The stock gearing on the DRZ is like 15/44 or something ridiculous, my dad didn't ride his long with the stock sprockets but I'd imagine even without a 6th gear, it would cruise decently without buzzing at around 60. He geared his to 14/47 and now he's pretty buzzy at 55 or so.

For comparison, I have an '09, and stock gearing (until this weekend!!) and I can cruise at a speedo-indicated 60 mph at around 6000 rpms, probably a bit more for actual 60. The 06/07 niodels have an even taller 6th, so you can hold 60 even easier (if you get it up there, I've heard guys say they couldn't really get it into 6th without a jet and snorkel removal).

IDK, like I said, I'm not sure what you want, but if I had a KTM 450 EXC and had been riding for decades, I couldn't bring myself to buying a tame 250 like this KLX. That's why I think you should spring for a used DRZ. You're used to a bigger bike, it won't make the sick power of the OrangeDream but it'll make good, reliable power.

For a strictly trails and gravel roads bike, as in, all you use it for is riding TO the trails and out to gravel roads, the KLX is awesome. I just don't think it has enough power to be that great as a mostly-street machine.

FWIW: This is what I'm spending my weekend doing, among other things, to make the KLX a bit more trailworthy. Like I said, my whole thing with the dualsport is we don't have a pickup truck, and the trails are all relatively close, the closest are exactly 7 miles from the front door and the killer stuff is about 25. I use this bike as a dirt bike with a plate, and I do ride it to my college about 3 miles away:

 

I did the same kinda thinking. I have the Street Cruiser and a sport ATV for pure dirt stuff. I bought the KLX250S in mid October, instead of the larger DRZ400. It liked it stock, I like it even more as I do the various mods.

It is the "50 miles of road" that is the only hang up in your scenario. If you are used to the cruiser and then ride the KLX for 50 miles. Your butt is not going to be happy on the KLX. I'm 42, 220 lbs and comfort is important. Not sure how so solve that part.

But the ability to play on the street and then take a trail and get back on the street again... That rocks! All your options work for that.

I really like my KLX250S.

When I read 09KLXowners "... I replaced my '06 KLX250S with the DRZ, then sold the DRZ and bought an '09 KLX. I wouldn't go back. The new '09 is just such a sweet little bike..."

That hit home. I no longer wonder about the DRZ decision. - Thanks

Tough choices there on the Larger bike vs the smaller bike.
But as 09KLXonwer said "... it's a sweet little bike".

I'll drink to that my friend!
SlapDrum

 

Thanks to all for responses. I don't post all that much on the other sites and I think this is the first time a thread went over 20 replys!

cliffsta getting new tires is like getting new shoes! If you have not done so it's a good time to disassemble your rear shock linkage and swing arm. Many bikes come with very little grease. I go through mine once a year and pack/smear some fresh marine grease in there. It's therapeutic knowing you are doing something good for your machine plus gives you peace of mind when you are out in the middle of the woods.

I appreciate all of the advice and opinions. After sleeping on it I will most likely build another dualsport wire harness, mount LED turn signals, LED brake light, handlebar switchs etc on my 05 450exc. This time I'll make the compromise on tires that last longer on pavement! Plus I'll take the time to balance them. The bike has served me faithfully since new.

The KLX250S is still a cool bike in my book. I hope all the talk about the katooms did not distract too much. I like bikes and respect that green machine as much as the rest of them. Bikes are fun!

Hey nobrakes, same here on the 450's valves, just a little movement on the intakes. I now just check them once a year. When they really start moving then it's time for head work. DJH is just 50 miles up the road from me. Also I'm still on the original 4 year old stock battery!

Andy

 

Oh yeah, one more thing. The KLX250S idea has not died! I am rethinking this from another angle. Teach my wife how to ride, lowering kit, have her take the riders safety course etc. I would like to get her involved more than just a passenger on the sporty. That is if she's up for it.

I'll still be visiting this forum!

 

Hey bearcat, don't forget the Renazco seat, check into that. I went on a little road trip yesterday on my EXC and the first thing I did was swap the Renazco seat on and it was pure comfort the whole way. James Renazco has a partner in Bonney Lake, WA who builds their seats too, and that appears to be less than an hour away from you. They are not cheap, but they def are worth it!




From yesterday's ride:




You might want to consider one even if you get the KLX. The stock KTM seat is like a slab of slate, as you know. And the stock KLX seat is soft and squishy by comparison. But both are equally uncomfortable for any length of road time.

Good luck!

 

Who needs a gas station..

I just throw the two smaller bottles in the pelican case along with some tools, and the two 33 oz bottles in my camelbak, and I have rarely needed the extra gas, but its there just in case.



If I was to really go off to nowhere, I guess I could always take these along. Anyone remember these. They worked great on my Canada trip.






Oh sure one skid down the road and your a fireball, but what's life about if you don't take chances right?

 

Hey Clifsta, what tires are those?

 

I'll just trade you bike you won't need anything.lol

 

Nobrakes, those Renazco seats are beautiful, everything I have read about them has been positive and of course $$$, however you get what you pay for. Tease me with those ride pics nobrakes! I just ordered some LED blinkers on ebay for the redualporting of my de-dualsported ktm. Doh! I learn everything the hard way. The process has begun.

deej, you are proof positive that the KLX can do the job! In fact I own one of those MSR fuel bottles that I used to tape to the front fender of my bikes. Necessity is the mother of invention. Then I purchased a used Clarke 3.1 gal tank for orangey. I can get about 100 miles while d/s'n the gas guzzler.

 

Dunlop 606. 120/90/18 and 90/90/21. They look way more grippy in person than in the pics online. Everybody has such good things to say about them, I figured I'd give them a shot. The stock tires are junked, I'ma go to a burnout this afternoon

My dad even ordered a set, he said he's tired of pretending to be an enduro racer. He usually runs Scorpion Pro/TrackmasterII combo.

I can't WAIT for Saturday