I had an 800s years ago, it's the bike that made me fall in love with the adventure bike in general (haven't owned a non-ADV bike since). The previous owner had it tuned & upgraded: improved suspension, improved exhaust, improved power delivery. It has 60 hp on the rear wheel and was a blast to ride! I also remember doing a charity ride years later (Edinburgh > Belfast > Dublin > Cardiff > London in 24hrs) and one guy with a prosthetic arm riding an 800S on that ride. What a champ! As far as looks, the DRBIG is still the one of the best looking ADV bikes IMHO.

The DR 750 Big has more suspension travel and ground clearance than most modern ADV bikes. Upgrade the suspension, tune the engine to 60+HP and you got a T7 killer. 29L tank at 205kg full. Big single. It is a great bike. I crashed mine hard on the MX track and enduro events - it simply did not care! I love it to death. Once I rode with a T7 rider. He said he had a hard time keeping up, and if my bone stock DR was tuned or something. Please give the old bike more credit. If you compare specs, the basic layout is a great one to build upon for some very demanding rides.

«The Dr felt lightweight and easy» ??? Its the heaviest single cylinder bike thats ever made! It really says something about how huge, enormous and extremely overweight the new socalled adv-bikes have become....

I have ridden a 1984 Dr 600 for the last 12 years. For the last few years I have fancied a Dr 800. Three weeks ago I found 1. It is a 1990 bike so as twin tanks. It is a UK registered from new bike( very rare) one owner from new and only covered 16500 miles with MOTs to prove. Had to have it and love it .

This is the review I've been looking for ! I had a 1990 DR800S. The first year for the 800, the last year for the old body style with the split 29l tank. Mine was painted in 'Suzuki Champion Yellow'. It had Wilbers suspension, braided hoses, decent brake pads, proper MX bars with bar raisers & a Hessler Motorsport touring screen & crashbars. I loved that old girl. When I saw a 1050XT in yellow, it really pulled at my heart strings & I knew I would eventually get one.... one day. This review just re-inforces it.

"it's a sports tourer" I was hounded out of the V-Strom owners group for saying the same thing. They're gonna hate you.

I really like this series, especially how the review is done by multiple expert riders. It is very cool to see how bikes have changed, and it is especially great to hear your dad's perspective, given his experience and expertise (not saying he is old, just experienced!). Keep it up and I can't wait for the next episode!

OMG! I had a DR750 in '90 as my first "proper" bike. It was awesome, but this reminds me how far things have come and that I probably should not revisit my hero. These are great series for old fellows like me who remember when the DR-Big was the long distance king (you didn't mention the 30 litre tank, at least the Aus one had it), Sydney to Melbourne with one stop (except the seat was too. hard). Thanks

I bought a Suzuki Dr. Big 750 S in 1988 and still have and ride it. I really love that bike because it's very reliable and easy to ride and the maintenance costs are low as well. Back in the 80s the design of the Big was very futuristic which then I really liked and still do so. Interestingly many riders say that the V-Strom looks pretty modern and they are really surprised when they hear that that design actually is retro. I am about to buy a new adventure bike and after doing a lot of research and test riding I will decide between a Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT and a Tiger 900 Rally Pro. For the moment I tend to go for the Suzuki. Nice videos you do so I will subscribe to your channel.

Thank you for doing these! I am looking forward to the GS episode!

That DR Big is incredible clean. Nice find

Now this was done really well guys good work !!!

Been a Dr Big fan for ever. Wanted to buy one brand new but couldn't afford it. Had to buy a Dr600. Bought my first Big about 15 years ago. Loved it. Bought another...750 first of the breed. Ended up modding it as I had to sell the later 800. My 750 is such a good bike with the suspension upgrades and other mods I have done. It's taken me on thousands of miles of great adventures and I would jump on it and ride anywhere. Needs more power but the the grunt on rural roads is great and provided I stay off the motorways it's a great bike to ride. I true camel of the tarmac that can also venture into the dirt.

Tenere challenge. I'm looking forward to that. I did a lot of touring in the late 80's on a 1VJ. Now I have a 3AJ, got the suspension to suit me and now absolutely love this bike. Historical rego "$226 for 3 years" I have got 500km out of 23lt. Easy to work on. I won't be purchasing the T7 for a long time yet. I really like the sound and look of the T7 but for me the 3AJ is my love.

As an American, I can't believe anyone would choose to drink a Budweiser, let alone do it in front of a camera :-p - Reallly amazed with your production quality and thoroughness - definitely subscribed!

