Great comparo. Two of my favorite all time motorcycles. If Suzuki would put fuel injection and a 6th gear on the DRZ.... I could end my addiction to high strung euro dual sports for good.
you could look into the klx, I have the 300r and am able to plate it for street use in my state. The straight 300 has worse suspension for off road and leas clearance. but cones as a legitimate street legal dual sport. Six gears and EFI, I love it, though I really wish it was a 350 or 400.
@@unclebadger597 I have the Dyno Jet Power Commander V; had it the stock tune for awhile, but recently was able to acquire a Pro Circuit T6 full exhaust and download the tune...it's made a huge difference, but the $1100.00 price tag hurt a little.
It seems the klr stands alone, it’s the lone wolf, in a class of its very on. It is the most compared too bike on the planet while actually there really is nothing that compares too a klr. It’s said on every review, every comparison test that the klr does nothing great. I disagree, it does something great and better than all the bikes I’ve owned over 30 years of riding, and that is it simply makes me want to ride more, go more places, explore more backcountry and to me that’s what a great motorcycle should do best. Enjoy your channel!
Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650, but probably not available in the US. DR650 is the DRZ's bigger brother and better on highway than the DRZ but not as comfortable as the KLR (unmodified), the XR has a more offroad bent and moves closer to an enduro but is heavier than the DRZ.
Your 2 years of DRZing is the reason your comfy on the KLR doing similar shenanigans😄 Both bikes have been around long enough that the fan base has turned some of them into the opposite of their original intent. Turning the DRZ into a cross country steed, or turning the KLR into a hard trail blazer that you only need to fill up once😄 The middle weight dualsports are the best. Simple, reliable. They both give you basic maintenance skills and if your like me, putting lots of miles on per year, a high strung, high dollar bike, means a rebuild every year. But many people do that too✌
Great review! I bought my first bike 2 yrs ago at age 58, KLR-650 2016 because I have zero desire for a street bike or to ride in the city. I've often wondered about a lighter dual sport so thanks for your comments. So far I love it.
Hi. I love my Drz so much that I now have two. I have heavily modified both from bigger tank to better suspension for carrying camping gear. The Drz is my favourite bike ever! It will take you anywhere and I have been camping in the Pyrenees and picos mountains and the strata Florida trails in wales. I’ve had her for six years now along with other bigger off road bikes but always come back to Suzy. Nice video. John
Dude thank you, I have been stuck between these two bikes for months. This is by far the best (and basically only) direct comparison of these two machines. I didn't immediately make a decision; but your statement "the KLR is transportation, the DRZ is entertainment" is pretty profound and definitely gives the DRZ a massive advantage, since I already have a reliable commuter bike ('14 SFV650). It would be cool to have a bike that I could confidently take off-road, or rip megadank wheelies on, without risking my daily transportation. My main concern is riding out to trails/campsites, like long freeway stints; especially since I mostly camp with my brother, which is 1,200+ mile ride round trip on I-5. That doesn't sounds particularly fun, from my understanding of the DRZ. In all fairness, people complain about the KLR on the highway as well, which is a major reason it's not immediately the superior machine. Ultimately I'd probably be happy with either one, they both seem like great motorcycles. I'm going to religiously rewatch this video until I make a decision, thanks again for the fantastic analysis! Ride safe✌️✌️🏍️🏍️
I rode the Idaho BDR on my KLR this year. If you are talking distance and camping, I'd go KLR. RMATV sells awesome Tusk luggage and accessories for very fair prices. I have a 2011 so I've modified it quite a bit. Very confidence inspiring even when loaded. Safe travels friend.
Great video. I own a KLR. Absolutely love it. But sometimes when I get into the more technical stuff I get tired picking her up all day. Which made me interested in a lighter still street legal dual sport. Thanks for making the video!
Great video! For me I am a DRZ guy all the way. I don’t love the bulky look of the KLR and most of my road riding is all back roads. That being said, both bikes have their limits and as long as you stay within those limits you will be fine.
This was the exact conundrum I was in when trying to choose a dual-sport/adv bike. I finally chose the KLR because I am 2 hours of pavement away from trails/forest roads, and I want the cargo capability for longer trips. BUT I will probably end up with both, eventually. The weight of the KLR was an issue when I dumped it, but appreciated it in the highway crosswinds. Overall, I think I made the correct choice for now.
I had a drz400s that I bought new in 2016. Sold it with 26k miles on it. I commute to work on it and then some desert riding, a few times packed it up to go camping in UT (from Vegas) fun bike and no issues with it. Some stuff must be done on it early on like the swingarm pivot must be removed and grease, barely any from factory, I did it after 1year of ownership and it started to show some corrosion and I live in dry climate.. The "free power" mod (replacing the factory wire to a thicker guage) to charge your battery properly (sold my bike, oem battery was 5 years old and still no issues) The drz is ok on hwy but it's not much fun as it is light and no wind protection you will get tired faster when doing 350 /400 miles.
