COMPARISON I 2023 SUZUKI DR650S VS. HONDA XR650L
P110
compared to modern big-bore singles
with EFI, but overall, both bikes run
well but are a little on the lean side.
Both bikes could benefit from lower
gearing for off-road riding; they are
geared quite tall from the factory.
This is great if you want to go really,
really fast all the time, but it could be
better for trail riding. Luckily, both
bikes have ample torque and power
to get you by. If most of your off-road
riding is going to be on slick two-track
dirt roads, however, the stock gearing
is fine with both bikes; you can take
advantage of that beautiful torque
they both possess.
(Above) Suspension is
the XR's strongpoint.
(Below left) The XR's
engine is all about torque,
and you feel every pulse.
(Below right) The DR's
dry-sump engine takes up
a lot of space and eats up
ground clearance.
