Suzuki Dr650se Review

Used Buyer Review

The DR650 is one of motorcycling's best-kept secrets, and buying used is genuinely the smart play here. Suzuki barely changed this bike between 1996 and today, so a well-maintained 2005 rides almost identically to a 2023. That simplicity is the whole point. The carbureted single starts easily, makes honest midrange torque, and absolutely refuses to die. Check the air filter obsessively on used examples — owners who ride dirt tend to neglect it, and a clogged filter masks a lot of performance sins. The stock suspension is the DR's biggest weakness. It's set up soft for smaller riders and goes vague quickly on aggressive dirt work or two-up riding. Most serious owners have already thrown aftermarket springs at it, which is actually a buying positive — find one that's been modded properly and you're ahead. Also inspect the chain and sprockets hard; these bikes cover serious mileage and budget owners stretch them forever. Fuel tank range is genuinely poor at around 150 miles, plan accordingly.