I totally agree with you on your comparison. I too own the 22 KLR and have owned a 2005 DRZ400. I had a few performance and suspension mods done on the DRZ and it was absolutely one of the best bikes I have ever owned and I've owned honestly 30 plus bikes. Problem was I did not like riding it on freeways or long distances. Many times I would just take my dirt bike in the back of my truck to ride as it was better off road but when I did want to do some street riding combined with off-road the DRZ was really good. I also didn't like the carb and here in California our gasoline gums up the idle jet if it sits even for 2 weeks and that is a pain to keep cleaning. I love the KLR and it is heavy but it will get you there. It tractors up rough stuff pretty good even with the stock tires. I really like it in the canyons around my home. I can actually ride it pretty fast and am very comfortable on it. Good Vid. Thx
Fair assessment. I have a DRZ and ride with a bunch of KLR owners. The DRZ is more dirt focused and the KLR is more road focused. Just workout what you want to do 80% of the time. Whilst the KLR can't be easily made into a more light weight dirt orientated bike, the gearing on the DRZ can be adjusted to make it better on the road.
Love that you show people dropping their bikes in your vids! Fact of life when you ride off road. I would rather ride a 125cc that weighs around 200 lbs than either of these bikes off road. I'm over the whole dual sport and adventure bike deal.
If you live in California, EVERYONE does 80 so the 5 speed DRZ is a bummer, the 650s seem to have enough grunt to have the tall 1st gear and still be able to tractor, my DRZ definitely is capable of highway stints but I geared it WAY up to do so and it loses some of its low speed prowess. Its a great bike, but a 6 speed would be PERFECT. Heck even a tall 5th gear would be awesome! Agreed, BOTH! But my choice is the DR650 only because its a bit more agile so I can do long stints with some moderate off road at the destination. 😁🍻
This is for real the main reason I am stuck between KLR and DRZ. I *do* live in CA, right between the 80 and the 5, so my 35 mile commute at the flow of traffic (currently on SFV650) is genuinely like 93mph unless it's rush hour. Would be super annoying and slightly unsafe to commute on the DRZ, if I ever had to for some reason. The flipside that makes me not wanna commit to the KLR yet is that honestly the KLR doesn't seem like it would be super happy above 80 either; but then that introduces the question "if it won't commute efficiently why not get a 250?". Leaning DRZ for wheelies and off-road capability, but riding the highway out to campsites/trails is a genuine concern to me.
@@rileyhughes5613 Thats why I love my DR650, if setup properly, it is almost as capable off road as the DRZ yet it will do 80mph all day with one tooth down on the rear sprocket and it will still chug up pretty much anything. Go to my channel and watch my latest video to see how much crazy the DR650 can do! A better rider could really do some monster stuff on it, you just have to be physically a bit stronger bit my bike only weighs 380lbs with 3.5 gallons of fuel, so its WAY lighter than the KLR. 👍🏻
One great review! When you asked what one should you get, I yelled out "BOTH! Lol...... then you said the same. 5 gears is fine with me - I had a 1994 Vulcan 1500cc with just 4 gears, no probs. I have a 2020 DRZ400 & a 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - one can save major $$ buying the KLR in place of the Tenere if that works for some. Another solution to go right down the middle and have only one bike, is the Suzuki DR650 - bulletproof, more torque than the DRZ400 & less weight than the KLR. I loved my DR650 (replaced with the Tenere). Great video.
I traded in my dr650 for a drz400, I ended up recognizing the I was having more fun on and off road with the Dr then the drz for some reason, maybe it was the sound and the torque of the dr650 that was hard to beat with the drz
I personally stick with the 300’s basically. Honda CRF300L and Kawi KLX300. Super light weight and nimble, and can get me in those real tight, real deep wooded areas that the bigger bikes just can’t get to. Great vid, bruddah
@@DorkintheRoad Same. Had them both but sold them and am currently bike-less. Looking to pick the KLX back up tho in digicam. It’s less torkey and a little better “behaved” as I call it. Plus, I dig the digicam over the red CRF Ronald McDonald looking bike. They did release a bunch of black and silver CRF over seas but nothing here.
My explanation is, The KLR 650 is a road bike you can ride in the dirt. The DRZ 400 is a dirt bike you can ride on the road. Neither are the best at anything, but they are both good at most things. I own a few different road bikes so I bought the DRZ 400. I am not riding motocross anymore but still want to play in the dirt. It is nice that I can ride to the track, play around and then ride home. I might not be able keep up with the the motocross guys, but at least I am still having a great time!
Just wanted to let you know I became a Patron this morning - loving all of the content and even binging super old stuff throughout the week. Keep it up!
Back in the hey-day (late 90s / early 2000s) when dual sport events were taking place every month of the summer all over the country, the digital ODO on the DRZ was awesome, because if you missed a turn and has to back track, you’d simply dial back the mileage on the ODO. By about 2005, dualsport events mostly went away here in the Pacific NW. As of 2022 there’s only one left in Washington and possibly only one left in Oregon. The DRZ still has a far better instrument cluster than my 2019 KTM.
