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/127945
Suzuki DR350SEW 1146491 The Suzuki DR350 has always been a favorite here at Cycle News ever since it made its debut in 1990, so when it came time to head out to the desert, we simply could not leave it behind. . Suzuki will tell you that the DR350 is designed for the serious dual sport rider, but, in reality, everyone can ride this bike - from the first-timer to the old.pro. The only thing tliat might hold one back from riding the Suzuki is the length of one's legs, as the DR350 is fairly tall with its 35-inch seat height. But if you can plant your feet firmly on the ground, you can ride this bike. But first the technical stuff. The DR350 is powered by a durable single-cylinder 348cc air-cooled four-stroke motor, wIth an electric starting system and a six-speed gearbox. The ride is handled by a single-shock rear-suspension system and telescopic forks, both ends offering more than 10 inches of cushy wheel travel. While we already know that the DR350 is great fun for the more experienced rider, we weren't exactly sure what to expect when we put Keith on the bike, but he did just fine. He liked the bike, but, pretty much as we expected, he admitted that he felt a little . awkward on it. "The Suzuki is a little tall - fortunately, I'm not really short," Keith said. "It's just that when you come to a stop, you have to lean the bike over a little bit, and it feels heavy." . Keith did drop the bike a·few times and, at one time, was completely puzzled when every time he let out the clutch to start moving, he'd crash. Finally, Keith realized that during his first tip-over, a piece of the right plastic handguard got wedged between the lever and bracket, causing the front brake to lock on.· But once up and moving, Keith enjoyed the bike and soon became confident enough to choose to ride it on our group trail ride after the end of the day; it was that electric start tl1at did it. The Suzuki DR350 covers all the bases - it's a serious on/off-road bike that even can enjoy, that Js If their legs are long enough. 8 beginner Nowadays, motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes to fit every member of the family. Father, son and sister gather up foc a trail ride. ,Jldllice 10 hu~bands and boyf"_-e_n_d_s_ _---=--_ _ S o you W1Ult to teach the woman in your life to ride, do you? You think that this will solve your ridmg/ scheduling-time-with her problems, right? Okay, I'll play your game, and I, being a woman who r.ides, am going to teach you I to do just that so you can have your wish of unlimited riding, unlimited parts buying, the cooperation ,of the woman in your life to ride when you want and buy what yOLl need. The first - and I do mean the very first - thing you need to do is get her some decent gear. Do not plop her on your KX500 'in a pair of tennis shoes or even hiking boots, a ball cap and. a tank top, saying she looks "really cute." (Women, if he tries this, J want you to grab the spark plug out of his bike and dangle it )lover battery acid until he gives you a helmet, a pair of boots, a chest protector,. a long-sieeve shirt, heavy pants and gloves. You will need this stuff, because you are going to tip over. Everybody falls, and if you have bare skin peeking out that connects with terra very firma, if your leg gets toasted by a hot pipe, or if you get cactus in your bra, you will probably never try this again.) Next, the bike: Do not plop her on your J9C5OO. Period. Bikes with numbers reading above 300 are not your best bet, okay? Don't put her on (girls, unless you are feeling really brave, macho, lift weights, weigh 200 pounds or have lots of previous motorcycle experience, don't get on) a KX500, an XR600, a Husaberg 501, a KTM 620, or a KLX 650. Mellow four-strokes are an ideal way to get started without jerking her arms out of her sockets when she's learning how to gas, clutch, cuss and brake all at once. Mild-mannered or small two-strokes are another possibility. 80s are small; however, the disadvantage is that she will probably hate. uphills, downhills, large rocks, sand, mud and fast roads. The advantage is, it may help build confidence to start on a bike that doesn't weigh twice what she does. Remember, if the bike is set up for you, big tough fast guy, it is --- going to buck her off quicker than you can say, "Now I'll have to cook my own dinner tonight." . Take some time to soften or even lower the suspension - a 10. the many articles out there on the subject. Patience will keep you out of trouble and in your warm bed tonight. And don't you dare say, "How come you can't wheelie yet? You've been ridin' for two whole hours." Come 10 think of it, you'd probably be wise in not saying 99.9 percent of whatever you're thihking. Sarcasm carries a risk factor of 11 out of 10. I can't hit the broad side of a bam with a baseball, but I can huck a helmet right on target to vulnerable body parts when I hear sarcasm. Let her go at her own pace if she wants help picking up her bike, do it. If she snarls at you that she can pick up her own bike, back off and offer her Ben Gay that evenmg. She's learning something that wiil give you both a lifetime of fun, of shared experiences, of shared... expenses. Kim Orndorff