Dual-Sports: Honda CRF250L vs Suzuki DR-Z400 -- /RideApart
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Dirt bikes with license plates. They're light, tall, powerful and can go anywhere. Jamie and Sean Matic take the new, $4,500 Honda CRF250L and old faithful, the Suzuki DR-Z400S, from LA to Lake Arrowhead to find out if bigger equals better.
For more on motorcycles, check out RideApart.com
these dudes are getting paid to do this. where did i go wrong in my life?
Quanysans haha my thought exactly
DRZ is the daddy of the Dual Sport category always has been.
Huge Fan of the little DR200
check my drz out on my page :)
no thats the KLR
Seems like people either love or hate the honda crf250ll. It looks like dude had plenty fun to me on the lil crf250l. What I like about the honda is low maintenance. cheap price and it's reliable. I was thinking about getting a KTM 500 exc but those suckers require maintenance every 25 hours, I can knock off 25 hours in two days so that means wrenching just as much as riding.
Hey cycle cruza
Do you regret not buying the CRF at all? Maybe I should ask you that question in another month or two lol
GT6SuzukaTimeTrials What's to regret? lol The WR250r is 22lbs lighter, better suspension that is adjustable and has more hp. Also, the crf250l is a new bike and they've had some recalls, still working out the bugs.
True. Did you consider the FZ-07 before putting the cash on the table for the WR? If I had $7k to drop on either bike, it would be a tough decision unless I lived in the woods lol
GT6SuzukaTimeTrials I only wanted a street legal off-road bike, I have a cbr1000rr for all of my power need for street riding. I will be taking this bike to trails, dirt roads, gravel roads, etc. However, I will be doing some street riding, will use this as a back-up bike when my cbr1000rr is not available to ride.
please remove the music, i like hearing the bikes and the environment more
Those are some crazy leans for riding with knobbies...
Of they where true knobbies id agree but the knob height makes the biggest difrence i wouldnt feel safe doing that on some mt 21 rally crosses but could do it all day on som 40/60 tires hell even 30/80 tires
I have had my 2012 DRZ 400 S for a year now. I average 63 MPG on it. The bike is my daily commuter. I only made some minimal changes to mine. The list is as follows. 1. Put a set of Kenda 270 tires on it. 2nd some MSR hand guards 3rd a IMMX rack 4th a set of Unabikers Radiator Guards 5th a Fan override switch for REAL HOT days or trail riding. The bike has done close to 4,000 miles over the year. I bought it new and broke it in with dino oil. Then went to Mobile 1 racing 4T synthetic at 1,100.
Coming back into motorcycling, I was looking for what we used to call a "trail bike", triggered by fond memories of my first proper motorcycle, a Honda XL250 Motosport (250cc single, 4 stroke, 4 valve). So, here we are, nearly 50 years after that bike was produced, and I am comparing the specs: 20 bhp and 120 kg for the XL250; 17 bhp and 145 kg for the CRF250L. Ok, I realize the suspension and brakes will be superior, but come on Honda, that is not 50 years worth of progress.
Was thinking same. First bike was an 85 xl250r.
@Socucius Ergalla Yes. Trouble is, my jury is undecided on EFI. Last one I had was a Ducati Scrambler, and it felt jerky to me. They still evaluate EFI systems on how well they emulate a carbed bike.
I wish Ride Apart would have their own CZcams channel...... I love this series......
Too bad Honda doesn't make a CRF450L. That would be a cool bike and actually have some decent power. I have a DRZ400 and I think it's a great bike with very good power, enough for the freeway and enough for anything off-road. If Honda made a CRF450L instead of a 250, I would have bought it instead of the Suzuki. But I still like the Suzuki just fine, runs like a top and handles excellent off-road. These guys are right though, both of those bikes are excellent both on and off road.
DRZ is a solid bike, but absolutely needs an update, still having a steel frame ( not even aluminum! ) carburator, quite heavy, don't get me wrong tho, it's a great bike, but my 2018 250L is the best bang for the buck!
