I have indeed ridden all three bikes. A dr650, a drz400sm and 2 different klx250's. I understand that the SM is like a lower center of gravity so I acknowledge that I do not yet know how an S would feel either on or off road.

I've ridden a dr650 offroad. It was heavy- feeling.. but also had good geometry and felt responsive to my persuasions. Knowing it wouldn't flick around like the KLX made me point it and go more than trying to pick through tight stuff. The dr650 owner was inexperienced offroad and I had to take it up the same trail as my klx250s, one after the other, more than once. Riding two different bikes immediately on the same hill climb is a great way to tell which is better. Obviously the KLX was easier to manipulate once heading up the hill, but the dr650 felt much more sure footed. They both made it to the top. I was immediately pleased with the klx, although very surprised by the feel of a 650 off road. Not as bad as I had imagined. I weigh 140lbs, so I felt like a jockey on a donkey with an attitude. The klx250s is more like a faithful horse. Both go the same place just different ways and at different speeds.

I still havent let go of the klx250sf as an option. It is black, already piped and jetted, and is next to brand new. Knowing these engines can exceed 50000km or more, I could potentially get a lot of happy miles out of it, even if it takes a while to get it up to full offroad capabilities. The 17" rims with shinko 244's are a decent challenge to logging roads and light offroading. gosh I'm in such a dilemma haha

thanks for all the replies.

P.s. I just sold my 2010 TW200 for 4000 canadian so of course I'm speculating my next bike... who doesn't? :D

That is how a friend's son kept up with his sportbike buddies when riding my friend's V-Max. Point and shoot... he kept up fairly well since he is a decent rider.

Have you decided what to buy?

I have not yet made a decision. I am waiting to hear back from woody's wheel works regarding shipping and cost on a 19" front wheel. I really like the idea of setting the bike up for touring and light trail. If I pay 3500 for the SF and throw an additional 1000 or so at it I will be sitting on a very nice kawasaki.

I'm waiting a bit to respond to the guy with the bike. I highly doubt he is getting any bites on it, or he wouldn't have come down in price. Since I'm not in any rush to resaddle, I'm hoping he will drop it even more out of desperation. I backchecked his name on Facebook and he is gym nut with a ram 3500. Pics on facebook of him driving around with the KLX250sf strapped in the back... no plates. Brand new truck and brand mercedes.. I honestly don't even want to meet him but its the only bike within 1000km and within my price range..

Here's a 2010 KLX250SF in Vancouver for $3250:
2010 Kawasaki KLX250SF

Or my spare 2009 KLX250S for $3500: (still keeping my 2011 KLX250s)
2009 Kawasaki KLX250s

A bit for you to travel from Victoria, but sometimes the trip is fun.

Ah gee, I wish I was indeed in Victoria... but I'm up on Haida gwaii right now. Closest KLX250's available are in either Prince Rupert or Comox.

The sf is in prince rupert... which would be a ferry ride away. I may be coming back to victoria soon, and if so I will absolutely PM you about the green monster if it hasn't sold by then.

Meet half way if it is a possibility.