Like The Video(s)? Hit That SUBSCRIBE!! Really Helps Channel!! Thanks For Watching!!

DR650 is really the only choice left for a pure dual sport motorcycle experience. It’s the G.O.A.T.

@timschneider5850

4 ай бұрын

Honda XR650L also (and better imho). The doctor is sick too though.

18 DR650 here , coming up on 39k. Only 1,500 of it is mine. Owned over a year. Very reliable, no problems.

I just picked up a 0 mile 2024 model today and I couldn't be happier. I had a 2002 back in the day and it was identical to the new one.

My Dr gets me out there! And it’s stock the day it left the factory. Simplicity is Genius!

Simplicity wont leave you stranded. Extravagance eventually will.

I was riding my DRZ back home tonight, weather is awful here in the UK right now. Dry where I am granted; but windy as hell and dark as sin...my display stopped working months back and I never got it replaced. I have a neutral light, an indicator light and that's it, and for that reason of simplicity I love this bike. I've got three other bikes which are light years ahead of the DRZ400 but like you said. That simplicity is something special.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

It's kind of a peace of mind knowing a whole bunch of electronics aren't going to fail you because they never fail when you're right down the street from your home...

Love your 'everyman' attitude to discovery riding! I've owned two DR 650's over the years as well as one BMW R 800Gs and 12 various street bikes. I've always enjoyed the dual sport bikes best. I'm 76 now and hope to ride this current DR for at least a decade. I'm always up for a northern or Rocky Mnt adventure! I really enjoyed your video on installing your DR crash bars, no crashes since?

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Appreciate you watching! Oh yeah, I've crashed a few times..bars did their job!

Currently selling my 2014 crf250l for a dr650. even though its super reliable and lacking modern features like ABS, I want something even simpler. The ability to fix damn near anything on a bike because of a lack of proprietary electronics is completely understated in todays world. Keep up the good work!

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Exactly!

I do have a newer Klx 300, but It's still simple. I don't have to play with settings at all. And I love that. Also a fan of lighter bikes too, so while I'm sure all of that power is great, I can't imagine riding a AT that weighs twice as much offroad. Sounds horrible to ride anywhere rough. Sounds horrible to pick up! Simplicity is king to me.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Aw yeah, I've heard good things about The KLX300! I'd definitely add one of those to the stable if I could! Weight matters, I've certainly learned that!

Another great video. There are some cool features on some of the new bikes, cruise control being top of the list for long highway rides. I think there has been a push to force you to use the dealer even for simple things like an air filter change that really should be a self maintenance procedure. Part of enjoyment for me is working on the bike and customizing. But if somebody gave me a new Africa Twin I would not be complaining either.

Looking at getting one of these. What a great bike. Simplicity is refreshing after looking at some modern bikes. Same as what Royal Enfield does.

This is gonna be my 1st motorcycle 🏍️💨

The cruise control will never fail you on a DR!

@precipiceofgrind

Ай бұрын

Heard that!

Hi i just discover your channel...like the dr 650 your channel is simple and fun...and amazingly....i bought the exact same bike a mouth ago...for the exact same reason you bought yours...lol...i live in Granby qc canada...unfortunately...i only get to ride it once in a while since i got it ...435 kms so far...i am à truck driver so i am on the road most of the time....by the way i know St Georges Utah...i used to fuel my truck There when heading to nevada and California...keep on your good work....adiiiioosssss...

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Appreciate you watching and supporting the channel!!

Everyone of my friends that bougtht a Royal Enfield has regretted it and sold them and bought something reliable. DR650 in my stable as well for similar reasons. Ride on.

Am with you on simplicity. I have a 2022 Suzuki DR650. It’s a great bike. Where you are riding. That desert looks like California desert.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Southwestern Utah desert. Thanks for watching!

motorcycle button wizardry will never replace rider skill..in some cases creates a false sense of safety..my 2014 DR650 is a fire road monster (at least I think so..lol) oil & filter every 1500..air filter wash n lube reg basis.. SIMPLE..RELIABLE..NO MUSS NO FUSS..anywho Precipice of G, I agree with your observations

Simplicity and reliability are the two major reasons I went with a DRz. The with its air cooling and non-digital dash the DR650 goes even a step further. Especially for a bike being used off-road, the less gadgetry and electronics the better.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Oh yeah, spend enough time off road and you know. Screws back out, wires come apart. The easier it is to put back together the better!

