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Suzuki DR650 Top Speed, Specs and Features (Explained)

Suzuki DR650 is perhaps the most useful dual-purpose vehicle available in the market today. It offers a variety of applications for both off-road riders and normal highway drivers.  While running everywhere from the rugged wilderness to the ordinary highway, DR650 should be your best chum.

The DR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle originating from 1990, which was originally equipped with a 644 cc (39.3 cu in) single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Suzuki Motor Corporation manufactured the bike as part of their Enduro line of off-road motorcycles. The DR stands for Dirt/Road, while the 650 indicates the engine’s displacement in cubic centimeters.

Well, If you want to learn more about the specifications, features, and other important facts about DR650, we’ve compiled them down for you.

About Suzuki DR650

Manufactured and introduced by Suzuki, DR650 is a dual-sport motorcycle that offers the best off-road bike experience since 1990. Suzuki has launched many variants of its DR650 in response to market demand and to outperform its competitors. It is still effective in its approach, able to meet client expectations, and has a significant market share in the auto business.

In 1990, Suzuki introduced the DR650, which replaced its previous model DR600. DR650 comes with a larger engine, including an updated frame, and suspension, allowing riders to ride comfortably.

Suzuki introduced two versions of the DR650: DR650R and DR650RS. In terms of features, both were nearly identical, but the RS was lighter and had a simpler exhaust system.

In 1991, a new version of the DR650RS, the DR650RSE, was released. The traditional kick start was replaced by an electric start in this model. RSE became heavier as a result of this addition.

In 1992, however, minor changes to the back tank and fuel tank were made, reducing the vehicle’s weight by more than 8 kilograms. Later modifications, in 1996, such as a shaft replacement and other changes in a bike, make it remarkably smooth and balanced. In the same year, the name of this version was also changed. The DR650RSE became the DR650SE.

From 1996to 2015, although many mechanical aspects had been changed, the version name DRS650SE remains the same.

Finally, in 2015, Suzuki launched the DR650S to the Suzuki dual-sport lineup, replacing the DR650SE. Surprisingly, only the latter E was eliminated, with no modifications to the mechanics.

Suzuki DR650 Specs & Features-

Following significant revisions in features, the DR650 is currently known as the DR650S. It offers extraordinary features that will ensure on-road agility and superior performance. Read below to learn more about the latest specifications and features.

Engine

Suzuki DR650 has a powerful 644cc 4-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine that efficiently converts fuel energy into mechanical energy. Piston-jet cooling and an engine oil cooler in the cylinder assist in the thermal management of the piston that ensures consistent performance.

The DR650 has a bore of 100.0 mm and a stroke of 82.0 mm. It has a compression ratio of 9.5:1. It comes with a single 40mm carburetor and an electric ignition system.

Drivetrain

Suzuki’s 5-speed constant mesh gearbox efficiently reduces vibration and noise compared to a sliding mesh gearbox. Wet clutches with several plates bathed in liquid oil have a lower coefficient of friction and a larger surface area. Suzuki DR650 has drive chain DID525V9 with 110 links that efficiently tackle the dirt.

Ignition

The DR650 is equipped with a Capacitor Discharge Ignition system, which stores and discharges electric charges through a coil, resulting in a spark for efficient combustion. There is an easy-to-use push-button for electric start, which provides the maximum torque in a matter of seconds.

Tires

The front tire on the DR650 is 90/90-21 M/C 54S. The size of the rear tires is 120/90-17 M/C 64S. Tires are both Tube types that avoid punctures and run at low pressure. They ensure safe driving and high performance.

Brakes

The front brake is equipped with a single floating rotor, and the rear brake is a single rotor. Floating rotors on the front brake reduce breaking temperatures and enhance friction contact. Brakes can be replaced easily.

Suspension

Front and rear suspension are both coil spring and oil damped that serve a dual purpose. First, it contributes to proper handling and braking. Second, it ensures safety.

Dimensions

The DR650’s overall length is 2255mm, and the breadth is 865 mm, respectively. The wheelbase is 1490 mm, and the height is 1195 mm. The seat height of 885 mm makes it easy to climb to the top. DR650 comes with an optional 845 mm or 33.2 in lowering kit. The Curb Weight is 166 kg.

Exterior

The seat of DR650 is long enough that will make you feel comfortable. It is made of aluminum footpegs. There is a grave handle that makes it easier to carry passengers.

A semi-double-cradle frame made of steel is lightweight and compact. It supports the engine well while tackling on and off-road agility. Made of aluminum, rims and stainless steel spokes ensure durability and strength.

Suzuki DR650 Top Speed

Although it is mentioned that the top speed of DR650 is 120 MPH, the top speed of DR650 is 100 miles per hour. Top speed can vary depending on a variety of parameters such as gearing, carburetion, height, and lunar position. Besides, the average speed may drop to 85 MPH when riding on a gravel road.

However, the good thing about DR650 is that it maintains consistent speed on the highway that ranges from 75 mph to 80 mph. The rider may not feel comfortable if they go beyond the speed of 80 or 85 MPH. For a dual-sport like DR650, the range is good enough for average bikers.

How to Increase the Suzuki DR650 Top Speed

DR650 is a kind of bike that is more stable at 80 KMH on the highway. Increasing the speed of DR may be an excellent idea for some off-road bikers, but DR already has a good speed limit for typical highway riding.

