What's a Stronger, More Refined DR650?

[acesandeights]

I have a DR650 I really like, but I've been kicking around the idea of something similar but more 2-up friendly (in addition to the DR650).

I've considered BMW, KTM, Yamaha, Triumph, Suzuki, etc. but I'm stymied. I really want something as dead-nuts reliable as possible that has higher payload, more power than my DR and can still spend most of it's time on forest service roads. Seems everything is pretty techno-heavy and that may be alright, but after reading some specific bike threads I'm worried what would be best is an air-cooled twin without ABS or an ECM/PCM and it's just not out there.

Is all the techno-stuff pretty reliable and I'm just slow to accept? What would you consider the most reliable multi-cylinder that would offer what I'm looking for?

[51%]

Technology has made all forms of transport more reliable, not less. That's my .02

As far as which is the most reliable, I won't go there. That belongs in CSM.

One last thought, reliable is one thing, field repairable is another...

[acesandeights]

"...field repairable is another..."

Good point and a much better way to say what I meant regarding reliability. I can carry tools and fix things.

[ghostdncr]

Originally Posted by acesandeights

"...field repairable is another..."

Good point and a much better way to say what I meant regarding reliability. I can carry tools and fix things.

An option that's probably at the top of my list is a late Airhead BMW. Probably a GSPD, and I've spent entirely too much time thinking about this exact dilemma:

[Boon Booni]

Originally Posted by acesandeights

"...field repairable is another..."

Good point and a much better way to say what I meant regarding reliability. I can carry tools and fix things.

Or you can buy something that doesn't break.

From your list of requirements, and if you can get on board with have a few little black boxes, here's my list.

DL650, Versys, Tiger 800. I don't list the F800 because it has even more little black boxes, though the G650 is a decent little bike with good power.

If you like big bikes, DL1000, Yamaha Super Ten, BMW 1100/1150 GS.

If you like air cooled and carbed but still reliable, BMW R100GS.

You could also look for a Transalp. They're getting harder and harder to find in the US as they were only sold for 2-3 years. 89-91 I believe. They're not a whole lot more powerful than your DR650 though.

YMMV...

[ghostdncr]

Originally Posted by Boon Booni

You could also look for a Transalp. They're getting harder and harder to find in the US as they were only sold for 2-3 years. 89-91 I believe. They're not a whole lot more powerful than your DR650 though.

YMMV...

I sold my Transalp because it seemed Honda was starting to exhaust their supply of certain replacement parts and my parts guy said they were showing up in the system as "obsolete." Not cool at all. While there are plenty of spares floating around overseas, I don't want to be down for a month waiting on a used clutch cable to drift in from Germany, you know?

My DR is opened up a bit (airbox mod, FMF pipe, the usual...) and I can't tell much difference between it and the TA. If anything, the DR feels more powerful! The TA's V-twin was a bit smoother, though.

[Boon Booni]

Originally Posted by ghostdncr

I sold my Transalp because it seemed Honda was starting to exhaust their supply of certain replacement parts and my parts guy said they were showing up in the system as "obsolete." Not cool at all. While there are plenty of spares floating around overseas, I don't want to be down for a month waiting on a used clutch cable to drift in from Germany, you know?

They also have their reliability issue. I never rode that thing farther than 20 miles without having a spare ignition module on hand.

[ghostdncr]

Originally Posted by Boon Booni

They also have their reliability issue. I never rode that thing farther than 20 miles without having a spare ignition module on hand.

Those CDI's suck mud! Far as I know, there's nearly nothing you can do to repair one in the field, aside from plugging in a new replacement. Some folks have managed to repair them from time to time, but it's not something you're gonna do in the woods. In the dark. While it's raining...

[Mikef5000]

For a 2-up off-road capable bike, the big Tenere is king. And it most definitely would be considered "dead-nuts reliable".

[BobbyLee666]

Price is always going to be a big factor when looking at new bikes. Smaller, older, more mainstream bikes from Japan will usually be less expensive than the bikes from Europe. Wanting a bike suitable for two up riding will reduce the possible selections somewhat.

For example, I had a 2008 KLR650 with capabilities similar to your DR650, but I was looking for something smoother with a bit more power, capable for two up riding and still able to ride on some dirt. After researching the available bikes, I purchased a 2009 DL650 (Wee Strom). A far and away more refined bike with all of the capabilities I was looking for. Purchased last year for $5,000. As far as I'm concerned, it's a great bike, stone reliable, with great aftermarket and end-user support. But it's not as glamorous as many other bikes out there and even considered boring by some.

I would suggest browsing the many, many threads in this section to get some ideas of the bikes you are probably looking at.

[dljocky]

acesandeights, I've got the same issue. I love my DR, it's been a great bike. I like it much better than my DL650 I used to have. But I've been wanting something that is better on the interstate, and still able to do gravel/dirt. dont get me wrong, the DR can do interstate rides, I rode 840 miles one day from Va to Tn. Also, I would like something the wife could ride on.

Too many problems for me with the F800gs, I'm not sure the Tiger 800 has been out quite long enough for reliability. The S-10 is a fantastic bike, but $$. I'll be checking this thread. Good luck!

[skysailor]

Two up....and ......off road capable? Wouldn't want to be "off road" in the "bitch" seat of any bike. Best trick. Get the second person on their own bike.
Replacement for the DR650? Or, for that matter, the DRZ400, KLR650? All the same mission. There are NO replacements. You want to get a litre machine "un-stuck"? You want to find parts for a Super Tenere in Bum Fuck, Bolivia?
Always thought the X-Country 650 by "Bring More Wampum" aka BMW would be a KLR for dudes with deeper wallets. But that model has virtually 0 after market, and it was dropped like a bad smell by the German company themselves.

[WARRIORPRINCEJJ]

Originally Posted by Boon Booni

Or you can buy something that doesn't break. ...

For me, this statement is King...and eliminates anything Euro.

I know...I know...I get it...everyone loves their Beemer, KTM, Triumph, etc., etc., etc. However, every Euro bike I have ever owned has been a nightmare. Within a few weeks or months of ownership, every one of them lost my trust. Just my $0.02...YMMV.

Originally Posted by Mikef5000

For a 2-up off-road capable bike, the big Tenere is king. And it most definitely would be considered "dead-nuts reliable".

You want a bigger DR, hang-out in the S-10 threads for awhile. This ^^^ is one owner. There are tons just like him...who keep repeating that the S-10 is the best bike they have ever owned.

If I can find the scratch, the S-10 is my next bike.



Happy hunting...Cheers.


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[LexLeroy]

I'm currently an XR650L owner, and I had a 1998 DR650. I'm thinking that a KLR650 with a bump to 705cc and a serious weight loss regimen might do it for ya'. Simple as a claw hammer and as reliable as an anvil.

[RMac]

Cagiva Gran Canyon. Wanna buy mine?