I've just been shown this by a friend, who - after seeing my DR Big (which I've owned a long time) - is considering buying one himself. In actual fact, he knows that I used to off-road mine, and so he also suggested a couple of other clips for me to watch, including a couple from Raptor 990 that really showed the bike's off-road abilities, as a way of saying he was ready to take back all of his doubts. Suzuki did actually create specials of both the 750 and the 800 for Rally/Raid competition and although they took part in the Dakar I believe their most notable success - on a 750 ridden by Gaston Rahier - was a win in the Pharaoh's of 1988. If I'm not mistaken, at least some of these race versions used a kickstart (!). It could also be worth saying that the engines were pretty tuneable and for a long time were a popular choice of competitors in the SuperMono series, as they were the biggest single cylinder motors that were suitable. For my part, I've been telling the friend about Si and sent him a link to a wikipedia entry to save me explaining it all. Gotta say, I've seen many things written about him but none yet with any mention of the community project work he was doing when I first actually met him, at Thamesmead: seems a shame to me that this seems to have been overlooked. All the best, Roger

Back in the day I wanted a DR Big so bad. But in the US, no dice, so I got a new 1991 DR650S. It was OK, but it didn't really have too much power given its weight. Served me well though.

I rode a DR Big in the day "Woolly, fluffy, mellow armchair" comes to mind - I took it off road across the moor and was impressed how sure footed and relaxed it was and how it floated over the rolling bumps - one could get sea sick I imagined - on the dual carriageway that sit up riding position made over 70 mph hard work - I once went up to 95 it took about a two mile run up and was bracing - I imagined it would vibrate but it never - not sure about 54HP felt more like 40HP - maybe because its as aerodynamic as a brick - I never fancied that oil/air cooling in what was then a mineral oil world - if I lived in the highlands of Scotland or on Bodmin Moor and I was a descendant of Heathcliff : )

This series is awesome! Hope we get more!

Awesome video. Especially love to see this specific DR in action. It looks almost exactly like my 1989 DR 750S. I hate the DR Big for not having ABS, one life saved is priceless, but I just love its robustness, its sound, its big fuel tank, its pricetag, and the fact that its super-individual just out of the box because it´s so seldom. My wife and me were on a three-weeks-trip last october, covering some thousand km in Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia... we did not see a 2nd. Bottom down: Yay, this old steam loco still gives me the chills.

Would be interesting to see a blueprint engined DR 800 with modern suspension, brakes, bars and pegs.

I just finished a 'light' rebuild (no frame mods) and tuning of a 92 DR800. I did it because I crashed (due to the awful front brakes you mention, hit a car from behind who hit the brakes hard for imaginary reasons, I had no chance), and had to change forks and plastic anyway, so I thought, lets use the opportunity to lighten it and make it better. I always felt it was a bit big and clumsy for good offroad driving anyway. Now it weighs about 185kg. I threw off the heavy stock exhaust, all the plastic, the big speedo and front light mounting, used the original tank and fitted an extra NX650 seat I had laying around. And put on radial brakes for the front, which helped but still pretty bad. But at least I can lock the front wheel now. Its def the worst (and most dangerous) aspect of the DR800. The tuning; I opened the air-filter by punching a 100 holes in it with a chisel, went up two sizes on the main jets and tapered the needles, and put on a light single carbon exhaust. Beautiful deep potent sound now, real nice. And it pulls hard now, wheelies from natural acceleration in 1st and 2nd. And much lighter and responsive to drive off off-road. FUN! It feels like a big and powerful enduro off-road and something of a mix of a giant motard and an adventure bike on-road. Its smooth. I think I've actually created by accident a competitive dual-sport bike, much better than the original, and it still has the rawness and connection (feedback from the earth) that you miss in the modern bikes. And it looks a bit like a mix of a 70's enduro and I dont know what.. a retro street bike. I wish I could upload a photo.

Be great to see a comparison between a Cagiva Elefant and a Multistrada Enduro! Might not be that obvious a comparison at first, but given Cagiva owned Ducati at the time and used the 750/900SS engine, they are definitely related. Plus I don't think Elefants get enough love!

Spectacular videography, simple and to.the point explanation..Best wishes buddy from India 🇮🇳

it was my first bike 30 years ago, it was the greates ever to ride a single cylinder bike big bore ;-) i like the design of the 1050 too

Hopefully Ténéré (T700 vs XT600Z) is next. Especially now with the T700 Rally edition paying homage to the XT600Z with same color scheme.

