Suzuki now has stock of the 2017 DR650SE in black with flashes of “electric blue” at $8990 with a free Adventure Kit worth $450.
The adventure kit consists of a Suzuki aluminium bashplate, rear luggage rack and Barkbuster VPS hand guards.
There is no doubting best-value, indestructible adventure bikes on the market. The price has been unchanged for about four years despite currency fluctuations.
“The DR650SE is one of the most versatile motorcycles ever made, from commuting, courier work, weekend toy to all out hardcore adventure touring the DR650SE is built to be able to handle it all,” says Suzuki Australia’s Motorcycle Marketing Manager Lewis Croft.
“Travel anywhere in the motorcycling world and chances are you’ll see a DR650SE in various forms of riding application.
“No other motorcycle can offer such a heritage of reliability and value for money that’s why it has such a huge following of fans known as the DR faithful.”
It sounds gushing, but it’s actually true.
King of the outback
If you head out west beyond the Black Stump, most of the adventure riders are on DR650s with big Safari tanks and other accessories bolted and welded on.
2017 Suzuki DR650SEI’ve interviewed many world-travelling riders and most of them have crossed the globe on the big DR.
That’s because they are simple, solid and cheap to run. No need for fancy computers for servicing. They can be maintained with a simple tool box in the middle of the Outback or African jungle.
The bikes are powered by a 644cc four-stroke engine that is gently tuned for smooth acceleration at low to mid speeds.
No electronic fuel here, just a 40mm Mikuni carburettor that is easily maintained or fixed at the side of a deserted highway.
Comfort features are low, but the seat is well padded and can be lowered 40mm by a dealer.
The gear-driven single counter balance system reduces engine vibes so it feels smooth, even when riding at outback highway speeds.
The bars are nice and wide for good control and the suspension is long-stroked and plush, although a little on the soft side.
Tougher springs and shocks and heavier fork oil are often the first things legitimate adventurers modify on the bike.
However, it is so cheap, even with suspension modifications, it still compares well with other single-cylinder mid-sized adventurers.