But now I'm having second thoughts. Since the closet Husky dealership is 222 miles away from me in Springfield I all but eliminated buying the Terra. I fell in love with it when I first read about it in Motor Cyclist magazine. I figured I'd just go the safe route and agreed to purchase a used 2009 DR650SE with only 1800 miles on it for $4200. The bike has a Sargent seat and a full FMF exhaust on it. The more I read about this bike, it appears I'll have to spend hundreds more to make it competitive and updated. I've owned many, many bikes including KLR's and XR's. For the most part I've enjoyed farkling but I'm getting a little tired of throwing hundreds or thousands of aftermarket upgrades on these old tech Japanese bikes for minimal performance gains. I want a dual sport bike that's looks and performs like my old 1979 XR500r Honda but without the KTM 690 or 500EXC price tag. I want fuel injection, liquid cooled a 6 speed transmission and the reliability of the Japanese bikes. I know I'd be happy with this bike but is it reliable and at what service intervals does it go back to the dealership?
DR650's are great bikes-especially if you have massive adventures planned. Any shade tree mechanic can fix one. But the Terra/Strada is a modern platform and you can feel it when you ride one. I was wanting six gears too, but now I find myself cruising along at 70mph thinking I'm in 5th gear and I'm in 4th! I've never gone for the phantom up-shift on this bike once. 5 gears is good on this one.
Depending on your use the DRZ might be fine. The TR650 will offer more performance and some advantages but if those are worth $3000 more is up to you. also there is a huge aftermarket for the DR and endless options. the TR650 is a great bike, it all depends on your needs and cash. The EFI on the TR works great and the 5 speed is more than enough in fact I geared mine down as 5th was to tall for me. Great motor in this one that should last forever.
I was reading one of your older reviews of the TE511. Do you still have it and how does it compare to the TR? I actually like the looks of the TE's a bit better.
I love my do it all TE511. It is MUCH more of an off road bike. I have a 165 2 stroke for tight woods, the 511 for everything from tighter woods to open areas / DS / Street and the TR as my street bike replacement so I can do adventure riding. The 511 is FAR more capable off road but a good bit less capable on the road. The TR650 is a great street bike and gravel road / EZ trail bike. The 511 can do it all and pretty well but after more than about 50-70 miles of pavement you realize it is not a street bike. Would go all day but not the best long street ride mount. If you want a do it all 80% dirt 20% road get the 511. If you want a nice exploring bike for street, gravel roads and some nice 2 track get the TR650. Change your avatar
Cancelled the DR650SE. I just can't bring myself to purchase a bike that's essentially unchanged for 15 years. I spoke with Halls in Springfield, nice people and they don't charge setup fees. Now I need to figure out which day to drive 4 hours. Going to need a skid plate and hand guards, I know you can help me with one of them!
Hall is a GREAT shop and they will treat you right. I sent two friends there and they both rave about how good Halls is as does everyone here. Skid plates will be done next week. Email me if you want one. Enjoy that new bike.
Good choice man. Having had a DR650, they do need a lot of work to make right. It's a bulletproof bike, but the suspension lacks, the motor needs work to bring it to a respectable 50hp. Sunk a bunch of money in it, and got rid of it. Not perfect on the road, and not great on the trails.
Deutsch: I came in late for this discussion and I think you made the right call. I have a 2005 DR650 that I've dropped a ton of money into--Acerbis 5.3-gal tank, upgraded suspension, exhaust, jet kit, ProCycle seat, different handlebar, plus a bunch of other things. I do like this bike, but the Terra outperforms it for the vast majority of on- and off-road riding I do. (Which is more like trails than hard-core single track.) The Husky is significantly quicker on road, has better stock suspension, and generally just feels more modern. I do like the Suzuki's anvil-tough nature, don't misunderstand, but the Terra is more pleasing to ride. My only wish for the Terra is more fuel capacity. On the DR with the Acerbis tank, I don't start worrying about fuel until nearly 200 miles. Bottom line: My DR is going up for sale soon and I'm planning to buy our Terra testbike when we're done with it. Marc @ Motorcyclist magazine
Marc, you anwsered my question on the TR. my 06 DR had tons of work on it (procycle took a lot of my money Might want to look at a rotopax for the TR. I have one on my super tenere, and it got me out of a jam a few times
That's too bad. I had a '96 DR650 with the typical mods that was a real good bike. I did everything with it. Comuted, rode from NY to TN, trail and play raced it, even finished an Enduro and won a "C" class trophy with it. Granted I changed a lot on it including suspension mods, Yosh quiet pipe, Acebis tank , skid plate. jetting kit, tires etc. but it was a real good running and handling bike after loosing 20 lbs. I put about 23K miles on it and it was still running strong. 5 speed was not a problem, it still did 80mph with dirt gearing. DRZ400 can't do that. I have an SM610 now which is a better performer but no where as reliable and durable.
On the Husqvarna Australia website there is a note on the TR650 webpage which says "Large fuel tank under development". No idea if this is coming from Husqvarna officially or if the Australian importer is working with a local tank manufacturer on some alternative.
That pretty much seals the deal. I know you rode earlier this month with some guys that had a TR and an R1200. I would assume you must've been a little impressed since you have a HEAVILY modified DR and it's going on the block. Before you part with your DR how about you guys doing a write-up comparing the Terra to your Farckled bike, a stock new 20 year old designed XR650l or maybe a DRZ. You could call it simply "Old vs New" or "How the Japanese have forgotten how to build Dual Sports". Sounds like fun!
Quick question Marc...do you guys own Motorcycle Escape magazine? Will there be anymore issues coming? I haven't seen any in a long time but it could just be that the store I go to doesn't carry it anymore. Sorry for the hijack guy's. Kev.
Kev: We do still own it. For the foreseeable future, it won't be a standalone publication. However, we are running a special Escape segment in the May issue of Motorcyclist, and have another one planned for October. I have some aggressive plans for it beyond this year, but there are a few pieces yet to fall into place, so I can't promise anything just yet. Marc