I test rode a KLR 650 and noted that the seat height was similar to my DRZ400E ; pretty high and suited to those long in the legs. With advancing age I have recently sold my Tiger 800XCx and now ride the DRZ. It is so nice not to have to deal with the weight in slow conditions. I have fitted the ACT wide ratio gear set and lowered the seat height by 40 mm by internal rear shock adjustments. At 5'11" ( 180 cm) tall I used to be on tip toe on the DRZ( my spring rate was stiffer than stock) , but now I can touch the ground better. While heavier ADV mounts are good on hightways, adequate on dirt roads, the ability to go anywhere without undue concern with the DRZ is reassuring.
DRZ400S owner here. I've had two full seasons riding on it, currently in my third. When I bought the bike, it was easy to overlook the negatives. But after 2.5 years it's really starting to get annoying. 1) The seat. I've put my own custom foam + cover, sheep skin pad, etc. It's just plain uncomfortable. It's hard to enjoy a bike when your ass is on fire. 2) Seat height. I can't count the amount of times I casually come to a stop and almost drop the bike because I JUST can't get a foot down and hold the bike. I lose my balance and all of a sudden she becomes very top heavy as my toes desperately grip pavement trying to hold it up. If you're on uneven pavement? Good luck. 3) Sucks on the road. It's a dirt bike with turn signals. Sure twisties are fun. But those long, straight, flat pavement roads? Shoot me. Starting to see the appeal of having a 2nd motorcycle.
I’m really interested in getting the KLR 650 dealerships in my area will not allow you to test ride any motorcycle but I’m confident in my abilities of picking the correct bike Great video
I am seriously thinking about buying a klr in January for the same reason you have one. I also have an old 02 drz but it isn't dry up for highway at all. There are so many place i could go here in Utah on an adventure/tail bike.
When I had a Drz400s it was happy at 70/80mph (flat out 95mph) but with only 5 gears in traffic at 25/30 mph couldn't find the right gear, either revving too high or chugging, was better on my 5 geared BMW G650GS SERTAO 418lb/190kg but still chugged a bit. But now got a six geared Honda CRF250L and no chugging, sit's ok at 70mph until a hill but I couldn't be happier, weight is the same as Drz400s but carries it alot lower down than a DRZ400S and is much smother and better off road.
Not to bust your nuts, but you could be happier, and if you would've bought the KLX 300 you would be! Hands down owns the Honda in everyones opinion who have ridden both.
@@RedboneUnincorporated Don't think that's available in the UK. But the point I'm making is I paid £3,400 for a bike with 3,000 miles on it. And at that price I don't care if I drop it or thrash it. A new bike I would just think about the extra money I'm throwing away giving the bike a hard life. I could afford any bike I like but don't like wasting money. 🤑😁
Respectfully sir, there's a couple things you are saying that makes me think you're from another reality in the multiverse. The DRZ's gears are super close together and everyone complains that either 5th is too short or 1st too tall but never have I ever heard someone say that they couldn't find the right gear in between. Having own a DRZ myself I can confidently say that you can run 30mph in either 2nd, 3rd or 4th no problem (2nd offroad, 3rd onroad, and 4th when you have monkey butt). As such it just boggles my mind that you couldn't find the right gear. Also 95mph is a little faster than what the DRZ's rev limiter (short 5th gear) will allow, are you sure it was a DRZ?
@@cameronturnbow8004 yes I know what bike I had 🙄, but maybe the previous owner had changed the sprockets. But it was as I said, or why the hell would I of said it! People are sooo touchy about their exact bike! Got 1999 Xvs1100 bobber now love it so much torque and crf250l is for sale., 😄
I replaced my 2001 DRZ400S with a 2008 KLR650 when I wanted to go from trail riding to adventure touring. Then I added a 2012 KLX250S for trail riding.
Nice video. Very cool to have both the KLR and DR-Z, each is a good tool for it's respective job. Funny thing is, a bike needs to be a little soft and heavy to work on the road. Pure dirt bikes suck on the street - I have a plated '10 Husberg FE450. On paper it smokes the DR-Z as it has 50 plus fuel injected horsepower, a 6 speed wide ratio "XC-W" trans that is good for everything from technical crawling to cruising at 75 MPH, it holds 1.5 quarts of oil, making it reasonable to use as a street bike as regardless of what the manual says, it can go 50 hours easy between changes if good oil is used. The thing is, the FE's narrow hard seat is a weapon of ass destruction, it is too tall, too thin and it quickly beats the rider up on the street. I use the FE for rides where connecting trails via the road is on the menu. Still toying with the idea of adding a better seat and a more wind protective rally type front end on the FE. It has the 70 Degree add on subframe tank, so it holds 3 gallons and being quite thrifty on gas, it has a max range of about 120 miles. After dealing with a well documented for that model fuel pump issue, it has been a stone reliable machine. Had a DR-Z before the FE, while it pales off road next to the FE, the DR-Z was too easy for dual sport use - just add an exhaust, Dynojet the CV carb, regear a little and go ride the crap out of it . Added Hotcams and did a lot of suspension work to my DR-Z, it was good enough in modded form that I pissed off a lot of KTM riders with it. That basically is what led to the FE 450, I needed friends to trail ride with. They still looked at me funny back then, as the 'Berg is blue and not orange. Finally the assimilation was completed, I have still have the 'Berg, but also have an '18 KTM 300 XC that is my go to hard core dirt bike these days. Two strokes baby, ya gotta love 'em!
