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I have the KLX250S... Pretty happy with it with all of the mods. It is pretty anemic in stock trim. The stock seat height is static rider off height, so when you figure in the proper sag for your suspension all of them will be bit lower. The mods (engine only) that I have are the Bill Blue 351 big bore kit, snorkel replacement, larger flat slide pumper carb, FMF exhaust, and programmable replacement ignition module. You are correct about no replacement for displacement. Power and torque are in the DRZ400 range with a lighter bike. Any of the stock 250s mentioned would be a waste of money for anyone over about 150 lbs. I also have the bigger gas tank for more range which probably negates much of the weight savings, and also soft bags for it which adds even more weight with some light camping gear. Even with my almost 200 lbs, it will still run circles around most stock bikes from it's era. The bad part is that it costs $2000 plus to get this kind of performance. I will have to make a 0-60 timed run, but it's quick through the gears, and I can easily go over 100 mph. Only tried that once VERY briefly, due to tires and frame not made for those speeds.
Ive owned them all. From Chinese made 200's to the XT200 to the CRFL, to the KLR 650. Ive always been a Honda guy but the only one worth buying in my opinion is the DRZ-400S.
Michael 732 I have a beat-up Gen 1 KLR 650. It’s an amazing beginner bike if you’re taller. Dirt cheap. Nice dull (safe) responses and drops just add a little more character. Reluctant to stall. Pretty (top-)heavy, but the weight disappears once underway. The very tall seat height is an impediment to shorter inseams. 31” inseam is about the minimum I’d recommend for the KLR. I’m on tiptoes at 32” inseam but I stop with only left foot down/right foot rear brake (as taught in MSF).
WR250R and X for me. DRZ400S is fine if you are in warmer climate and no worry of cold temperature starting. If you ride mostly highway than drz400s and SM are better. On tight trail, drz400s is heavy and clumpsy, you would end up fighting with the bike. Also, if you weighs more than 180 lbs, drz400s is better.
@@michael7324 I'm 6'2 and 210lbs and put 30,000 kms on my KLR. It's a solid reliable bike. I did lots of highway commuting which was a breeze. Its big and heavy for off road but I went everywhere DRZ's and CRF's went I was just a little slower than the smaller lighter bikes. There's heaps of aftermarket accessories and mods. Get one, you won't regret it.
You obviously really know your stuff. Relax a little and stop bouncing around like you're actually on a motorcycle while making the video! Thank you for putting out such great comparison videos. I think you're helping a lot of people figure out what bike to get.
I owned a yz250fx, wr250r and a drz400e and all street legal, had them all at the same time, on east coast singletrack woods, double track and back roads I like the 250 power much better because it smooth and revs to the moon, the first one was the wrr put 20,000mi on it and my favorite, so I got a yz250fx with a tag to upgrade to and didnt like it, to racy for me, seat is hard, suspension is hard, very tall seat, to ride it you have to be on the pegs and get weight over the front tire to turn, but your the king on fast sand whoops, 50mph its screaming, not a good dual sport, so then I hear about the drz400e and tried that for about a year, had good torque and it will rev, felt heavy at 295wet but was only 15lb heavier then a strip down wrr, sold the drz because I know that bikes power, torque, weight was going to hurt me and replaced it with another low mileage wrr, the wrr to me is like a pit bike in the woods and that will go 80mph on the street, just my 2 cents
Great analysis! You do your homework well. I'm subscribed! I went through this choice a few months ago and ended up getting a drz400 super moto. It has a lower seat than the S model and does mild off-road/street better, albeit with tkc70 tyres. An important consideration is the purpose to which you need your tool to operate.
The xt250 redesign in 2008 was inspired by trials machines, which is why it has such high ground clearance (11”) while simultaneously having the lowest seat height in this class. It’s not a high speed machine, but it’s great on single track. Different design brief than the others, it’s fuel injected after 2013. Needs suspension upgrades to really maximize its potential, but it’s a great bike.
Excellent video! I only wish Suzuki would update the DRZ400s to include 6 gears and EFI. I've heard all the reasons why they haven't but it still needs to be done.
I bought a new in stock leftover 2015 Suzuki DRZ400s for 5 grand OTD. I friggin love this bike. So torquey and has very low maintenance and is bulletproof...My smile is ear to ear when riding....
I lowered the suspension on my 08 KTM 450 EXC 2 inches so it would fit in the back of my low roof Ford Transit Van. After riding over 100 miles around the trails of Mammoth Lakes, I found the suspension more than ample to bumps and rocks. I've had Suzuki DRZ's and Yamaha XT's and the KTM blows them away. I was able to find a low mileage KTM with only 800 miles on it for $4K. My biggest issue with the KTM is that the seat is like a 2x4 with a nylon cover.
Great comparo, enjoyed the vid! You mentioned the lower performance of the XT a couple times as if it were a mystery...but it’s air cooled so it can’t make the same power as the liquid cooled 250s... but it’s a solid bike at less cost and complexity with no radiator/water pump etc. Also, I own a KTM and fully agree with your ups and downs for team Orange!
Great vídeo knowing that you owned most of these bikes, you are talking besides your acknowledge also from your own ride experience, very informative using the graphs. By the way nice view from your balcony. Thanks
Great review. My buddies are looking to get into dual sport riding with me and in sure this will be helpful for them. I have been trying to guide them to the DRZ400..
I have found that I prefer at least 30 rear wheel horsepower and that means the KLX300 and CRF300 are ruled out "for me". I bought a DRZ-SM and put a set of 18/21 wheels on it and now I have a Super Moto bike and a Dual Sport by just changing wheels :).