They’ve just released the 450L
indeed!, but the 1st price tag announced is absolutely stupid, 10-11k? non-sense
Étienne butcher Out of Japan. Basically the R with a plate. Hence the price
Mike B not to mention that the crf450L has a valve service interval of 1,800 miles. So I would be getting the valves adjusted Atleast 3 or 4 times a year. Not to mention having to change the oil every 600 miles😒. The service cost would outweigh the cost of the bike in 5 years. Think about it. If a dealership would tell you. Here is $30k car. And it will cost you $30k to maintain the vehicle before you got it paid off. Yeah. I’d definitely say no way to that dealer.
I live in San Bernardino, I just found my new Dual sport, ME GUSTA !!! :D
bakerXderek now it’s all bout that grom life
bakerXderek CHEAH! Right when they said San Bernardino I had to check the comments to see if you saw this.
Great to see the DRZ in a review, it is not often you see them included any more in these types of comparisons. They are fantastic bikes and coming from experience, they are definitely one most fun bikes that you can ride.
Stage one performance kit (FMF header and Muffler, 13T Sprocket, EJK Fuel Injection Unit), Airbox Mods, Taillight Kit... The bike is now about 25# lighter and rides like a dream. I also changed the rear sprocket from 40T to 42T. It has much more torque now and the throttle response greatly increased. Worth every cent!!!
This is by far the best review of these bikes (or any motorcycle) anywhere on the internet. It's not boring, it was fun to watch, I know both bikes' strengths and weaknesses, and now I really want them.
Good job.
I ride year round here in California. I started street riding on a FZ6 but after riding for a while I wish I had a DRZ 400, WR250, CRF 250L, or maybe even the CCW Hooligun. I find myself rarely going fast enough to utilized the inline 4 cylinder engine in my FZ6 and the ability to ride off road is much more appealing than raw speed.
what are you riding these days?
Curb weights
DRZ400s 317 lbs
CRF250l 320 lbs
KLX250s 297.7
WR250r 299
The old Xr 500r was lighter than this crf250. .. wtf ???
I have the 400SM, I have ridden a 400S and a CRF250L. These guys are either high or being paid to say its a close call. Because it isn't. The CRF is fantastic for the price (4500 bucks) but it doesn't measure up to the DRZ in anything other than MPG or price. The DRZ is superior in every way.
Used to have a DRZ400-E and was way to heavy for me, rode the CRF250L for 2 days in Thailand and it was great, will be my next bike for sure!
Best video to show what dual sport means!!! Best ever! Thanks!
And the bikes are exactly as told here! The Crf 250L even got a small but positive update by now.
So this episode is pretty good. I personally ride a Honda 230L 9 months out of the year (bought it one year to early), so I'm glad to see these small bikes get some exposure. It was a little dry. They didn't seem to be having much fun (probably hot and tired), and different music could have helped. As I write this from my couch I am just trying to contribute.
The guest of the host Jamie wasn't to engaging he did admit that it was his first time riding that type of bike. But from this experience he will probably gain a greater knowledge and understanding about trail bikes and be able to give enthusiastic informative reviews in the future
good luck!!!
Yeah, the more you guys work on the dialogue the better. That's the make or break factor. When you had all three of the guys talking, discussing, bouncing formed opinions back n forth... that was good stuff!
These guys can ride.
Great ride!
The CRF250l looks great and is the new kid on the block. I test rode one and for a 200lbs rider like myself I would take the DRZ400s better for its way better suspension and power.
I had a 2005 and it was a great bike and never let me down. Changes I would make would be add a 6th gear, update the plastics including the headlight, and loose weight on the top end.
I now own a 2009 KLX250s with a pipe, the air box mod, and jetted. The thing is just awesome!
I love these /rideapart videos!!!! Makes me want to get off my ass and ride.
Suzuki needs to up the game on the designpart. It looks like a 90's bike. The front fender, the headlight (basicly all the plastic) which is a real easy detail to fix.
Otherwhise. Love the clip. I like Jaime, honest and humble guy, making videos about pure passion and joy on 2 wheels. You can hear that he's in to getting more people to start riding bikes.