I owned a drz for a few years and have ridden several KLR's. They're both great bikes for sure, and built for slightly different purposes. The key to me has always been: do you want to make a compromise on the trail or a compromise on the road getting to the trail? They are 2 sides of a 50/50 road/trail coin. Just have to figure out what side you want to be on. What I found in my years of owning a ktm 690 which by all accounts makes up the space between these two is that you really just kinda have to choose one side of the coin or the other. The 690 is also a great bike and can do everything the drz/klr can do better than they can. But the one thing that comes along with that is $$$. Hole in a radiator cost me $900 for a new one. Because of that I couldn't push it off road as hard as my drz because it was expensive to fix. If I could only have one of the three (drz, klr, ktm690) it would honestly be the drz. They're just so stupidly fun once you hit dirt that you stop caring about the road it took to get there. Throw on super moto 17's and rip up that same road. But I get why people love KLRs. They're so good in their own right.
I bought an 890 Adventure R in April, and sold it in September after putting only 800 miles on it. For me, it was too dirtbikey to be a comfortable road bike, and too heavy and expensive to fix to be fun off road. The good thing is that it held its resale value. Considering a 690 now👍🏻
@@toddjones5222 are you looking for an adv style bike with a good dirt focus? (It sounds like you are). If so the 690 is definitely for you. I'm selling it because I want to do tight and technical single track. For 4x4 roads and even going up mountain passes the 690 was great. But for tight, techy single track it was just a bit much. But for what it's worth I do have my 690 for sale. Tons of extras, 2015 with 17k miles that runs absolutely perfectly. Asking $6700.
I have owned both also. The KLR is more rideable for road. The DRZ was better in the woods. Pretty obvious. When I owned the 400 I also had a triumph thunderbird , so I had a dirt and a road choice. When I got rid of the triumph I wanted a better all rounder for “everything” and the KLR has done what I was looking for. Now my “dirt bike” is a specialized turbo levo comp EMTB…..mountain bike.
Thanks for the video on these 2 bikes. I have a 2021 drz400s now and was at a bike nite and was looking to get the 2023 Klr Adventure. I didn't. Gonna stick with my Drz400s a few more years. Keep up the good work. 👍🏼
I faced the same conundrum. In SoCal with the freeways, the GS 650 ruled. Here in the Pacific Northwest I hardly take a motorcycle on the freeways, the DRZ is my go-to bike. With the sm gearing, I hardly even use 5th gear unless on a state highway...
Liked your video, started out riding dirt bikes when young, for the last thirty years been riding 850 lb. street bikes. Been wanting to get back to a bike where I could do a little off road riding, nothing too serious. Been looking at the DRZ and the KLR as they are in my price range. I think your video was straight and to the point. Most my riding will be tar roads and a little exploring dirt roads and trails that I always had to drive by on my Electra Glide. Thanks man, believe I'll go with the KLR.
Nice video with good info. I have had them all I think I landed staying with a 05 klr some pretty good mods. Like the bike for 100 to 150 mile get aways here in the mountains. I have a 03 klx400r which is a drz400 badged as a kawi. It is regeared for lower rpm at speed for we desert ride allot more than harder off road. 65 to 70 mph is really good cruising speed for all day. It will fly much faster than that but why. Also love my nc700x with a few comfort mods for longer road trips, back roads and super easy trails. small wheels and heavy bike limits what this one does off pavement. Yet gets better mpg than both the smaller single cylinder bikes. Did try 2019 crf250l pure junk. light weight yes. nimble yes. dirt bike everything yet gutless . It only has one spring in the front forks. The other side is empty? It will get your ass run over for having no more power than a xr150. My worn out 1990 xr200 would run off and leave it like it died in a race to top speed. What they sacrificed for injection and mpg was not worth it. I will try the new twin cylinder nx500 when it comes out. Road a 2020 500 rebel with off road rally suspension upgrades and was probably the best all around explorer bike I have ever ridden. Good medium power, good freeway manors, great mpg, great on trails, not a motocross ride for sure. Was allot of fun to ride 50 miles to the mountains, 20 miles on trails and back roads and then 50 miles home without exhaustion. Wonder what a rebel 1100 on rally suspension would be like. I am 60 yrs old male busted up veteran, I have been riding since I was a kid. I still seeking Gods therapy by riding and exploring when I can. Pray for New Mexico fire victims and the animals.
It always comes down to a compromise... the better at off-road, the worse at on-road... more powerful, heavier... etc etc... that's why we all need multiple bikes 😎
As a drz owner, I love that thing! Its gotten me to places it had no business going, on trails I swear were carved by mountain goats! I dont think I'll ever get rid of it!
Just sold fully modded 2015 KLR, it was absolutely great 30k km in last 5 years, but now with family those long trips are gone. I want to be able to tackle harder stuff localy during day or half day trips so I am in the market for DRZ. Looks like I will end up buying new one, cos used market is so bad now. Cheers!
