dr 350 worth a look ?

My first ever bike was a 98 DR350 dirt only model. I didn't have it that long, and I was a complete newb at the time, but I liked it just fine. I'd say they are great bikes from my personal experience.

Honda XR250

You would be much happier with an XR250. It handles much better and feels alot lighter than the DR350. Even an XR200 isn't a bad plunker and it will make a nice transition for the kid!

triple buzz,

I had a '91 dr350 it was a good trail bike but not a racer. If your using it as you say it will be fine but DON'T try to ride it like your CR, the suspension is wwwaaaaayyy to soft, you could respring it for little money, but keep it for puttin' and you'll smile.


Jeffro

I had a 96`dr350s.loved it it`s no 2 stroke but pretty peppy worked great had good pick up, and would cruise very nicely.stone reliable also.just check rear wheel bearings closely.all in all a perfect bike for your uses

I had a really nice 1998 DR350 dirt only model that I used as an inexpensive bike to transition back into riding after many years away from dirtbikes. The bike was excellent. Very relaible, powerful, easy to ride, and pretty fast for a 'trail/fun' bike. With some tuning the suspension is not that bad. It can even be jumped as long as you aren't going for any world records or tripple flips. The downside was that it was a little too heavy for the sandy Florida trails (especially after I added a bigger tank-it doesn't need a bigger tank OR more weight). It can putt around slow with a ton of low end torque (lots of climbing power), or you can blaze down the trail with pretty good speed. It's no racer, but really fun. You shouldn't get bored with this bike. It is not a 'foo-foo campground bike'. Someone said that a XR250 is 'better', I disagree... I have ridden both, and I liked the DR much better, but I guess it is just a matter of opinion.

Bottom line: A clean, well maintained DR350 is definately worth considering. Very relaible, very fun (the 'dirt only/ DR350x' model is MUCH better off road). -Todd

"97 & "98 DR's are the best choice. They had all of the DR updates from Suzuki and the DR-S's were more like the DR o/r only bikes. Better clutches, better suspension, better rear hubs, etc.
OD

If you buy a used one make sure to check that the swingarm isn't comming apart. They were two part units that were glued together and tended to come unglued with any serious riding.

I'd either live with the CR (get the jetting right on and it will not foul plugs despite lots of plunking) or look for something smaller -- like a CRF230. E-buttons are nice for riding with new to riding kidds.

I don't think you would be happy with the DR as a serious trail bike. I'd say keep the CR and get a second bike for plunking if you need to.

good luck and have fun

good luck

Try www.maximum-suzuki.com

My main ride is a KX310 but I ride a 1990 DR350S with 88RM forks and 89RM shock to work every day. It won't replace my KX but I have a lot of fun with it. IMHO it is worth a look. Ed

How about a Kawasaki klx300. Now thats a great bike far more advanced than the dr, more reliable, lighter faster and probably cheeper!