The Suzuki DR 800, the Dr Big
In the ultimate attempt to set the world's most ideal single-cylinder adventurer on the wheels, Suzuki came up with the DR 800, which soon got its nickname DR Big. Doctor Great. Something like that. The Suzuki DR 800 was the largest single-cylinder series in the world. Because 779 cc is a lot of cylinder capacity for a single-pitter.
50 pk and lots of torque
The Suzuki delivered 50 horsepower and had a torque of approximately 3.000 Nm between the 5.000 and the almost 60 revolutions. Two balance shafts ensured that the machine and driver were not shaken to pieces. The single cylinder had a highly impressive seat height of 86 cm and in terms of weight it was not really anorex: it weighed 223 kilos with an empty tank. But once you had scrambled on it, you had a phenomenal traffic / terrain overview. The fact that the DR 800 was intended for serious journeys was also demonstrated by the maximum load capacity. That was a serious 203 kilo.
Thanks to the long ferry routes, the Suzuki danced flawlessly over the most battered roads. Because the suspension and damping were good for each other.
Nothing is more boring than perfection
With all luggage or a passenger on board, it was necessary to increase the spring preload of the rear spring element because the spring would otherwise break. A disadvantage of the smooth suspension was that it was at the expense of the feeling with the road and that the thick Suzuki was very much in the front brake. In such braking actions, the driver pushed forward with his family jewels. The seating comfort was also less. The buddy pressed firmly against the coccyx, but the brakes did their job properly. Off road, the DR did not even do badly. This was mainly due to its smooth engine character. All that displacement caused a little braving through a gasoline consumption of 1 on 10.
The Suzuki DR was put on the market at a very competitive price. But the sales were not thunderous.
The advantages
High max load capacity
A comfortable seat for the passenger
Good performances
Good brakes
A good bicycle part
A powerful, smooth engine
The nice big tank
The cons
The DR is a strong drinker
The impressive seat height
The moderate paint quality
The rusting exhaust
Hmmm. His appearance
Technical data Suzuki DR 800 | |
Engine type: | Four stroke |
Amount of cilinders: | 1 |
Camshaft: | Only above |
Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
Cylinder capacity: | 779 cc |
Cooling: | Oil / Air |
Lubrication system: | wet sump |
Compression ratio: | 9,5:1 |
Bore x stroke: | 105 x 90 mm |
Maximum power: | 39 KW / 53 HP at 7000 RPM |
Maximum torque: | 60 NM @ 5500 RPM |
Consumption: | Max 1 on 10 |
Top Speed: | 165 KM / h |
Intake system: | Carburetors, 2 x Mikuni BST 33 |
Electrical installation: | 12 volt |
Ignition: | Electronic |
Start system: | Electric |
Link: | Multiple wet plate |
Gears: | 5 |
primary shipment: | Gears |
Secondary transfer: | Chain |
Frame Type: | Semi-double cradle frame |
Suspension for: | Hydraulic telescopic fork |
Suspension behind: | Single Full Floater shock absorber |
Brake for: | Single perforated disc 280 mm |
Rear brakes | Single perforated disc 230 mm |
Wheels: | Wire wheels |
Tire size for: | 90 / 90- 21 |
Rear tire size: | 130/80-17 |
Height: | 2.225 mm |
Width: | 945 mm |
Height | 1.295 mm |
Seat height: | 86 cm |
Wheelbase: | nb |
Dry weight: | 205 Kg |
Fuel: | Euro lead-free |
Tank capacity | 29 liter |
available from-to | 1990-1994 |
I drove it for years, with pleasure, but removed the muffler from the exhaust, the blows from the exhaust, will never forget it. Neither do the neighbors....
Kaya gibi motorsiklet suziki dr 800 big dr 650 kullandim ikiside abi kardes gibi bana cok sadik kaldilar masallah dicem
I still regularly enjoy my Honda XL 600s. I always thought that this was the largest one cylinder offroad .. but yes you see. There is always bigger !! 😉
Dear Dolf,
The above vehicle is called DR800s. Dry weight is 193kg. Fuel consumption is approx. 1: 18, and terrain 1: 15.
Top speed is 170km / h. The engine is built from 1990 to 1998.
best regards,
Peter