I have a fully built DR with all the mods, and a new VStrom 800de. The 800de has just enough features without complexity like others. Also, the air filter on the 800 is accessible under the seat. Both are great bikes.

I really enjoy my DR 650 . I have thought about getting something else a time or two but nothing I see out there is as practical for the kind of on and off road riding I do.

@colinbowman8816

3 ай бұрын

Kove 450? No?

I certainly appreciate the simplicity of these thumpers. The most tech I’ve had on a bike is fuel injection and ABS. I had a gen1 KLR for about 6 years and sold it to buy an Interceptor from RE. I miss the reliability of the KLR and the space for the rider. Looking to move back into a new 650cc single and I’m leaning towards the DR because the KLR is fuel injected now. I know they say fuel injection is reliable, but given my luck I’m better off with a carb. Why add electric components if you don’t need them.

I've followed your purchases. I agree with your POV on all of this. I own a 2017 XT250 that I bought in the summer. And now I'm looking for a DR650. I want to use Suzuki's lowering kit and might put on a lower seat to get it down to the XT's height. I love being able to put my feet down and the DR650 is almost the best of all worlds. Just wish it was EFI because where I live they sit for months in the winter, but I've had carbs for all of my life and it wasn't really a big problem either. Funny thing is I like the Tenere too just like you but I wouldn't probably buy one, but it would be my distant 3rd favorite.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Appreciate you watching! Hope you get your DR650 soon!

23,000 trail miles on mine and every time I get salivating over a newer bike (Tuareg, KTM890) I remember how I’ve fixed everything, done all maintenance and upgrades myself and it just keeps ticking. I have the same or more fun. The T 700 might make the cut. Mines a 2013 but that doesn’t matter!

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Heard that!

She’d have better luck with the DR . 🌟 🌟 🌟

The dr650 has to be the best dual purpose of all time super simple decent power fun to drive. There's a reason why they've never changed it and it still sells today.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Heard that!

I’m planning to get a DR 650 as well as a 250 or smaller like the XT. New Himalayan is looking really good but I think it would have to replace my KLR and I’m not ready to give that up. The Royal Enfield I want now is the Classic 350 for commuting and casual road rides. I think four bikes will be my limit 😂

I like my 2022 KLR for the same reason. Traction control is my right hand and the modes depend on my mood.😊

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Yup, that's it!

That’s typically only the Japanese adventure bikes. The euro stuff stays where you put it. If I leave my GS in Enduro mode it stays there until I change it. It is one thing I hated about my Africa Twin. Every time you shut it off you have to set it back up. Don’t get me started on the stupidity of how hard the air filter is to get too on the Africa Twin and Trans Alp. I’m not sure a T700 is much of an upgrade over a DR. That’s just my opinion. Usually those big bikes are only better for eating up miles. If you ride more than 50% off road I wouldn’t even mess with an Adventure bike. Again just my opinion.

Africa twin from 2014 to 2018 has minimal electronics (actually don't even think it has ride modes). Those are solid adv touring bikes.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Oh yeah, I was on the hunt for 2016 model for this reason.

New and shiny is cool, but I can't imagine it lasting. If you've got the cash and want the comfort, great. I've got an '89 TW200 that still runs. Sure, the speedo shakes and I ended up replacing the carb for $50, but the starter still starts, the lights still light, and the engine still ticks.

Dr 650 is the best motorcycle in this market..

Good video! I like simplicity. I’m not opposed to technology, I use computers all day at work, but I look at bikes as a way of getting away from the digital environment. I’ve been considering the DR650, and strangely the CRF300L, even though it’s a much more modern bike. I’d even consider the one with switchable ABS, as I’m not opposed to tech in general, but I have no interest in bikes with all the superfluous gadgetry that manufacturers seem intent on pushing onto us. I like tech that improves the ride, not stuff that gets between me and the ride. The CRF you own isn’t overdone, and the current Yamaha T7 Ténéré isn’t too bad in this regard either, but I’m concerned that Yamaha is going to succumb to the pressure to add more unnecessary electronics to the next generation bike. I don’t get it, but apparently some people like it.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Appreciate you watching! Yeah, wondering that myself about the T7. It's one of the reasons I like the T7 is that Yamaha (thus far) hasn't gone overboard on the tech.

