel road bike and with proper mods a very capable sealed road handler.
My bike has a big bore header/free flow muffler but NO jet changes since I didn't want to compromise economy or range. With a 45 tooth rear sprocket it averages 23 kilometers per litre on my ...Read more

I've owned my DR for a bit over 2 years now, having 'traded down' from a really nice VStrom 650. I changed bikes because all my mates had a variety of dirt bikes and although the VStrom looks like it can do dirt, it is not set up for off road use and is way too heavy to leave the bitumen (220kg).
I bought the DR without even test riding one and on pick up day I approached it for my first ride with a little apprehension. To make a short story of it, the first ride home was a dream ( the dealer wasn't though), and I have come to appreciate all o...Read more

The DR 650 has been a great commuter and wicked at hard pack dirt/gravel track exploring. I haven't had 1 speeding fine as theDR is a bike you can have a ball on just thumping around the side streets/twisties/dirt without having to hit 200 kph to get your thrills. It's easy to do most the maintenance yourself, everything is on YouTube or drriders.com and It is very satisfying tinkering and knowing the job has been done right. The Staintune pipe works a treat as it not only increases power it makes riding a lot safer as it's hard not to hear i...Read more

I have owned this DR 650se motorbike for two years so far, in these two years nothing has gone wrong except for a speedo cable at 2500klms, The bike has plenty of power stock standard, the exhaust noise is very quiet so it wont be a police magnet, great machine on or off road, very good lighting system, gets about 200klms a tank then reserve, uses no oil, standard tyres are good, A warranty of two years with unlimited klms.

Now the problems, the fuel tank could be a bit larger as 200klms is not good enough for a Duel sport bike, In Australi...Read more

After 30 years without a bike I and 2 mates bought 3 DR650's new in 2007. We are very happy with the bikes and have had many great trips, and some spills. We have been hard on these bikes and they love it. Initially the clutches needed adjusting as they were set too fine and started to slip.
On the road they will sit on 110kmh (GPS) all day and TS at about 140kmh (GPS) with 14T and loaded. In the bush they will run all day and be ready for the next tough day. If you fall off you can be pretty certain of getting back on and continuing where you...Read more

Have just purchased my 2012 DR 650 and have to say it is better than I expected. Today I did 400 plus Kim's on it and I am just running her in.... It got better ever 10 Kim's. By the end of today's ride I had total confidence in the bike and my purchase. I have previously ridden Harley Davidsons so this is a leap of faith. Boy am I impressed. My partner still rides a Wide Glide, let me tell you though the twisty bits I had the edge!!! Have had the bike lowers but am still going to get a low seat. Power delivery is much better than I expected. V...Read more

This would have to be one the of the all time best buys on the market
basic reliable bullet proof motor, it can cruise all day on 75mph without any issue, its simple to maintain and wont cost you a fortune for parts, in fact its very hard to fault the DR650 the only add on it requires are a quality seat or even suzuki gel seat is a 100% improvement on the original and a decent screen up front eagle screen in australia make a quality screen for the DR, Add them 2 items and you have a top bike that will go anywhere on or off road and with the ...Read more

Positive: An excellent, "all-around", nearly infinitely customizable, machine. Overall, it is one of the best, most cost-effective and most elegantly designed, dual-purpose motorcycles ever made. And, even better, it works brilliantly right "out of the box". By adding/customizing, you make an excellent machine even better and more right for you. Choosing your own add-ons, you save a small fortune by only paying for the "extras" that you want and are right for you. I agree with all of the other, previously-stated, positive comments regarding th...Read more

A good bike, especially for the price. That means you can afford to spend on accessories and option up a bit. With a few options e.g. larger tank, rack, sump guard etc. you should be able to do everything that other more expensive dual purpose bikes, at up to twice the price, can do.
Mine has 10k and is 2006 model. It is a good all roads bike. Fast enough for longer bitumen rides. Light enough and with long enough suspension travel for good gravel road handling. Reasonable brakes. Has plenty of low and mid-range torque. Light for a 650. Uncompl...Read more

Must say I'm adicted to My DR, my wife says "you love that bloody thing more that me".Why not the bike doesn't answer back and does any thing that I ask it!
But seriously I'm just starting to do a few mods; Starting with small number plate holder, Sump gard, 21 lt fuel tank, Upgrade the Suspension, some frame gards(stop rubbing the paint off)and some Renthal bars and barkbusters.
This should ony cost me about $1500 - $2000
Thats the best thing about this bike you can make it your own, if you're like me I like riding them as much as working o...Read more