Review of the Suzuki DR 800 S Big motorcycle

I’ll say right away that I didn’t have much time until I fully knew my friend’s character, but I’ll write what I already understood and felt. The first thing that struck me was the very smooth engine at low speeds, and locomotive traction from the very bottom. But on the other hand, after 6000 rpm the engine is very playful and quickly picks up speed.

In the city, operating speeds do not rise above 5000; on the highway, if you drive 120 km in fifth gear, then the speed is 4500. Surprisingly, in the city it is very comfortable on a motorcycle. Firstly, you sit almost at the height of an SUV, i.e. you can see everything very well (and if you get on your feet, then finally) The power reserve allows you to easily give the gas when changing lanes and not be afraid that the car will catch you. Suspensions allow you to go where you want to go and not have to look for a better road surface. Well, that’s all for now, I haven’t gone into the forest yet, because I’m waiting for the arches to be made, since I’ll have to fall on it in the forest more than once...

Heavy Enduro, in a word, a tank, a tractor. The Japanese make technology - always with a direct purpose. The purpose of this is long-range with elements of all-passability, which means a huge tank, low consumption (5.5 for me), does not consume oil unless the engine is revved..., healthy ground clearance,

Relatively low speed of 120 - comfort, the presence of wind protection, as much as is permissible for an “enduro”) Load capacity and traction are quite good, gears are clear, it’s quiet, not annoying - just what you need for flights and motorcycle rallies in a variety of conditions!

A consequence of the main purpose of this device are also disadvantages on the highway:

- rather weak brakes (road, sports - they will say none))

- when trying to spin a huge single-cylinder engine in search of a maximum speed of 165 or so - vibration!

— by the way, a driver under 180 cm in height will encounter problems with the saddle height)

So, in prices today from 130 to 200 thousand, DR800 holds its position to this day. I recommend it to those people who care about the idea - to the village, from it, fishing, sightseeing, going to Baikal, etc. In appearance, he simply exudes tourism, and the traffic cops always treated me personally with tolerance, more like some kind of military man, and not a city hooligan)

I drove all summer. I didn’t go on asphalt. And it’s not for asphalt. On gravel, arable land, forest roads - this is his element. I drove on the grader up to 120 km/h, like on a steamship. But it is demanding on tires. The rear balloon is bad - it constantly breaks. We have to be more careful. The design is controversial, but practicality is more important to me. I chose between Africa, Transalp, Tenere, and chose Doctor. I don't regret it yet.

Suzuki DR 800 S Big

Brief review of Suzuki DR 800 S Big

Suzuki DR 800 S Big, more often found under the name simply DR 800, is an enduro touring motorcycle with a rather unusual design. In the steel frame of this model, the designers placed a single-cylinder air-oil-cooled engine, which is a slightly modified internal combustion engine from the previous model - DR750S Big. This motorcycle is a touring enduro with good off-road capabilities, which to a certain extent distinguishes it from many modern models of this class, designed for movement on, albeit poor, asphalt.

Released in 1990, the Suzuki DR 800 is distinguished by a gas tank increased to 29 liters, which provided the motorcycle with an additional power reserve, but from the next year the tank was reduced to 24 liters, in addition, the plastic, exhaust, swingarm, seat and dashboard were changed. Since 1992, the DR 800 began to be equipped with a reinforced fork, and since 1995, new carburetors equipped with a throttle position sensor. The motorcycle existed in this form until it was discontinued.

Similar motorcycles:

Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin
Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Tenere

Technical characteristics of Suzuki DR 800 S Big

Years of production: 1990-1997
Class: touring enduro
Frame: steel
Engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder
Engine capacity, cubic meters see: 779
Cooling: air-oil
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel supply: carburetor
Power: 54 hp (at 6600 rpm)
Torque: 62 Nm (at 5400 rpm)
Maximum speed, km/h: 170
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: ~5.6 seconds
Transmission: 5-speed
Wheel drive: chain
Front tire: 90/90-21
Rear tire: 130/80-17
Front brakes: 1 disc 300 mm, 2-piston caliper
Rear brakes: 1 disc 220 mm, 1-piston caliper
Front suspension: telescopic fork
Rear suspension: progressive monoshock absorber with a range of adjustments
Gas tank volume, liters: 24 (before 1991 - 29)
Fuel consumption at 110 km/h, liters: ~6.1
Dry weight, kg: 194

Pros and benefits of Suzuki DR 800 S Big

Versatility - this motorcycle is well suited to both asphalt and off-road
Powerful traction from low revs
Large gas tank and long range
Good wind protection
Low price for a used copy
Efficient and energy-intensive suspensions

Pros and cons of the Suzuki DR 800 S Big

Weak traction at high speeds
Weak brakes
Heavy weight and high center of gravity
Significant seat height (876 mm)
Strong vibrations at high speeds
Most used models experience some degree of oil consumption.
The starter and balancer shaft chain require regular inspection
Low maintainability of the piston system due to mediocre casting quality
Frame and exhaust system susceptibility to corrosion

Suzuki DR 800 S Big is a touring enduro, produced from 1990 to 1997. This motorcycle is actually a rally bike adapted for civilian use, which, after some changes and modifications, entered dealer showrooms. Moreover, the 1990 model year version is very different from all the others, being as close as possible to its rally prototype. In particular, the 1990 Suzuki DR 800 has a 29-liter gas tank, a shorter swingarm, a different exhaust and a narrower seat than subsequent versions.

