Suzuki DR-Z400 fits your requirements.

Engine is understressed for the amount of power it makes, and is therefore bulletproof.

You won't win any drag races with a 450 motocrosser, but your engine will be going strong for longer, and you won't be replacing rings and valves nearly as much.

 

That would be fun!! :rock

 

That's what I keep leaning towards. I had read a good write up and the only complaint with the Suzuki was the amount of power. But I can pick up a used one for between 3-4k and be able to have fun with it around town and not worry about it. The others I was considering are all more expensive or more maintenance intensive. I like the KTM's, but they are so damn expensive!

I just joined up at a supermoto forum and I'm going to read about the DRZ400.

 

For complete reliabilty and unmatched fun factor $ for $ the DR 650 is the answer. they can be picked up for a few thou, throw on a set of wheels and you're done. They have a remarkable amount of torque and power when rejetted and piped. It can hang with the exotics if you can ride and will be running when they are in the shop. You can ride a DR650 two up at interstate speeds or go on cross country trips packed down with gear. Just add gas........

 

You're stationed over in Europe, so why not a Yamaha XT660R? Which is technically a dual-sport. :thumbup

If Yamaha released one of these in the US, I'd be all over it. :fact

 

I thought about the Yamaha, but I want to be able to take whatever I buy and bring it back to the states. Bikes are expensive in Germany, it's cheaper for me to buy a bike in the US and ship it to Germany to use due to how weak the American dollar is over here.

 

It might be cheaper to import it from America to Europe. But, you also have to consider import laws, fees, taxes, etc. Not to mention having it shipped from US to Europe and back again. Possibly look to other European countries on purchasing a bike.

 

Being in the military, I can ship the vehicle over to Germany and not have to pay german taxes and only have to abide by american registration laws. It will save me money in the long run.

 

I just read a post over on a supermoto forum about the wr250x....in the looks department, it's exactly what I want, but I don't know about the maintenance. Anyone have any experience with one of these?

 

That new Yamaha wr250x motard bike? If were talking about the right one, i rode that on a yamaha demo day at my local dealer, and it was pretty under powered and slow. On freeway it had no power, yes i know, riding an R1 with 6 times the power makes a diff, but i wouldn't buy it cause no power= no fun. But it was light to throw around very easy.

 

Get a Husaberg FS650E you won't regret it. I eats R1's. Ride around the outside of them in the twisties. I have had mine for 6 months now after and R1 and it rips

 

What is your maintenance like?

 

I don't know if you'd call it a super motard but, my dad had a Kawasaki KLR650. Its a little on the heavy side but fun as hell none the less. Affordable and bulletproof.

 

Here's a dumb question for you guys; What makes a Motard a Motard? Is it basically a dirt bike with street tires? I have ridden and seen many Dual Sport or Enduros and except in this thread, they never seam to be what others refer to as a Motard. I think the Enduros seam to have enduro tires v.s. street and more legalizing equipment i.e. blinkers, headlights etc. etc. What's the real story???

 

Well I know super moto bikes tend to be motocross bikes with street tires. I'm not sure where the term "motard" came from. :dunno

 

You will not regret it...

 

Well, I took the forum's advice and bought a US Spec 2007 DRZ400 SM today. I'm still deplolyed to Iraq right now, and the owner is a CPT in the Air Force stationed in England. I am working with a shipper right now and will be able to have it shipped over to Germany for about 600US. He was asking 5k, and ended up agreeing to let it go for 4k since I would have to ship the bike.
Here's the list of things done to it:

- Cycra hand guards
- Unabiker radiator guards
- "Free power mod" (see Thumpertalk for what that is)
- Edge taillight from Wheeling Cycle Supply dot com
- Emissions plumbing removed
- Jetted with a JD jet kit
- New float bowl allen screws
- Keinen extended fuel screw
- New battery
- Battery tender came with bike
I think that's it. Bike now has 900.8 miles on it.

When I get back to Germany from Iraq in the spring, I'll have a new toy to play with.

 

bump from nowhere. any updates

 

:thumbup post up pics when you get back! :thumbup

 

Probably out roostin the Taliban man.... Bbbbuuurrrrapppp !

 

Ive got a 07 Husky SM510R and love it. It's a litre bike killer in the mountains. I've heard the SM610 is a good bike to have not as much maintenance.

 

I just picked up a KTM 625 SMC to supplement my R1 out here in Germany. I dig it a lot now. Just wish there was a way to have reverse shift on the thing as that is my set up for the R1.

Brian0128, where you stationed at over here in Germany?

 

ive been thinking about pickin up a motard. that husky looks pretty sweet but the cans on some of these look huge. ill prolly end up going with a yz450f or i always thought a cr500 would make a bad ass street toy

 

Ok here you go with my two cents….

In my opinion the WRs are the bike to get, they are price the best, have an extra gear for more top end and already come set up with lights, radiator overflow and larger tank. I think Yamaha makes a bullet proof motor and trans!!!!!

CRFs from what I know have had a lot of valve issues, a lot of them are alos really good.

KXFs… well nobody really does them.

DRZSM is great but a little heavy, underpowered, and doesn't have that raw dirt bike with lights feel to it. But a great fun bike that you don't need to do anything unless you want more power. The motors are bullet proof!!!!

KTM to me is the cream of the crop with all the different styles and motor choices but KTM=Kost Too Much. So this is the one to buy if you want a great bike that comes with all the goodies and you have the money!!!!!

Hussaberg or Huskys, well there are not as many of them around and parts are difficult to come by and I have heard of a lot of overheating issues. I'm sure a great bike though.

Aprilla makes a great bike but even more expensive and they have had their share of motor problems, I think the 07s were the worst.

I had a WR426 and loved it!!!! Either get a rock hard but or do something with that seat and be prepared to fill up a lot if you decide to make any highway runs or you really have to sacrifice some bottom end for the top. But hey its a dirt bike and like you said you want something to ride around town. Can't go wrong with the DRZ SM, whip it around really easy, easy wheelies, and hey if you want to go jump it then go for it.

 

DRZ 400 is a good bike, but if its not enough for you, get ready to start digging your money pit, parts are plentiful and the power is never enough. Get a big bore dual sport, convert tires/ suspension/ gearing and your good to go!

 

I respecfully disagree. I've ridden those 650s and the only one to get is a XR650R and not the XR650L. Either way they are huge tanks with old suspension and drivtrain technology and still a underpowered then you might as well by an R6.

 

Yamaha needs to make a Street Tard' package with the 450F :fact :rock