Sucks that the DRZ ‘E’ isn’t street-legal in the USA (not in any state?!), as I understand it … I bought an E, and was under the impression I’d have hassles at highway speed; but it is fine doing 137 (85 mph), at least with a decent jetting & 3x3. You wouldn’t choose to run it at that speed for any length of time, but it can do it …
You sound like a fellow worth listening to. But, you need to soften your audio - curtains, a rug, a sofa, a couple of fat friends, anything to eliminate the harsh audio caused by your unforgiving hard walls/floor/ceiling/bookcase. Informative , thanks!
I agree the argument between fuel injection and carbs has been done to death and is largely pointless but saying that fuel injectors arnt a common issue on cars is just not true. Injectors on cars have issues all the time. Especially once mileage starts to climb, its one of the most common jobs in my shop. Great job, really enjoyed the video.
I have a drz 400 s for the past 3.5 years. It has almost 20k miles. No issues with the engine or anything else (do your maintenance well and take out that swingarm and grease it..) I use the bike to commute to work and go play in the desert. It is a nice little bike (my previous bike was a sport touring bike, kawasaki zzr 1200 that i kept for 8 years) Now, last week i took the bike from Vegas to Fillmore UT camped in the mountain, then next day i left Fillmore and went to Echo canyon reservoir (yes i took a fishing pole with me..lol) spend less than an hour there (got 2 bass.) And headed back to Vegas, wich is still 3.5 hours away. Rode a total of 690 miles. The drz, loaded with camping gear is definitely anemic on the hwy. It was very windy the whole time with gust to above 25 mph but sometimes the bike would not go over 70 mph. To me it's a problem, first the speed limit there is 80 and you are been passed a lot by 🚛 , people coming very fast behind you and personally i dont like that. Also it means that during my 6 hours + ride to UT i was pushing a lot that engine and i also dont like that (reliability) Now, if you just going for a day or 2 riding and have little luggage then it will be ok (not great) top speed of that bike is around 90 ish mph (not bad for a 400 cc bike) but again if you ride for hours at the 80 speed limit the engine may not like it. To go to work and play in the desert it is a great bike, i am not disappointed with it. But if you are going to take long trip and camp get a much bigger bike. I know i will as i enjoy long distance riding (600 miles + per day) and camp where ever i find a spot i like. A few pic from last week. ruclips.net/video/_21eBr1QmSA/видео.html
@@lumberjaxe8910 my drz after 1 year. You can see some corrosion (ok just a little) on the pivot bolt. ruclips.net/user/shortsRq3WGU8vA2s?feature=share
Good video. When I saw how long it was I thought I would just skip through it, but I watched the whole thing. Love the charts. Great resource for someone trying to choose a bike. I've got a Himalayan right now but I don't think it would make the weight class 😛. Thanks. Subscribed.
Thank you for all the good info. It’s obvious you research and speak well without hesitation. Great work! I’m subscribed and passing the word to others.
Thank you for the great reviews, they landed exactly where I needed the knowledge. May I make a comment, however? This is not a criticism but an observation. During much of the video you were tapping your foot or something and causing your torso to bounce constantly. It was subtle but made me feel a bit nervous watching you. Thanks again for the reviews! :~)
Great job on showing us about the used market. I'm glad about my DRZ. It's a 05 that already had the jet, exhaust and new air breather. If and when I rebuild the engine, it will get the larger 5gear. Thanks again
You have a nice objective view it seems. You've earned my subscription. Looking forward to your next video about what to look for in buying these bikes.
Im one of the 6'6" tall 300lb people trying to get the most bike for the least amount of money... Ive always wanted a big dual sport, but after smashing a tired Suzuki 200 at the Motorcycle range I feel like I can get by with a 350-550cc bike. A big expensive bike would be more hassle for me than it's worth. I just want something reliable that cant get me in too much trouble, i.e. cut in half by barbed wire or something awful like that
Fuel injection fine. But computer control is the problem. Not a fan of computers. To expensive to diagnose for the problems on the trail or in your own garage. Just my opinion. ✌️
There is a cat among the pigeons here and it is a 250 and the first real dual sport in the world. Yamaha TDR 250 twin cylinder two-stroke, 50 bhp or 37 kW and 37 nm of torque, a real off-and-on-road beast that will wipe the floor with much bigger cc bikes.
Exceptional content, thanks for getting down not only a group review, but a thorough examination of the details that determine the characteristics of dual sport motorcycles. By the way, this is far more important than any perceived problem with audio or presentation! I wouldn't be surprised if we both listed the specs of our perfect bike, they would be extremely similar! I'm not sure I share your enthusiasm for extreme travel suspension though! If you are just playing then ok you may be jumping for fun, but if it's ADV, then engaging in MX in the wilderness is not the best decision in the world? 8-10 inches would be plenty in my view, if the spring rates and damping were properly designed. I have four dual sports at the moment ranging from 125 to 600cc, and I concur that the CCM404 is the closest to the best compromise( it's basically a DRZ400e with PDS rear, and WP suspension - too much travel😕). I'm also comfortable with EFI, but the carb still makes more sense for field repairs if you are capable of working on the bike yourself, and again if it's ADV, you should be. I hope my comments are welcome, keep up the good work!
Thank you for a very interesting comparison. As an owner of WR250R and KTM530EXCR (and having had 2 pcs of KLX250S and one XT660R + several KTMs) I have got a note concerning maintenance. True, KTM needs maintenance frequently, but over a longer period of time my Yamaha (as did both Kawas) need more maintenance work hours. KTM is simple and designed maintenance in mind, but unfortunately Japanese bikes are not. Still like my WRR, but for reasons other than amount of maintenance.
That's interesting, I'm thinking between drz and ktm, maybe even 690 r. You mentioned that Ktm is designed with maintenance in mind meaning it's simple to do it. Could you elaborate on that? Thanks
Greetings from Portugal! Thanks a lot for your work. Really helpful and heart-felt. Very comprehensive and stick-to-the-point content. Did you post the videos about what to look at when one's buying a used dual sport bike? Cheers!