I'm right out of 1960...I'm used to simple lol

Simplicity is king. That's why I ride a street legal 2-stroke, 2023 Beta 300RR Race Edition (yes, it has plates).

I see so many reviews that complain about dash's not being updated. Give me simple dials for speed and revs anytime. Digital screens are too dang sensitive to violent ground impacts. :)

I went from the dr650 to the 690 enduro, I loved the dr650 ,but the 690 was a little simpler to start in the morning thanks to it's fuel injection ,it was also less complicated to climb hills with loose rocks thanks to it's traction control, emergency breaking was easier , due to having abs, anyway am not trying to being sarcastic, but to be honest the main reason for the change was that being 6"3 i found that the distance between the seat and the foot pegs on the dr650 was a little cramped for me, i did lower the pegs but the break lever can only be lowered about 3/4 ' so I didn't like the break lever being above the pegs, other than that the dr650 is a great bike.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Comfort is key! That 690 is a pretty dope bike. Thanks for watching!

Great video. I have to agree with you on the simplicity issue. I have a little Yamaha TW200. A little under powered, but it never backs down from an off road challenge. As with your DR650, it's a very simple machine. Equipped pretty much the same as your DR650. Yamaha has been making them for nearly 40 years and there is a huge following. New and used parts are readily available as are aftermarket accessories and performance parts. If I may ask...what is the seat height on your bike?

@precipiceofgrind

Ай бұрын

It's stock height, 34 inches.

Hello Mr. Grind! Thank you for your videos they are a huge inspiration!!! Quick question, would you feel that the gen 3 KLR is doable for short fun rides with a pillion? Thanks!! We are average weight for man and woman 🏍️💨

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

You're very welcome, thank you for watching! I would presume so, there's quite a bit of room on the Gen 3 KLR. That seat isn't called 'grandmas couch' for nothing!

I think that every level of tech has it's place, and that it should always be an option, but that forcing it on us like has happened in the car world only leads to increased prices and compromised reliability. I love tech, I really do. But I also love simplicity. And that's why I think things like the DR and t-dub are such important motorcycles in today's world. That the option still exists to get a bike in an unadulterated form is a great thing, and the fact that they still make them proves that people still want them. I'll be getting a DR next year to keep as my "forever" bike, and then probably supplement that with other, shorter term bikes to play around with the tech. But I would never consider keeping something loaded to the gills with tech long term.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Yes, this makes a lot of sense.

Keep it simple stupid. I have always liked that phrase. If it takes more than 10 minutes to pull the plugs and air filter and it doesnt have a cradle frame strong enough to hold a skid pan that will prevent damage to the bike if a rock hits then they should not be called ADV or dual sport. I have fuel injected bikes and trucks but none have ran as well as my carb bikes and trucks. So much for that being better. My DR 650 isnt a power house but it does what i ask of it when i ask it to. You cant beat that!

Does the carb bikes really that much difference on altitude? I mean if i take a roadtrip from oklahoma to colorado, will it just run poor if i go up some mountain passes and back down or will it flat quit running? I dont care about power just aslong as it will still pull itself down the trail

That's my dilemma now actually... haha I don't mind the tech, but I'm thinking long term ownership and a sensor fix here and a button change there can get expensive over time

It's not the destination, it's the journey, all these new bikes are just waiting to break down over a radiator hose,or a dead battery, they need to bring back magneto and kick start,there is a reason they discontinued the DR650 in Australia where you can have serious consequences it you break down, in this world, if it works, discontinued it, goes for everything, if you like it and it works, buy 2 of them ,because they will soon discontinue it,have a blessed evening, love you

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

I know, I wish I had kick starts on my bikes for back up. That sucks the DR is discontinued in Australia. Is it due to emissions or something else?

I'm looking to return to a simple bike. The Africa is ok and fun but I've come to realize that a purist approach is more to my liking.

I couldn't agree more with what you've been saying with regards to simplicity, honestly if I could afford it, I would choose the Yamaha T700cc over any other bike out there, you can't go wrong with the reliability of the Japanese bikes, keep away from the Royal Enfield, I wouldn't even want it for free 😁

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Yeah, I like the T7. I'll probably wind up with one since they are finally showing up around my area. Been a unicorn bike here for awhile. Hopefully Yamaha doesn't go tech heavy on it in the coming years.