Gold class all the way !
Even that little black dot on the right hand side they put on a lot of shots to give the footage that "Such a dirty fun time we've put some on the sensor of our camera" kind of effect. But hey I'm only one of 224, 255 people that have watched this what would I know ;)
The only thing keeping me from not deciding is the fuel injection. I want the drz but I also want a fuel injection.
Jamie gives such good reviews.
them bikes weigh the same 317 and 320
came here to say this. drz is lighter and makes more power
people say that crf feels lighter because it carrys the weight lower making it feel a little lighter. i dont have any experience tho, just youtube'ing around
Jamie, this is fast becoming my favourite spot on Drive, really good stuff, more of a review/experience plus with a guest it changes it up nicely, great stuff!
To sum up the video- we rode a couple low powered, beginner level bikes. "Good to develop your skills". It felt like they were trying too hard to do these bikes a favor. The DRZ400, at least, is a perfect balance of power, weight and reliability. I would take this "beginner bike" over one of these guys more preferred bikes anytime.
+1 to develop newer riders street skills is on a dirt bike, or one of these. When things go awry on the dirt bikes, speeds are generally lower, and the ground softer - but even if they don't fall, the more frequent kick-outs of the rear, and sliding/traction/braking characteristics of the front, teach a ton of skills that get honed for the rare, and all the more surprising, times they happen to newer riders on street bikes.
If you go with a DRZ you should DEFINITELY go with a full exhaust upgrade, uncorking that multi-valve engine unleashes a monster. Also it is light enough to get out of a jam by yourself, or if the bike falls on top of you.
Honda is very restricted out of the box but goto best dual sport bikes website and u can shave 20-30 lbs and increase horsepower from 18-24 with aroun $1000. Since the base price is so cheap its worth it for the add ons that give you a truely light weight bike with enough power to satisfy all but the hardcore off roaders.
I miss this series
Did the 2 of you get paid off by Honda? The honda weighs in 3 pounds heavier than the Suzuki. DRZ has more travel with better forks, just because the Honda forks are inverted doesn't mean they work better or are better. They don't have the adjustments the Suzuki has. I was going to buy the CRF250l but found such a good deal on the DRZ I had to get it. The Honda is shorter that's why it may feel lighter to you. As for power you cannot compare a 250 with a 400. The Suzuki has proven it's self for years now and I'm a big Honda fan. Have had CR's & XR's for years along with DR 350's. New the Honda is much cheaper than the Suzuki. The after market parts that everyone buys & puts on the bikes cost the same for both bikes. The MPG on the Honda wins of course with it's smaller motor & fuel injection. But I get about 65 MPG on my Suzuki. So this would be an easy choice if your a beginner than the Honda would be the best bike but if you've been riding for awhile then the Suzuki would still be the winner after 15 years of production.
If money is not a problem for you look at KTM or Husqvarna for the best dual sport bike.
The 400SM also has inverted forks if that's what you're really after.
+Mr Meoff Great post. Do you ever regret you didn't spend the extra 4-5 grand to get the excellent KTM 690 Enduro? I can't decide which bike to buy. Hard to get over the DRZ is a 15 year old design but not sure if the KTM is worth the extra cash.
+Mr Meoff The honda is good bike on paper... if you are a person that ends his shift at the office and wants to bother with paperwork outside the office as well then the honda is for you :) im gonna say 2 things.... 150KG WET......22HP in the crankshaft.... RIP enjoy you fuel injection ;D and the inverted fork you are never gonna make use of ;)
Totally agree, time to look for a drz 400
I like the video, but don't like how you keep referring them to " little ". No where in the video warrants why you would need a bigger bike, save Catwalks.
I love my 2012 drz400, it's a beast. Only reason whey I would consider the 250L is that is fuel injected. But consider this the drz and crf are the same weight, but the drz had much more power...
I tryed a drz400 but unfortunatly I was too short. Would a guy like myself (5,5) be confortable on the crf250l?
