Suzuki DR 600 S - [1985] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.

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Performance Review: Suzuki DR 600 S - [1985]

Suzuki DR 600 S - [1985]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

Edition: Suzuki DR 600 S
Year: 1985 | Type: Off-Road
Engine: 589 cc (35.9 ci) 4 Valve
Engine Type: V-Twin | Cylinders: 1
Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: SOHC
Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
Transmission: 5 speed / Manual
Drive: Chain
Wet Weight: 150 kgs (330 lbs)
Dry Weight: 141 kgs (310 lbs)
Power: 44 bhp (32 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 36.5 lb-ft (49.4 Nm) @ 5000 rpm
BHP Per Ton: 293.3 bhp
Torque Per Ton: 243.3 lb-ft
0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 12.6 secs
0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 12.9 secs
Top Speed: 102 mph (164.1 kph)
1/4 Mile (Est.): 14.3 secs @ 89 mph
Frame: Steel

Car Related eBooks and Audiobooks

Suzuki DR 600 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Suzuki DR 600 S is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1985. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1986 Suzuki RH 250 X and the 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 DOHC.This particular Suzuki DR 600 has a 589cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V-Twin Petrol powerplant with 1 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative V-Twin engine, Off-Road style motorbike includes the Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo - [2020]

The 1985 DR 600 shares its V-Twin engine and Off-Road style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo and the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 230 Single Cylinder. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the DR 600's Off-Road style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder | 2020cc.2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Camo | 2020cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 150 kgs (330 lbs) this makes the Suzuki DR 600 S in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F or the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT, give or take 50kg.

The 1985 Suzuki DR 600 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 589cc 4 valve V-Twin 1 cylinder engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].

The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 36.5 lb-ft (49.4 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Suzuki DR 600 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Yamaha XJ 650 Midnight Maxim - [1981] image

The 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 Midnight Maxim has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1985 Suzuki DR 600 S.

The 1985 Suzuki DR 600 S has a Power to weight ratio of 293.3 bhp per ton and 243.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1985 DR 600 competing with the 1981 Yamaha XJ 650 Midnight Maxim [318.3 bhp\ton] and the 1982 Yamaha XJ 650 Maxim [318.3 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Suzuki DR 600 generating around 243.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2021 Honda CRF 450 RL [268.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 1986 Yamaha FZX 750 Fazer [267.8 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 12.9 secs, this makes the Suzuki DR 600 S similar in acceleration to the 2008 Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan (12.6 secs) and the 2008 Honda VTX 1800 N (12.6 secs). This Suzuki DR 600 S also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1985 Suzuki DR 600 S and the 1985 Honda XR 600 R

When talking about the performance of the 1985 Suzuki DR 600 S on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.6 secs @ 89 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1985 Honda XR 600 R (14.6 secs) and the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 250 R Special Edition (14.6 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1985 version of the Suzuki DR 600 S has a maximum speed of 102mph.

Kawasaki Z 300 Twin Cylinder - [2019] image

Top Speed of the 1985 DR 600 equals the 2019 Kawasaki Z 300 Twin Cylinder

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1985 Suzuki DR 600 S then how about a 2019 Kawasaki Z 300 Twin Cylinder (113 mph) and the 2017 Kawasaki Z 300 Twin Cylinder (113 mph).