I'm looking into getting a 650 dual sport bike and I've narrowed it down to the XR650L and the DR650.  I note that Suzuki supposedly changed the DR650 in 96 and the bore and stroke are different now and the suspension was supposedly improved too.  What other changes are there in the <'96's and the newer models?

UW153 has given me a bunch of good info on the DR650 vs. the XR650L.  I'm leaning toward the DR650 since I'm kinda short and the seat height can be more easily lowered on the DR than on the XR.  The DR seems to have more stock power too.  Anyone else have any comments or info on comparing these 2 bikes?  Thanks.

HW

Feast your eyes here:
http://www.suzukicyc...ies/DR650.shtml
A great resource for DR650 fiends

Hi Ferret;

What a feast indeed!  Thanks for the link!

Any comments opinions on the XR vs. DR?

HW

All;

I have heard some folks say that the XR has many more aftermarket stuff available than the DR.  Other than a (larger) plastic tank, tires, and air filter, I would lean toward keeping it stock, including the exhaust (quiet).  I have also heard that the DR can be changed to 520 chain and sprocketts.  Can anyone confirm that?  Are there other after market parts that you consider "must-have" that aren't available for the DR but are available for the XR?

I've got an '85 XR350 and a '93 XR250 that are dual sported and street licensed, so I am familiar with Honda's XR's.  I want a better street capable dual sport with E-start.

Your comments and opinions welcomed.

HW

Me, I'd want a XR650R to fiddle with over the XR650L but that's just me
I've got a '94 DR650 motard (only 9000 km! I got lucky) and am perfectly happy with that...yes, there's more stuff around for the Hondas...they do seem more offroad capable whereas the DR (in stock form) has a good 50/50 balance road/trail...throw in some suspension upgrades and easy aibox mods and rejetting and you are good to go.
And yes, the 520 chain conversion is apparently the go but mine is still on it's original chain so I don't know for sure...