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DR650 is what you make it.

Highway

The DR 650 is not a great highway cruiser but it is pretty good. The DR out powers all other Japanese 650 singles but lacks a windscreen which can wear you out on long rides. The benefit of not having a windscreen is that there is no wind buffeting and more air is available to cool you of...f on hot days. The DR will run easily at a 75 mph (83 indicated) but fuel consumption definitely increases at these speeds. Under normal mixed riding I average 48 mpg. On the freeway I have averaged between 36 and 40 mpg.

Urban
In town the DR shines. It is very maneuverable and handles well. I rarely have to slow down much for corners. Potholes and curbs are handled with ease. With another 10 hp it would be a serious blast.

Dirt roads
The DR runs good on forest roads. Problems do show up on rocky 4wd roads and mud, especially in steep conditions. Gearing on the DR is a bit high and low speed crawling is an exercise in clutch use. In the mud and rocks the weight of the DR becomes apparent quick. Not nearly as bad as an adventure tourer but you do realize quickly that it is no trail bike. The DR can handle novice singletrack fine but if obstacles start appearing turn around quick.

Comfort
Some complain that the seat is too hard. I have a Corbin and find it only marginally better. Ergonomics are good for an average sized rider but tall riders can feel cramped. The bike is an excellent option for shorter folk due to the adjustable suspension. There is little wind protection but overall I enjoy riding the bike.

Additions:
As stated in the title the DR is extremely adaptable. There are an endless number of add-ons available to make the DR better for either the street or dirt. Limit your engine modifications to a jet kit and exhaust if you want more power. No matter what you do, the DR will never have as much horsepower as a 450 enduro.

Several windscreens are available but I haven’t found one I like. Most seem too narrow and cause severe buffeting.

To extend your range there are fuel tank options from 4 to 9 gallons. The most popular tank seems to be the 5 gallon IMS. I have the 9 + gallon Aqualine Safari tank. The Safari is a fine tank but is overkill for most. The biggest issue I have with the tank is that the fuel supply can stop due to an air lock in the fuel line with both petcocks open. Best to just leave one on reserve and periodically equalize the tank level by opening the other petcock when the tank gets low when the tank gets low. I would get the IMS if I had to do it again.

Money is best spent upgrading the suspension. Heavier fork springs with a Race Tech Gold Valve Emulator is a must up front. In the rear I have a fully adjustable custom shock from Cogent Dynamics. The result is a much more controlled ride.
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