Thank you sir. I've already got a '23 KLR in the works and your review here helped affirm my choice. I haven't ridden dirt in about 10 years now, and even then I wasn't crazy or super skilled. I'm expecting to take fire/logging roads through the lower Rockies and some twisty highways in between. I'm just looking for relaxation and sight seeing. I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam, I expect to be good in most situations. I didn't pick the adventure, I picked the S variation (might be new for '23?) And I'm not afraid to lift a heavy bike... Despite having every intention to not fall.
Depends what you need it Primarily for.....local back roads, or Highway trips......you definitely lose "fun factor" with a 650, but it will go farther Easily.......But with the 400, you definitely have Hooligan Dirt Bike feel.......you Don't wanna ride Super far because it's really not geared for highway, although it HAS tons of power past 60mph, it's just Buzzy, and also depends on tires!!! 50/50 tires will be manageable.....but if you go more aggressive Dirt tires, they Will suck on the highway and burn up FAST....and that goes for all bikes.
well said, my dude. I was on the fence throughout the video but that last line sold me on hitting that subscribe button. thanks for the great inside info. now i know the KLR is going to be the better utilized fit for my needs. be excellent, my dude.
I have a KLR 650 and a KLX 250 and I find myself on the 250 more and more. The KLR is great on the highway and on easy dirt roads, but it's too heavy for me to do any technical riding. I drop the KLR and it's a bear to pick up.
Two bikes really is the answer if you can swing it. I have a BMW f800gs and a Yamaha xt225 which keeps all my bases covered. And I have less than ten grand in them both!
I recently bought a DRZ400 and love it. I almost didn't buy it because everyone says how heavy they are. It doesn't feel heavy to me at all, I ride mostly off road and there's nothing I havnt been able to do.
A couple weeks ago I did a trip from Pennsylvania to Michigan and back on my 2021 DRZ400SM, and let me just say, I kinda wish I had something more along the lines of an ADV or cruiser, but it was still fun in a weird way. I was kinda proud of the bike and myself for doing that trip considering almost all 1,100 miles were interstate. I was really wanting the 6th gear just because I felt bad winding the motor out so much for so long. I have a Corbin seat for it, which definitely helped, but I think the seat concepts commuter would’ve been better just because it has a hump in the back and is a little softer
I have a 2015 KLR, updated with some aftermarket stuff. First thing I got for it was a centerstand, then a bag for the rear rack to carry tire repair stuff in. I have since added many more things, but I continue to use soft luggage. I tried to ride a friends DRZ400, but was unable to do so. I had to stand on a step ladder to get on it, and could not touch the ground, so I decided I had better not try to ride it. But I do see the difference. The DRZ is more into the performance oriented dual sport category, intended to be ridden faster and over rougher terrain. More MX or enduro oriented. The KLR is more of an adventure bike, not fast or powerful, but capable of being ridden long distances. It's more of a dirt road bike than a real dirt bike. And that is what I bought it for. Sadly I would not consider the new one, because of the EFI. EFI is way to complicated, virtually impossible to work on, and parts are super expensive. The KLR was already complicated, double overhead cams, 4 valves, chain driven counterbalancer, liquid cooling, and shim type valve adjustment. It doesn't need any of those things. I was stranded once when the cooling system sprung a leak, but was able to get help. And it was easy to fix. Not the case with all the electronic garbage that goes with EFI. Most people have no idea just how much electronic trash goes with EFI.
Mostly they are high strung at freeway speeds because they are relatively small displacement motorcycles and not so much due to only 5 speed transmissions which I know YOU understand but so many people think you can add another cog and miraculously make a 650 single cruise 80 mph at 3000 rpm...it ain't happen'n.
I just priced a 2022 KLR650 adventure it's price was $7,999 out the door it cost $9,890. That's a nice chunk of coin. I'm looking a a 2017 KLR650 adventure for $5,250. Kind of a deal.
I got a dr650 and it's amazing. I bought my first bike ever at 20 and I bought a new xt250 and my god it was great for trails as it has amazing ground clearance yet a really low seat height. But riding with a buddy with a crf250l a buddy with a rmz250 and a buddy with a cr450f, I was definitely way behind in power and suspension stiffness. The xt is definitely an amazing trail bike but it can be slow and hard as muscling through some tougher stuff. I bought the dr650 second hand from a friend, it's a 96 paid 1k for it, and my god is it just so much more of a bike. Can run right next to them, can do everything my XT could. Now when I hop on the xt it feels like a little 125 almost. Don't get me wrong though, that bike still has a place. It's under 300lbs and can be easily maneuvered anywhere. But the dr is my highway and trail bike. The xt is almost a dirt bike but not at this point. It gets 80mpg though so it gets rode to work a lot
I don't own either but I'm still planning on a DRZ in the spring. Did lots of research to get there, my mind is made up. KLR is tempting but too heavy, I plan on falling alot.
Interesting, now I have both also and I’m hesitant to sell the KLR because of the exact reasons you stated. The DRZ is a screamer off road, but highway manners are not up to the KLR. Life brings so so many decisions.
