Suzuki DR 650SE

Famous in the dual-sport category because of its unbeatable combination of street and off-road excitement, the Suzuki DR650SE stands for both adventure and practicability and ads a distinctive touch in 2009 together with the white color scheme. Also, with great price and fuel economy, you’re in for one great bang for the buck.


Introduction
Suzuki seems to have got it all right with the biggest DR as the model hasn’t been the subject of major modifications in these past years, but does manage to stand out each and every time, allowing riders considerations. Modern and reliable, the Suzuki DR650SE features up to date chassis and suspensions. The light weight materials and ingenious thin-wall/large-diameter tubing used both at the frame and front forks increase rigidity and reduce weight while the aluminum swingarm works closely together with a link-type rear suspension featuring piggyback-style shock absorber to keep the rear end stable during corners either you take them on and off the road.

A dealer will easily lower the seat for you with a significant 40mm, but the reason you’ll be buying the DR is most likely the bulletproof air-cooled 644cc four-stroke, OHC engine. It won’t help at doing burnouts, but it is fuel efficient, especially in the low and mid-range where the best of power is being delivered. Much to do with the engine tuning has the “Slingshot” Mikuni 40mm carburetor and the five-speed tranny is indeed the proper unit to mate it with.

With shiny new paint schemes and painted stainless-steel exhaust, the Suzuki DR650SE looks new for 2009, just the way every model year up until this time did.

Riding even a 2008 model year is as concluding as next year’s model because the DR carries on without technical changes so that’s what I’ve been on for this autumn ride. Impressions on the bike didn’t stop coming from the moment I got on that narrow seat and up until those nasty trails tried to get me off of it, but ,fortunately, without success. At a 366 lbs curb weight, the DR feels light and reassuring despite the 34.8 inches of seat height, but I have to admit that having not ridden dual-sport motorcycles lately puts its fingerprint on ones riding skills and requires a little bit of getting used to, at least with the cornering. In this case, the DR, despite being an off-road bike on pavement (that’s where I got it, that’s where I started testing it), manages to inspire confidence.

The engine, which by now became famous for the low-to-mid rpm power due to carburetion and exhaust settings, is very responsive and starts purring nicely when you get it above 3500 rpm, especially out of tight corners when commuting in the suburbs.

Also, speed bumps are children’s play for the soft suspensions so up until this time you won’t be feeling the need to get the seat off your private areas. In that certain stage I found myself when hitting the highway. Suzuki must have that seat done a little bit more spacious as it steels from DR’s versatile character.

I didn’t even felt the need for a screen when riding at 70 mph as the now razor sharp seat (in my head…and in yours pretty soon) simply retains you from mentioning any other dislike that you might have. Even so, the engine didn’t prove weak on the highway as it is backed up decently by the five-speed gearbox and the suspensions make you feel afloat.

Finally, the DR650SE was out of the streets and into the dust. There, after a short brake to check on your lower back, the bike feels in its natural environment. Have it climb a steep hill, go through a small river or pass over logs and you’ll be satisfied with the work horse-like character.

Here, the high-mounted fenders make a point as well as the handguards, spoked wheels and even that hated narrow seat as it allows moving from side to side easily as you prepare for fast turns better than you would not normally approach like that on a Beemer, let’s say.

The upright riding position now even feels relaxing and the bumps are still being properly soaked up, but one of DR’s not so hidden talent, just one that I haven’t by now mentioned, is braking. With both front and rear braking systems, there will be no need to worry as going downhill. Just make sure to have a nice grippy surface to roll the off-road tires on and there you go. Efficient stopping power is provided instantaneously, leaving no doubts about DR’s efficiency on everyone’s own paths.

Conclusion
As long as you don’t take it out for a long cruise, this Suzi is a very enjoyable motorcycle with many benefits waiting to be uncovered by everybody individually. My only clues are: wear protective gear and do not spare it a minute!

Features

Engine
Compact & lightweight SOHC 4-stroke engine tuned for strong low and midrange power and fuel efficiency with a single counterbalancer system

SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) plated cylinder is durable, minimizes cylinder size & weight and improves heat dissipation

Efficient SACS air/oil cooling system with additional piston-jet cooling and engine oil cooler

Mikuni 40mm "Slingshot" carburetor enhances throttle response and overall engine performance

Painted stainless-steel exhaust system is light and corrosion-resistant, and tuned specifically for strong low and midrange power

Wide-ratio 5-speed transmission with O-ring sealed final drive chain

Electric start with automatic decompression system

Low-maintenance, digitally controlled DC-CDI ignition system provides accurate ignition timing and more consistent spark at all engine speeds

Lightweight and compact maintenance-free battery

Chassis
Painted stainless-steel exhaust system is light and corrosion-resistant, and tuned specifically for strong low and midrange power

Adjustable seat height - seat height can be lowered 40mm (1.6 in) with suspension modifications performed by a dealer

Compact & lightweight frame. Use of thin-wall/large O.D. tubing reduces weight while increasing frame rigidity

Short wheelbase and low seat height provide nimble DualSport® performance

Front fork combines the best features of conventional and inverted designs: Smooth and progressive action. Large diameter, thin-walled tubes reduce unsprung weight while maintaining high rigidity - minimal below-axle extension

Link-type rear suspension with piggyback-style shock absorber and adjustable compression damping provides stable damping performance

Lightweight aluminum swingarm

Large diameter hollow-type wheel axles are lightweight and rigid. Rear axle features welded-on snail cam chain adjuster for simple axle/wheel installation

Lightweight 290mm diameter front disc brake with 2-piston caliper

Rear disc brake with lightweight drilled rotor and two piston caliper

Special design tires with on/off road tread pattern fitted to 21" front and 17" rear wheel

Full on-road lighting system with bright 55/60 watt halogen headlight

Frame-mounted luggage rack for additional carrying capacity

Handlebar-mounted brushguards