I own a '99 650SE. In my opinion the bike is not very dirt capable, especially when loaded. The problem is the engine and first gear: the engine lacks flywheel mass, so you can't run it slowly, as it will run extremely rough under about 3000 rpm. First gear is too tall. When the going gets tough these two factors force me to ride fast, which is sometimes just not possible. Even with a larger 45 sprocket on the rear going uphill on a sealed road the minimum speed is about 17km/h. In dirt you have to go even faster or drag the clutch.
When the bike is loaded and running in higher gears the chain tends to thrash like mad, usually while trying to ride at constant speed. This seems to be a harmonic between the engine and the chain, probably caused by me running a lighter 520 chain. (Can't get non-standard ratios with the standard 525 chain.)
Other than that I'm very happy with the bike. If only I could get the seat made more comfy. I've had two attempts, partially successful, but made the bike much taller. In 140000 km the only major breakdown was the oil seal behind the sprocket popping out. Still runs like when I bought it and uses almost no oil. Works well on the road and in light dirt.
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