Just in the interests of balance i’ve had a 2014 Z since mid 2016 and done a few trips on it in Africa and love it.
It is heavy for a dirt bike, i have a small ding in the front rim from hitting a pothole at speed in Zimbabwe and in dusty conditions i need to clean the air filter regularly. Otherwise i have had no issues.
For me it had proved comfortable, reliable, and good on the typical dirt & gravel roads i am riding, plus able to carry luggage, run electrics etc.
I could send you to a thread of pals of mine who have had a nightmare with a dr650. Every model will have some bikes with more issues than average.
On the Z and R question, I rented an R for a pal and did a shorter Z & R trip in South Africa last year. Quite different feels. One of each may not be a bad shout as the Z is physically a bigger beast (for context i am 6ft and 16st/100kgs+); the R is much lighter and with smaller tank, which worked for my lighter friend.
Good luck with your search.
|