Bnt5,
The Suzi is a lot more updated and puts out about 8 more ponies. Personally I don't care for yellow but that's my opinion and thats all. The XR is still the best all around "survival" bike to ride (I ride an XR4). And most guys that ride areas like Baja stick with the XR because you can't kill them. But alas the XR is still heavy and wears you out, but on the plus side it'll make you a strong SOB if you ride enough ;)
That said get what feels best.
The Suzi is a lot more updated and puts out about 8 more ponies. Personally I don't care for yellow but that's my opinion and thats all. The XR is still the best all around "survival" bike to ride (I ride an XR4). And most guys that ride areas like Baja stick with the XR because you can't kill them. But alas the XR is still heavy and wears you out, but on the plus side it'll make you a strong SOB if you ride enough ;)
That said get what feels best.
Both have their loyal followings, but the Suzuki clearly has more mid to top power. IMO the Suzi has better handling, suspension and feels lighter on the trail, alhtough actual weights are probably pretty close. The Honda does have better low end power, though. For me, the Suzi is more fun to ride, but your mileage may vary. :cool:
The DRZ is clearly a more recently updated bike more inline with the WR400. The XR400 can pretty much try its hand at anything, and as said is bulletproof. I think the DRZ is a little more pidgeon holed. It certainly is lighter, more powerfull. I'm surprised that the DRZ is cheaper over there. It certainly isn't here in Australia, and we can buy both as registerable models.
Like jdrobins said, ride both one after the other if you can. Also I think there is still more aftermarket gear and hot up ideas for the XR's than just about any other bike.
my 10cents! ;)
Like jdrobins said, ride both one after the other if you can. Also I think there is still more aftermarket gear and hot up ideas for the XR's than just about any other bike.
my 10cents! ;)
The DRZ feels and handles so much lighter than the XR, even though they are about the same 265, stock the power is mainly in mid and on top, but
if you take off the air box lid and do some rejetting, it picks up a ton of
low end, it has a great spread of power, best compromise between a XR and a WR, it truly handles Fantastic through the woods and trails. I sold my XR
to get the DRZ it was the right move for riding here in Michigan, I also have
raced it in some MotoX (enduro class) and just firmed up the suspension
clickers, it jumps very well and is balanced in the air, unike the XR, Both are
great bikes but the DRZ more modern, be looking for a new XR450 within a
year or two though, good luck Borsy
if you take off the air box lid and do some rejetting, it picks up a ton of
low end, it has a great spread of power, best compromise between a XR and a WR, it truly handles Fantastic through the woods and trails. I sold my XR
to get the DRZ it was the right move for riding here in Michigan, I also have
raced it in some MotoX (enduro class) and just firmed up the suspension
clickers, it jumps very well and is balanced in the air, unike the XR, Both are
great bikes but the DRZ more modern, be looking for a new XR450 within a
year or two though, good luck Borsy
ridden both
My father in law has a DRZ, I ride the XR. I like them both. Like everyone said before, the DRZ is more updated and has e-start, which is a huge advantage if you plan on dropping it a few times.:p You can hop up the XR to handle very well and put out decent midrange too, but you will never have the top end of the DRZ. The Xr is "bullet proof", I have seen DRZ's with drained batteries. Tons of aftermarket stuff available for the XR and DRZ.
Personally I like my XR better, but thats because I sunk a bunch of money into it to make it decent (I even MX it). Out of the box I think I would lean towards the DRZ.
Anyway, good luck, both are great rides.
My father in law has a DRZ, I ride the XR. I like them both. Like everyone said before, the DRZ is more updated and has e-start, which is a huge advantage if you plan on dropping it a few times.:p You can hop up the XR to handle very well and put out decent midrange too, but you will never have the top end of the DRZ. The Xr is "bullet proof", I have seen DRZ's with drained batteries. Tons of aftermarket stuff available for the XR and DRZ.
Personally I like my XR better, but thats because I sunk a bunch of money into it to make it decent (I even MX it). Out of the box I think I would lean towards the DRZ.
Anyway, good luck, both are great rides.
QUITE what !!! ... QUITE quiet ... ey !!! ;)
Yeah, the DRZ is quite a bike, have yet to find anyone who dislikes the bike. Add to that the S model and you have two of the best bikes around. This bike has been receiving rave reviews and already has a ton of after market support. Suzuki definitely got this one riot !! ....... right ?
Alan
DRZ400S
Yeah, the DRZ is quite a bike, have yet to find anyone who dislikes the bike. Add to that the S model and you have two of the best bikes around. This bike has been receiving rave reviews and already has a ton of after market support. Suzuki definitely got this one riot !! ....... right ?
Alan
DRZ400S
Owned a xr for 2 yrs,all i got to say is stall it or drop it on a hot humid day and you'll make up you mind quick ,the e button is the only way to go on a 4 stroke,other than that it was a great bike,if you worried about running the battery down do as i did and get a used 400exc,kickstarter makes a great back up
If you know the right mechanic and have enuf $$$$ your XR400 can be electric start also, mine is.
Ive never riden a DRZ but I sure would consider it. A great bike right out of the box from what all I've read and pretty reliable to. I'm not seeing as many at the harescramble races as the first year they came out though, not sure what that means, that all said I would still chose the XR.
If you get the chance to ride them both do it, this will more than likely make you decision for you.
Kevin
Ive never riden a DRZ but I sure would consider it. A great bike right out of the box from what all I've read and pretty reliable to. I'm not seeing as many at the harescramble races as the first year they came out though, not sure what that means, that all said I would still chose the XR.
If you get the chance to ride them both do it, this will more than likely make you decision for you.
Kevin
How in the heck does anyone get a chance to ride two differnet bikes before buying? OK I can see buying used and test riding around someones backyard, but what if you want to buy new (which unfortunately I cant) how can you test a bike out..I dont think there are dealers that just says here's the key go jump that big hill out back...just a gripe:o
Anyhow back to the bike debate, I have never ridden a motorcycle offroad more than twice in my life and I am somewhat afraid of them (unsure might be a better word) would getting a 250 instead of a 400 be easier to learn on? I am over 200lb. Someone said that a 250 you have to beat just to get it up a hill whereas a 400 would make it easier...I just want this bike for trail purposes only, riding next to my wife on a quad or an occasional group ride with other trail bikes.
BTW thanks for all the replies...now I am more confused than ever!!!:confused: I guess color might be the deciding factor afterall!!
Anyhow back to the bike debate, I have never ridden a motorcycle offroad more than twice in my life and I am somewhat afraid of them (unsure might be a better word) would getting a 250 instead of a 400 be easier to learn on? I am over 200lb. Someone said that a 250 you have to beat just to get it up a hill whereas a 400 would make it easier...I just want this bike for trail purposes only, riding next to my wife on a quad or an occasional group ride with other trail bikes.
BTW thanks for all the replies...now I am more confused than ever!!!:confused: I guess color might be the deciding factor afterall!!
