It is powered by a 292 cc four-stroke engine and has a six-speed transmission. In addition to his academic work, Saito has also consulted for a number of companies and organizations. Dontcallmejosh, I bought a tagged KLX300 cheap just because I really like the looks of the older KLX/KDX's and it was in great shape. It's the old motor with FI. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. The KLX has nearly 6k miles on it, with about 4k with the 351 kit. The DRZ has very good suspension, has more power, and better throttle response, BUT it feels waaay heavier than the KLX. So currently there are 3 versions of the DR-Z400. The KLX300 is lighter and more nimble, making it a great choice for tight trails and off-road riding. Unless you mod it, beyond intake/exhaust & fueling. Which bike do you guys think would be more reliable long term? My DRZ had a Yoshimura 450cc kit, full yoshi exhaust, JD jetting etc. '06 KLX250s with 351 kit installed over winter. I doubt it has more than 1,500. miles on it honestly. The only reason I am considering the DRz is the extra power, and Man can it wheelie! Plus, (vanity alert!) If you want a powerful bike thats fun to ride, go for the KLX. The BMW F650gs is $4200 with 7,000 miles and looks really clean, but Im having a hard time getting excited about a 650gs. XR650L is the best 50/50, but you pay for it with weight. Now, I'm back at 16/44 gearing on the same trails with far less clutch work. So, which one is better? Hi Ben. Its lighter and more nimble than the DRZ, and its engine is more powerful. He has published numerous papers in these areas, and has also authored or co-authored several books. Its also a good choice for riders who want an electric start. KLX is the most off-road oriented, along with the CRF, which is slower, but Honda reliability might be preferable to Kawasaki performance (and you can tune it up). In your opinion, do you think the KLX is worth the extra $3K? The DRZ400 is a great bike because it is extremely versatile. Scan this QR code to download the app now. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Heres a step-by-step guide to help you wheelie your DRZ400. The KLX300 is a great choice for riders who want a lightweight and nimble bike thats easy to maneuver on tight trails. 2016 KTM 300EXC Sold: 2010 Husqvarna TE450 2010 Kawasaki KLX-351-BB (KLX250S with big bore kit) 2014 Beta 498RR Race Ready (Racing Edition) sporn dbw Pro Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1379 Share Tweet #3 We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. I'm a big fan of honda XR's, so I definitely feel ya. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. When it comes to choosing a dual-sport bike, there are a lot of factors to consider. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. SuperAwesomeDOOD, Almost 100% set on a new drz. Kozo Saito. Additionally, the DRZ400 has great suspension and is very reliable. December 10, 2017 in DRZ400/E/S/SM. You are using an out of date browser. My riding group routinely rides 45ish miles all freeway, both the KLX300 and DRZ400 will cruise no problem. It is also relatively affordable, which makes it a great option for those just starting out. The current DR-Z400 is a good bike, but it could be so much better. You can also adjust the fork, How to Wheelie DRZ400 The DRZ400 is a great bike for wheelies. I'm a big fan of honda XR's, so I definitely feel ya. Also I like the versatility of a 6-speed transmission as the KLX has. Suzuki has refused to do anything to DRZ in 20 years b/c the moment they touch more than plastics color they're going to lose their EPA grandfathering and will have to spend a ton of $$ on the program. It is powered by a 398 cc (24.1 cu in), liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, four-stroke engine. A 2013 with 5k is lucky to bring 3500-4000 here. Is her car parked on the street cause your bike is in her spot? Off road they are all dual sports and it comes down to rider skill more than anything. It's the safe, reliable choice. Very cool and thanks for the info and the review. when it makes sense. Remove an arbitrary date and commit to selling one (if necessary?) JavaScript is disabled. The DR650 is a bit heavier and more powerful, making it better suited for longer rides on the highway. The KLX is much better geared and just chugs along in 1st gear on tight trails which the DRZ won't do as well when geared to do 55mph at cruise. you and most of the rest of the DRZ-owning world. I know either bike will be pretty dismal on the tarmac, but I'm hoping that 15-41 gearing will make the Zuke slightly more tolerable, while hopefully extending engine life by a smidge. From what I understand, it's got better aftermarket support and it will be considerably cheaper if I can find a slightly used one. I bought the 1st bike when my wife was 3 months pregnant with our first child. I used to have the z geared really low for the gnarly tight pacific northwest single track I ride. Also I like the versatility of a 6-speed transmission as the KLX has. I understand there was a 2004 . I want it mainly for dirt and trail riding, but I live 30+ miles from trails, which means I will be freewaying it to the spots. Im looking for some input please. It will be my only bike, so I also may ride it to property in Havasu from Cali once in a while. Op, is your question just what bike is more reliable? I've owned both.If it was between the two, I'd go DRZ400. But, wait until you ride one(I picked up my 701, for not much more, in 2018.). What was posted was "told the wife I'd sell one". Try to get a test ride on each one and see what you think. Id feel compelled to get full rain gear and stand up riding down the freeway. Thanks for your reply! Privacy Policy. Here is hoping my 2009 KLX250 EFI will run just as long. Don't worry guys, I am not a battered husband ? Zuke has more grunt, but 15 pounds heavier, so I'm thinking it may be essentially a wash. Im in the market for a reliable, fun SM. It is the sensible choice though, so Im kind of torn on the decision. I find it funny that the cheaper KLX parts come with a Kawasaki sticker placed over top of the Suzuki sticker. The KLX is much better geared and just chugs along in 1st gear on tight trails which the DRZ won't do as well when geared to do 55mph at cruise. If it wasnt for people like you. I'm gonna say rider preference then. The KLX300 weighs in at 298 pounds and has a fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons. ill be switching back to 100%street tires soon. Well, the KLX300 is a bit lighter and more powerful than the CRF300L. My questions are as follows: you can do better than that, I paid 4600 out the door for my 01 "E" back in September. What will it be like with say 14/47? Ain't broke, don't fix it. 2002! Because mountains, Side-By-Side; Compare All Motorcycles NOW COMPARING. It's well overdue for an update. Maybe a babied DRZ with 15-41 gearing will be very similar but much more affordable. First, you can adjust the preload on the rear shock. