Which one is better?

[Guest]

I'm really wanting to get into dual sport riding, I've found the odd times I've been trail riding to be a HELL of a lot more fun than road riding, which is, by all means, fun in it's own right.

The two bikes I'm considering are the 2009 Suzuki DRZ-400 (the Enduro model, not SM) and the 2009 Yamaha WR250R. Since both bikes cost about the same, I can't make the easy choice based on price alone.

Now I'm looking to use this bike primarily as my everyday ride (school, work, corner store, ect...) and the odd time I ride up to Kelowna to go riding with my friends on the un marked acess trails and fire roads.

My question is, how does the DRZ compare to the WR? Do I go with the bigger bore, which I feel more confident in, longevity and ease of power wise, or do I go with the newer technology? Am I limited to just these two bikes? The only bike UNDER 400 that I've ridden is my RD350, but thats a 2stroke race bike, I tend not to includ it since it's got the power of a bike twice it's size. Needless to say I'm a bit weary of bikes under 400cc.

I'm open to any and all help with this, since it is quite a large investment buying a bike and all.

-Tibarus

 

[franhoser]

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The DRZ has been around for 9 years now and has a larger aftermarket selection for accessories. I think WRenduro versionbike is newer.

The DRZ is a tank and will take you most places. The WR, I've never riden one I would guess would be more agile. DRZ is a pretty heavy 400.

I would recomend you also check out KTM 450. I think it's in the same price range. I just saw it a the new Holeshot store in Langley and looks pretty sweet.

 

[flyn]

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Welcome Tibarus to the world of Dual sport, Do I buy the light nimble smaller bore off road bike, limited fuel range and high maintainance.Or do I buy the larger heavy capable of cruising all day at 120k without a wimper bike. It's always a comprimize.

 

[Guest]

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flyn wrote:

Welcome Tibarus to the world of Dual sport, Do I buy the light nimble smaller bore off road bike, limited fuel range and high maintainance.Or do I buy the larger heavy capable of cruising all day at 120k without a wimper bike. It's always a comprimize.

I looked at fuel range and maintenance schedules when I picked these two bikes, they are pretty much equal, the DRZ may have a larger tank but the WR easily gets 85 mpg or more...

As for 120 kph cruising, a number of my friends who own a WR calim 120 kph cruising is nothing for the bike.

Oi... so confused... My gut tells me big bore (Like the DR650, TE610) but everything I read says smaller is just as good... better even.

 

[skidmark43]

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Western Powersports (Langley) brought a WR250 out to our Newbie Ride in October.

The bike was very impressive. There is plenty of aftermarket parts / support; I would take a serious look at the WR over the DRZ if I was in the market.

 

[Guest]

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skidmark43 wrote:

Western Powersports (Langley) brought a WR250 out to our Newbie Ride in October.

The bike was very impressive. There is plenty of aftermarket parts / support; I would take a serious look at the WR over the DRZ if I was in the market.

How does the Husky TE450 fair against these two bikes?

 

[flyn]

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The Husky TE 450 will kick the snot out of the Yamaha WR street version or DR 400, As will any completion breed motorcycle, ( ie KTM, Husaberg, Sherco , BMW, Yamaha WR, Honda 450X, the like). But are you ready for that kind of power? Modern 450 motocrossers ( which these bikes originated from), hit very hard and require excellent throttle control,

choose wisely grasshooper

 

[Guest]

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flyn wrote:

The Husky TE 450 will kick the snot out of the Yamaha WR street version or DR 400, As will any completion breed motorcycle, ( ie KTM, Husaberg, Sherco , BMW, Yamaha WR, Honda 450X, the like). But are you ready for that kind of power? Modern 450 motocrossers ( which these bikes originated from), hit very hard and require excellent throttle control,

choose wisely grasshooper

I grew up riding an RD350LC... I think my throttle control is fairly solid...

How does the TE450 fair as a day to day and tourer?

 

[flyn]

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I think they are fairly reliable if maintained, I see a few on the road as daily commutors.

 

[Guest]

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flyn wrote:

I think they are fairly reliable if maintained, I see a few on the road as daily commutors.

