Suzuki DR650
The Suzuki DR650 is a 644 cc (39.3 cu in) single-cylinder dual-sport motorcycle made by Suzuki since 1990 as a replacement for the 590 cc (36 cu in) Suzuki DR600.
 1992 model year | |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Production | Since 1990 |
| Assembly | Japan |
| Engine | 644 cc (39.3 cu in), 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve, air/oil cooled, single |
| Bore / stroke | 100.0 mm × 82.0 mm (3.94 in × 3.23 in) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Suspension | Telescopic fork, link type swingarm |
| Tires | F: 90/90-21 R: 120/90-17 |
| Dimensions | L: 2,255 mm (88.8 in) W: 865 mm (34.1 in) H: 1,195 mm (47.0 in) |
| Seat height | 885 mm (34.8 in) |
| Weight | 147 kg (324 lb) (dry) 166 kg (366 lb) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 13 L (2.9 imp gal; 3.4 US gal) |
History and development
The first models introduced were the Djebel/Dakar and the RS that were both kick start. In 1991, the first electric start model was introduced, namely the DR650RSE.[1] In 1992 the Djebel/Dakar model was replaced with the DR650R. This model also saw improvements in the exhaust system and a smaller fuel tank.
In 1996 the DR650SE was introduced, replacing the previous models. The engine was radically redesigned, reducing its power but allowing for more smooth delivery. The 2010+ SE model has the factory option of lowering the seat height by 40 mm for shorter riders. This involves lowering the front and rear suspension. A shorter side stand is also needed. The SE seat is narrow and firm. The SE has no tachometer but with standard gearing will cruise comfortably at 110–115 km/h. It has digital electronic CDI ignition and a coated cylinder bore to reduce weight. The exhaust pipe is made of stainless steel painted black to stop rusting. For a single cylinder bike, it is quite smooth due to the effective balancer shaft. The 40 mm Mikuni BST40 carb gives smooth power flow. It has electric-start only. The 21-inch front tire gives good directional control on gravel roads but is still fine for fast riding on sealed roads with the standard tires. The front fork is non-adjustable while the rear mono shock is adjustable for preload (through a tricky-to-access threaded collar) and for compression damping.
As of 2023, after 27 years, the model is still in production and was the best selling over-500cc bike in New Zealand. The bike is often in the top five sellers of any capacity bikes in New Zealand. The DR650 is also a big seller in Canada and previously in Australia. The DR650 is no longer available in Australia due to the new safety regulations which came into effect on 1 November 2021.[2]
The DR650 has been unavailable in Europe since 2001 due to stringent emission regulations which make it virtually impossible for a non-fuel-injected machine to pass.
References
- "SUZUKI DR 650 RS Specs & Photos - 1990, 1991". autoevolution. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- "New Zealand's Most Popular Motorbikes". www.wisemove.co.nz. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
External links
- Suzuki Canada DR650SE — official web page
- Suzuki USA DR650SE — official web page