Here’s a rare example of the DR BIG (introduced in 1988 as the DR750), a production version of the DR-Z (a Paris-Dakar racer piloted by Gaston Rahier). The DR750 featured the world’s largest single cylinder engine in a production bike – only to get topped by the DR800 in 1990. Neither version was offered in the US.
The water-cooled 800 (779cc) motor produced 54 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, and dry weight was 427 pounds. In 1991, the fuel tank was redesigned to make it more comfortable for the long-legged among us – in the process it shrank down to “just” 6.34 gallons. That year also brought a wider seat, upgraded suspension, and dual exhausts. The last change was fun from a styling standpoint but it made it harder to pack gear on the back and added weight higher up on the bike.
This example has 15,303 miles and it’s set up to conquer distances with large aftermarket luggage. Find this DR for sale in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for $6,500 here on eBay.