Bikes

Suzuki DR 650

People often ask us what kind of bikes we have, why we chose them and how we like them.

Years ago when we decided to go ride this crazy world we had to choose what to ride. In 2015 Stina had a late 90s BMW 650 and I (Kyle) had a KTM 950 but we decided it was best to have two of the same bike, it just makes everything easier. It didn't take long to choose the Suzuki DR 650, it has a reputation as being super reliable, they are simple, they don't do anything great but don't do anything bad, cheap and don't draw much attention. Also, it wasn't too heavy or tall for Stina and its wasn't to slow or boring for me :)

I have done a variety of modifications over the years and after each big trip (continent), they get a few more modifications to suit our personal tastes and how we travel. Below you will find a list of our modifications, what works for us (and why) and what broke (not much at all).

For our needs, (traveling around the world), simple is better. There is a huge amount of 'power' mods to make for this bike but we didn't need fancy carburetors, high compression pistons etc.

The motor is stock, there is a Suzuki GSXR muffler installed, the header weld is ground down, the airbox opened up a little and the carburetor is re-jetted for the extra air intake and flow.

Suspension has been stiffened up with heavier springs on both bikes but Stina's bike is lowered (factory lowering method). Each bike has a Warp 9 fork brace.

Larger gas tanks (6.6 gallon/25 liter) improve our range for long distance travel. The seats have been replaced by a Corbin for me (stiff) and a Sargent for Stina (stiffer than a Seat Concepts but not hard like a Corbin). ProTaper handlebars, Highway Dirtbikes hand guards and top clamp, ProGrip Rally grips and heated grips round out the cockpit. I run LEDs all the way around the bikes with Givi windshields. Pelican cases are used for top cases and panniers all around, they prove to be almost indestructible, are waterproof and don't bend like aluminum panniers. We also have Tusk racks with quick disconnects so that they come right off the bike if need be.

Scott auto oilers make chains last for over 25,000 miles/46,000 km plus I always forgets to oil a chain at the end of the day and hate carrying a can of chain lube. Problem solved with the auto oiler. Aluminum chain guards and Acerbis plastic skid plate finish off the chassis.

I've made a variety of PVC tool tubes to hold everything from tools/rain gear/parts and a bottle of wine (smuggled into Mauritania). They are cheap to make, take a beating and we fit three per bike. One on the front of the engine area, one to the left of the muffler and a smaller one above the muffler to hold smaller things. It's also important to have some straps like Rok Straps as they are elastic and can hold anything from a case of beer to tent poles.

Stickers, it is important to cover your bike in stickers, it makes for a good conversation starter when you roll into a foreign land ;)