Were you expecting an updated Suzuki DR650 for 2023? If so, the joke’s on you, because the company’s just confirmed much of its US lineup for 2023. Once again, we’re getting another round of Bold New Graphics. Or, as Suzuki’s marketeers put it:
The 2023 Suzuki DR650S remains the best all-around, dual-purpose motorcycle available today. Always an outstanding performance value, every DR650S is quality built by Suzuki and features a reliable, 644cc, oil-cooled, four-stroke, single engine carried in a strong steel, semi-double cradle frame.
A variety of riders can enjoy this motorcycle, thanks to a seat height that can be significantly reduced (using the optional Short Side Stand Kit from Suzuki Genuine Accessories). Strong aluminum, spoke-style rims carrying tires that can handle the street or dirt are fitted so riders can tackle pavement or trails with ease.
With new Solid Black and Solid Gray bodywork with contrasting black and orange graphics, or the new bright Solid Special White bodywork that features distinctive blue and black graphics, the DR650S looks good when ridden on any surface. Whatever riding adventure you plan to undertake, the 2023 Suzuki DR650S is your willing partner.
Well to be fair, all this is more-or-less true. The DR650 strikes an even balance between street and trail usage, and as prices generally rise across the board, it remains affordable, with a $6,999 MSRP in the US plus taxes and fees. That’s up $150 from 2022’s MSRP, but most riders can afford that difference—even a cheapskate like myself, if I ever decide to replace my ’03 DR.
However, it’s also true that this model is almost completely unchanged since 1996, and the moto world has grown up a lot since then. With the VanVan 200, Suzuki showed it can adapt its older designs (in the VanVan’s case, the ’80s-designed DR200) to modern tech like EFI. It would be great news to see Suzuki do the same with the DR650: Keep the basic, reliable design unchanged, but add electronic fuel injection and perhaps one or two other tweaks (more stator output, LED lighting, a better seat). And, please, please do something about the butt-ugly paint. Suzuki’s paint schemes from the past decade or so appear to be the leftovers from a shipyard, with all those blacks and battleship greys. It wouldn’t kill them to make the bikes visually appealing, if nothing else. At least there’s a white-painted version this year.
The rest of the line?
What about the rest of the Suzuki lineup?
The DR-Z400 is also a confirmed return in both dual sport and supermoto trim, with its own slathering of Bold New Graphics. Huzzah! For 2023, you can get bright yellow paint. instead of the gothic look that the 650 gets every year. MSRP is $7,099 plus taxes and fees.
The 2023 Suzuki DR-Z400S comes in a “My eyes, the goggles do nothing” shade of yellow for 2023. Photo: Suzuki
The DRZ-125 is back, the RMZ-250 and the RM85. The RMZ-250 has a special RM Army Edition promo running:
RM Army Edition Promotion
When you purchase a new 2023 RM-Z you will receive free RM Army Edition items that will make your new RM-Z even more battle-ready, with a race-spec Yoshimura full exhaust system and an exclusive RM Army graphics kit from Throttle Syndicate included at no charge! The RM Army Edition items will turn your new RM-Z into a full attack vehicle in the RM Army, absolutely free*, and includes the following:
• Yoshimura RS-12 Stainless Full Exhaust w/ Aluminum Muffler (ARV: $779.00). • Throttle Syndicate RM Army Edition Graphics Kit (ARV: $149.99) and QR code for you to order discounted matching number plate graphics to complete your RM Army edition with your race number.
*Installation not included.
This promotion will run from July 1, 2
So, kind of a DIY approach to upgrading your bike, but at least Suzuki’s trying. The end of the press release says this:
RM ARMY Amateur Racer Support
RM-Z and RM models are also perfect amateur racers, once inducted into the RM Army. Suzuki is serious about racing, and specifically “grassroots” and local and regional dealer-supported racing. Performance and durability have been the DNA of Suzuki and an integral part of our race-winning RM and RM-Z models since the very start!
See your local Suzuki Dealer involved with the RM Army Racer Support program for detailed information on how grass-roots racers can earn contingency when they race as part of the RM Army.
It might not sound like much, but that’s the most excitement over dirt racing that I’ve seen from Suzuki this decade. Take from that what you will.
As far as street bikes go, the Hayabusa is also confirmed for 2023. It appears to be unchanged, except for the paint job.
For a full lineup of Suzuki’s 2023 machines announced so far, visit the company’s US website.
