Suzuki DR 600 S test

Menus

• Madam DR ax !
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• Start-up
• In the city
• On the road
• On the highway
• Off-road
• In duet
• Braking
• Consumption
• The interview
• Production
• Chronology
• Model 1985
• 1986 models
• 1987 models
• 1988 models
• 1989 models
• Models from 1990
• Coast side
• In case of purchase
• Conclusion

Madam DR ax !

At the beginning of the 80s, trail running was in vogue, sales exploded and manufacturers waged a merciless war by offering increasingly efficient machines. Suzuki is no exception to the rule and presents the 600 DR S, immediately competitive at all levels, proudly displayed in stores rather cheaper than its rivals. Its controlled price was not obtained at the expense of quality, but quite simply by cutting back on some equipment deemed superfluous, such as the tachometer, not really necessary on a big mono. Steel was preferred over aluminum for the rocker arm and rear suspension links, which was just as efficient and much less expensive. As for the mechanics, from the DR 500, it is not full of technical prowess, but adopts already proven and reliable solutions ….

Discovery

Looks, of course, the DR 600 carries the weight of years. Rectangular headlamp, prominent front fender and dashboard reduced to its simplest form. Yet with a balanced aesthetic, well proportioned with its plump tank and the ideal capacity for this type of machine. In addition, a bit charming with its blue frame ….

In the saddle

Natural position, comfortable saddle, stomach practically against the other large container (the tank!), You quickly feel at home on the DR. However, its height prevents short legs from placing the soles of their feet flat on the ground ….

Start-up

No need to worry! A finger on the decompressor followed by a good kick on the kick and it’s won! Small reward, the gromono emits a sympathetic "pom-pom-pom" very promising ….

In the city

With the exception of the saddle height which can be disturbing, the DR S does very well in cityscapes. The handlebars measure the mirrors of most cars and jumping to the curb is just a formality for this machine designed to tackle the worst rocks ….

On the road

Surprise, the DR S loves tight turns, enjoys fast curves and relies on departmental roads. If mud, sand and rock gardens are her gardens, she does not disdain asphalt, on the contrary…. The 589cc single cylinder with air / oil cooling (a technology borrowed from the GSX-R) is extremely playful. The two chain-driven balance shafts, the hemispherical cylinder head with four valves and two spark plugs, give the mechanics a particularly pleasant behavior. Powered by a guillotine carburetor fitted with a pickup pump, the result is an engine packed with torque combined with remarkable flexibility, capable of picking up from 1500 revolutions without any jerk in the transmission. Combined with a smooth and precise five-speed transmission, this easy-to-use engine offers surprisingly progressive extension.

On the highway

Not really comfortable with the premium portions of the Suzuki. Between the arms crossed, the bust in the bow of the ship, the lack of protection and the single cylinder not really cut out to investigate the red zone limit for two hours, the DR S cries very quickly for mercy. And to signal her disapproval, she frankly begins to wriggle past 140 km / h ….

Off-road

The frame, uninterrupted at the level of the engine (as on the road), offers a chassis of exemplary rigidity. Really an excellent road / all road compromise. The very respectable suspension travel absorbs irregularities in the terrain, even in extreme cases. The "Full Floater" system, allowing the rear shock absorber to be operated both from above and from below, and, combined with a pleasant long saddle, provides relatively good comfort in all circumstances. The position on board is ideal and the perfect triangulation of the footrest – handlebar – driver, optimizes the delicate passages standing on the machine.

In duet

The saddle is long and comfortable and the luggage carrier allows the passenger to hold on as well as possible. It is therefore perfectly possible to envisage a few escapades, for two, on the Suzuki DR S ….

Braking

A single piston disc up front and a brave drum on the other side doesn’t make the Suzuki 600 DR S the best braking machine on the planet. By pressing the handle well and crushing the rear pedal, however, we manage to stop the 160 kilos of metal…. Note that the very long rear brake anchor bar is intended to reduce parasitic reactions during hard braking.

Consumption

Barely more than 5l / 100 in mixed use. DR S has a bird’s eye view. Barely upset by the consumption of oil, which can reach 1 l / 1000 if hot or knocking down terminals ….

The interview

DR is rather economical. Just one oil change with replacement of the oil cartridge and valve clearance check every 6,000 km, as well as a pair of spark plugs every 12,000 km. Adjusting the carburetion and checking the air filter are recommended every 6000 km, more often depending on the environment in which the machine is used. Engine oil consumption is considered normal as long as it does not exceed 1 L per 1000 km.

Production

Presented at the Paris Motorcycle Show in October 1984, the first version of the Suzuki DR 600 was approved at the end of January 1985 under the name "DR 600 SF", (the "F" denoting the year of production). Faced with the competition, it is the cheapest (around 3000 Francs or 450 €) on the large mono market.

It was offered in two colors, black or white and as many versions, basic or Djebel. After considerable success and a large production, she ended her career in 1990 with the model DR 600 SK and RK for Djebel.

