Help! DR650 or DL1000 for RTW 2 up
 

I currently own both of the above bikes and need to choose which one to use soon so final trip prep and shakedown can be completed well before departure date next year.

SWMBO wants the one with the bigger seat but we all know there is more to it than that
Freight costs with lighter bike
Ease or riding and picking up a lighter bike
Carnet costs
Ease or maintenance etc etc

We weigh approx 135kg combined and our trip will be over 3 odd years so the pace will be as slow as I can make it

Help me out and give me serious opinions, has anyone used a DR650 for an extended 2 up trip??? Surely someone has???

Glen

dl 1000
 

hello there,

take the DL 1000 !

sorry, but two up on a DR650 for 3 years ... I dont think you will enjoy it. Yes it will be cheaper and easier to use the 650, but ... two up ... no, too small.

I dont know the DL 1000, but my girlfriend rides a DR 650 and I dont think we would ride it for too long together ... we are 125kg together.

enjoy
mika

Hi Glen,

For two up riding, the DL1000 will be much more comfortable for you and your passenger. The cockpit is a good size for two up and that along with the seat make it a good set up.

Issues such incremental freight costs will be secondary when amortized over such a long trip. Maintenance is pretty straightforward, taking off the fairings is the only real pain. Picking up any bikefully laden with gear is hard, the DL actually not too bad as it sits on the side luggage when it tips over and one person with their back into it can prop it up most times.

One factor to keep in mind though would be the type of roads you intend on riding. Just be aware that the DL doesn't have the greatest of clearance with it's 19" front and that you will be scrapping your skid plate over quite a speed bumps, etc. Make sure you get a very good plate, with bolts protruding on the side and not the bottom. Also, a custom shock will improve the ride considering the loads you are carrying. Happy riding.

Hi Glen,

that was your one mistake - you let your SWMBO ride on the 'plush' roomy V-Strom seat !!!

luckily my SWMBO hadnt experienced a 'luxurious' roomy comfortable bike, so we took the DR:D

we were only on the road for 3 months/22,000 kms and we could have done a 6 month trip no problem.
but as much as I love the DR650, for the 3 year trip that you guys are doing unless you are really hell bent on the DR, then I would take something with better seating and legroom for SWMBO and yourself. Also, something that should be considered is the value of having ABS, especially 2up on a loaded bike.

If you havent read it, I wrote some info on the DR650 here:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-america-53258

I know you are quite keen on the DR, if you havent already, maybe go out for a few long weekend camping trips with SWMBO and see how much ear ache you get.....

for our next trip - whenever that will be, we would consider using 2 DR650's or a V-Strom 650 2up.
in fact Ive just got some lowering links from Procycle for the DR650 as Lisa wants to ride it this summer....
for 2up overlanding I would still like to try a V Strom 650....
such a shame they axed the Suzuki DR 800 BIG.......:thumbup1:

True, but so far an ABS-version of the DL1000 isn´t available (only available on DL650).

If I´d ride lightly loaded and without a pillion, then it would be a tough decision, and I´d need to think carefully about the routes I´d be taking, etc... but for 2-up & a lot of luggage, I´d surely take a twin.

+1 for the bigger bike. We have never regretted having the 1200 especially on those longer days. :thumbup1:

Also as far as shipping goes, you can keep the costs down if you do it all yourself. From making the crate to taking the bike apart etc.

Everyone has pretty much confirmed what I was expecting, thanks for the input.
Looks like the Strom stays in the family and gets to do the hard yards

Seeya on the road somewhere! jeiger


Glen