1991 Suzuki DR650RSE, 33 years later...

Yes it can be harder to get parts for a 1991 bike in 2024, but it`s not impossible, just make sure you specify it`s a pre-96 DR650.  After `96 Suzuki introduced a modified version that is essentially a different bike.  Depending on who you talk to, that model is better, but the DR650RSE is still a very decent blend of off-road capability with on-road manners. If you live in highly populated Europe like I do, getting to decent off-road places requires an hour or two of highway, so having both competences is very useful.

I have renovated a few parts on my bike, but it is essentially stock after 33 years and 55,000 km (at least that`s what the tacho says, and from its condition, I have no reason to doubt that).  It rides well, thumps to tell you it`s a single (adjusting the balancer chain makes a huge difference after the service), and is basically a very simple machine to ride and maintain. 

It can handle mild off-road, climbs, bumps and dips, gravel, mud (tyre choice crucial), but don`t expect to be hopping over logs unless you have the appropriate skill.  And when it comes to the twisties, it`s in its element: despite having a 21" front wheel and only 34hp to play with, it tracks accurately, pulls well out of corners and feels almost like a supermoto, on TKC80s at least.  

It can keep up highway speeds of 120-140kph (70-80mph) but you feel it.  The fairing and screen do a good job of keeping the wind blast from your torso, but the addition of a vario type deflector is worth adding.  The highway is only area where I feel modern adventure bikes score over this older model, it`s comfortable enough, but having plenty more in reserve would be confidence boosting when overtaking.  But as a round-the-world traveler, I think it would make an excellent choice for the typical max speed of 100-110kph, where it feels very comfortable.  And it has the simplicity of being air-cooled so there`s very little that can go wrong and the forums back this up (as long as you keep up the oil changes and the balancer chain adjustment).  You might just need something to put on the seat as it gets a little uncomfortable after a few hours, but few bikes are perfect in this respect.

Bottom line: don`t be ageist, the DR650RSE will get you there reliably, for minimal cost, and with a smile on your face.