Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1235205
VOLUME 57 ISSUE 15 APRIL 14, 2020 P69 2020 Suzuki DR200S LEARNING TOOL The history of the DR200R dates back to the mid-1990s. It started life as the DR200SE, then Suzuki dropped the "E" in 2013 when it received a few minor changes and returned as the DR200S. It's still the same motorcycle today. "Simple" best describes the DR200S, a straight-forward, easy- to-ride, and reliable dual-sport motorcycle whose roots run deep in the dirt. It's also inexpensive at $4649 MSRP. The license plate on the back gives the DR200S far more versatility compared to a dedicated dirt bike, but this motor- cycle is more at home on the trail than it is on the boulevard, but it is quite capable at both. The DR's engine doesn't get much more straightforward. It's powered by a carbureted 199cc air-cooled, two-valve, SOHC en- gine. Transmission is a five-speed, and starting is electric. The suspension isn't flashy, but it does sport more than eight inch- es of wheel travel at both ends, and the single rear shock, which offers spring preload adjustability, rides on linkage. The fork is non- adjustable. Ground clearance is a generous 10 inches. The DR has a disc brake up front and a drum in the back, which is sufficient for this style motorcycle. It rolls on full-size 21-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheels, fitted with IRC Trail Wing rubber. It has a somewhat low 33-inch seat height and weighs 278 curb pounds (according to Suzuki's scale). There are many things to like about the DR200S. As men- tioned, it's street-legal, sits low to the ground, is super-easy to ride, performs well on the dirt, and is the ideal motorcycle to learn on. The more experienced or veteran rider who has no interest in get- ting anywhere in a hurry will like the DR's simplicity, reliability and generous 3.3-gallon fuel tank, which should provide a range of more than 200 get-out-of-town stress-free miles! Suspension is plenty good for casual trail rides, and overall, the DR handles well and is narrow between your legs, making it feel more agile than it already is. The DR is a decent around-town commuter, but save the freeways jaunts for the DR400S. Our only real nitpick is carbu- retion. The 31mm Mikuni BST carburetor actually works well at temperature but coughs and blubbers seemingly forever before getting there, and if it sits too long in the garage between rides, the pilot jets will clog. Carburetion is not a game-changer, but EFI would be nicer. Overall, we still love this bike. There's a reason why the DR200S has been in Suzuki's lineup for more than 20 years—it's practical, inexpensive, and it does what it's intended to do very well. It's also a fun, reliable, and easy-to-ride dirt bike that doubles as an excellent light-duty commuter. And all for under five grand brand new. the usual frustration and embar- rassment of stalling the DR's en- gine, but he soon figured out the clutch/throttle routine and was on the loose. The handlebars never touched the ground. Now it was mom's turn. At 5'4" I thought the seat height would be Shawna's biggest obstacle, but it turned out to be a non-issue. Yes, she had to lean the bike a little bit to get solid footing, but it did not discourage or slow her down in any way. Having had owned cars with manual transmissions, Shawna had a good understanding and feel for the DR's clutch and, like Landon, had it mastered in no time and was soon meandering across