Thanks Ian, I'm in my 50s and brand new to motorcycles. Late to the party I know. I'm looking at the DRZ 400 or the Suzuki KLX300. I just want something to play around on and do a little street riding and some trail riding. I think for me smaller is better but not sure I want to go as small as a 250 because I maybe be riding 20 miles from home to search for trails.
Great vid and about what I figured out when I started DS riding. I also set a $5k budget for my firt DS bike. All my off road buddies are on the KTMs so I was familiar with them. Unfortunately, all the KTMs in that price range with a plate were hammered. I found a really nice, reasonably priced DRZ to see if I liked the sport. The DRZ was surprisingly competent off road until it got tight and technical. Ended up selling it and going with a later KTM 500 EXC. While way above my previous $5k budget, it's a brilliant motorcycle out of the box and worth the money... Keep up the good work, I appreciate your vids!!
I work with KTM's for a living and the maintenance needs for KTM is exaggerated. I've torn apart hundreds of RFS motors and the EXC/MXC, XCw models are excellent. They only hold about a quart of oil so change it every thousand miles and change the filters every 3rd oil change, it only takes about 5 minutes to do an oil change. I would avoid the models that have titanium valves, but I'd avoid that with any brand.
Well its pretty straightforward really, if you want to ride dirt roads and pavement and cheap than something like a drz 400. If you like to actually ride some trail ktm.
Just sold my DR650 because I am getting older and wimpier...a DRZ will replace it. The DRZ has a bunch of huge compromises but it is the best Dual Sport bike for me...after I added a 4 gallon IMS tank. I know it has been done many times before but what about a DRZ series on hop ups and performance increases?
Stick an old pro on the DRZ with properly setup suspension (preload and clickers) and good tires and a KTM rider will have a tough time shaking him. Even in Bee Canyon. Maybe the DRZ will end up out front!
Q: fuel injection - we do lots of deep river crossings and often drown our bikes. With carbs it's easy to get them running again by draining fuel bowls etc. How does f.i. cope with this sort of (mis-)use? Great video -very useful!
Liked and subbed. I have wanted one of these bikes for many years. I grew up with honda as our tried true 4wheeler/quad. I wish honda had a slightly bigger version than a 250 but needless to say i'm looking around. I'm leaning to the drz400 mainly due to aftermarket. I would like a ktm but from my initial searches they seem kinda like a unicorn in my area. Anyway keep up the good content.
I bought a DR 650 a few years back..... liked it enough, but yeah....way too heavy when dropped in the dirt more than a couple times in a day. Have a crf250L now, and find the weight so much better. Plus I hate carbeurators!
Great comparison, well thought out and researched. I’m a KTM owner and I would buy the DRZ, I had the DRZ super moto as per my profile pic, great bike.
Ktm are famous... Famous for getting halfway through a race in half the time as any other bike and then dying. In a short sprint ktm wins but if you plan on doing any more long distance with one you'll need some good walking shoes with you.
Interesting. With our long distances, low speed limits and flat landscape, power is not important. Thats why, as of May 2020, there is only one Yamaha XT250 for sale used on Bikesales, despite them selling new, in big numbers. I am tempted by the DRZ but the seat height and need to sit for hours down here is also a factor.
People with limited to no experience buy way to much bike then can be handled by them.... Been riding since 5 years old and still the bike that I'll purchase depends on what I plan to use it for. I like dual sporting so I end up with two bikes. One, single cylinder in the 650 category . With "NO" radiator, no fuel injection. With the 21"X 18' combo..from there, the add-on's are of my choice(s). The second bike is for no trail to be had free lancing though the woods. Which the shortness stroke of a 250 air cooled is the order of the day. To buy a bike up the ladder even with my experience, are for one, way to heavy, way to much junk on them that even a tech with a scanner might not be able to find and solve a/the problem. Add in the facts, your out on the road in the middle of know where and you anti skid will not unlock . In short, electronically over compensated bikes ruin the sport of riding. But, is the need for manufactures to jack up the price justifiably and people fall for that sales pitch... In short your not going to be able to buy a factory works desert dual sport, you'll only get one that kinda looks like one. Simple is safe, reliable and accessories are great. SO buy with some sense and dress it out as experience grows. Also, you don't "have to" barrel A** down a trail and miss the real reason you are out there....rock on
Hey there I'm new to riding and I just recently "caught" the riding bug. Problem is I ride dirt bikes mainly and love taking my bike everywhere, I live in a good size city in city limits and not alot of options of trails. I don't have a truck so I have to ride back roads (I know illegally) to get to where I want to go. I want to take my bike elsewhere farther away but can't ride without fear of getting caught from police. Since I'm new to riding I'm not sure where to start with which bike to buy as to i want to grow into and increase my riding abilities. I do want a dual sport, I'm short in height about 5' 5" and thinking a wr250 is way too tall. I have ridden a yamaha 230f trail bike and that is tall im tip toeing barely. I have stopped a couple time on it and had trouble getting balance at a stop and ended up putting it down a couple of times, softly of course. So I need a bike ment for shorter people and still got usable power for street driving/ highway. Thanks
LX Media He would be my list for you. Number one the Kawasaki KL 250 super sharpa, Best engine of the 250 air cooled 244 pounds proximally 26 hp horsepower. Next will be the XT225 made until 2007 238 pounds and 21 hp. The next in the line would be the modern XT 250. 271 pounds in horsepower of approximately 20hp. And 19hp if it’s a fuel Injected. go figure. And look at the wt difference. That’s the order. If you can find them. I would never buy a Honda CRF 250 that weighs 323 pounds dry. KLX 250 Is liquid cold but is heavy and the power is a dog. Don’t let them tell you that liquid cooled necessarily gives you more horsepower vs wt. I would however agree with the DRZ 400. Except remember is 291 pounds 34 hp. And a great bike with one exception and 37inch seat height. Why are you gonna double jump this thing? Give me a break. Again 32 inch seat height with a lightweight is the key. Manufactures missed the mark. Again the Kawasaki super sherpa , the X2225 and the XT 250 for the clear winners. If you were tall and young I don’t mind the drama of the Suzuki DRZ 400. It’s a great bike to remember what it’s purposed for. And if you want to take it to the next level think about the CRM 250 two strokes and the DT 20o two strokes both 238 pounds never imported in North America. 37 and 33hp respectively and with actual real Road gearing. My CRM 250 will chug along a road at 65 mph with a top speed of over 90 mph on the road. Think about importing some of them. for about 10 grand. I have them. Good luck. Auto dictated not read.
