DRZ400 or KLR650

Im looking at these 2 used bikes to save miles and fuel on my diesel truck. Im going to use it to commute 40 miles a day and to play around on some trails. Probably 80/20 mostly road use. What bike would you suggest?

 

The DRZ is a WAY better off-road bike. If it really is 80/20 the 400 is the only answer. If your % is truthfully more like 98/2 then get the 650...it's a more comfy streetbike, and arguably even more fun in the twisties because the suspension has less travel.

I've come about _this_ close to buying a 650 about 50 times...one of these times I'm gonna pull the trigger.

 

If you really going to commute with it I vote the KLR with a decent windscreen and some of those mondo aluminum side cases. Something like this guy has: http://laudeman.com/klr650/

 

I drove my KLR ~35mi ea way for a year commuting. It is very nice for that. Off road, not so much. Mine now has 32K mi and my last tank was 47mpg.

 

yup. klr for any decent portion of street.

but if you decide the dirt portion is more important....i have a mint '04 drz that i will probably be selling shortly.

 

I went by and looked at the KLR I really dig it but damn I really dont think I could handle it in the woods. I quess I need to do some thinking or buy 2 more bikes im not going to be on interstate just 2 lane country roads (55mph) can the DRZ cruise at say 60-65? I really want the DRZ to work but it might not. The KLR reminds me of an urban tank.

 

just buy the 650, and ride my pit bike you stole in the woods.

 

dats my bike punk

 

Then get the DRZ and try it out. Worst case you have to buy something else that works better on the street and end up with two bikes instead of one.

 

Hey how about the DR650 it looks more like the DRZ with KLR power.

 

Get one of those, too. Then you will have three bikes. :up:

 

I actually read your post too quickly...when I put up my initial response I was talking about a DR650, not the KLR. I think the KLR is a better touring bike, but for commuting the DR is at least as good, it's more fun in the twisties (more compact), and it is better than the KLR for once-in-a-while woods riding.

The DR is the one I've almost bought a bunch of times...Mongo and I were just talking about that actually at Tally.

 

+1 for the KLR. Used to commute 70 miles/day with mine. Got to love getting 50 MPG. Stock screen worked fine for me. I invested in a Gerbings heated liner. Money well spent. Only mod I did was to replace the big ass wind catching handle bar wobbling front fender with an Acerbis Super Moto fender. They aren't that bad on dirt roads but I wouldn't single track with it. I put a Pelican 1520 case on the back for carrying "stuff".

 

Grrrr...Grrrr...there's always one of these: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/ktm_640_lc4_adventure_2005.php

 

You get one and I'll just borrow yours

 

Oh no, I'm on a strict "no more motorcycles" plan right now.

 

Me too thats why Im only getting 1 more......duh

 

XR 650, good bike for the woods and can easily do 55-60 mph on the highway.