I disagree with you on a few points and a I totally agree with you on a few also.But I think in general you give a lot of good info esp for someone who may be new to some of these things. Thanks for the good video.
After riding my KLR for 2,200 miles and dropping it three times off road I’ve got one thing to say. If you ride alone off road, make sure you can pickup your bike even if injured. This was my situation recently.
Great video,if you want a bike to ride to your offroad trails....DRZ. If you go out riding and happen along to an offroad trail.... KLR. Kinda like the DRZ is the Honda Civic and the KLR is the Honda Prelude.😄
I have both bones and have to say. First thru 3rd gear wheelies on the klr are a thing. And 2nd through 4th are a thing on the drz. Hopefully this helps anyone trying to make a decision. Lol
Excellent comparison! You hit the nail on the head. It saddens me slightly that stuff like this now comes with ABS and a digital clock, but I suppose one must move with the times. With a big single (and on truth even 400cc is not so small), five gears are always going to be plenty. Neither bome has a "power band" per se... You just change up when they start to buzz and drop a cog when things begin to rattle. This comparison was brim-full with common sense and gave a sound, pragmatic overview. Chapeau!
This video helps me reassure myself that the DRZ is for me. I don't have one yet but my planned use case is local town riding and some twisty back roads. I am much more likely to throw it in the bed of my truck or get a hitch carrier if I want to go to the mountains 2 hours away than to ride all the way there. I feel like I would spend more time going to a local dirt bike track and trying to hit some jumps or finding good single tracks than straight highway riding. If I do find that it needs help on the highway, I plan on doing a 462 cc kit and the wide ratio gears.
KLR650 weight: 460 lb DRZ400 weight: 319 lb Yes folks that’s 140 extra pounds you won’t be able to lift when your KLR goes down. The ideal weight for this kind of dual sport riding is 300-375 pounds.
I have a DRZ 400 S, that I accidently ruined the transimission on. The countershaft (where the front chain spocket sits on) is actually free floating in the axial direction. This means that if you over torque the front chain sprocket nut, bad things can happen. There is a slide bushing on the shaft inside the case, that can be deformed if you use more than 110 Nm to crank on the nut, OR if the sprocket nut isn't secured in place, as the nut will tighten itself up due to the nature of single cylinder bikes. It's like having an impact gun working that nut, ever so slightly. This is what happened to me. But in a way I was glad this happened, because now I had the perfect excuse to upgrade the tranny with a with a ACT wide ratio gear kit, that reduce the revs about 20% on 2nd through to 5th gear, making the bike more highway friendly, without loosing trail characteristics...in other words, getting a bit closer to that "unicorn dream dual sport bike"😄 Also since my DRZ came with a Keihin FCR 39 mm carb, hotcams, 440 big bore kit, and yoshimura full exhaust, I ran out of gears very quickly..hopefully the wide ratio gear kit will be a better match for the power delivery this engine has. I just finished my renovation, but haven't test rided it yet. If it wasn't for the ruined transmission. I'm not sure I would recommend doing this operation. You quite litterary have to take the whole bike apart(besides the front end). Also there is some dremel work that is needed to fit the bigger 5th gear inside the engine case. It's not difficult, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with absolute zero mechanical experience. It's also very important everything gets back in the right place when you're done. This is probably the hardest part🙂 One way to help this is a clean work bench, a full service manual, and get all the special tools needed to split the engine in half, and put it back together, so you don't marr or bend things that shouldn't be marred or bent. If someone is thinking of doing the same thing I did, I'm happy to share information an guidance.
Hey Mikael, I am looking at getting the ACT gear set. Not worried about the dremmel mods once I'm in it, but I'd like some info on taking everything apart and things to be aware of. I'm mechanically inclined on car engines but never worked deep on a motorcycle. Any help is appreciated.
I had a drz 400. pipe n jet kit also. man it was fantastic. light enough to throw around. my only want was a bit more power. but if you stay off the freeway it's a perfectly balanced bike. I loved mine. my buddy had a klr. we called it "the Cadillac " big heavy thing with squishy suspension....
Two great choices overall to try and cover all your bases. Very hard to do that in the world of motorcycles. It seems the KLR is more comfortable overall for your riding style than the AT. I also owned a 2019AT and let that go as well --- for combination of Wr250r and an FJ-09 to cover all types of riding. Do you miss the benefits on road of the Twin much or does the ease of the KLR outweigh the void? Keep up the good work.
Ok so most of the riding i would like to do is dirt/back roads. Occasional 2 lane hwy 65 to 70 for maybe 20 mile stints. And commuting around small towns… and I want a bike to ride with my young son off road. Am buying him a lil 50 cc db. So is it safe to say the drz is the way to go? I really am turned on to it!
I have a Gen 2 KLR and I love it. Definitely not perfect but its forgiving in some sense and less so in others. It's definitely better on the highway just because of the wind protection and weight alone. That being said, it's porky, and each generation is heavier than the last. I think the 2nd Gen is best overall of the 3 for the KLR but it's definitely the ugliest. If the DRZ had a 6th gear and a small windscreen, it's a very tempting proposition, but the KLR definitely has the comfort to go the distance for true adventure touring
Comfort is subjective and, weight, ground clearance, suspension travel are objective. You can change subjective problems by changing your mind. You cannot change the world. For those reasons I chose the DRZ.