@@BigRockMoto it's power is in the low rpms, perfect for a beginner's slow uphill trail riding, the low seat height and 11 inch clearance inspiring confidence in new riders... Or advanced riders wives smh
The simplicity of carburetted bikes, has it's value in lower cost in servicing, with Suzuki's SDTV injection and Yamaha's injection system being the first to convert for the Japanese, in early 2000s. KTM has high cost of ownership, but are great off-road, hopeless onroad.
I don't think the EFI is actually the problem most of the time, but it seems like the fuel pump on modern bikes with ethanol in the gas is a pretty common point of failure -- or wiring to the ecu or fuel pump going bad due to the vibration and whatnot.
Please stop specifying person height compared to seat height. It's your inseam that's important. I'm 6' with a 36" inseam. I flatfoot most things easily. You don't need to be 6'4" to do that.
Hey I came to a similar conclusion and just picked up a DRZ 400s a month ago just got through with the 3 x 3 mod and full exhaust jet kit Etc what a amazing difference , great video I agree with 99% of what you said Good break down , It was truely a 2 bike show! There is a void in dual sport arena . The KTM is a complete animal ! I would love to have it I just don't feel like working on it all the time... I would rather go riding!...
Good video. In your opinion, as you have owned both, do you think the DRZ "feels" significantly heavier than the WR? I hope to get one of them as my first bike, mostly off road use. I'm somewhat concerned that the WR, being a 250, won't have enough power as my skills improve (I'm over 6' and 185 without any gear on). But I have heard many state that it feels much lighter than the DRZ due to weight distribution, which would be a plus for trail riding.
The WR250R handles much better than the DRZ and despite having less power, I believe is a better dualsport (efi and 6 gears are a huge bonus). If you want more torque out of the bike, put a larger rear sprocket on it, you still have a 6th gear that will keep you cruising on the highway. Ultimately, test ride both before you commit but having ridden both and owning a WR, there’s no comparison. WR all the way. I’m a 6’2” 165lb intermediate level rider, btw.
Swap the front sprocket to one lower {forgot what WR ran, think u should get a 13t} and u will get a lot more grunt out of the 250 plus you dont have to add links to your chain.
If you want one of these, which one will likely be the most reliable, and which one, if any of them, will have any needed part available ten years down the road? I've had older quads and dirt bikes before and I'm done with them due to being told an essential part is no longer available.
Fuel injection is reliable unlike a DPF technology ! I'd rather have a fuel injected bike than a carburated one. Unfortunatelly I have the other one and it's a pain in the ....
Best for long 260miles weekend rides? Heard drz is super wobbly and rough at high rpm's at the freeway... maybe best to go dr650? or some 350 ktm/beta/husky?
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I have the KLX250S... Pretty happy with it with all of the mods. It is pretty anemic in stock trim. The stock seat height is static rider off height, so when you figure in the proper sag for your suspension all of them will be bit lower.
The mods (engine only) that I have are the Bill Blue 351 big bore kit, snorkel replacement, larger flat slide pumper carb, FMF exhaust, and programmable replacement ignition module. You are correct about no replacement for displacement. Power and torque are in the DRZ400 range with a lighter bike. Any of the stock 250s mentioned would be a waste of money for anyone over about 150 lbs. I also have the bigger gas tank for more range which probably negates much of the weight savings, and also soft bags for it which adds even more weight with some light camping gear. Even with my almost 200 lbs, it will still run circles around most stock bikes from it's era. The bad part is that it costs $2000 plus to get this kind of performance. I will have to make a 0-60 timed run, but it's quick through the gears, and I can easily go over 100 mph. Only tried that once VERY briefly, due to tires and frame not made for those speeds.
Ive owned them all. From Chinese made 200's to the XT200 to the CRFL, to the KLR 650. Ive always been a Honda guy but the only one worth buying in my opinion is the DRZ-400S.
Chase Jordan Not even the KLR 650? I always hear good things about it. I’m no small guy so I need a big cc bike.
Michael 732 I have a beat-up Gen 1 KLR 650. It’s an amazing beginner bike if you’re taller. Dirt cheap. Nice dull (safe) responses and drops just add a little more character. Reluctant to stall. Pretty (top-)heavy, but the weight disappears once underway. The very tall seat height is an impediment to shorter inseams. 31” inseam is about the minimum I’d recommend for the KLR. I’m on tiptoes at 32” inseam but I stop with only left foot down/right foot rear brake (as taught in MSF).
What did you like about the drz400 over the crf250l
WR250R and X for me. DRZ400S is fine if you are in warmer climate and no worry of cold temperature starting. If you ride mostly highway than drz400s and SM are better. On tight trail, drz400s is heavy and clumpsy, you would end up fighting with the bike. Also, if you weighs more than 180 lbs, drz400s is better.
@@michael7324 I'm 6'2 and 210lbs and put 30,000 kms on my KLR. It's a solid reliable bike. I did lots of highway commuting which was a breeze. Its big and heavy for off road but I went everywhere DRZ's and CRF's went I was just a little slower than the smaller lighter bikes. There's heaps of aftermarket accessories and mods. Get one, you won't regret it.
