no, you are right- it is kind of weird. and if someone would have said a week ago that I would have the DRZ400SM sitting in my garage right now I would have told them they were crazy. I had a deal worked out on the Husky 250. But something told me not to buy it since one, it was no larger of an engine than the KLX and would not make that much more torque than my modded KLX did, and two, there are no dealers around here.
I heavily considered the DRZ400S, which is the street legal version with normal size rims but more conservative traction than the full dirt model. The only problem I have with those two bikes, the S and the E, which is the full fledge enduro, is that they do not come with inverted forks. I hate the old style look. This is why the SM appealed to me. And then I saw a couple in person Saturday and rode one. From the moment I shifted from 1st to 2nd I knew I wanted that bike. It had the power I had been wishing for from the KLX all along. And I really love the styling; that and the fact that I can mount the dirt wheels and tires was the clincher. The DRZ also shares an engine with the LTZ400 quad and they are bulletproof and have a huge aftermarket following. Plus, it was cheap; with tax the Husky would have been $6400, I paid $5700 otd for this. So yes I do agree the SM is a bit weird looking, but it is a look that grows on you. It is also a bike you don't see many of and that makes me feel good too. I did my first mod tonight- I removed the gaudy reflectors coming out from under the front fender. It's amazing how much a little thing like that can affect the look of the bike. I'm not here to say the DRZ is the best bike or THE bike to get, but I will tell you this; if you want a bike with a ton of stock torque without investing in an expensive 450, then the DRZ may be the bike for you. I am very happy with it.

 

thanks. but I still think some bikes look better in motard form and the KLX imo, is not one of them. The DRZ being an overall larger bike to me looks better in motard form. Maybe it's the fact that the KLX still has the same height as the dirt version and it looks out of place or something. anyways, I'm still a hardcore dirt rider first, the only reason or main I should say that I bought the motard was because it came with the inverted forks. Adding the dirt wheels/tires will make it what the dirt DRZ should be right now. Plus, I get a little lower seat height. The 400cc engine is smooth as silk and feels like a V8 'vette compared to the gutless KLX 4-banger. The colors sealed the deal on the bike as well.

 

thanks guys. I have a plan for that terrible rear section on the DRZ, if you're interested I will show you the difference. If not, I won't. I feel kind of bad posting pics of my bike when I no longer have the KLX. But there is a light specially made for the DRZ bikes, it's calle the edge. It's made by DRC and has led's in it. It tucks totally up under the fender lip and comes with a plate hanger and a plate light. It is all metal and looks real nice. I plan on ordering one soon.