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. It has KX250 suspension. Post Reply BunduBasher Boodoo-Bash-eRRR Both of these bikes are great for both on and off-road riding. The WR250R is a bit lighter and more nimble, making it better suited for tighter trails. Eventually, I learned to carry more speed and keep my feet on the pegs to allow the suspension to do the work. I do everything from Colorado singletrack to camping trips with it. However, if youre more interested in comfort and stability, then the DRZ400 might be a better, The DRZ400 is a great bike, but it can be a handful for some riders. Its not as powerful as the KLX, but its still a very capable bike. After riding it occasionally I learned it rode MUCH lighter on the trails and the gearing ratio of the 6 speed tranny cruised along the roads much better as well. Ride them both. Kozo Saito is a mechanical engineer who is currently the Tennessee Valley Authority Professor in Mechanical Engineering and also the Director of the Institute of Research for Technology Development at the University of Kentucky. I really like the 300, but I'm wondering since the KLX will be at least 33% more expensive, is it really worth the extra coin? 1 TMJRoss 2 yr. ago I heard the suspension is severely lacking compared to both the Zuke and the Kawii. DRZ is better for canyon carving and frwy. I used to own one. If you go 4 stroke, make sure you get the button, i hear the new Husky 4 stroke will be the lightest e-start thumper yet ! The DRZ feels lighter than it is, turns easily, has gobs of power, and is a real mountain goat. Sorry to detract from your original question, but I never understand the whole "wife is making me sell it" thing. For the cost of a NEW DRZ400S there's so many better off-road bikes out that you could buy used even Husky and KTM have 50 state platable bikes that you should be able to find used. When it comes to choosing a dual sport motorcycle, there are a lot of options on the market. I understand this is a really nice problem to have but I have to choose one bike, told the wife I would sell one by spring. They're all made in the same factory by Suzuki during the '03-'04 alliance. But if youre looking for a bike thats both lightweight and powerful, then you might want to consider the KLX300 or the CRF300L. Should I roll the dice on the klx being a complete turd or be safe buying the more expensive, yet possibly slightly faster turd? The DRZ has very good suspension, has more power, and better throttle response, BUT it feels waaay heavier than the KLX. But I always noticed the extra horsepower and torque. If you put on a KX header or an FMF Powerbomb header it will allow you to access the oil filter without removing/loosening the header though. Adapting your riding style may not make any sense at all. The KLX 300 has a dry weight of 102 kg and a wet weight of 112 kg. Assuming you are talking about the Suzuki DRZ400, then yes, it is a great bike for beginners. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Klx300sm is available in two colors: black and green, while the Drz400sm is available in three colors: blue, yellow, and white. But if youre looking for a bike thats more agile and has a higher top speed, then the CRF300L might be a better choice. Maybe just open it up on either end and rejet. I found a pretty good deal on a 2005f650gs with really low miles. I wouldn't worry about the klx proven reliability though. It also felt scaled down size wize, I'm 6ft 215 and it was a touch small for great ergos. Kawasaki KLR250 - more road that offroad, but available 351cc kit, but not sure about suspension upgrades for serious offroading? The DRZ motor will run 50-100,000 miles with maintenance. That was the end of t. Op, is your question just what bike is more reliable?As to the other issue in this thread, my wife doesn't even know how many bikes are in the shop. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. (That, and they come with a 2-year/24,000 mile factory warranty. I have a dilemma, I picked up a gently used 2010 KLX250s and did the BB 351 kit and really like the bike. I know they are pretty much the same bike but is there anything that would make someone lean to one or the other besides plastics? Not the sexy one. The DRZ motor will run 50-100,000 miles with maintenance. Op, is your question just what bike is more reliable? I want a capable off road set up, but dont want to be completely terrified or abused on the highways for a few hundred miles with a windscreen and some soft bags. heres some pics and clearance shots of front and rear left and right. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. It has a reliable engine that is easy to maintain and is very versatile. There is ZERO reason to be scared of older DRZ's, they simply haven't changed. Hi Kuyajon! Way to go, Ricky. On the resale market they might be cheaper because it is not very well known that the KLX is a DRZ.even among some KLX owners. The KLX just feels better on tight trails. My 2001 E has never let me down and is as solid and clean as most 2015 bikes. Its been around for longer, and its reliability is legendary. Really torn between the new KLX 300 and DRZ400. There is a 5000 mile used one for $5000 with a full yoshi carbon exhaust. The KLX300SM has a seat height of 35.4 inches, while the DRZ400SMs seat height is 37.0 inches. Im pretty set on it now. Sure the Drz is 20 pounds heavier, but it is almost twice the power. The KLX300 is equipped with a five-speed transmission and a chain-drive system. Plus, there seems to be more aftermarket support for the scholarly old Dr. It is my first bike and I have it set up as a light weight ADV bike. She didn't even give me crap when I got T boned by a pickup in town last year! It is an awesome bike and I still have it!