COMPARISON I 2023 SUZUKI DR650S VS. HONDA XR650L
P106
type single-shock rear suspension
systems, conventional telescopic
forks and disc brakes sans ABS.
Here's where things start sepa-
rating: The Honda's suspension is
more adjustable
and higher-end
than the Suzuki's, and the Honda
weighs approximately 20 pounds
less than the Suzuki at a claimed
346 (curb) pounds, opposed to
the Suzuki's 366 (curb) pounds.
The Honda also comes with an
18-inch rear wheel, the Suzuki
17-inch. The Suzuki holds more
fuel at 3.4 gallons, the Honda 2.8
gallons. And here's a possible
sticking point for some when it
comes to the XR—the Honda's
seat height is significantly higher
than the Suzuki's at 37.0 inches,
versus 34.8 inches for the DR. And
adding insult to injury, the Suzuki's
suspension can be lowered which
reduces seat height a further 1.8
inches! (Though you do lose some
wheel travel.) Honda offers no
such option, which it should, con
-
sidering the XR's towering height.
So,
as you can see, these bikes
are very similar on paper but have
their differences.
As far as price, there is no de-
bate. Both bikes sell for $6999.
ORANGES
TO ORANGES
You'll immediately notice the
Honda's height when you throw a
leg over it. It's tall! And you don't
need to sit on the much lower
Suzuki for verification. But, yes, in
comparison, the XR feels way taller
than the DR, and for some perspec
-
tive buyers, this alone could be a
dealbreaker
in the DR's favor.
Both bikes have large and wide
La-Z-Boys for seats. Very old-