But using Normal mechanical talents, you can modify the DR650 and improve its speed. I have gathered a few techniques that will assist you in increasing the maximum speed of your DR650.

Upgrade the Gearing

The size of the front and rear sprockets affect changing the gear ratio. This can be accomplished by making the front up sprocket smaller or larger than the rear sprocket or modifying both. The gearing ratio on the DR650 is 15/42 (the front sprocket is 15, and the back sprocket is 42), which gives .357.

You can modify this ratio depending on the road you’re traveling on. Normally, 357 is preferable for highway use. However, you want to lower the ratio for more torque and less speed for riding on the dirt or hill track. And fort greater speed, you have to raise the aspect ratio.

Upgrade the Break

You may not find any relationship between upgrading the break and increasing the speed. It is, however, as crucial as anything else. Changing the front rotor is a good idea if you don’t have the budget constraint.

Nonetheless, you can change the front caliper and master cylinder for the optimum performance. You can also modify steel-braided brake lines and fresh brake pads to make the break smooth.

Change Heavier Parts

This is common advice but the simplest and most effective one. You might  have to spend some extra penny for the durable lightweight parts, but doing so really  increases the speed of DR650.

It’s a good idea to change anything below the suspension ring, such as the compilers, legs, hubs, and rims. Also, replacing heavier wheels increases the speed of the DR650.

Clean or Replace the Air/fuel Filters

Cleaning or upgrading the air filters increases speed. The filter removes the unwanted air particles that might make their way into the engine, reducing its efficiency. Upgrading the air filter increases combustion which results in turn more power.

Fuel filters, on the other hand, purify fuel and improve combustion. Upgrading high-quality fuel filters also increase the optimum performance of the engine.

Reducing Aerodynamic Drag

To increase speed, you can also reduce aerodynamic drag. A lot of horsepower is wasted due to drag. To reduce aerodynamic drag, simply fold your mirrors, remove footpegs, wear a full-face helmet, and possibly wear nice aero gloves.

Suzuki DR650 – Pros and Cons:

Before you buy the latest DR650, analyzing a few good points and bad points about DR may help you make a better decision. Below, we’ve gone through a number of these points in more detail.

Pros

  • Reliable and Versatile: Since its introduction in 1990, DR hasn’t changed much. This demonstrates the bike’s reliability. It lasts longer and requires less maintenance. This bike can be used on a variety of roads and is more suitable for off-road adventures.
  • Fuel Economy: If you have a full tank before embarking on your adventure, the DR650 can take you more than 200 kilometers.
  • Comfortable Seat: The DR650 has a very comfortable and standard-height seat. If you find it too high, you may adjust the seat, and shorter riders will have no trouble doing so.
  • Reasonable Price: Throughout the years, the price of DR650 did not change much. It is extremely affordable compared to other bikes in its class.

Cons

  • Heavy: The DR650 weighs roughly 147 pounds, making it slightly heavier than most modern bikes in its class. On the other hand, this weight provides excellent support for adventurous riding.
  • Small Fuel Filter: Since the filter is small, it could be easily blocked by harmful air particles and reduce the combustion power.

FAQs.

We’ve covered practically everything there is to know about the DR650. Still, the list of questions below will assist you in getting a direct answer to a pertinent inquiry concerning the Suzuki DR650.

Is the DR650 discontinued?

DR650, first manufactured in 1990, no longer remains in this name and is now known as DR650S with almost the same feature as DR650. DR650S is one of the best all-around dual-purpose bikes today. In 2022 DR650S comes with the latest feature and continues its legacy.

Is the DR650 a good bike?

It is a great bike, and Suzuki has a strong portion of the market share as a result. It is inexpensive, requires little maintenance, and provides a comfortable ride. Standard seat height and long-held suspicion give you optimum off-road experience.

Which is better: DR650 or KLR650?

In terms of engine power, the DR650 has a displacement of 644cc while the KLR650 has a displacement of 651cc, which is numerically a bit higher than the DR but performs practically similarly.

  • Breaking the DR system is preferable to KLR. Hydraulic brakes are used by DR, while KLR uses petal disc brakes.
  • DR’s tires are more standard than KLR’s. While the front tires are identical, the KLR’s rear tire is significantly larger than the DR’s.
  • Last but not least, the KLR costs $7,104, while the DR costs $6,699.Is a DR650 a good beginner bike?

It’s difficult to choose between two options. We’ll leave it to you. Take our points and evaluate them further to make a more informed decision.

What is the height and weight of the DR650?

The overall height of Suzuki DR 650 in 1990 was 1 330 mm (52.4 in), and DR650SE in 2020 was 1195 mm (47.0 in.). And the overall weight of Suzuki DR 650 in 1990 was 163 kg (359 lbs.), and DR650SE in 2020 was 166 kg (366 lb.).

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about the DR650, from its beginnings to its most recent upgrade. Moreover, Besides DR650 Top Speed, Specs, and Review, we have addressed the benefits and negatives of the DR650 in our post. We’ve also answered a few relevant questions in the FAQ section, including a comparison between the KLR with the DR650. The DR650, now known as the DR650S, is a great ride for adventurers and other riders alike. And, it is now much more updated than any of its earlier versions possess.

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