Suzuki DR200SE
Summary:
Dual-sports are our favorites for total newbies to motorcycle riding. They are friendly, lightweight, and very simple to maintain and operate. The Suzuki DR200SE, a 200cc dual-sport, is an ideal first bike for someone looking for a bike that can get around town or around some country back roads.
Engine Size: 200cc
Price (new): $4,899 CAD/$4,199 USD
Comparable bikes: Yamaha WR250X, Yamaha TW200, Yamaha XT250, Honda CRF230M
Our Suzuki DR200SE Review:
What is the most common theme found on BeginnerMotorcycleReviews.com? Ah yes, the fact that dual-sports are the most popular kind of motorcycle on the website. Why? The answer to that one is simple: because they are about as intimidating as a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll.
At just 250lbs, the Suzuki DR200SE is a lightweight dual-sport that is completely street legal and trail ready. Its tires, while not fantastic in deep mud or sand, grip very well in dirt, gravel, and pavement. The afternoon that we had with the motorcycle was mostly spent zipping back and forth in cottage country, where it performed beautifully.
The torquey 200cc motor is packing a lot of punch (right around 8-12 horsepower), but that doesn’t stop this bike from moving. A tightly geared transmission means you’ll be doing plenty of shifting, but it’s so smooth that it isn’t really a bother.
One thing to note is that this bike tops out around 60mph comfortably (meaning that you shouldn’t feel too nervous riding at that speed), but can probably reach 85-90mph if you push it (though we sure don’t recommend that). It’s tight gearing means that this bike is better suited to city/trail riding than highway commuting, but what else can you expect with a 200cc engine?
Insurance costs for a new rider came out to be around $180 for us, though you will obviously want to check with your insurance company. We also noticed that our average fuel economy was right around 65mpg- exceptional!
The Bottom Line:
his is not a bike that should be taken on the highway, nor is it an off-road dirt bike. However, it will take city and trail riding with gusto and always leave you wondering if it wants more. It’s lightweight, very capable, and built like a tank. Low speed drop? Who cares, there’s no problem! Highly recommended.
Related posts:
- Suzuki DR-Z400S
- Suzuki GZ250 Marauder
- Suzuki SV650
- 2004 Suzuki Katana 600 – Review, Pics, and More!
- Suzuki GS500
Category: Suzuki, Under 500cc
I bought two of these last July – one for my son and one for myself – and just love them. Reliable, great on gas, and powerful enough to do what I need it to. What a great purcahse!
Definitely not good for the highway like the review says though.
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