Suzuki Freewind – Ahead of its time and still a great option

Adventure Rider Issue #21

• It’s What We Do
• Crossing Record – John Hudson sets a new mark
• The Sultanate Of Oman – Exotic riding at its best
• The Stirling – Riding south-western WA
• 2017 BMW F800GSA – A great bike made even better
• Tech – Tubeless repair
• Suzuki Freewind – Ahead of its time and still a great option
• Bali By The Backroads: Another winner from Britton Adventures
• Ubuntu – Life-changing Africa
• Yamaha WR250R – Another Greg Yager special
• Cherry Pickin’ – Choose just one 2017 bike
• Major Mitchell Trail – History lesson
• KTM Rallye NZ – Aussies cross The Ditch
• Thailand – Baht busters
• Ready For Anything with Karen Ramsay
• How To Ride with Miles Davis
• Preparing For Adventure with Andrea Box
• Tech – Essential tools
• Checkout
• Fit out

In 1996 Suzuki released the DR650SE to enthusiastic Australian punters. The bike is still around today and it’s more popular than ever. That same year, Suzuki released a milder, more road-oriented dualsporter called the XF650 Freewind. The XF650 went the way of the wind, but there’s at least one very nice example still around.

Mal McConnell’s been part of the Australian motorcycle industry for a very long time.

He’s raced road and off-road motor-cycles – and won – he was a pioneer competing on quads, he’s owned bike dealerships and he’s managed race teams. He’s still a keen competitor.