Motorcycle specifications SuzukiDR 800 S Big 1990 A bowl this big

The first Suzuki "Big DR" appeared in 1987. The era of the trail bike was at its height, encouraged by the success of rallies such as the Paris-Dakar. The Japanese manufacturers had all declined their single-cylinder range to 600-650 cc, and some, like Honda and Yamaha, were moving upmarket with twin-cylinder engines (Africa Twin and Super Ténéré).

suzuki, for its part, chose to counter its direct competitors with a very large single-cylinder engine. The first 750 cc model develops 50 hp for 179 kg unladen weight. Lighter by 15 to 20 kg than a twin-cylinder, the DR 750 remains handicapped by its power output, which, without being ridiculous, is closer to the 650 cc single-cylinders than to the competition's flagships (the Africa Twin develops 62 hp and the SuperT reaches 70 hp).

in 1990, Suzuki made the BIG even bigger, increasing the stroke of its big bowl by 5 mm to a respectable 779 cc. Horsepower climbs by 4 and torque exceeds 6 m.kg, accessible from 4,000 rpm. The characteristic "poum poum" is still present, but in an even more muted register. The engine knocks under 2500 rpm and has to be maintained in the mid-range, like any self-respecting gromono.

as for the rest, little has changed. The beast's aesthetics remain unchanged, retaining its duckbill shape and distinctive exhaust. The chassis retains its original qualities: incisive, it only suffers from a slightly weak front brake, a high center of gravity and a seat height inaccessible to those under six feet tall.

the BIG DR feels at home on national and departmental roads, where it purrs along under 4,000 rpm at 100km/h. At this speed, the rider can almost count the piston strokes resounding in his chest. The engine pulls endlessly, much to the rider's delight.

although its single-cylinder design doesn't predispose it to motorway use, the DR800S maintains a good 140 km/h on the freeway: You'd think Suzuki had found the anti-repression weapon 15 years ago).

fuel consumption is average for its time, and thanks to its huge fuel tank (28 liters), range can reach 500 kms in quiet use. However, the spartan comfort of the saddle means that you can't empty a tank in one go.

economical, this big road trail bike was negotiated at prices sometimes lower than its 600 - 650cc competitors (approx. 35000 FF for a Honda 650 Dominator) and much lower than the 2-cylinder competition (approx. 48000 FF for an Africa Twin, 46000 FF for a Super Ténéré).

its price, its atypical looks and its very "gromono" character charmed many enthusiasts of the genre. In 1992, however, Suzuki released a new version that was technically similar to the DR800S Big, but with more consensual styling, softened lines and a double exhaust inspired by the Honda Dominator. The DR800S Big ended its career in 1997.

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