Top easy cruising speed? (not important, but nice to know)

 

[flyn]

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I'm not sure of the spec, but most bikes can be geared to do what ever speed you want. The TE 450 is a six speed, so top speed should be good

 

[tomcycle]

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Tibarus

You have only been here for a week and you have entertained us so much. I look forward to the Dual Sport you finally decide to buy. :spl:I know it will be a surprise whatever it is.

Then we get to go riding :tup:

Tom

 

[Ray]

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If it helps any, Blackfootonline.com in Calgary has 4 DRZ400S left from 2008. I just bought one for 5699.

 

[Guest]

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tomcycle wrote:

Tibarus

You have only been here for a week and you have entertained us so much. I look forward to the Dual Sport you finally decide to buy. :spl:I know it will be a surprise whatever it is.

Then we get to go riding :tup:

Tom

Looks like I'm going to be going with the WR250R, having taken both the DRZ and the WR for back to back test rides lasting about 60 km city and hwy each, I found the WR to be the better bike, a lot better on the responce to throttle and braking.

Thank you for all input.

 

[scooter]

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Are you looking for more of an off road bike or one that will cope with the pavement.

The DRZ is a tank yes but super reilable. You can run the piss out of it and it will keep coming back for more.

Race breed bikes do not like constant throotle for extended periods. Poor on the Hwy.

I do not own a trailer so the DRZ works well to get to the dirt.

If you wish to load up the bike look for a strong sub frame. The DRZ is electric start also.

I was interested in the XR650R. No sub frame and kick start.

If you wish to have the bike more focused towards single track the lighter the better.

Your skill level is more important. Many guy's on DSBC can take larger bikes into many challenging areas.

 

[Guest]

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scooter wrote:

Are you looking for more of an off road bike or one that will cope with the pavement.

The DRZ is a tank yes but super reilable. You can run the piss out of it and it will keep coming back for more.

Race breed bikes do not like constant throotle for extended periods. Poor on the Hwy.

I do not own a trailer so the DRZ works well to get to the dirt.

If you wish to load up the bike look for a strong sub frame. The DRZ is electric start also.

I was interested in the XR650R. No sub frame and kick start.

If you wish to have the bike more focused towards single track the lighter the better.

Your skill level is more important. Many guy's on DSBC can take larger bikes into many challenging areas.

I'm looking for one that will never whine or complain at me on longer stretches on the open highway, with gear loaded onto the back (sleeping bag, clothing bag, tent maybe), but is still nimble enough to hit the unmarked service trails and fire roads.

I'm liking the outward performance of the WR... 80 mpg as a standard is kinda nice too. But how will it last?

 

[c337b]

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I have an 07 DRZ-S withDirt & sumo wheelswith 12650KM I ride single track to open highway. Bike is a good allround bike. All I have needed for maintenance is oil changes. With any new bike make sure you pull apart the steering head and swing arm and grease up all the bearingsThese bikes are bullet proof and need minimum maintenance compared to the higher perfomance bikes.

 

[joker650]

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I'm looking for one that will never whine or complain at me on longer stretches on the open highway, with gear loaded onto the back (sleeping bag, clothing bag, tent maybe), but is still nimble enough to hit the unmarked service trails and fire roads.

I would definatly go with a larger displacement than a 250.

 

[franhoser]

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joker650 wrote:

I'm looking for one that will never whine or complain at me on longer stretches on the open highway, with gear loaded onto the back (sleeping bag, clothing bag, tent maybe), but is still nimble enough to hit the unmarked service trails and fire roads.

I would definatly go with a larger displacement than a 250.

I agree, you will kill the 250 on the highway cruising at 120km/h for hours. That kind of bike was not designed for that kind of abuse. If I had a 250 I would use it for probably what it's good at, single track and trail.

 

[Bayner]

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I rode 250's for several years and it'll tell you from experience, they're dogs when loaded down especially at highway speeds. If you want to do highway, I'd strongly consider at least 400cc. If not ridden hard, a large bike will return pretty good MPG numbers also...

Food for thought.