Great review! Love how you don't waste time with useless banter. Plus I love your use of the bar charts to compare the bikes specs.
You obviously really know your stuff. Relax a little and stop bouncing around like you're actually on a motorcycle while making the video! Thank you for putting out such great comparison videos. I think you're helping a lot of people figure out what bike to get.
I owned a yz250fx, wr250r and a drz400e and all street legal, had them all at the same time, on east coast singletrack woods, double track and back roads I like the 250 power much better because it smooth and revs to the moon, the first one was the wrr put 20,000mi on it and my favorite, so I got a yz250fx with a tag to upgrade to and didnt like it, to racy for me, seat is hard, suspension is hard, very tall seat, to ride it you have to be on the pegs and get weight over the front tire to turn, but your the king on fast sand whoops, 50mph its screaming, not a good dual sport, so then I hear about the drz400e and tried that for about a year, had good torque and it will rev, felt heavy at 295wet but was only 15lb heavier then a strip down wrr, sold the drz because I know that bikes power, torque, weight was going to hurt me and replaced it with another low mileage wrr, the wrr to me is like a pit bike in the woods and that will go 80mph on the street, just my 2 cents
Great analysis! You do your homework well. I'm subscribed! I went through this choice a few months ago and ended up getting a drz400 super moto. It has a lower seat than the S model and does mild off-road/street better, albeit with tkc70 tyres. An important consideration is the purpose to which you need your tool to operate.
The 400sm is what I want!
your talking about saving cash and going toward a drz, and then you went and bought a 6 day ktm, your the best brother
Lol
The xt250 redesign in 2008 was inspired by trials machines, which is why it has such high ground clearance (11”) while simultaneously having the lowest seat height in this class. It’s not a high speed machine, but it’s great on single track. Different design brief than the others, it’s fuel injected after 2013. Needs suspension upgrades to really maximize its potential, but it’s a great bike.
So Cal Supermoto has DRZs with nearly 100k miles!
Excellent video! I only wish Suzuki would update the DRZ400s to include 6 gears and EFI. I've heard all the reasons why they haven't but it still needs to be done.
Totally agree
Your describing a T7 👍
@@tangoreal9098 t7 is more than 10k buddy ad +100 lbs
CRF250L 2018 love it it just keeps going and going and going. Low maintenance very Dependable.
Love my 2019..... I've had bikes of all kinds, but this one is just plain ole fun :)
too slow and heavy for my liking.
I bought a new in stock leftover 2015 Suzuki DRZ400s for 5 grand OTD. I friggin love this bike. So torquey and has very low maintenance and is bulletproof...My smile is ear to ear when riding....
great deal!
I lowered the suspension on my 08 KTM 450 EXC 2 inches so it would fit in the back of my low roof Ford Transit Van. After riding over 100 miles around the trails of Mammoth Lakes, I found the suspension more than ample to bumps and rocks. I've had Suzuki DRZ's and Yamaha XT's and the KTM blows them away. I was able to find a low mileage KTM with only 800 miles on it for $4K. My biggest issue with the KTM is that the seat is like a 2x4 with a nylon cover.
XT 250 in the city is a blast and don’t break the bank 👍
The XT250 is the bike Rambo rode to ditch the man...nuff said!
Great comparo, enjoyed the vid! You mentioned the lower performance of the XT a couple times as if it were a mystery...but it’s air cooled so it can’t make the same power as the liquid cooled 250s... but it’s a solid bike at less cost and complexity with no radiator/water pump etc. Also, I own a KTM and fully agree with your ups and downs for team Orange!
Your side by side comparison chart was really nice.
The first year for the DRZ was 2000. Great video, Thanks. Please repeat/update the video using the newer 300cc bikes from Honda and Kawasaki :).
Great vídeo knowing that you owned most of these bikes, you are talking besides your acknowledge also from your own ride experience, very informative using the graphs. By the way nice view from your balcony. Thanks
I appreciate that!
I just recently subscribed and wow I am impressed great job love the fact that you show no bias and actually look at real world constraints like cost
Great review. My buddies are looking to get into dual sport riding with me and in sure this will be helpful for them. I have been trying to guide them to the DRZ400..
I have found that I prefer at least 30 rear wheel horsepower and that means the KLX300 and CRF300 are ruled out "for me". I bought a DRZ-SM and put a set of 18/21 wheels on it and now I have a Super Moto bike and a Dual Sport by just changing wheels :).
Low key but hilarious TP reference at intro, I appreciate your informative videos.
Sucks that the DRZ ‘E’ isn’t street-legal in the USA (not in any state?!), as I understand it … I bought an E, and was under the impression I’d have hassles at highway speed; but it is fine doing 137 (85 mph), at least with a decent jetting & 3x3. You wouldn’t choose to run it at that speed for any length of time, but it can do it …
I very much appreciate you taking the time to provide all these statistics and info in this awesome review. I learned a lot!
You sound like a fellow worth listening to. But, you need to soften your audio - curtains, a rug, a sofa, a couple of fat friends, anything to eliminate the harsh audio caused by your unforgiving hard walls/floor/ceiling/bookcase.
Informative , thanks!
you are right!
I agree the argument between fuel injection and carbs has been done to death and is largely pointless but saying that fuel injectors arnt a common issue on cars is just not true. Injectors on cars have issues all the time. Especially once mileage starts to climb, its one of the most common jobs in my shop. Great job, really enjoyed the video.
I have a drz 400 s for the past 3.5 years. It has almost 20k miles. No issues with the engine or anything else (do your maintenance well and take out that swingarm and grease it..)