@twowheeladventures63

7 ай бұрын

@@precipiceofgrind Based on some of your videos and bike choice, be careful with the T7. I have owned a DR650, CRF300L Rally, and the T7. I did not enjoy the T7 and looking at going back to the DR650 and a WR250R combo (which I own now). The T7 is a beast of a bike to pick up solo defeating the purpose off-road and in my opinion is not a good road bike. I felt really vulnerable riding solo in remote areas, which I commonly do. I know people love it, but I really did not enjoy it and was happy to sell it.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Oh yeah, I have no illusions about the weight of the bike. I deal with the same thing while on my KLR, I always ride with a moto winch now and the KLR is the bike I ride the most conservatively. Weight matters, I only ride the lighter bikes deeper into the backcountry.

The only benefit I see for the ride modes is it makes up for lack of skills new riders have.....If you have skills the simpler the better....dr650 with suspension work and some head and breathing mods will get it done. The skilled rider can make it dance. I see you using it more than the KLR for your type of riding...if you go adventure riding, with more pavement, a twin would be better for comfort. Air cooled and carb has been great for years. Sometimes it not needed to re-invent the wheel....but you said it...if someone gave me a bike with bells and whistles, I would accept it.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Well said. I've decided to simply use the KLR for forest roads and pavement. I just don't want to deal with the weight but I love my KLR, great bike to load up and hit campgrounds and long trips.

50k plus miles on my klr. Lots of off road , never let me down. I firmly believe less is more. Huge adv bikes are overrated.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

I have a Gen 3 KLR, love it. Sold my Gen 2 to get it. Actually wish I still had the Gen 2.

@joelthomas4487

6 ай бұрын

You like the gen 2 better than the gen3?​@precipiceofgrind

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

I wouldn't say no to another one, I really enjoyed my Gen 2. I'd really like to have a Gen 1 but they are hard to come by in my area.

Can you tell me where you were riding when you shot this video?

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

Southwestern Utah desert

One of the more interesting bikes I've seen was a SR400 modded into a scrambler and with no battery. Just a capacitor for the lights to make it street legal. Super simple bike. The key is just a killswitch. flip it on and kick it. Perhaps that is taking it too far on simplicity, cause I'm not sure how well the headlights work from that. But it's an interesting concept.

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Man, I don't know...that sounds pretty dope. I wish I could add kick start to my bikes for back up.

How does the DR650 do on those HOT desert summer days being air cooled?

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Thus far I've had no problems riding mine in triple digit heat.

No ABS is why in NZ that they stopped selling these since 2021, my 01 has 122900kms on the odo simple is good !

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Really? Guess I'm a little surprised but I suppose I shouldn't be. I was under the impression it was emissions.

Fuel guage is the only thing i wish it had

A reason so many prefer simplicity is they simply cant afford the latest and greatest. A new africa twin is 3 times the price of a new dr650.

324 lb dry weight and no water pump to stop working, well do I want a complicated girlfriend or one who never complains....

@precipiceofgrind

5 ай бұрын

There you have it...

plz try royal enfield 650 continental gt, interceptor 650 and super meteor 650 before buying himalayan 450

@precipiceofgrind

7 ай бұрын

Reasons?

@anupambarua7318

7 ай бұрын

for the highway and other places where yo need speed ad it increases the top speed and also ratio of pick up speed increase while shifting in high gears also give more power in low RPM

As a former Suzuki owner, I say look at Honda. Suzuki is a great machine but everything on it is intended to break, not bend. After spending hundreds after every vacation, I bought a Honda and never looked back. Little things like bumping a tree branch, dropping it on its side, shouldn’t break stuff on a dirt bike. It SHOULD be designed bend and flex.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

What Honda did you buy?

Race a Tenere before you consider it an upgrade. Royal enfields are a marketing ploy. Ride one and you will see.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

What are your thoughts on the T7?

@lrdf4749

6 ай бұрын

It's like trying to sell a glock 19 to a glock 17 owner (if you already own a dr650) Same same, but different. The t7 wins looks and flex factor but nobody cares about that except the owner.

@precipiceofgrind

6 ай бұрын

I can dig that. T7 weighs as much as my KLR, heavy man.