Really great interesting look on things. Really loved it also beautiful riding scenery. I own the 1050 love the bike thanks again for an interesting look at the evolution of this bike.

Once for all (although I've seen some really talented riders off road the 1050) it's mostly a road bike I love it... very underated and good value...cheers guys dave

Fantastic show, it’s a shame that there are not more episodes regarding modern vs retro!

Barkbusters are my favourite wear part on my WR250R. If I ever get two full seasons out of a set I will feel accomplished! Not because they break easily, I just beat the crap out of them. I also like that I can replace individual parts... Great video. Thanks!

Cool review Got a new v Strom 1050 down here in new Zealand and think it's the best bike l have owned out of the box no aftermarket parts at all just right i do 200 kms a day riding to work 😀 living the dream had a 2018 v Strom 650 was great but the 1050xt is better really enjoying it Cheers from new Zealand 🇳🇿 😀 Hate to be where you are at the moment 😕

Great video as always and a massive thank you to Bark Busters ( run them on all of my bikes)

The perfect description from Mr Pavey. A great Adventure looking road bike. I love my 1050, it will never be taken off road like 99% of owners. It will take me for 1000's of miles during it's life on great road trips with other similar bikes where speed is not important but necessary.

Thanks for the link for barkbuster ...wanna change my flimsy oem ones

Great Video! I own the small DR 350 but I love that DR BIG!

Rode off the ferry in Melbourne and got home to Bourke 1,000 K's in 16 hours on a DR 500 temp around 40C. I think the 800S would have made the trip a bit more comfy.

Great overview of the differences 30-years on. Thanks for the comments by Si as well as Llel! I find, being the owner of a first year VStrom, that if you back off 20% from the pace you want as an experienced dirt rider, you gain 35% of that 40% lag back... it will go most anywhere, just a little slower than the smaller dirt bikes or the 950Adventure (which is very much more dirt-oriented). My gripes against the current generation of VStrom are: a little too much on the electronic assists (though I can understand why Suzuki has implemented them) and the headlight/windscreen... WHY did they change from the BEST headlights in all of motorcycling to the new (retro) - and less effective - style? Though the original windscreen/fairing had its shortcomings, if you are going to make an adjustable one, make it adjustable on the fly, from the rider's seat! Speaking of seat, ALL of the current adventure bikes eliminate me as a customer at 5'-6 (167cm) and 32" inseam, with the crazy tall seat heights... I literally cannot climb onto any of the current models without bashing my foot on the bags or the seat, and cannot easily lift them off the sidestand.... I have no issues with my '02, nor did I have that problem with my '96 KLR (with Sargent low seat). Personally I am not a fan of the 'beak' styling, but I understand the tie-in to the history of the DR BIG. Cheers and keep the content coming! Ride safe.

It's all the bike most people will need 🙌🏻

I’m rebuilding a DR big 750 in my channel (slowly) for anyone who wants to have a look. Awesome video guys. It would be nice to see the bikes being tested a bit more but I understand that they are on loan and they might expect it to come back in one piece Ps. I met a guy from wales when working in Milan and he made me never want to go to whatever place brought him up but you just changed my mind

People did notice the Dr Big you, couldn't miss it but the GSXR, CBR'S and YPVS WERE around and on the road the big thumpers felt pedesrian despute being fun.

from my point of view the dr 800 looks more capable and safe, those modern stuff "adventure Bikes" looks too fragile to me lol

i would like to see a comparison between the yamaha xt 350 vs wr 250 r

I'll take a retro bike any day, nostalgia rules in my world!

Dr800s all day for me.

how about v strom 650 old vs new ? please as i have an old one

Great content,where did you film this? Also want to see xt550 on one of these programs

Had one a - 96 regrett selling it. Great bike.

Nice!

Love your videos guys! Especially this series. The soundtrack is a little bit repetitive though

Loving the series. If you want to get REALLY tricky, you could try to get some Honda XL's from the 70s, 80s, 90 would be the NXs mainly, and then they have...a XRL or something don't they? You could do 4 decades!

Spot on!

Hello. Nice vidéo (as usual) Can you tell us which lake is ut please ? Christophe from France.

Now we need the T700 vs the Tenere 750. Also what about a modern adventure bike like the T700 vs the actual old Dakar bike that spawned the XTZ750. Love this series.