A distinctive feature of this motorcycle is its single-cylinder air-oil-cooled engine. One cylinder of this volume is often found on ATVs, but on bikes it is rare, since such a design is very peculiar, and not everyone likes it. You can’t take away impressive technical characteristics from such an engine, and its vibrations are very strong. However, it’s not for nothing that the Suzuki DR 800 has a lot of fans who convincingly point out the phenomenal endurance and excellent maintainability of the motorcycle.

The single-cylinder engine, which heats up noticeably during operation and is generous with vibration, produces 52 hp. and 62 nm of torque, with all the power available at approximately 5500 rpm. The monstrous thrust in the lower and middle speed range evokes associations with chopper V-twins, and it’s not without reason that the Suzuki DR 800’s dynamics are impressive. Except that not everything is smooth with the “tops”, and this bike vibrates at high speeds like a jackhammer. Layout features, so to speak. But the motor is very simple and can be repaired literally on your knees in an open field, if only you had the tools. And for a touring motorcycle, endurance and maintainability are key parameters.

When creating a rally prototype at one time, Japanese designers were obviously guided by these parameters. The entire design of the Suzuki DR 800 literally indicates its simplicity - a single-cylinder engine, a 5-speed gearbox, a steel frame, a chain drive, carburetors... (yes, there are, oddly enough, two of them). A minimum of electronics and any sensors - just everything you need. Even the plastic body kit is solid, durable and thick, capable of withstanding more than one fall. Suzuki DR 800 gives the impression of a solid, reliable and outwardly “rough” motorcycle. This impression is not deceptive - this is a durable iron bike, capable of riding on almost any surface, provided that the rider has normal tires and the necessary riding skills. Tall and heavy (the dry weight of the DR 800 is about 230 kg), it is only suitable for fairly tall and, moreover, physically strong riders, because it is really difficult to hold it somewhere in the mud.

The version of the Suzuki DR 800 sold for civilian use was positioned as a motorcycle for long trips on all types of surfaces. This is all, of course, true, but in the city, especially in a metropolis with all its traffic jams, moving on the DR800 requires a lot of effort. The high seating position provides good visibility, but not the best brakes and mediocre dynamics (about 6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, top speed - 170 km/h) seem to hint that this bike's element is long roads, not crowded cars. city streets. And moving this brutal piece of iron is really not very easy.

But the motorcycle copes with its main tasks perfectly. It quietly maintains a cruising speed of 130 km/h without the appearance of parasitic vibrations, while consuming approximately 6.5 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers, and long-travel suspensions with a fully adjustable progressive rear shock absorber easily absorb road bumps. The standard wind protection, of course, let us down, but installing a higher windshield solves this problem. So, of course, the Suzuki DR 800 is not worth recommending as a motorcycle for every day, but it is perfect for the role of a fairly budget-friendly, hardy and unpretentious “long-haul driver.”

Motorcycle Suzuki DR 800S Big 1991 review

The description of the Suzuki DR 800S Big 1991 motorcycle is in the queue for publication of the article. Announcement: Today, for almost every new motorcycle that comes into being, marketers strive to carve out their own niche. This one is a road sport, this one is a recreational enduro. But what class should we include a motorcycle that has a little bit of everything? A good bike should have a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics and simple controls...

Suzuki DR 800S Big is a motorcycle not sold in Russia, equipped with a high-power 50 hp engine. Despite the fact that good models of motorcycles have a very respectable price, and the season for their use is relatively short, the motorcycle market is developing rapidly. And if you believe the words of dealers, then some models of recently released motorcycles are selling like hot cakes at the beginning of the season, and the models brought to Russia are clearly not enough to fully satisfy consumer demand.

A motorcycle has long ceased to be an alternative to a car, and the times when this equipment was bought only because there was not enough money for a full-fledged car are forgotten. Nowadays, two-wheelers can be called technological marvels in many cases, and their cost can be compared with that of prestigious cars.

Many people have started buying motorcycles for hobby purposes as riding or even collecting them has become a good pastime for many people. Many motorcycles, for example the Suzuki DR 800S Big, whose technical characteristics make it possible to call the model a prestigious brand, are in demand among both beginners and experienced motorcyclists.

Currently, it is impossible to purchase a new Suzuki DR 800S Big motorcycle from the 1991 model year, since their production stopped 25 years ago. At the same time, the Suzuki DR 800S Big has excellent technical characteristics, so many people strive to purchase, if not a new, then at least a used version.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 779 cc. see, appeared as a result of long work of inventors who sought to create a model that was not inferior in characteristics to other versions of the motorcycle. In some cases, these models are not only not inferior, but also ahead of other motorcycles, as they have minimal fuel consumption and other excellent parameters.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 400 kb. cm, which includes the Suzuki DR 800S Big - this category of motorcycles simply cannot claim the title of “motorcycle for a beginner.” On the contrary, this is already a serious technique that requires certain control of motorcycle equipment with a smaller engine capacity. Yes, she attracts more attention, she is the most beautiful, fast, interesting and there is a huge selection of models. But as power increases, the weight of the motorcycle inevitably increases. In this class you are unlikely to find motorcycles lighter than 180 kg, unless they are the latest motorcycle models.

Go to the entire model range of Suzuki motorcycles, on this page you can find Suzuki DR 800S Big motorcycles from other years of production and information about them