Selling my 1000RR, want dual sport

I know you don't like the Suzuki's, but the DRZ400 gets my vote! Its what I ride and I haven't looked back, easy to maintain, fun as hell, and the aftermarket support is HUGE!

 

im going to have to end up giving a DRZ400 a shot... there are a TON of exc 525s in my area. i dont mind doing the work, but 200 hours doesnt seem like much time.... i made it 43,000 miles on my R6 before i even had to adjust the valves (the compression was down too)

so.. i may just have to suck it up and enjoy the 525 and the tinkering that comes along with it... or wait it out for a 310 or DRZ

the 525 is VERY appealing because of the weight and power.. but the maintenance could get expensive...

but.. looks like ill be spending money either way.. so... guess itll be a judgement call. with 10k in my pocket itll be an easier judgement call after a few test rides! though, im not at all afraid of a short gear box on the way to work. its still not highway, and i helped pilot a yami 250 to and from laguna seca from LA last summer, swapping off from my RR.. and while shifting was quick and 75 was impossible.. i could stand the transmission for a commuter i think.

 

I owned my DRZ400 since I got it new in 06, I've recently let it go for a street bike. I must say the DRZ is a great bike, never gave me any issues, after market stuff is everywhere! Now what I did not like about the DRZ, HEAVY and oriented more towards street riding then dirt.

This pictures shows my DRZ and my brother in-laws TE-250, his TE could easily out perform the DRZ in the dirt, way lighter and definately more responsive. I think you'll need to decide how much dirt vs, street riding you will be doing. The DRZ was definately better on the streets

 

thanks! thats something no one has said about the DRZ, i plan on doing MUCH more dirt than street riding..

 

I have 13000 miles on my 2005 KTM450exc. Most of that mileage has been offroad. I put a new piston in at 12500 miles and had the head reconditioned with new black diamond valves because I ran out of valve adjustment. The RFS motors are very durable. I've included a picture of the original piston and the rebuilt head. Since putting it back together I have checked the valves twice and they haven't moved. The new piston and reconditioned head brought all the power back. I've ridden all kinds of dirt bikes in the last 40 years and this bike is easily my favorite because it is a genuine badass dirt bike in the woods and when you pop out on the road you can cruise for miles and miles without any fuss. When we were kids we dreamed of a dirtbike with plates then one day KTM just offered it up on the showroom floor.

 

I vote for DRZ400sm. With some distanzas, still can do decent off road. I used to get over 50mpg. I had a 38T rear sprocket, so it would cruise at 70mph no problem.
I should have never sold that bike

 

My ole Thumper. Great on the HWY even better on fire roads. Not so good on tight trails though.