Chopping Up A Suzuki DR650

The Suzuki DR650 is a nice compromise for those who want to get some off-roading in on the weekends while weaving through traffic on their way to work. Yet with a few new motorbike parts, the bike can really shine.

According to Dirt Rider Magazine, the DR650 is a nimble bike that's great for getting to work. The writer says that he "was able to snake through traffic faster than any sport bike, cruiser or bagger out there." For most off-roading adventures, the DR650 is more than up to the task. It's only when a rider really puts it through the paces on some rougher terrain that the bike starts to reveal a few shortcomings.

Some riders might hear about this and decide to invest money in a different bike. Others see it as a challenge: to take an underperforming machine and turn it into something special. With a few modifications to the suspension, a new pair of motorcycle tires and some mods suggested on the Internet, the owner was able to turn his bike into a mean machine ready to tackle both the pavement and the dirt.

The news source also says that upgrading the bike isn't always necessary. In fact, off-road legend Malcolm Smith told the magazine that he used the DR650 as a test bike on racing days, with little trouble.

* To provide the most accurate information to you the consumer, beginning with 2009 model year motorcycles and ATVs, Suzuki lists "Curb Weight" rather than dry weight. "Curb Weight" is the weight of the machine as you would ride it on the street or trail factoring in all necessary fluids including oil, battery acid, brake fluid and a full tank of fuel. "Dry Weight" is the weight minus all operating fluids.