I know things like this have been beat to death, but I'm a new rider, looking for a bike. I've ridden smaller things before, so I'm not exactly stupid. I'm looking between a 2000 Honda XR 200, and a 1990 Suzuki DR350. The DR has 27HP, and I'm trying to see how the XR 200 compares to it power wise.
The XR200 comes in around 18 horsepower, but the DR350 is a BIG heavy bike, so the performance between the two is closer than than the numbers might imply.
Well never mind about that, the XR was already sold, and the seller on craigslist didn't take the posting down.
How would the DR be for a first bike? My father keeps freaking out about it, and is wrapped around the "350", even though everything I've read points the DR as being pretty under powered.
I personally think the bike is too big and heavy for a first bike. The engine is perfect for a new rider, but the rest of the package will probably prove overwhelming, especially if you try and trail ride the bike.