Introduced in 2006, the DR is a dual-sport motorcycle from Japanese automaker Suzuki. The 2007 Suzuki DR represents the second model year for the nameplate. The bike is divided into two models: the DR-200SE and the DR-650SE, named after their engine displacements of 199 (rounded up to 200) and 644 (rounded up to 650) cubic centimeters (cc), respectively. For the 2007 model year, Suzuki set the manufacturer's suggested retail price at $3,949 for the 200SE and $5,099 for the 650SE.
The 200SE model of the 2007 Suzuki DR is 84.6 inches long, 31.7 inches wide and 46.7 inches high, with a dry weight of 249 lbs. The 650SE, which is the bigger and heavier of the two models, has a length of 84.6 inches, width of 34.1 inches, height of 47 inches and dry weight of 324 lbs.
Powering each bike is a four-stroke single-cylinder engine, with two valves on the cylinder. Its bore and stroke is 2.6 by 2.29 inches on the 200SE and 3.94 by 3.23 inches on the 650SE. The compression ratios for the 200cc and 650cc models are 9.4 to 1 and 9.5 to 1, respectively. Each engine is hooked up to a five-speed manual, implemented for more excitement when driving the bike. An electric starter and Mikuni carburetor (31-millimeter BST31SS on the 200SE and 40-millimeter BST40 on the 650SE) contribute to an effective and quick engine start-up. With recommended regular fuel, each ‘07 Suzuki DR bike can provide considerable range based on its 3.4-gallon gas tank.
Available as a blue or yellow decal-laden motorcycle, the 2007 Suzuki DR uses a stripped-down design, with thin layers of plastic over its sturdy steel frame. A one-piece vinyl seat--not adjustable on the 200SE, but is adjustable on the 650SE--is set at a height of 34.8 inches. Providing more than enough room for the driver plus one passenger, the seat comes with a grab rail or strap.
Large aluminum wheels--21-inch front and 17-inch rear ones on the 200SE, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear ones on the 650SE--go on the ‘07 DR. Each wheel has a hydraulic disc brake, which provides greater braking ability than the regular front-disc-brake rear-drum-brake set-up. A trip odometer serves as the bike’s standard instrumentation at the dashboard. Flanking the DR are side mirrors for enhanced visibility, and a halogen light is positioned at the front for lighting. Suzuki installs a rear rack behind the seat for storage purposes.
The 2007 Suzuki DR offers the hallmarks of a good dual-sport bike: better-than-average performance, sporty styling and sturdy enough to handle all types of road surfaces. It also helps that it comes with a comparatively modest price tag.