Introduced in 1996 the DR200SE was a derivative of the DR200 and has remained mostly unchanged until production stopped in 2013 with the introduction of the DR200S which is essentially the same bike mechanically with a few minor upgrades to the seat and the plastics.

This lightweight, low-cost motorcycle is often used by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to teach beginners how to ride.

It has a four-stroke, 199 cc (12.1 cu in) single-cylinder engine and can be ridden offroad or licensed for street use in the United States.

It has a five-speed transmission and push-button start with electronic-ignition.

Some models outside the United States have a kickstart, handguard, left and right side stand, oil radiator, front luggage carrier-headlight guard and rear luggage carrier.