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I know this is an old video but I have a question. Did you ever open up the airbox and re-jet the DRZ? I did mine yesterday and I’m really impressed with the increase in mid range punch.
Great comparo. Two of my favorite all time motorcycles. If Suzuki would put fuel injection and a 6th gear on the DRZ.... I could end my addiction to high strung euro dual sports for good.
If they put a 6 speed transmission on the KLR And gave it a good highway gear I wouldn't be so torn between the KLR and A V Strom
you could look into the klx, I have the 300r and am able to plate it for street use in my state. The straight 300 has worse suspension for off road and leas clearance. but cones as a legitimate street legal dual sport.
Six gears and EFI, I love it, though I really wish it was a 350 or 400.
@@RedboneUnincorporated my wife just bought the KLX 300SM as a learner bike and I frickin love it. If KLX 400 existed I'd own one yesterday!
@@unclebadger597 I have the Dyno Jet Power Commander V; had it the stock tune for awhile, but recently was able to acquire a Pro Circuit T6 full exhaust and download the tune...it's made a huge difference, but the $1100.00 price tag hurt a little.
@@unclebadger597 look up the 2003 klx400sr. it definitely exists!
Well said. My buddy has the DRZ and me, the KLR. What you have said is spot on with everything we've ever said about them.
It seems the klr stands alone, it’s the lone wolf, in a class of its very on. It is the most compared too bike on the planet while actually there really is nothing that compares too a klr. It’s said on every review, every comparison test that the klr does nothing great. I disagree, it does something great and better than all the bikes I’ve owned over 30 years of riding, and that is it simply makes me want to ride more, go more places, explore more backcountry and to me that’s what a great motorcycle should do best. Enjoy your channel!
To me it was the confidence that klr bike gave me that I could go anywhere and I mean anywhere on it
@A Z не забывай какая цена на т 7 и клр 650.
Что бы понять что такое софт эндуро можно начать с клр 650
Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650, but probably not available in the US. DR650 is the DRZ's bigger brother and better on highway than the DRZ but not as comfortable as the KLR (unmodified), the XR has a more offroad bent and moves closer to an enduro but is heavier than the DRZ.
The DR650 and XR650 are both better options, each being only 40-50lbs heavier.
My personal opinion of course
Nailed it! Different tools for different jobs. It's just the nature of the dual sport that it does so many things.
Your 2 years of DRZing is the reason your comfy on the KLR doing similar shenanigans😄
Both bikes have been around long enough that the fan base has turned some of them into the opposite of their original intent. Turning the DRZ into a cross country steed, or turning the KLR into a hard trail blazer that you only need to fill up once😄 The middle weight dualsports are the best. Simple, reliable.
They both give you basic maintenance skills and if your like me, putting lots of miles on per year, a high strung, high dollar bike, means a rebuild every year. But many people do that too✌
Great review! I bought my first bike 2 yrs ago at age 58, KLR-650 2016 because I have zero desire for a street bike or to ride in the city. I've often wondered about a lighter dual sport so thanks for your comments. So far I love it.
Your video is spot on. I own a drz400e, a KLR gen 2 and a DL1000. They are all extremely reliable bikes and cost all of them together less than a GS!
Hi. I love my Drz so much that I now have two. I have heavily modified both from bigger tank to better suspension for carrying camping gear. The Drz is my favourite bike ever! It will take you anywhere and I have been camping in the Pyrenees and picos mountains and the strata Florida trails in wales. I’ve had her for six years now along with other bigger off road bikes but always come back to Suzy. Nice video. John
Dude thank you, I have been stuck between these two bikes for months. This is by far the best (and basically only) direct comparison of these two machines.
I didn't immediately make a decision; but your statement "the KLR is transportation, the DRZ is entertainment" is pretty profound and definitely gives the DRZ a massive advantage, since I already have a reliable commuter bike ('14 SFV650).
It would be cool to have a bike that I could confidently take off-road, or rip megadank wheelies on, without risking my daily transportation.
My main concern is riding out to trails/campsites, like long freeway stints; especially since I mostly camp with my brother, which is 1,200+ mile ride round trip on I-5. That doesn't sounds particularly fun, from my understanding of the DRZ.
In all fairness, people complain about the KLR on the highway as well, which is a major reason it's not immediately the superior machine.
Ultimately I'd probably be happy with either one, they both seem like great motorcycles.
I'm going to religiously rewatch this video until I make a decision, thanks again for the fantastic analysis!
Ride safe✌️✌️🏍️🏍️
I rode the Idaho BDR on my KLR this year. If you are talking distance and camping, I'd go KLR. RMATV sells awesome Tusk luggage and accessories for very fair prices. I have a 2011 so I've modified it quite a bit. Very confidence inspiring even when loaded. Safe travels friend.
