What bike should I buy?? 2004 Ktm 525 exc or 1992 Suzuki DR350

[samguenther4]

I am a first time rider and wondering what bike I should buy?? Here are the Considerations and factors for me... -Size( 6'1 and 220 lbs) , Maintenance (Cost and Intervals), Handling-Insurance Cost The two bikes are a 2004 Ktm 525 exc costing $2200 or a 1992 Suzuki DR350 -$1300. Any thoughts?

 

[Shuswap]

With bikes of that age their relative condition needs to be determined, so without more info it is tough to recommend one vs the other. The DR is usually pretty bulletproof, but that is a 25 year old bike and it will have some interesting history. What type of riding do you want to do?

 

[04klr]

neither.

find a well sorted used drz 400. able to carry you and be reliable, easy and cheep to keep running, plenty good handling for a newbie, and under the 400cc insurance break.

the DR has a terrific reputation but is an antique just like that chair over there I sit on.
the Ktm would be a great choice but I'm not sure I would refer to it as a beginners bike.

 

[Farp]

KTMs are high performance bikes that require a lot of maintenance and are usually bought by experienced riders who tend to ride them pretty hard, and frequently use them in off road competitions. A first time rider on a KTM 525 EXC could easily get himself in way over his head as these bikes don't fool around when you open the throttle.

The DR350 is a much more mildly tuned bike and requires much less maintenance. It will not have anywhere near the acceleration of the 550 EXC and will be a more forgiving bike for a novice ride to learn on. It will take you several years to really get the hang of off-road riding so there is no fear of having your skills outgrow the DR350 anytime soon. The bike performs surprisingly well off-road and is capable of handling terrain as technical as it gets for inexperienced riders.

Buying a well used off-road bike is always a bit of a gamble so you should definitely have someone who knows what they're doing inspect the bikes before you make your final decision. If the bikes are in similar condition then the DR350 at almost half the price of the KTM would probably be the better bike for you.

John

 

[North]

KTM are a blast and are pure fun to me. I let my Son who was 21 at the time ride my 530 excr KTM. He does not ride Bikes. I took him to the Stave Lake mud flats when the water was low. Geared him right up. I guess he was hanging on to the throttle and ended up having the front wheel going over backwards twice. Both times where just right after getting on the Bike. He didn't want to ride it after that for fear of damaging a new Bike. Some people pick it fast, others take longer and some never really get it. For insurance as has been said, it's best to keep it under 400 cc. But buying a 1992? I don't think I would unless it was in mint shape, but even than I would be worried about get parts. Anyways, without knowing you and the Bikes, it's just hard to say which one is best for you. Good luck.

 

[Summitx]

First time rider? I agree the drz 400 is a great bike but it's a brute to learn to ride on. I wouldn't start on the ktm you mention. Start with a 250. Older klx 250's are fairly cheap. If you want to treat yourself spend a bit more and get a newer wr 250. After you learn to ride it if you want a bit more power get something bigger or put a big bore on the 250.

 

[TW_rider]

...or sell me the WR when you "get bored" of it....

 

[DirtClunker]

By the DR at a good price. Ride it for a while - you will learn what you like and dont like. Sell it - but another bike. Repeat 10-50 times. Thats my process.Dont bother buying your be all and end all bike. Chance are you will not buy the right one.

 

[twisted-hog]

By the DR at a good price. Ride it for a while - you will learn what you like and dont like. Sell it - but another bike. Repeat 10-50 times. Thats my process.Dont bother buying your be all and end all bike. Chance are you will not buy the right one.

My problem is I have trouble letting go, so I just go out and buy another one and tell the wife after she sees it in the garage it was such a good deal, i couldn't pass it up

 

[hooter]

First time rider? I agree the drz 400 is a great bike but it's a brute to learn to ride on. I wouldn't start on the ktm you mention. Start with a 250. Older klx 250's are fairly cheap. If you want to treat yourself spend a bit more and get a newer wr 250. After you learn to ride it if you want a bit more power get something bigger or put a big bore on the 250.

Yup, a 250 is a perfect bike to start on. You will kill yourself on the KTM. The DR350 is just too old, you will spend too much time and money fixing problems. Spend about $3,500 and get a 2009-2010 KLX250. They run forever with minimal maintenance, and it will be a long time before you can ride beyond the bike's limitations.

 

[LordEndo]

DRZ400 or KLX250 or WR250 if you can get a few extra dollars into it - great bikes all 'round.

 

[hooter]

Another thing - that KTM seems a little too cheap. I'd be wary of its condition and history. If something inside goes boom it will be expensive to fix.

 

[Summitx]

If your shopping for a klx250 try to find one that has the carb mods done. Stock this bike is difficult to start. With the carb mods done you get a little more power, better throttle response and it starts easier. Also when your finished riding for the day shut the fuel off and run it for a few minutes or until it quits. If you do this and have the carb mods done you will not have cold starting issues. Sucks as a beginner if you have a bike that is difficult to start. My only gripe with the klx250.