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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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Old 25 Nov 2013
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I have a DR 650 and it has many good features. The engine does not have a lot of power or torque for two up riding in my opinion. I only ride solo. The seat can be an issue in terms of comfort. If you look at the stock seat you will notice it narrows and thins out at the pillion area. I think this can limit effectiveness for the pillion. The seat can be modified without a lot of money.

I find the seat ok but to get around the lack of comfort I ride with bike nicks (lightly padded insert)and a set of foam padded shorts made for off-road riders, under my riding gear. Works for me.

The bike is really a good bike - light weight; simple; no fuel injection and can maintain 100kph with the load; easy on fuel. etc. It does need (and I have) a safari tank; extra carry racks; tool carriers and tube carrier on the front mud guard.

For two up I think I would look at the V Strom. The twin cylinder motor provides more power and torque and will rev out better. Bike is a bit heavier than a DR however. Looked at these but for weight I chose the DR. A GS is a great touring bike (I have one) but too heavy when the going gets a bit technical.


M
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Old 5 Dec 2013
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Originally Posted by Mal_C View Post
For two up I think I would look at the V Strom. The twin cylinder motor provides more power and torque and will rev out better. Bike is a bit heavier than a DR however. Looked at these but for weight I chose the DR. A GS is a great touring bike (I have one) but too heavy when the going gets a bit technical.

M
Some good posts on the DR650's two up ability!
I've owned both the Vstrom and DR ... and must admit, unless A LOT of off road riding is intended, then a DL650 (or something similar) may be the better travel bike riding two up.

As Grif mentioned, if pilot and pillion are small folk and pack lite and a GOOD aftermarket seat is installed, it could work .... But RTW is a very long ride. Petite pillions fit fine on my DR with the wide Corbin seat. I am not a big guy either, so that helps. Large humans will not do so well. And then you've got to deal with luggage and packing for two.

Two up I can still easily hold a true 70 mph. Power falls off in the mountains over about 2500 meters and aggressive passing is limited. At slower speeds on tight paved roads, its fine and fine riding technical dirt roads as well, even two up loaded.

At that is where a DR650 will pay it's way ... on technical, slippery, rutted or rocky dirt roads, it will out pace a Vstrom and many other larger bikes. Torque is very good for 650 single with simple minor Carb/air box/Exhaust mods, all DIY. So if lots of dirt riding is the plan ... then the DR could work out.

By the way ... a DR650 is roughly 100 lbs. (45 kgs.) lighter weight than a DL650. Maybe this would help?

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