1995 Suzuki DR 650

So, I want to put my wife on a DR 650. It will be lighter than the KLR she is currently on.
I've spotted a 1995 DR 650 for a pretty good price and it looks to be in good condition with only 14,000 miles. But, I've never had much experience with the bike so I thought I'd throw out the question - what are some of your experiences with the bike? Anything particular to the bikes a guy should look for?

Thanks,

The pre-'95 models are little different from '96-current models. 
The current models are all electric start.  If the '95 is an RS, it is a kick start, if it is an RSE it has electric start. 
It sounds like weight is an issue in which case you would want a '96-current model as they are 50 lbs lighter than the '95 (324 lbs vs 374). 
The '96-current motors are a little more powerful, smaller and have less vibration.  They also have a two position suspension so you can pick between a 34.1" or a 32.6" seat height.  There are a lot more aftermarket parts for the '96-current since it has remained the same for the last 22 years.
The suspension is OK for <170 lb riders but could definitely be improved.  For heavier riders it needs upgrading. The stock seat is really uncomfortable.  It doesn't come with a windscreen or skid plate so most riders add those. 
Mechanically it is very simple and usually described as bomb proof.  The screws that hold the neutral sending unit in place often work loose and could possible drop into the crankcase so one of the first things to do is to go in and loctite/ lock washer/ safety wire them in place.  This involves pulling the clutch to get at them.
A great resource is http://drriders.com/

Agreed, look for a 96 and newer.

Yes, I found the DRRIDER site and the DR 650 WIKI sites. They alluded to the same issues that you mention. I think I will step back from this one and keep looking around.
If anyone is just in the collectors market this could be a good find. But, I need to buy a bike my wife will be happy riding. I don't think this will be it.

Thanks for the help guys.

Yes, I found the DRRIDER site and the DR 650 WIKI sites. They alluded to the same issues that you mention. I think I will step back from this one and keep looking around.
If anyone is just in the collectors market this could be a good find. But, I need to buy a bike my wife will be happy riding. I don't think this will be it.

Thanks for the help guys.

I have a BMW G650 XCountry I would part with. Dang nice bike. Bought for my wife and she has a permanent shoulder issue now. Great bike for a lady or a vertically challenged man... Light and smooth!

I have a BMW G650 XCountry I would part with. Dang nice bike. Bought for my wife and she has a permanent shoulder issue now. Great bike for a lady or a vertically challenged man... Light and smooth!

The specs on that machine are pretty solid.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_G650X_series

BMW G650 Xchallenge at BMW Welt, Munich, 2008
Manufacturer    BMW Motorrad
Production    2006–2009
Predecessor    BMW F650
Class    Xcountry: Dual-sport
Engine    652 cc (39.8 cu in) Rotax, fuel injected, single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves
Power    39 kW (52 hp) @ 7000 rpm.[1]
Torque    60 N·m (44 lb·ft) @ 5250 rpm
Transmission    5-speed, O-ring chain
Frame type    Composite steel bridge frame with aluminum side panels and rear frame
Suspension    Front: telescopic
Rear: air
Brakes    Front: 360mm disc
Rear: 265mm disc
Wheelbase    59.1 in (1,500 mm)
Dimensions    L: 86.8 in (2,200 mm)
Seat height    36.6 in (930 mm)
Weight Xcountry: 147 kg (324 lb)
Fuel capacity    10 L (2.2 imp gal; 2.6 US gal)

Dry weight is 60lb less than a KLR, and it has about 40-50% more power. Gas tank is a lot smaller, but that's not a problem for 95% of the riding we do.

it is a really nice bike. But I have 2 DR's and an CRF250L, and some dirt bikes. I just don't need it around. But it is the nicest bike i currently own. Would love to pass it on to someone. I didn't realize how different it was from a GS until a friend of mine bought a GS and WOW. There is a difference! I thought it was just a spruced up GS but that is NOT the case. More HP better suspension, lighter, better ergonomics. I understand the reason they didn't catch on in the states was they were priced too high to compete with the GS. Oh well enough commercial, if you decide you like it let me know we will go ride it and work something out, it would be good to see it stay in the area. It is ready to go as it was prepped to ride the TAT and we had to back out over her shoulder issues back in June.

I started this discussion on the DR 650, so I thought I better weigh in with the outcome of my search.

So, the idea was to get a bike that was lighter weight than the KLR. Something that would instill more confidence in my wife. Shes a good rider - the KLR is just a big heavy beast for her. So, we settled in on a 2005 DRZ 400S. We bought it last weekend. It is a nice bike with only 10,400 miles on it. As the good Lord would have it, we had a buyer for the KLR take the big girl home Wednesday evening.
All is well - we still have a garage full of motorcycles. I'm really looking forward to the CMA Roads and Trails rally next weekend and then the Flint Hills Stampede the next weekend. Then at the end of the month is the Adventure Palooza in Missouri.
This is a great time of year!