Alright thanks ! And sure the seat isnt the biggest of worries haha .
yes, I am 5.5 myself and just fine for me
The crf win's in one important department that these guys didn't mention, its fuel injected, no chocking no warm-up time, suzuki needs a revamp on there 400
cott10r every bike has warm up time
cott10r but the bike is a dog lol
The CRF doesn't win. If it did the guy would of choose the CRF to ride back instead he choose the drz. Watch all these CRF 250 vids they all love the bike but after a year or 2 they all bump up to the drz400 or a bigger cc bike either husky or Ktm. And the carburetor bike isn't bad if you live in warmer weather now if you live in Minnesota yeah carb bikes night not be the best choice.
I've owned a carbureted 2008 CRF230L (before they came out with the fuel injected 250L) and it was a great first bike. I now own a DRZ-400SM (with dirt tires) and wouldn't go back to the 230/250's. The DRZ is carbureted, yes, but where the fuel injection gives you good power "all-around", I find that the carbureted DRZ has an amazing powerband that reminds me of a 2-stroke. Sure you need to warm it up and choke it and all that (not a big deal), but the power, especially with a few mods (I have the 3x3 mod, upgraded carbs/jets and a full titanium/stainless steel Yoshimura exhaust), the DRZ honestly just rips!!!
DRZ is only slightly heavier, but get yourself a MotyDesign battery (0.83lbs vs 6.1lbs) and replace the ugly square headlight with a lighter aftermarket one (shave up to 7 lbs) and the DRZ becomes lighter (do you really need passenger foot pegs or that big ugly stock licence plate holder???) than the CRF.
Where that $1500 extra comes in is in the power. With the Honda, I've found that on the freeway, it just didn't have the power to safely pass and on hilly country roads, the CRF was struggling, whereas the DRZ just pulls and pulls. Mine tops off at just under 160km/h (100mph), but that is with dirt tires and off-road sprockets, but during freeway cruising, it doesn't even break a sweat!
From my personal experience, both bikes were dead reliable and never left me stranded (dropped the DRZ several times on trails, fired up every time) and maintenance costs (oil changes mostly) were dirt cheap. So I believe the Honda is a great first bike that is very light, capable and won't kill you, but the DRZ is more powerful and can be easily modded for less weight and much more power/response. Because of these things, I think that you won't get bored of the DRZ and will end up keeping it for much longer, so its worth investing in mods for it, but the Honda is what it is, and you can't squeeze much more out of it. I bought my Honda CRF, learned on it, and sold it pretty much stock and got almost the same price I paid (its a Honda, it holds its value).
My 2 cents, based on personal experience... But do your own homework! ;-)
Fun video, that is Silverwood Lake for most of the video, the very end conversation was probably Arrowhead.
If you're looking for ultimate in comfort for a seat for a dual sport, go for an aftermarket saddle on a DR650. I have a DR650 and am actually fine with its saddle for 400 miles a week riding, but I would test a Corbin out on a DR. I have a Corbin on my sport bike and... wow... well worth the cost. For what it would do to a DR650, and suspension changes (so about $600 in parts), you're still way under a KTM unless there are other factors you're wanting... like a 990 motor.
Love the 250L but I hate the giant ass tail light and rear mudflap. Completely unnecessary
So what's the conclusion? Which is better? A really disappointing "review"...
krasky hard to be disappointed watching this.
Review, not comparison.
i love your videos and your video editing is excellent.
@Rideapart the small dual sports are amazing bikes. You guys should do a test where you do something on road showing how fast one of them can be like Jamie on the CRF250L vs Wes on the CBR250R. Even without supermoto wheels their street capabilities are impressive
Define better? It seemed to me that besides the expected power gap, they enjoyed riding the Hond more than the 400. You can always get more power out of the engine (IMO an aftermarket muffler and intake is a must on any bike)
the best comparison to the drz is the wr250r because its is the one closest to it in performance. i like the crfl but this video needed all of the 250 dual sports to answer the question.
ya I was born and raised there had to move here cuz money trouble so in in vegas but I love cali for that reason nice 95% of the time
I guess but they must know people like me are dying to see how it stacks up to the king of the 250cc dual sport the WR250R. I love the Honda's price but its hard to ignore the pure performance of the WR250R. Though at a 37inch seat height it might put it out of reach for me.
