Looking to get into dirt - DRZ400?

[grantrobarts]

1) your physical size (both height and weight are important)
6'3'' 200lbs
2) How physical / aggressive are you ?
somewhat
3) what do you plan to ride- MX/SX tracks, woods, fields with friends or?????
Trails mainly, not really considering tracks.
4) Do you have any riding experience?
a few years of street riding.
5) Do you think you will race ?
Probably not.
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work?
I will certainly try.
7) Do YOU have a preferance to a brand/ motor choice (2 or 4 stroke)?
Any of the of Big 4. I would love a KTM or something but I'm a poor college student.
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry?
Everything
9) How much do you plan to spend on a bike?
Under $5000.
10) anything else that you think would help form an opinion
I'm considering a DRZ400 right now. I was mainly thinking along the lines of taking advantage of the dual purpose. But I don't know if that would be too big for being a newer dirt rider. I've spent some time riding some smaller dirt bikes (250, older 400s), but I don't know what is necessarily "correct" for me.

 

[Okiewan]

The DRZ would be a good choice.
Keep in mind that a 4-stroke 400 like in the DRZ doesn't compare to a 250 2-stroke mx bike, it's much more mellow/easy going. Your experience on the street will make the learning curve short, just take it easy at first. The DRZ is a little heavy, but any dual sport bike will be; I doubt it'll be an issue for someone your size.