I use the bike to commute to work and go play in the desert. It is a nice little bike (my previous bike was a sport touring bike, kawasaki zzr 1200 that i kept for 8 years)
Now, last week i took the bike from Vegas to Fillmore UT camped in the mountain, then next day i left Fillmore and went to Echo canyon reservoir (yes i took a fishing pole with me..lol) spend less than an hour there (got 2 bass.) And headed back to Vegas, wich is still 3.5 hours away. Rode a total of 690 miles. The drz, loaded with camping gear is definitely anemic on the hwy. It was very windy the whole time with gust to above 25 mph but sometimes the bike would not go over 70 mph. To me it's a problem, first the speed limit there is 80 and you are been passed a lot by 🚛 , people coming very fast behind you and personally i dont like that. Also it means that during my 6 hours + ride to UT i was pushing a lot that engine and i also dont like that (reliability)
Now, if you just going for a day or 2 riding and have little luggage then it will be ok (not great) top speed of that bike is around 90 ish mph (not bad for a 400 cc bike) but again if you ride for hours at the 80 speed limit the engine may not like it.
To go to work and play in the desert it is a great bike, i am not disappointed with it.
But if you are going to take long trip and camp get a much bigger bike.
I know i will as i enjoy long distance riding (600 miles + per day) and camp where ever i find a spot i like.
A few pic from last week.
ruclips.net/video/_21eBr1QmSA/видео.html
The drz 400e has grease nipples on the swing arm.
@@lumberjaxe8910 my drz after 1 year. You can see some corrosion (ok just a little) on the pivot bolt.
ruclips.net/user/shortsRq3WGU8vA2s?feature=share
My 78 yam Dt. 250 was 2 stroke street legal was pretty fast for what it was dependable I beat crap out it never rebuild for like 3yrs all n dirt tho
Nice one. As a newbie to this that was a great overview and well explained! Thanks ;-)
I spent less than 3K on a NEW SPI TEKKEN 250. I love it.
Good video. When I saw how long it was I thought I would just skip through it, but I watched the whole thing. Love the charts. Great resource for someone trying to choose a bike. I've got a Himalayan right now but I don't think it would make the weight class 😛. Thanks. Subscribed.
thanks
Thank you for all the good info.
It’s obvious you research and speak well without hesitation.
Great work!
I’m subscribed and passing the word to others.
Thank you for acknowledging that my need for toilet paper is as great as my need for an offroader this summer.
Thank you for the great reviews, they landed exactly where I needed the knowledge. May I make a comment, however? This is not a criticism but an observation. During much of the video you were tapping your foot or something and causing your torso to bounce constantly. It was subtle but made me feel a bit nervous watching you.
Thanks again for the reviews! :~)
Great video. Thanks for the comparatives and chart. Your efforts and objectivity much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful!
Great job on showing us about the used market. I'm glad about my DRZ. It's a 05 that already had the jet, exhaust and new air breather.
If and when I rebuild the engine, it will get the larger 5gear. Thanks again
You have a nice objective view it seems. You've earned my subscription. Looking forward to your next video about what to look for in buying these bikes.
Im one of the 6'6" tall 300lb people trying to get the most bike for the least amount of money... Ive always wanted a big dual sport, but after smashing a tired Suzuki 200 at the Motorcycle range I feel like I can get by with a 350-550cc bike. A big expensive bike would be more hassle for me than it's worth. I just want something reliable that cant get me in too much trouble, i.e. cut in half by barbed wire or something awful like that
Fuel injection fine. But computer control is the problem. Not a fan of computers. To expensive to diagnose for the problems on the trail or in your own garage. Just my opinion. ✌️
Just found your channel a couple of days ago. Lots of good info here! Keep up the good work! Subbed.
Thank you!
There is a cat among the pigeons here and it is a 250 and the first real dual sport in the world. Yamaha TDR 250 twin cylinder two-stroke, 50 bhp or 37 kW and 37 nm of torque, a real off-and-on-road beast that will wipe the floor with much bigger cc bikes.
Exceptional content, thanks for getting down not only a group review, but a thorough examination of the details that determine the characteristics of dual sport motorcycles. By the way, this is far more important than any perceived problem with audio or presentation! I wouldn't be surprised if we both listed the specs of our perfect bike, they would be extremely similar! I'm not sure I share your enthusiasm for extreme travel suspension though! If you are just playing then ok you may be jumping for fun, but if it's ADV, then engaging in MX in the wilderness is not the best decision in the world? 8-10 inches would be plenty in my view, if the spring rates and damping were properly designed. I have four dual sports at the moment ranging from 125 to 600cc, and I concur that the CCM404 is the closest to the best compromise( it's basically a DRZ400e with PDS rear, and WP suspension - too much travel😕). I'm also comfortable with EFI, but the carb still makes more sense for field repairs if you are capable of working on the bike yourself, and again if it's ADV, you should be. I hope my comments are welcome, keep up the good work!
Thank you for a very interesting comparison. As an owner of WR250R and KTM530EXCR (and having had 2 pcs of KLX250S and one XT660R + several KTMs) I have got a note concerning maintenance. True, KTM needs maintenance frequently, but over a longer period of time my Yamaha (as did both Kawas) need more maintenance work hours. KTM is simple and designed maintenance in mind, but unfortunately Japanese bikes are not. Still like my WRR, but for reasons other than amount of maintenance.
That's interesting, I'm thinking between drz and ktm, maybe even 690 r. You mentioned that Ktm is designed with maintenance in mind meaning it's simple to do it. Could you elaborate on that? Thanks
Greetings from Portugal! Thanks a lot for your work. Really helpful and heart-felt. Very comprehensive and stick-to-the-point content.
Did you post the videos about what to look at when one's buying a used dual sport bike?
Cheers!
Excellent info. I'm looking forward to the video on buying.
Thanks, I will work on that soon!
