With a design old enough for it to be classified as a retro bike, the Suzuki DR650S remains unchanged for 2018.While the air-cooled motor and Mikuni carburetor may put off some riders, it is just this sort of simplicity that appeals to other riders.2018 Suzuki DR650S
As it is, the DR650S straddles the fuzzy line between dual sport and adventure bikes. It’s not as dirt-worthy as many dual sport bikes due to its 366-pound curb weight, yet it’s a much better choice on single-track than most ADV machines due to that very same spec.Something of a blank slate, riders can modify it in either direction simply by changing the tires, and shorter-inseam riders will welcome is the ability to lower the seat.One thing is certain—the 2018 Suzuki DR650S is a highly reliable motorcycle that is quite versatile.Visit our Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide.
2018 Suzuki DR650S Specs:
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder
Displacement: 644cc
Bore x stroke: 100 x 82mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Valve train: SOHC
Cooling: Air-/oil-cooled
Fueling: 40mm Mikuni BST carburetor
Lubrication: Wet sump
Transmission: 5-speed
Final drive: DID O-ring chain
CHASSIS
Front suspension; travel: Height-adjustable telescopic fork; 10.2 inches
2023 Yamaha XSR700 plus Steve Rapp, Daytona 200 Winner
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Motos and Friends is brought to you by the 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa. This legendary Sportbike is the quickest, most technologically advanced, and the most aerodynamic Hayabusa ever. Head into your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
In this week’s first segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams and I discuss the new Yamaha XSR700. That’s the retro-styled version of the MT-07 that comes in any color you like—as long as it’s black. Actually, it looks really good with the gold accents on the gas tank and the matching gold wheels. Teejay tells us whether there’s a decent bike lurking under all that flash.
In our second segment, I chat with Steve Rapp. An ex-factory Suzuki and Ducati rider in the Moto America race series, Steve, among many other accomplishments won the prestigious Daytona 200. He also competed with real credibility in a couple of MotoGP races for Richard Stanboli of Attack Performance.
After retiring from professional road racing Steve became a commercial pilot, flying A320s out of LAX for Alaska Airlines. I suspect he’s the only Airline Captain that’s also an ex-professional motorcycle racer. Steve’s calm, matter-of-fact delivery when talking about his high-speed escapades was interesting to say the least. Very impressive guy indeed.
So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode.
CHASSIS
