Suzuki DR200: The Most Budget-Friendly Bike for All Adventures

There are many motorcycles that are known to be gems in the motorcycle industry. However, they are not a very familiar or popular name. Most motorcycles are well-known due to their classic looks, top-end performance, innovative designs, and unique features. There are only a few that stand apart without having most of these things.

One such motorcycle is the Suzuki DR200. Yes, this motorcycle is considered to be the slowest, yet the most fun and a blast to ride. This motorcycle is one fine example of a bulletproof motorcycle made by Suzuki. This is the motorbike that can be ridden anywhere and in any conditions.

Let’s talk about this gem in detail and find out why riders remember this motorcycle. Keep on reading this article to get to know about the Suzuki DR200, known to be the most budget-friendly motorbike for almost all types of adventures.

Riders have different opinions and views about the Suzuki DR200. However, those who have spent good time with this bike on different tracks and terrains, know how great it is.

The Suzuki DR200 is a legend on dirt tracks. It is a small, lightweight, and very basic motorbike. It is one of the very few motorcycles that can literally do it all. It is basically a dirt bike that can also be ridden on roads.

The Suzuki DR200 is known to be the most versatile dual sport bike. In some states, this motorcycle is street legal, while some states also require various adjustments to be made on this bike to make it street legal.

Despite being very slow, the DR200 can prove to be the most fun and thrilling to ride. It is the most versatile motorcycle that you have ever ridden. Normally, when we call a motorbike versatile, it usually refers to both on-roading and off-roading capabilities. Meanwhile, the DR200 is versatile on another level. This motorcycle can go almost anywhere you like and you want to.

You don’t have to wait for the road to end so you can switch from paved road to dirt. You can just go off-road from where you like, from the moment you feel bored or stuck on the paved road on the Suzuki DR200. All you will be required to do is change the tires when required. Whether it is hot, rainy, cold, or even if it snows, the Suzuki DR200 is suitable for all.

In the U.S., where a good beginner motorcycle is considered to be one with at least a 500 cc engine and above, a 200 cc motorcycle may be overlooked. With its small engine, the Suzuki DR200 is known as one of the slowest motorbikes. However, there are many reviewers who call this bike one of the greatest bikes ever made. What made this motorcycle so special? Let’s find out why.

The Suzuki DR200 only has a 199 cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. The engine only produces 20 hp of horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 18 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. You can imagine how slow this motorcycle is to ride. Nonetheless, this is not why it is made.

Above all, you can have all the fun at a very affordable price. The Suzuki DR200 costs nothing compared to what this motorcycle offers. It is a bulletproof motorbike that you can ride anywhere without worrying about getting it damaged. There is nothing fancy and expensive about this bike. Even if something breaks, you can get it replaced without any issue.

Dual sports bikes are not always inexpensive. Sometimes, you will find a used dual-sport enduro bike listed at a higher price than the original price of a new model. However, you can always find a low-priced Suzuki DR200 that is more competitive than any dual-sport enduro of its class.

You can get one of these DR200 motorcycles for less than $2,000. However, it is difficult to find one. It is not an easily available motorbikes on the market. It is getting quite rare. You will be lucky to find a used Suzuki DR200 online or in the market. Suppose you are lucky enough to find one. Don’t miss the opportunity to get this motorcycle in your garage if you love to go hooligan on a small and lightweight motorcycle, on both on- and off-road terrains.

Despite being a perfect enduro-style dual-sport bike, the Suzuki DR200 can carry a passenger as well. It comes with rear pegs as well and a bench-style single-piece saddle for both rider and passenger. If you are a giant, having a 6-ft tall height, you may not look good on this bike. But if you don’t care about how you look on a small motorbike, you can still have a blast on this bike.

The Suzuki DR200 features one of the most easily accessible Mikuni carburetors. The exhaust pipe is positioned inside the frame and is placed under the seat. To ensure an excellent ground clearance of 10 inches, the engine, drivetrain, and exhaust pipe are positioned at a good height. Such ground clearance allows for excellent off-road performance, where you can even maneuver and overcome challenging obstacles and tracks.

Considering its small size, the Suzuki DR200 is an ideal do-it-all motorcycle for new riders who want to learn everything. If you choose to start with the Suzuki DR200, you can become a very versatile and fearless rider after a year or two of riding this motorbike. You don’t have to be very careful about not dropping this motorcycle while riding it. It is very forgiving. It may look pretty old and basic, but it is what it is, and this is what makes it a pretty rock-solid motorcycle.

The Suzuki DR200 is more than just a beginner bike. It is capable of all the types of fun you can have on a motorbike. Though it is a pure dirt bike enduro in its roots, it’s dual sport nature is evident too. Whether you are a beginner or someone who is riding motorbikes for years, it is totally rideable on paved roads, as well as highways.

A 200 cc motorcycle like the Suzuki DR200 may be small, but it is decently capable of reaching a top speed of 60-65 mph. You can ride a bike on highways if your bike is capable of going at such speeds.

Comparing the DR200 with other dual sport or dual purpose bikes, it still has a decent seat height of 32 inches, which is not too tall. Also, having a total wet weight of 125 kg, you can easily handle, maneuver, and turn corners with this bike with ease.

Do you still not think that the Suzuki DR200 is a capable bike? There are many videos on the internet of experienced riders and reviewers putting this bike under extreme off-road tests. No doubt that this simple machine can overcome any off-road challenge it faces.

One of the greatest achievements of the Suzuki DR200 that we have ever come across is finishing at the second place in the 24-hour of Glen Helen Race in the Ironman class. The race continued for 24 hours and the DR200, ridden by Gabe at Torture Test Magazine, showed its class. Well, the surprising part was that it was only an $800 bike and still managed to do the best in the race.

Watch out the whole story of the 24-hour of Flen Helen Race in the Ironman class:

It is proof of what the Suzuki DR200 is capable of doing, only with a few cheap modifications.