Thanks Ian,
I'm in my 50s and brand new to motorcycles. Late to the party I know. I'm looking at the DRZ 400 or the Suzuki KLX300. I just want something to play around on and do a little street riding and some trail riding. I think for me smaller is better but not sure I want to go as small as a 250 because I maybe be riding 20 miles from home to search for trails.
DRZ came out in 2000 I believe. Maybe gave larger diameter axles a couple years later. Bold new graphics after that. That's what I think.
Cartridge forks were added in 2002 or so, a couple other minor changes later on.
Great vid and about what I figured out when I started DS riding. I also set a $5k budget for my firt DS bike. All my off road buddies are on the KTMs so I was familiar with them. Unfortunately, all the KTMs in that price range with a plate were hammered. I found a really nice, reasonably priced DRZ to see if I liked the sport. The DRZ was surprisingly competent off road until it got tight and technical. Ended up selling it and going with a later KTM 500 EXC. While way above my previous $5k budget, it's a brilliant motorcycle out of the box and worth the money... Keep up the good work, I appreciate your vids!!
I work with KTM's for a living and the maintenance needs for KTM is exaggerated. I've torn apart hundreds of RFS motors and the EXC/MXC, XCw models are excellent. They only hold about a quart of oil so change it every thousand miles and change the filters every 3rd oil change, it only takes about 5 minutes to do an oil change. I would avoid the models that have titanium valves, but I'd avoid that with any brand.
im a drz400 owner and very proud of it
Great review.
Very comprehensive analysis and great channel. Thanks! Subscribed!
Great info. Awesome pic of the guy smiling on a wheelie at 3:06 ;-)
Well its pretty straightforward really, if you want to ride dirt roads and pavement and cheap than something like a drz 400. If you like to actually ride some trail ktm.
a new bike is what we all want but you cant deny they depreciate sooo much
Just sold my DR650 because I am getting older and wimpier...a DRZ will replace it. The DRZ has a bunch of huge compromises but it is the best Dual Sport bike for me...after I added a 4 gallon IMS tank. I know it has been done many times before but what about a DRZ series on hop ups and performance increases?
Stick an old pro on the DRZ with properly setup suspension (preload and clickers) and good tires and a KTM rider will have a tough time shaking him. Even in Bee Canyon. Maybe the DRZ will end up out front!
agreed
Q: fuel injection - we do lots of deep river crossings and often drown our bikes. With carbs it's easy to get them running again by draining fuel bowls etc. How does f.i. cope with this sort of (mis-)use? Great video -very useful!
Best video on that topic. Thank you
Quality review. Thank you.
Good video. 🤙🏼
Liked and subbed. I have wanted one of these bikes for many years. I grew up with honda as our tried true 4wheeler/quad. I wish honda had a slightly bigger version than a 250 but needless to say i'm looking around. I'm leaning to the drz400 mainly due to aftermarket. I would like a ktm but from my initial searches they seem kinda like a unicorn in my area. Anyway keep up the good content.
Thanks
I bought a DR 650 a few years back..... liked it enough, but yeah....way too heavy when dropped in the dirt more than a couple times in a day. Have a crf250L now, and find the weight so much better. Plus I hate carbeurators!
My 2008 xt with over 16k miles is still running on it's original battery. Maybe that's why its so slow..... lol
WR250R for the win!!
Great comparison, well thought out and researched. I’m a KTM owner and I would buy the DRZ, I had the DRZ super moto as per my profile pic, great bike.
The xt 225 yamaha is amazing to
Fantastic info and video. Thank you
Great video, lots of data. Appreciate it!
Ktm are famous... Famous for getting halfway through a race in half the time as any other bike and then dying. In a short sprint ktm wins but if you plan on doing any more long distance with one you'll need some good walking shoes with you.
Interesting. With our long distances, low speed limits and flat landscape, power is not important. Thats why, as of May 2020, there is only one Yamaha XT250 for sale used on Bikesales, despite them selling new, in big numbers. I am tempted by the DRZ but the seat height and need to sit for hours down here is also a factor.
People with limited to no experience buy way to much bike then can be handled by them.... Been riding since 5 years old and still the bike that I'll purchase depends on what I plan to use it for.
I like dual sporting so I end up with two bikes. One, single cylinder in the 650 category . With "NO" radiator, no fuel injection. With the 21"X 18' combo..from there, the add-on's are of my choice(s). The second bike is for no trail to be had free lancing though the woods. Which the shortness stroke of a 250 air cooled is the order of the day.
To buy a bike up the ladder even with my experience, are for one, way to heavy, way to much junk on them that even a tech with a scanner might not be able to find and solve a/the problem. Add in the facts, your out on the road in the middle of know where and you anti skid will not unlock . In short, electronically over compensated bikes ruin the sport of riding. But, is the need for manufactures to jack up the price justifiably and people fall for that sales pitch...
In short your not going to be able to buy a factory works desert dual sport, you'll only get one that kinda looks like one.
Simple is safe, reliable and accessories are great. SO buy with some sense and dress it out as experience grows.
Also, you don't "have to" barrel A** down a trail and miss the real reason you are out there....rock on
Awesome info👍🏿thanks!!!
Have you ridden the crf450L?
Sorry to ask but what happened to your sideburns?
Great review. Especially like your comparison methods. Thanks for putting this together
Hey there I'm new to riding and I just recently "caught" the riding bug. Problem is I ride dirt bikes mainly and love taking my bike everywhere, I live in a good size city in city limits and not alot of options of trails. I don't have a truck so I have to ride back roads (I know illegally) to get to where I want to go. I want to take my bike elsewhere farther away but can't ride without fear of getting caught from police. Since I'm new to riding I'm not sure where to start with which bike to buy as to i want to grow into and increase my riding abilities. I do want a dual sport, I'm short in height about 5' 5" and thinking a wr250 is way too tall. I have ridden a yamaha 230f trail bike and that is tall im tip toeing barely. I have stopped a couple time on it and had trouble getting balance at a stop and ended up putting it down a couple of times, softly of course. So I need a bike ment for shorter people and still got usable power for street driving/ highway. Thanks
Buy the one with the lowest seat height and then lower it even more. Your dealer can lower it. Probably that Yamaha XT250.