Chronology

Model 1985

DR 600 SF (Photo DR SF) – First version marketed in France at the end of January 1985. From frame number SN 41 A 100001.
-Color White with black and blue tank decoration, black number plates.
-Color Black with blue and white tank decoration, blue number plates.
The frame is painted blue, the exhaust silencer and the rims are aluminum colored.

1986 models

DR 600 SG (Photo DR SG) – From frame number SN 41 A 110319.
-Color White with blue tank decoration, yellow number plates.
-Color Black with orange and yellow tank decoration, blue number plates.
Modification made to the piston anti-return system at kick start (ignition cut-off in the event of piston reversing). Clutch reinforced by stronger springs and elimination of the progressive mechanism.

DR 600 S Djebel (Photo DR S Djebel) – From frame number SN 41 A 114731
Technically this model is strictly identical to the standard version. The Djebel (means "mountain" in Arabic) is distinguished by the following finish:
-two-tone saddle
-more enveloping engine protection shoe
-saddlebag on rear luggage rack
-fork slider guard, the one on the left enveloping the brake disc
-mini headlight fairing with stone guard
-modified decoration and rims in aluminum color.

1987 models

DR 600 SH (Photo DR SH) – From frame number SN 41 A 120043
No change to the SG model apart from the new tank and side covers and the mounting of fork slider guards. White or black color. Number plates are black.

DR 600 RH Djebel (Photo DR RH Djebel) – From frame number SN 41 A 123967
Removal of the protective grille of the headlight and different hand guards. Adoption of an extension of the front mudguard and a new dashboard with electronic tachometer.

1988 models

DR 600 SJ from frame number SN 41 A 132185 and DR 600 RJ Djebel from frame number SN 41 A 132195. No change to the previous model except for a larger aluminum luggage rack, a kickstand switch and new decors.

1989 models

(Photo DR SK and RK)
DR 600 SK from frame number SN 41 A 139713, no changes, but still new decors.
DR 600 RK Djebel from number SN 41 A 139723, it will be the only DR 600 to have a rear disc brake of 250 mm diameter with a juxtaposed double piston caliper.
The career of DR 600 ended in 1990 to make way for the DR 650.
(Photo DR 750)
DR 750
At the same time, to counter the competition with their twin cylinders, Suzuki offered from 1988 to 1990 an elephantine version with the DR 750 called “Desert Express”. It adopts a brand new 750cc engine (albeit inspired by the 600) and an excellent chassis with a 29L twin tank.

Models from 1990

(Photo DR 650)
Suzuki continued and extended its trail range by replacing the DR 600 with the DR 650 R and RSE until 1996, before the DR 650 SE. Its engine was rebored to be brought to 650cc and this model was constantly evolving until production ceased at the end of 2003..
(Photo DR 800)
The DR 750 is replaced by the DR 800 until 1997.
(Photo DR 350)
A 350 cm3 version was offered until 2000 with the DR 350. It then gave way to the DRZ 400.

Coast side

Count 1200 € for a model in average condition, 1500 € for a machine in very good condition and 2500 competition condition. The DR is easy to find on occasion and enjoys a good reputation.

In case of purchase

DR is found in all forms, in all states and at all prices. It is therefore necessary to sort it out by eliminating from the outset any motorcycle that did not conform to the original and more particularly the transformations into Supermoto. Remember that this category of motorcycle requires real preparation with significant modifications and is certainly not limited to a simple wheel replacement with Bandit rims and a cutout for the front fender. Better to ignore adventurous transformations and instead look for original, undamaged machines. The DR has forged a solid reputation for robustness and reliability, with a particularly durable engine. It is not uncommon to come across motorcycles over 100,000 km that did not require large overhaul costs. Also, keep in mind that the DR is a versatile motorcycle, so it is better to favor models that have not suffered too much from escapades in hostile environments ….

Large air-cooled single cylinders can’t stand cold abuse. Likewise, it’s best to avoid overheating in the heat of summer. Check the engine for signs of leaks, especially at the cylinder base gasket. Side cycle, the DR Suzuki ages rather well, despite an average finish. Look for any rust that may get lodged in the corners and on the welds of the frame and check for any cracks, especially at the anchor point of the kickstand. Starting with the kickstarter is mainly done with the motorbike crutches, it tends to suffer and take play in its axis.

Conclusion

The 600 Suzuki DR S is a versatile motorcycle, usable on a daily basis, reliable, consistent and inexpensive. After constant development, his career ended in 1990 to make way for the new Suzuki DR 650. The choice of this bike is interesting for those who want to preserve their license and try out natural terrain ….

Strong points

• Multipurpose motorcycle
• Robustness / reliability
• Torque and engine extension
• Reduced maintenance cost
• Maneuverability / road holding

Weak points

• Minimalist equipment
• Braking a little tight
• Heading at high speed
• Tendency to rust
• Medium finish

Suzuki DR 600 technical sheet

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