Great video and beautiful place to ride, makes me want to take my DR350S out there!
Its great seeing new content on the drive network, When are we going to see great segments like DRIVE CLEAN!
SO do you think the HondaCRF250L is way under powered for freeway/City ? would it be better to go with the Honda XR650X ? but really like the fuel injection on crf250l which the XR650X DOES NOT HAVE.
Lately, HFL and rideapart has become the Honda 250 show.
No better promo / vid out here . Thanks
Same weight, DRZ has about 10 more hp and slightly better suspended.
The engine is adjusted for more low end grunt and less top end speed, but the engine is based off of the CBR 250 engine. Don't really know what if any parts are different between the two engines.
Great stuff!
your vids made me consider a crf250l
They are a cracking little bike! With a few mods they are transformed.
Re 9:00 and 9:32
The DR-Z400 is not "little" or "light" in my opinion. I had one for like 3 years. Off road it was a workout (see 7:14). I was happier on road with it, a lot easier to ride, and it could go to around a 90 mph top speed.
Funny you should say that - I have a DR650, with a Seat Concepts seat. It is far from "ultimate in comfort" but it makes a fine street bike. It is *not* dirt worthy at all around here (New England), as it is a PIG. I guess that I really want a light dirt bike, with a comfortable seat, that is capable of *sustained* road speeds and carrying a passenger. Weight is really the big issue with bikes like these two.
I bought a 2012 DRZ400S. I can tell you the tires they show on the Suzuki are not what came with mine. I put some Kenda 270's on it. Way better then the OEM bridgestone's. If the Suzuki 400S had one more gear and just a slightly bigger gas tank it would Perfect.
love the video...the shots...the bikes look great..both of these bikes are what I am looking for to get ....but the summery at the end of the video didnt tell me much.. I would have like to see a little bit more comparison on how the bikes did in each section and who prefured what in those situations. I am leaning toward a 250L because of price and off-road performance and all the new display and electric FI .only have ever owned a 2-stroke rt-180. So both of those bikes are big changes..I dont play on riding to much free-way but pleanty of HIGHWAY. Id really like to know what bike is better in the soft dirt-sand/ rocky arizona desert style environment. Seems only true thumpers makes it those conditions.
thinking of getting the crf250l as my first bike... it would be used as "light"moderate" enduro... en some sm wheels for when not enduro riding ;)....
i daily my kls250s and ride it on dual sport trips and for 23k miles it hasnt missed a beat.
I am a well experienced dirt rider. I owned a DRZ400S. It was too tall, way too heavy, had a painful seat, and really needed a 6th gear. I was hoping the CRF250L was a better machine. This video, if accurate, tells me that it is not. Looks like it is a $10,000 KTM or nothing. I'd rather have a 1979 DT175 than either of these bikes.
San Bernardino? CHEAHH! @bakerxderek
+Geoffrey Robertson awesome lol
+Geoffrey Robertson San Bernaghetto*
Is that so. Ive yet to see any good reviews of the CRF250L or a comparison to the WR250R. With the CRF250L being $2,000 less and with a seat height of only 35" compared to the WR250R @ 37" it might be a deciding factor many people who are not tall like me.
Keep in mind, the Honda uses the CBR250r engine meanwhile the KLX really lacks in the power department, so I would say the CRL and the DRZ are a good comparison.
These guys talk about how light the CRF250L is. Aren't they the same weight fueled up, about 320 pounds?
They talk about the honda FEELING light, they may be the same but the feel is different, since you're a rider you should know that.
I think I need to move, if not travel, out west. In the Northeast there arent many places to ride off road where Im at.
I read the description and its still a pointless test because this test has been done before but with the wr250r instead. It doesn't make since to leave out the wr250r and the klx250s.
Well that's for you to decide.
