KLX 250 vs DRZ 400

[mjs91882]

Hey guys i love my Kawasaki KLR 650. But im looking for something lighter that would work well off roading. I live in Fl and would love to take it on the trails down here or if i vist up in Ny in the Adirondacks. I used the KLR for most highway riding and it seems to do the job. I want something that will be able to perform offroad and if it can do the highway great, if not and can only do some twisties etc thats great too. Bottom line is im worried the Drz might be to heavy specially if i hit sand. I hear the KLX is an aswome bike and see Doc you have one. Any suggestions on what i should look for? Maybe some other bike? I plan on purchasing a bike in the next month. I will have about 4000 to spend. :D

[mjs91882]

Im keeping the KLR to do road riding so my second bike would be to do mostly trails and offroading. Any advice or suggestions would be great!! :D My gf is also looking into doing this she has a ninja for the street!! :)

[MICRider]

I think the KLX would be a fantastic addition to your KLR for trail riding. I love my KLR but it is a heavy beast for anything resembling single track, especially since I ride alone... The light weight of the KLX would be perfect!

[FastDoc]

I was faced with the same decision and went with the KLX and I never looked back. It's an outstanding dual sport bike. It's no motocrosser or Gold Wing but other than that it does everything well, from desert singletrack to twisty canyon roads :D .

Mine has a true GPS top speed of 91, which means it's fine at 70+ MPH and is fine on the highway for short stints :wink: .

The aftermarket is superb, and it is simply a well engineered bike :D .

It's lighter than the DRZ by quite a bit, has better instrumentation and ergoniomics, has better suspension, a sixth gear, and is a LOT less money :P .

The DRZ is great, but unless you need the extra power the 400 has, the KLX is a more versatile bike. ESPECIALLY if you keep the KLR.

[FastDoc]

I should mention that 91 MPH top speed run was with the stock tires (less rolling and wind resistance than the monsters I have on it now), and tucked in tight as a 6'1" 175 pounder can get :roll: .

Practical top speed in a normal position is more like 80+

[mjs91882]

Some people say its too weak for off roading? I think it sounds like it would be perfect for me. I have seen your pictures and it looks like it performs pretty well off road. I deff want something that will do pretty well so i can have some fun :P The KLR will be more my cruiser touring bike!! :D

[FastDoc]

With all due respect, a person would have to be an arrogant know-it-all a$$ to say such a thing.

[mjs91882]

lol your so funny Doc!! :D Thanks again for the help. :wink: