1990 Suzuki DR 800 S Big

Make Model	Suzuki DR 800S Big
Year	1990
Engine	Air/oil cooled, four stroke, single cylinder. SOHC, 4 Valve per cylinder.
Capacity	779 cc / 47.5 cu in
Bore x Stroke	9.5:1
Compression Ratio	105 x 90 mm
Cooling System	Air/oil cooled
Induction	2 x Mikuni BST 33 SS carburetors
Ignition	Electronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	39.1 kW / 52.5 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque	58.8 Nm / 6.0 kgf-m / 43.4 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed constant mesh
Final Drive	Chain, 116 links
Front Suspension	38mm Telescopic, coil spring, air damped
Rear Suspension	Link type, coil spring, gas/oil damped, spring preload fully adjustable
Front Brakes	Single 280 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 220 mm disc
Front Tyre	90/90-21
Rear Tyre	130/80-17
Dimensions	Length 2265 mm / 89.2 in Width: 865 mm / 34.1 in Height 1325 mm / 52.2 in
Wheelbase	1520 mm / 59.8 in
Seat Height	876 mm / 34.5 in
Ground Clearance	230 mm / 9.1 in
Dry Weight	185 kg / 408 lbs
Fuel Capacity	29 Litres / 7.7 US gal / 6.4 Imp gal
Road Test	Bike Magazine Group Test 1992 Motosprint Group Test 1992

No standard bike has the larger cylinder displacement than DR Big. The engine is although narrower than any twin offroad engine. The enormous single suits well for those who think twins are too clumsy and need more power than the smaller singles can offer. Naturally, no large single cylinder like low. But slow cruising with the highest gear is not what DR Big was meant to. That’s the limitation you have to live with if you buy a DR Big.

No, DR Big is a bike for riders who don’t want to ride fast, and not just on the tarmac. DR Big is a mass production model of the DR-Z, rode by Gaston Rahier at the Paris-Dakar rally

If you have long legs, the form of the gasoline tank could make your life a bit miserable. You knees simply wouldn’t fit into the sunken tank sides. The problem was solved in 1991 year’s model when the gasoline tank was totally redesigned.

DR800 replaced the DR750 in 1990. The engine got six mm longer stroke (the bore was unchanged 105 mm), the cylinder displacement increased from 727 cc to 779 cc. Otherwise it was still just about the same bike.

DR Big saw a major update in 1991. The gasoline tank was decreased with five Litres , now being ”only” 24 Litres . The form of the tank was also new; the scooping on the sides of the tank was made wider for riders with long legs. The saddle was wider and more comfortable and even the suspension was upgraded.

For being a large offroad bike the DR Big has always had an unusually well balanced suspension and long suspension travel. You can actually take it for a spin on a cross circuit without risking a heart attack.

The models before 1991 are the best choice for really long distances with their enormous gasoline tank and the possibility of getting lots of packing with you. The exhaust was placed relative low that makes it possible for fastening saddlebags without risking burning them up. On the other hand, the saddle is not that comfortable on the older models.

Although the models after 1991 were more comfortable and perhaps better looking, the new exhausts (now two pipes instead of one) were not as practical and even raised the weight balance.

Suzuki DR 800S Big