Love my Chanda Tbr7 dont care. Dosent need to be fast to rip through trails and hills. Walk it threw 4th gear all day.
Excellent video,thank you. Bro, where you live is beautiful! 10:10.
What is your choice of motorcycle for adventure in the 250 cc class?
great video
Thanks
The RE Himalayan is also sold in America new at 5000 so last year model under 5000.
not really a dual sport. more of an adventure bike
Great video !! Thank you,,,
Any of those 6 for short riders? Short as in around 5 foot 6 inches height.
EDIT: Yamaha XT-250 then.
LX Media He would be my list for you. Number one the Kawasaki KL 250 super sharpa, Best engine of the 250 air cooled 244 pounds proximally 26 hp horsepower. Next will be the XT225 made until 2007 238 pounds and 21 hp. The next in the line would be the modern XT 250. 271 pounds in horsepower of approximately 20hp. And 19hp if it’s a fuel Injected. go figure. And look at the wt difference. That’s the order. If you can find them. I would never buy a Honda CRF 250 that weighs 323 pounds dry. KLX 250 Is liquid cold but is heavy and the power is a dog. Don’t let them tell you that liquid cooled necessarily gives you more horsepower vs wt. I would however agree with the DRZ 400. Except remember is 291 pounds 34 hp. And a great bike with one exception and 37inch seat height. Why are you gonna double jump this thing? Give me a break. Again 32 inch seat height with a lightweight is the key. Manufactures missed the mark. Again the Kawasaki super sherpa , the X2225 and the XT 250 for the clear winners. If you were tall and young I don’t mind the drama of the Suzuki DRZ 400. It’s a great bike to remember what it’s purposed for. And if you want to take it to the next level think about the CRM 250 two strokes and the DT 20o two strokes both 238 pounds never imported in North America. 37 and 33hp respectively and with actual real Road gearing. My CRM 250 will chug along a road at 65 mph with a top speed of over 90 mph on the road. Think about importing some of them. for about 10 grand. I have them.
Good luck. Auto dictated not read.
Wouldn't the XT250 have less horsepower due to being air cooled...lower compression ratio?
Yes that is true!
@@BigRockMoto it's power is in the low rpms, perfect for a beginner's slow uphill trail riding, the low seat height and 11 inch clearance inspiring confidence in new riders... Or advanced riders wives smh
The simplicity of carburetted bikes, has it's value in lower cost in servicing, with Suzuki's SDTV injection and Yamaha's injection system being the first to convert for the Japanese, in early 2000s.
KTM has high cost of ownership, but are great off-road, hopeless onroad.
I don't think the EFI is actually the problem most of the time, but it seems like the fuel pump on modern bikes with ethanol in the gas is a pretty common point of failure -- or wiring to the ecu or fuel pump going bad due to the vibration and whatnot.
Please stop specifying person height compared to seat height. It's your inseam that's important. I'm 6' with a 36" inseam. I flatfoot most things easily. You don't need to be 6'4" to do that.
Thanks man
Any time
Hey I came to a similar conclusion and just picked up a DRZ 400s a month ago just got through with the 3 x 3 mod and full exhaust jet kit Etc what a amazing difference , great video I agree with 99% of what you said Good break down , It was truely a 2 bike show! There is a void in dual sport arena . The KTM is a complete animal ! I would love to have it I just don't feel like working on it all the time... I would rather go riding!...
Thoughts on the klx300?? Yes not street legal unfortunately...
Nice info
Good video. In your opinion, as you have owned both, do you think the DRZ "feels" significantly heavier than the WR? I hope to get one of them as my first bike, mostly off road use. I'm somewhat concerned that the WR, being a 250, won't have enough power as my skills improve (I'm over 6' and 185 without any gear on). But I have heard many state that it feels much lighter than the DRZ due to weight distribution, which would be a plus for trail riding.
The WR250R handles much better than the DRZ and despite having less power, I believe is a better dualsport (efi and 6 gears are a huge bonus). If you want more torque out of the bike, put a larger rear sprocket on it, you still have a 6th gear that will keep you cruising on the highway. Ultimately, test ride both before you commit but having ridden both and owning a WR, there’s no comparison. WR all the way. I’m a 6’2” 165lb intermediate level rider, btw.
Swap the front sprocket to one lower {forgot what WR ran, think u should get a 13t} and u will get a lot more grunt out of the 250 plus you dont have to add links to your chain.
What about the cough Chinese bikes, Hawk Tao Tao & etc.. these can be bought @1200 w accessories.
If you want one of these, which one will likely be the most reliable, and which one, if any of them, will have any needed part available ten years down the road? I've had older quads and dirt bikes before and I'm done with them due to being told an essential part is no longer available.
The xt250 is bulletproof, as is the DRZ400. Excellent aftermarket support on the DRZ, decent on the XT. Procycle for the win!
Fuel injection is reliable unlike a DPF technology ! I'd rather have a fuel injected bike than a carburated one. Unfortunatelly I have the other one and it's a pain in the ....
Best for long 260miles weekend rides? Heard drz is super wobbly and rough at high rpm's at the freeway... maybe best to go dr650? or some 350 ktm/beta/husky?
Dr650
Good work fella. Maybe do one on the mid weight adv bikes?
Anything automatic?
ahh...the days of a sub $5000 used Dr.Z.... 😪
Shop around, used prices are coming back to earth where I live