XR400R vs DRZ400S
Discussion
Complete no brainer. Its the XR every single time, you can't beat honda build quality, and that puts it head and shoulders above anything else for off road. I've several mates who've got or had DRZ's and in fairness they handle and go pretty well its just mile for mile more things break and they corrode alot quicker if not really looked after. Just to throw in more confusion have you thought about a WR450 ??? That little electric start button is worth its weight in gold when stuck half way up a shitty slope. But don't even think about any of the really highly strung enduro or road kitted motocross race bikes the likes of the KTM, YZ, CR need a oil and filter change every 10 hours which is just mad.
Oh and give me a shout when you get it I'm out and about all over the country most weekends, (Devizes this weekend)
Oh and give me a shout when you get it I'm out and about all over the country most weekends, (Devizes this weekend)
Mel,
Agree about bullet proof build of the Honda (it also doesn't have radiators which are easily duffed) - but - no electric start. The XRs are all kickers and as with my DT200WR - can be a bast to start.
Realistically, it will be doing more road miles than off, and that's one of the reasons that I've discounted the WRs. Like the DT, the WR is more off-road biaised but sitting on that knife of a seat is something my backside can only suffer for 30 miles or so! Tiny tank range too.
So Honda pro's:
Build, simple mechanicals, bomb proof
Con's:
No e-start, bit dated
Suzuki pro's:
e-start, dual-purpose, cheap
Cons:
May not last as well, bit heavier.
Bah - still none the wiser
Agree about bullet proof build of the Honda (it also doesn't have radiators which are easily duffed) - but - no electric start. The XRs are all kickers and as with my DT200WR - can be a bast to start.
Realistically, it will be doing more road miles than off, and that's one of the reasons that I've discounted the WRs. Like the DT, the WR is more off-road biaised but sitting on that knife of a seat is something my backside can only suffer for 30 miles or so! Tiny tank range too.
So Honda pro's:
Build, simple mechanicals, bomb proof
Con's:
No e-start, bit dated
Suzuki pro's:
e-start, dual-purpose, cheap
Cons:
May not last as well, bit heavier.
Bah - still none the wiser
About an extra grand gets an xr button start kit (for girls ), but really don't worry about the kick start there are only a few times when its really hard to start like if its been on its side for any length of time or if you're caught on a steep slope and can't get the purchase needed. Normally mine will start first kick from cold aslong as you know the "nack" and I've won a fair few "fivers" by wheeling it out the garage on a cold morning and getting it first time in slippers. Keep the air filter nice and clean and renew the plug every couple of months and you'd be fine.
If you do decide to go DRZ or WR don't worry about the rads I've never known one get smashed and they're all made to end up upside down every now and again.
), but really don't worry about the kick start there are only a few times when its really hard to start like if its been on its side for any length of time or if you're caught on a steep slope and can't get the purchase needed. Normally mine will start first kick from cold aslong as you know the "nack" and I've won a fair few "fivers" by wheeling it out the garage on a cold morning and getting it first time in slippers. Keep the air filter nice and clean and renew the plug every couple of months and you'd be fine. If you do decide to go DRZ or WR don't worry about the rads I've never known one get smashed and they're all made to end up upside down every now and again.
Apparently so although I've not seen them yet. Gold hubs and black rims. BT90s being removed for sale (dunno why). Only been on a bike since last Sept. Bloke is selling the DRZ to get (wait for it) a 2-stroke! hame I didn't know earlier or I could have traded in!!!
Only hassle is that I have to travel to Snetterton to pick them up.
Only hassle is that I have to travel to Snetterton to pick them up.
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