But ask yourself, what type of riding do you plan on doing? Are more of a dirt rider or street rider? I've never ridden a Super moto bike before, but i doubt it's good for long distance riding.
Dual Sport = street, city + light dirt riding.
Super Moto = street, city, suburban riding, stunt riding.
Would love to see you guys take the 2013 Ducati Diavel Carbon and a 2013 Yamaha VMax out for some big bore speed runs. Just a suggestion, but seriously, no one has really done a quality head to head yet
Really nice footage. And you got around the editorial stuff, but in a bit boring (mono) kind of way. Suggest that you get your script worked a bit more solid. If there is a presenter/host the one should act like it; talk to the camera - to the viewers - Just like in the introduction. Anyway nice vid thanks ;).
How in the F are you cruising the freeway on the crf... I have had an xl 250 and now have a husky te250 and neither are freeway capable
I wish we had trails in the UK like they do in the US. Yes we have trails but they're few and far between. Where I live I have to ride atleast 50 miles to ride legally off road.
+Trotters222 Move to 'murica. Yee ha!
+Northaleus Velanthor I wish 😩
Trotters222
Come on, it cannot be that hard. Just takes a bit of determination and patience. :)
+Northaleus Velanthor I agree, but it also takes a lot of money...
why are we calling 4,000 grand cheap? that's not cheap bro, cheap is like 2,500
4k for a brand new motorcycle is pretty cheap.
well I ended up getting my gently used(6,000) mile Honda crf250l 2013, for 3,350 :) so I am one happy camper. that's cheap, 3500 + up is not lol and after dealer costs your at like 4100+ great bikes bolth. me and my buddy did a crf250l vs suzukidr400sm super moto
Even 10 year old ones are like $6000. Where the fuck do you live?
in the north west 3 thousand will get you a nice used one with upgrades and low miles.
michigan check out one of my vids
Why not test the WR250 as well? Its definitely the top in this class.
Its really too bad Honda did not go with a 400 cc engine. I really like the crf but it has 10 less hp than the drz and weighs the same as the drz at 320 lbs. each. that's a deal breaker for me.
I'm with you. I think it's time they retire the big ol 650 thumper and drop it to a fuel injected 500cc dual sport. If they could get the price point down to the $6,000-$7,500 range I think they would sell the heck out of them.
jeff ferguson plus you can make your drz have 50hp no problem. Cost 600$
jeff ferguson it has 20 less
Decent review, nice visuals. It would be nice if you edited together discussion of different elements with a visual example - i.e. a hill climb scene to illustrate torque and suspension and combining the street cornering with discussion of honing skills for beginners, etc. Overall appealing and I look forward to future videos from y'all. American dude, work on getting verbally more comfy in front of the camera, your Brit counterpart was much less fumbly... (sorry for the cringe factor there)
Thanks for the video. Makes me want to get one. Simple as that.
Yeah, weight is a big consideration that even experienced guys, like yourself, still look at, so new guys probably shouldn't do a DR650 for that reason. The thing with some KTM's and Huskies is a lot of them carry so little oil (reduction in weight, and makes for a higher clearance) that owners seem to be changing the oil every 1000 miles. Ugh, I'm just not into that. I'm not sure the 'perfect' dual sport that does all you and I want is made by anyone yet.
I'm a first time rider and I am looking for something like this so I can ride to trails and and ride I love bikes and would love to own a street bike one day but you need to start somewhere I asked my dad for a duel sport instead of a car ;)
Why test the Honda against a DRZ400? Wouldn't it make sense to test it against the WR250R and the KLX250S
really, it doesn;t change the fact that they left out the other 250 dual sports. If they really wanted to test if bigger equals bigger they would have got all of the 250 dual sports. then they would have seen a wr250r has no problem keeping up with a drz400
i hope u live somewhere warm man. You have no idea how cold a motorcycle is during winter and good luck in the snow on the road
If it was a head to head test, that would be a good idea. However, this doesn't look like it was that at all.
