KTM 450 or 500 pros over the Suzuki DRZ400

[snackdaddy]

I'm not mechanically skilled at doing a lot of maintenance beyond tire changes, oil and filters etc.. I wouldn't mind learning though. My skill set definitely hasn't outpaced the 400 yet. [/QUOTE]

So I own both bikes. I bought the 500 cause on occasion my skill set or more accurately the self delusion of my skill set exceeded the DRZ. The KTM will make riding off road easier. Also the KTM may require more maintance but I find the KTM way easier to wrench on then the DRZ.

If you ever get to the point where you want a dirtbike with a license plate I highly recommend the KTM 500.

Mike

 

[Floored]

"So I own both bikes....

Mike"

Hey Mike, I'm curious how much of a difference ($) does cracking the 400 mark make for insurance. Are you paying a lot more for the 500?
I always hear the chatter about it, but I've never really heard it quantified, primarily since few have bikes insured in both brackets.
Thanks,
-Andrew

 

[Mad Max]

"So I own both bikes....

Mike"

Hey Mike, I'm curious how much of a difference ($) does cracking the 400 mark make for insurance. Are you paying a lot more for the 500?
I always hear the chatter about it, but I've never really heard it quantified, primarily since few have bikes insured in both brackets.
Thanks,
-Andrew

Mid Island bare bones insurance for me is about $320 up to 400ccs. The next rate group, 401 to 750cc is about $590. So not quite double. That is with the maximum discount ICBC has.

 

[kenf]

how much of a difference ($) does cracking the 400 mark make for insurance. Are you paying a lot more for the 500?
I always hear the chatter about it, but I've never really heard it quantified, primarily since few have bikes insured in both brackets.
Thanks,
-Andrew

Liability insurance goes up roughly 2x at each displacement cutoff, 400cc and 750cc. I.e. the guys on the big,big adventure bikes are paying ~4x what I pay on my 310 and 400. I thought there used to be another increment at 1100cc but I think ICBC dropped that years ago, and now it's just the 3 categories.

I don't think comprehensive or collision is impacted much by displacement, that's all about replacement value of the bike. Not sure -- my bikes have always been cheap enough that I've never bothered with anything other than liability.

Cheers
KF

 

[Floored]

Mid Island bare bones insurance for me is about $320 up to 400ccs. The next rate group, 401 to 750cc is about $590. So not quite double. That is with the maximum discount ICBC has.

So, does "bare bones" not include liability? The reason I ask is that after discount (the most u can get), my basic is $561, and 5mil liability is $150. Would it only be about $385-ish total on a sub 400cc?

 

[kenf]

"bare bones" would be ONLY liability. I pay ICBC about $320 for each of my Husky 310, my CB-1, and my wife's VTR-250 for $1mil liability and nothing else. That's for a full year on each. No collision or comprehensive on any of them.

Cheers
KF

 

[JavaJude]

I have a DRZ400 AND a KTM 450EXC in my garage. Like everyone else has said before me "it all depends on what your skill level is and what and where you want to ride". ALSO it was easier to lower the seat height of DRZ. The stock KTM seat height is sometimes a problem for me if I get into trouble and my feet don't reach the ground.

I enjoy the DRZ if I'm doing a mix of road, gravel and easier trials. It's a heavier bike but easy to ride.

I like the KTM on the trails as it's lighter.

I agree with what everyone else has said before me regarding maintenance and insurance.

That's just my $0.02

 

[04klr]

I see you on "your" bike all the time when we ride, you're the one wearing the yellow jacket, no wait, that's John, on YOUR bike?? (grinning from ear to ear) just what bike does John have anyways?