Comparing XR400, KLX400, and DRZ400

[Hopper]

Hello everybody, I 'm new to this sport and need some advice on what type of bike to buy. I'm 5'11" and 170 pounds and from what I have read, the XR400 seems like a good low maintenance bike. Im just looking to do some trail riding and maybe small jumps, nothing insane. I was wondering how this bike compares to a KLX 400 and a DRZ400 as far as maintenance, reliability, and performance. I'm hoping to find something used.(97 and up).

 

[tenniso]

the klx and drz are the samebike, and probably have more performance than the xr, but the xr is a very respectable bike, especially for the type of riding you will do, and yes the xr is rock solid, probably more so than the drz or the klx. if on a budget, like myself, and wanting a fourstroke, i'd definately get the xr. you can always ad performance mods when budget allows, to shape the bike the way you want.

 

[Hopper]

Thanks for the advice Tenniso, I'm definately leaning towards the XR400.

 

[run29point2]

Hi:
Like you, I too am interested in getting an XR400. What are your thoughts on this bike and what have you found from your research about it? Although it is not tauted and reviewed as a great race bike, all I've heard and read about the XR400 seems to indicate that it is a great trail bike, very durable and time proven, relatively maintenance free, and has many available upgrades and enhancements if one ever wants to boost performance.

I also like the KLX 300 especially since it is liquid cooled but I am a little leery about the amount of power it can muster compared to the XR400. I wish the XR400 was liquid cooled but I have not heard of any problems with air cooling. What is your 'take' on this? Also, have you heard of any problems or difficulties with starting the XR400?

These are my last two choices but I am heavily leaning towards the XR400. Any thoughts you could share with me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and good luck!

 

[bsmith]

Keep leaning towards the XR, Air cooled engines have been around for a long time. The XR 250, 350, 500, and 600 have been proven over and over. For what your doing it sounds like the right choice. From what I've heard the DRZ is a little more stable and feels a tad lighter in the tight eastern trials :eek:

If you find your pushing the bike to it's limits then just add some after market parts to get more power :)

Good luck!

 

[Hopper]

Run29point2, the only concern I have about the XR400 is if it will be hard to start. I read one or two threads that mentioned the XR(or just four stroke engines in general) being hard to kick start especially when hot. I think the DRZ and KLX both have electric starters (I dont think the XR does). This is the only thing that keeps me from making my mind up. The only bad thing i've heard about the DRZ is the water pump is known to leak. If anybody has any more input, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for the replies.

 

[WoWman]

I have a 2001 DRZ400E, lots of mods done to it, I love this bike. I have ridden XR4s before, good bike too, I just like the power of the DRZ much more, and I like a taller seat.

And don't forget that ELECTIRC START!!! The XR4 is not hard to start at all, but who wouldn't like electric start?

And you can get a 2000 DRZE for around 3 grand, if you look, in pretty damn good shape too.

Personally, I would go with the DRZ, just because it is a little more advanced, has about 8hp more, close in torque too.

Whatever you get though, beleive me you will be happy, so don't worry about it much.

:)