Over the years I've had many people ask whether the Suzuki
DRZ400 or the DR650 would suit them better.
So finally here is a comparison to help you decide.
The reason these bikes are so popular is there are very few of these 400 to 650cc
bikes around anymore in this class.
What many of us called trail bikes in the old days.
In many countries the Suzuki DRZ400 has at least two varieties.
The DRZ400S model is your typical dual sport bike.
It has 50/50 tyres, soft suspension, a quiet exhaust,
road oriented gearing, and a gentle power delivery.
The E model is definitely not a true dirt bike.
But it's heading in that direction, with firmer suspension, knobby tyres,
slightly lighter weight an about 10% more power.
Lets see how they compare.
On a spectrum between dirt bikes and adventure bikes,
you can see there is plenty of overlap with all three models.
This means it is hard to make a mistake.
You can do easy trails on any of them.
Or you can set any of them up as a light weight adventure bike and tour the world.
What are some key differences between the DR650 and its baby brothers?
Grunt.
The DR and Suzuki DRZ400 have similar maximum horsepower figures.
And it shows in a drag race.
Our DRZ400 and DR650 are always neck and neck.
But there is far more low and mid range power from the 650.
And it's revving way way less at highway speeds.
Weight. The DRZ400 is around 21 kg lighter when both bikes are fully fueled.
Or 47 pounds for you Yanks.
This makes a big difference for trail riding.
But of course the weight of the DR650 makes it feel very planted on the road.
Seat height.
The DR650 has a substantially lower seat height.
And it also has a option on the rear linkage to go even lower.
This often makes the DR650 a better option for short riders.
Suspension? Neither bike has great suspension.
But the DRZ400 is definitely better in stock form with proper cartridge forks.
The DR650 is okay for cruising around, but heavy and/or aggressive riders will
rapidly want at least some Plex valves for those old fashioned rod forks.
The Suzuki DR650 issues?
Some niggling issues have been fixed such as NSU bolts without loctite
and the countershaft seal potentially popping out.
What is left now?
There is a dicky little fuel filter that is so small it can clog quickly.
Most owners fit a larger one.
There is a weird upper chain roller that most
owners remove, claiming it can snap off and leave hole in the frame.
Never happened to any of my DR650s but why not take it off.
The Suzuki DRZ400?
Stators tend to burn out at around 20000km.
The regulator or rectifier needs to be upgraded to avoid the stator overheating.
Have you owned either bike?
Keen to hear your thoughts, the good the bad and the ugly.
Please leave your comments as these can help others to in making a decision.
And of course you can listen to opinions all day,
but often a test ride is what will decided things for you. Good luck!