I have a TTR 230 and it is fantastic. although it is not street legal so it does not have much use for me. I am looking at the CRF250L, XT250, DRZ 400 and WR 250 for my seccond bike. I rode a YZ 450 before and I think it is just to much for me, would I have the same probem with the DRZ 400? Or should I go with a 250cc bike? I am 5,8 and I weight about 150 pounds.
CYRRYANC97
There are worlds between
the yz450 and the drz400. You shouldn't have any problems with the
drz, it's light for a dual Sport, nearly unbreakable, has a great
engine, it's not too powerful but it's very old school and is too
heavy for some "real" Enduro riding. If you want a more
serious enduro bike with the right amount of power for a beginner,
you should take a look at the KTM Freeride 350 and 250, Highly
recommended. But if you just wanna ride some trails and enjoy light
riding in the local Forest you should take the drz instead.
The DRZ400 doesn't have as much power as the YZ450, so the DRZ would be fine for you. I have one and it's awesome! But it does have enough power to be a lot of fun, it's actually pretty quick and the engine likes to rev. I have ridden the CRF250L once, and it's not much on power at all. But it's ok and revs well, and climbs hills easily. Since it's cheaper than the DRZ you might consider it... But, I know you would enjoy the power of the DRZ.
Trevor Jameson I have gotten alot more experience under my belt in the last year. I currently own a KX250f and I love it. I have driven a fuel injected KX450 before and it has a little to much power I can manage ridding it. I have rode a DRZ400 a few times and it is great for power but I am not looking for a street bike anymore.
Could you guys up your MIC volumes please? I'm getting blown out by the music hard
Thankyou drive for uploading bike videos :)
I'd like to see dirt bikes converted "Super Single" Style. Via Roland Sands RSD.
You have a nice bike my friend!
of the japanese dual sport bikes, i think the yamaha wr250r takes the cake cuz of the e.f.i. and adjustable suspension, with the crf250l a close second only because of the lack of adjustable suspension although i like the hondas looks the best and the fact that its almost 2000 cheaper than the yamaha. otherwise ktm prolly makes the best dual sports (but cost more $$)
For the $2k savings you could alway just upgrade to aftermarket suspension down the road :)
Yes, the DRZ400 does 80 mph no problem. I ride mine at around 65 mph every day.
I don't think they have to, but people who ride dirt bikes expect a motorcycle with a first gear that has enough torque to carry them up steep dirt hills. I don't think a 100% street tuned engine could do that.
I've heard a lot of hate about the Crf, but I'm also on a budget, so I was looking at the XT225. Any ideas?
The XT225 is a fine bike as long as you don't need much power, or aren't using it on the freeway much, and if you don't intend to do any serious off-roading (like large jumps). The suspension on the XT is very basic and not great, but it's ok for easy trail riding. Power is very soft, the bike is kind of slow, but it's just fine on city streets. It will not go fast enough to keep up with traffic on the freeway. I think top speed is around 70 (maybe if you're on flat ground).
I have ridden the CRF250L, and it runs better than the XT225. Also the suspension is better and handling is better. I own a DRZ400 just like the one in the video, and there is no comparison to the smaller bikes; DRZ power is truly great (lots and lots of power at pretty much any rpm but especially mid-range and high rpm, tons of power!), it will do freeway speeds no problem, pass cars easily even at 75mph, and has much better suspension than the Honda, but it costs more. Also the DRZ is a very tall bike, but if you're not short it's no big deal. One thing not mentioned in this video is the engine of the DRZ; it has been around for 16 years, and is well proven for reliability. That 400 engine is certainly the best part of the motorcycle, and if you ride one you'll see what I mean. The fat part of the power curve comes on in the mid-rpm range, so make sure you rev it enough to get there and feel the acceleration.
Give them both a test ride. I had the same concerns as most people - 320 LBS sounds terrible, but after you ride it you realize Honda did a fantastic job keeping the weight down low - it 'feels' like a 250 lb bike, and the torque makes it extremely dirtable.
Obviously the cameraperson has a 3rd bike that often gets there before these two. Would be fun to fess up who that person is and show his or her wheels as well.
Awesome guys, great video keep them coming.