I am usually a sports bike or super naked rider, but Im considering a new v strom. I like the look of it and seems to be a jack of all trades. I use my bikes for commuting and trips away so think this would be ideal, especially when I get lost on some of those dodgy B roads. lol.

No link to Barkbusters in the description!

So, in terms of the new V-Strom's off-road ability we can conclude that it rides ok in gravel and can be optimized a bit more for that?

How old is that stone arch bridge? Bloody hell that was cool!

Where are the shots taken around the lake?

Awesome video but how did you find a 1991 bike that’s this clean and new?

Yes, at least bring the xtz660 Tenere from de 90s and of course the xt660z Tenere from the 00s!

Suzuki should bring back the DR Big. Love big thumpers.

Nice video! What's the name of the song?

Where was this filmed please?

I'd love a "Retro vs Modern" vid of the older Tiger 900 (885 "steamer") or 995i and the new Tiger 900... Well, Id really like them compared to the 800, but that' s the old model now. Along the lines of old "traily's" and new ADV bikes

The DR 800 is nice to ride with Wilbers f/r, tuned to the weight und purpose of the rider. I use a Magura TX handlebar, upgraded break hoses and ap sinter breakpads. I like roadtires on the dr (conti tkc 70). The handling is a bit better with the 130 tire on the rear. The 140 might be better off road with off road profile, i dont know. I dont drive that 220 kg piece of iron off road. I dont understand the problem with the footpegs at all. I put my foot on it - thats it.

The old bikes are really great - especially their looks: Until you ride them. Then they lose a lot of luster compared to modern bikes. I had this distance love affair with the the naked '78 Wing until I got to ride one a couple years back. Meh. Made me appreciate the progress they have made with motorcycles over the years. Save the styling department; which can leave me a bit cold.

Awesome production thank you. The music chosen is quite girly tho.

Please do an xr400 vs crf450l (unrestricted of course) as commuter/hobby bikes

Is big DR800S good for touring

Suzuki should had kept teh DR Big designation...

640 adv vs ...? 690 enduro?

I think it would be more fair to compare DR800 with Vstorm 650. A big single air cool engine and a V two water cool engine for around 150cc deduction seems to be more reasonable.

The Dr Big was a good idea, but why the hell didn't you bring the previous generation v strom1000?

... I say it's a first-class country road surfer. Tip: use a sprocket with 42 teeth at the rearwheel,

I never really understand the slightly shaded comment about the V Strom "it's a great adventure-looking road bike". So it has the same comfortable ergos as ADV bikes, larger fuel range, good pillion comfort, luggage capability, good wind protection, good cruising and safety electronics, good suspension on/off road, 19" wheel to smooth out crumby pavement, low weight for the class... but it has low ground clearance and street tires and all of a sudden it's not a "real" ADV bike? I really don't understand where these round-the-worlders are actually going off road so much. Lets keep it real BMW GS spends 99.9% of the time on road, and when it is off road it's still heavier and bulkier than the V Strom 1050 XT.. so it has a bit more ground clearance which automatically make it more "capable" and a "real" ADV bike? Ehhhh, I feel like the "concessions" Suzuki made with the V Strom are tactical and actually just make it a much better road bike which is where it will spend the majority of its life. Not to mention I have seen plenty of videos of people actually RIPPING the V-Strom off road, I am not sure what more capability you'd get from a GS.

I have an 87 DR750 i am restoring.......yeah she rides different but mine only has a rear drum......

You should do a Kawasaki comparison either klx or klr

Sounds like a lot of the problems with the DR800 would be easily solved with swapping out the somewhat "consumable" items like the footpegs and bars.

Next please make tenere 700 vs xtz 750

Would love to se the old bmw funduro stack up against the new

looking for a DR big now, no emission rubbish

I have dr800sr42b and i dont sale my bike best big enduro ever-sand express forever

Good video guys - btw: you are driving on the wrong lane 😉😂😂😂 Greetings from central europe.

You need to feel every Bone in your body after a day of driving. we just got weak over the years.

1:30 IT'S A STREET BIKE. watching finished

the dr750 was a much prettier bike

I hope that all who comes across this message get rich and achieve their highest dreams, my dream is to be successful with my videos, bless up and have a great day.

Sound is horrible

Dudes , a lot o BS !!! Comparing 1991 x 2023 Bike is Non-sense, just a like capture video ...... lost my time watching it .

HI were was this filmed please thanks

Great review from guys who know their stuff...Cool! Where was it filmed?