Suzuki Dr650 Se model 1991 info
 

Sorry for before the correct name of the model is Suzuki Dr650 Es (electric start) model 1991

I have found the above model second hand for sale, I would like to know if it is reliable for a trip to Africa say 80% asphalt, 20% sand. Thank you very much for your valuable cooperation in order to help me to understand it the above model is right for me


Cheers

Good bikes
 

The DR650 series of Suzukis has long had a good reputation as a travellers bike, but by the time they as old as the bike you are looking at, the condition of THAT bike is more important than it's reputation. Unles you are very sure of it's condition, then I would suggest a major overhaul of the engine, running gear, and transmission would be needed before I would trust it to a long trip.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

I second Nigels comments above - they are quite good bikes, light and low with a fairly good smooth simple engine - but after 15 years its going to need a good overhaul to be confident of its reliability on a long trip.

The (rear) suspension would also need upgrading as theses earlier models bottomed out quite easily - even with just a rider - before being loaded for overland travel.

Like any other bike it has its faults, not the strongest of frames, occasionally iffy electrics and they get through bearings quite quick.....

see this post on later ones to avoid....and search for other posts to see good/bad points - thers been plenty of posts on them.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ighlight=dr650

go for the newest you can afford - thats been looked after - or be prepared to spend some money on the older one - it will work out costing about the same.

Cheers
Grif