Suzuki DRZ400S $6,499, DR650SE is $6,399, and the little DR200SE is $4,199. Still carb based, but if I was gonna spend $6k I'd go for the bigger motor.

Sure wish Kawi would put the Verisys motor in the KLR... and kept the $6,499 price tag. That would be something.

 

It's only been out for a few months. Not much atermarket stuff yet. Limited suspension adjustment and 20 lbs heavier than the KLX. Price is right that's for sure.

 

Gotcha, well I have plenty of time but seems like it's narrowed down to klx250 or crf250, I know what the kawi is capable of with jet kit pipe air box mods so it would suck to get the crf and then be disappointed.

 

I was all over the new CRF250L but I did my research and decided on my current 12' Kawi. The Honda has price and FI going for it. At 20 pounds heavier, less adjustability on the suspension and one radiator I just decided to go Kawi. Not to mention I actually ended up getting a way better out the door price on the tried and true green machine. I do hear the Honda rides nice the way it is though. I'll chime in after I ride my buddies Honda.

 

I saw one yesterday parked next to my klx250sf on campus, good bike, but not as dirt oriented as the klx250s. If you want more road get the sf or the wr250x, if you want dirt bike go klx250s or wr250r, if you want in between, get the crf250

 

One radiator? That's kinda weird. I'm kinda thinkin drz400 but they sure look funny. I guess like any other dual sport stock. I want more power! But then again the 250 was enough but not enough for the desert. Maybe xr650? Sure are heavy tho. I'm not sure what I want. Maybe just a klx with 351 kit would suffice

 

I rode a DRZ 400 for about an hour last month and liked it. I currently own an XR650R and a KLX250S. Note that the XR650R and the XR650L are completely different bikes, and should not be lumped together. Also, being in CA, you would probably have a hard time plating an XR650R.

Here's my observation:

KLX is low powered and very easy to handle on trails. Long hill climbs leave me wanting more, as I'm used to riding high-strung race bikes, which this isn't. It's the lowest powered bike I've owned since I was 13 and got my first RM125.

DRZ is more power obviously, but I didn't like the gear spread. It felt bigger off-road, but manageable for me. First gear was about where second is on the KLX, while top gear was about the same for both. Geared for off-road then staying off the highway would be fine, it depends on what you want it for.

XR650R is actually the lightest of the bunch, but not by much. It feels the heaviest though. I think it's a combination of longer wheelbase, taller seat, and much bigger motor. Before I bought the KLX I was talking to a guy who said that the weight specs aren't as important as the 'feel' of a bike, and now I see why. There's something about the effect of a heavier crank spinning and a big piston moving around that seems to add weight.



Perfect bike for me? Good question. I'm keeping the pig (xr) around, it's one of the funnest bikes I've owned. I doubt I'll do much trail riding on it anymore though, at least on purpose. I'm going to mount some 50/50 tires on it and use it for longer street/gravel/dirt roads. The KLX is great for the trails around here, they're all tight woods trails with muddy ATV ruts to contend with. If I lived in an area with more open areas though I'd probably be looking at bigger stuff. I chose the 250 because of how tight everything is here. A lot of guys kept telling me that the 250 was great at tight trails. I found a great deal on a new KLX, $4300, and jumped on it. Don't regret it at all.

 

Ya I see what you mean. My buddy had a drz and that thing was quick! Never rode it off road but on the street the power was fun! I currently have a 97 xr600 that me and a buddy are restoring. Painted the frame and engine. Now waiting on plastics, seat, and tank. Unfortunately I'm in ca so it won't be a dual sport.