2012 Suzuki DR Review

Intro

The Suzuki DR650SE is a dual-purpose motorcycle that offers riders a combination of well-mannered street bike ability and capable off-road performance. With a technologically advanced chassis and suspension, the 2012 Suzuki DR650SE is an exhilarating performer on tight trails, winding country lanes, and even city streets. The bike’s big single cylinder engine provides an ample amount of low end torque, enabling you to accelerate hard when coming out of corners while making it ideal for opening up the throttle when crossing open terrain. The 2012 Suzuki DR650SE is also a pleasure to ride on the street, thanks to its lightweight agility and crisp handling ability.

The 2012 Suzuki DR650SE boasts a short wheelbase and a low seat height that help facilitate its agile performance on pavement or dirt. The bike is powered by a compact but powerful 644cc, SOHC, four-stroke, air-cooled engine that’s equipped with Suzuki Advanced Cooling System (SACS). Consistent performance across a variety of conditions and temperatures is further ensured by piston-jet cooling and an engine oil cooler. The bike’s engine has been tuned with powerful performance at low to mid range RPMs in mind. The bike is built on a lightweight, compact rigid semi-double frame that further bolsters the 2012 Suzuki DR’s handling ability both on-road and off. The frame makes use of thin-wall/large-diameter tubing that further reduces the bike’s weight while also maintaining frame rigidity. Engine vibration is kept to a minimum thanks to a gear-driven single counter balancer system that also helps facilitate a more comfortable ride. The DR’s engine makes use of Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coated aluminum cylinder that increases durability, reduces weight, and results in superior heat transfer. The 2012 Suzuki DR650SE comes equipped with a convenient electric starter that facilitates, quick, easy starting. A battery that’s lightweight, compact, and low-maintenance, powers the whole system. Throttle response is excellent, thanks to a Mikuni 40mm carburetor. The stainless-steel exhaust system is light and resistant to corrosion as well as being specifically tuned for strong low and midrange power. Shifting is smooth; thanks to a wide-ratio five-speed transmission that’s complemented by an O-ring sealed final drive chain.

The 2012 Suzuki DR650SE’s lightweight chassis features cartridge front forks that combine the best of conventional and inverted design, resulting in smooth and progressive action. High rigidity is maintained and thin-walled tubes reduce unsprung weight. There is also a link-type rear suspension with piggyback-style shock absorber and adjustable compression damping that helps provide a more stable damping performance. Both the front and the rear suspension provide long 260mm wheel travel, which makes for superb traction and ride quality, even over rough terrain. Stopping power is good, thanks to the DR’s lightweight 290mm front floating disc brake with two-piston caliper and 240mm rear disc brake with two-piston caliper. Hollow-type wheel axles and an aluminum swingarm further minimize unsprung weight. Seat height can be lowered with a suspension modification the dealership is authorized to perform. The 2012 Suzuki DR650SE is available in Solid Iron Gray. Although few changes have been made to the Suzuki DR650SE in recent years, and the model is dated in some regard by today’s performance standards, the 2012 Suzuki DR remains an impressive dual-purpose machine. Its ability to seamlessly transition between dirt and asphalt has made it a favorite amongst adventurous riders. With burly styling and legitimate off-road capability, the DR is a great commuter bike that can also be perfect for a weekend off-road getaway. The bike’s easily accessible reserves of power make it equally as well suited for lane splitting and dodging through traffic as it is for conquering trails. The Suzuki DR650SE’s versatility has also made it a favorite of aftermarket enthusiasts who outfit the bike with components that increase its versatility. If you’re looking for solid good commuter bike that can also be taken for a weekend getaway riding the canyon or the forest trails, you might want to look into the 2012 Suzuki DR650SE.

New For 2012

  • No notable changes were introduced to the 2012 Suzuki DR650SE.

2012 Suzuki DR Specs

  • Model: Suzuki DR650SE
  • Engine Type: 644cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
  • Bore and Stroke: NA
  • Compression ratio: NA
  • Valve Train: OHC
  • Induction: Mikuni BST40, single
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Five-speed constant mesh
  • Final Drive: Chain, DID525V9, 110 links
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 56
  • Brakes (Front): Disc brake
  • Brakes (Rear): Disc brake
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
  • Suspension (Rear): Link type, coil spring, oil damped
  • Wheelbase: 58.1 in
  • Rake: NA
  • Trail: NA
  • Seat Height: 34.8 in
  • Curb Weight:366 lbs.
  • Tires (Front): 90/90-21 M/C 54S, tube type
  • Tires (Rear): 120/90-17 M/C 64S, tube type

Accessories

  • Optional Side Stand
  • Aluminum Skid Plate
  • Silver Rear Rack
  • Black Rack Bag
  • Pro Race Rear Stand
  • Tire Valve Caps Suzuki Logo
  • Black Low Gel Seat

Key Competitors For The 2012 Suzuki DR

  • Kawasaki KLR650 Honda XR650L