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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 10 Nov 2010
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Which one XR400 or DRZ400

HI new to this forum only just discovered it ...

Quick intro i've been riding Lambrettas for years ( had all the jokes hairdryer rubber band busted ect ) and done thousands of miles on them doing scooter rallies here in england also had a couple of bikes and still have my Yamaha xj650 hardtail chop ( painfull ) lol ..

anyway back to the question which bike xr 400 or drz 400 ?

I have experience on a drz400 in up around Cairns in Australia for a few days about 7 years ago ...

I want to use the bike for a trip starting in Spain and to see how far i can get in 3 weeks of hloiday next spring/summer and to commute to work 30miles a day when i feel like it and maybe some off road work ...

so any advice XR400 or DRZ 400 ?

Thanks in advance Justin ...
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Old 10 Nov 2010
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Hi,

I have done the HUMM on an XR600 and a DRZ400. This was both road riding and off road.

I found the XR tall and heavy off road (I'm over 6 foot). You need to be pretty strong and competent on it off road. It didn't have a kick start and this is a real problem after falling more than twice -it really saps your will to live.

I used the DRZ this year and it made a world of difference. It is smaller and lighter and inspires confidence so you don't fall off anywhere near as much. And when you do, the electric start makes your life real easy.

The XR is reputed to be simple and bulletproof and the DRZ comes with a good pedigree too.

On the tarmac they are much the same I'd say, you are not going to do more than 50mph for long comfortably.

The XR looks better but the DRZ is better to ride unless you are a confident and strong off roader.
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Old 10 Nov 2010
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DRZ, much more modern design than the XR, has e-start and although the valves are shim under bucket, they're easy to do and only need checking every 15,000 miles.

Plenty of parts in breakers for both models but I'd imagine more for the DRZ. Aftermarket support I think also favours the DRZ these days.
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