You can also haul a light weight dualsport in your van/truck.
I have no desire to ride my dualsport any distance on the highway.
Great video. I own a KLR. Absolutely love it. But sometimes when I get into the more technical stuff I get tired picking her up all day. Which made me interested in a lighter still street legal dual sport. Thanks for making the video!
AJP PR7
This is the reason I’ve been eyeing the crf300l rally
@@derp195 I ended up going with a 2022 KTM 500 exc-f. Love it.
Great video! For me I am a DRZ guy all the way. I don’t love the bulky look of the KLR and most of my road riding is all back roads. That being said, both bikes have their limits and as long as you stay within those limits you will be fine.
This was the exact conundrum I was in when trying to choose a dual-sport/adv bike. I finally chose the KLR because I am 2 hours of pavement away from trails/forest roads, and I want the cargo capability for longer trips. BUT I will probably end up with both, eventually. The weight of the KLR was an issue when I dumped it, but appreciated it in the highway crosswinds. Overall, I think I made the correct choice for now.
The KLR stock: Large fuel capacity/range, wind protection, some off road worthiness. A winning combination.
I had a drz400s that I bought new in 2016. Sold it with 26k miles on it. I commute to work on it and then some desert riding, a few times packed it up to go camping in UT (from Vegas) fun bike and no issues with it. Some stuff must be done on it early on like the swingarm pivot must be removed and grease, barely any from factory, I did it after 1year of ownership and it started to show some corrosion and I live in dry climate..
The "free power" mod (replacing the factory wire to a thicker guage) to charge your battery properly (sold my bike, oem battery was 5 years old and still no issues)
The drz is ok on hwy but it's not much fun as it is light and no wind protection you will get tired faster when doing 350 /400 miles.
I totally agree with you on your comparison. I too own the 22 KLR and have owned a 2005 DRZ400. I had a few performance and suspension mods done on the DRZ and it was absolutely one of the best bikes I have ever owned and I've owned honestly 30 plus bikes. Problem was I did not like riding it on freeways or long distances. Many times I would just take my dirt bike in the back of my truck to ride as it was better off road but when I did want to do some street riding combined with off-road the DRZ was really good. I also didn't like the carb and here in California our gasoline gums up the idle jet if it sits even for 2 weeks and that is a pain to keep cleaning. I love the KLR and it is heavy but it will get you there. It tractors up rough stuff pretty good even with the stock tires. I really like it in the canyons around my home. I can actually ride it pretty fast and am very comfortable on it. Good Vid. Thx
Fair assessment. I have a DRZ and ride with a bunch of KLR owners. The DRZ is more dirt focused and the KLR is more road focused. Just workout what you want to do 80% of the time. Whilst the KLR can't be easily made into a more light weight dirt orientated bike, the gearing on the DRZ can be adjusted to make it better on the road.
I also have both bikes my drz is a 01 and my klr is an 11 . You hit the head of the nail here !!!! Great job
Thanks!! I am partial to the KLR, but both are awesome rides. I hope you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season! Ride safe!
Love that you show people dropping their bikes in your vids! Fact of life when you ride off road. I would rather ride a 125cc that weighs around 200 lbs than either of these bikes off road. I'm over the whole dual sport and adventure bike deal.
If you live in California, EVERYONE does 80 so the 5 speed DRZ is a bummer, the 650s seem to have enough grunt to have the tall 1st gear and still be able to tractor, my DRZ definitely is capable of highway stints but I geared it WAY up to do so and it loses some of its low speed prowess. Its a great bike, but a 6 speed would be PERFECT. Heck even a tall 5th gear would be awesome!
Agreed, BOTH! But my choice is the DR650 only because its a bit more agile so I can do long stints with some moderate off road at the destination. 😁🍻
This is for real the main reason I am stuck between KLR and DRZ. I *do* live in CA, right between the 80 and the 5, so my 35 mile commute at the flow of traffic (currently on SFV650) is genuinely like 93mph unless it's rush hour. Would be super annoying and slightly unsafe to commute on the DRZ, if I ever had to for some reason.
The flipside that makes me not wanna commit to the KLR yet is that honestly the KLR doesn't seem like it would be super happy above 80 either; but then that introduces the question "if it won't commute efficiently why not get a 250?".
Leaning DRZ for wheelies and off-road capability, but riding the highway out to campsites/trails is a genuine concern to me.
@@rileyhughes5613 Thats why I love my DR650, if setup properly, it is almost as capable off road as the DRZ yet it will do 80mph all day with one tooth down on the rear sprocket and it will still chug up pretty much anything. Go to my channel and watch my latest video to see how much crazy the DR650 can do! A better rider could really do some monster stuff on it, you just have to be physically a bit stronger bit my bike only weighs 380lbs with 3.5 gallons of fuel, so its WAY lighter than the KLR. 👍🏻
If you live in LA everyone does 35 because of all the fking traffic
One great review! When you asked what one should you get, I yelled out "BOTH! Lol...... then you said the same. 5 gears is fine with me - I had a 1994 Vulcan 1500cc with just 4 gears, no probs. I have a 2020 DRZ400 & a 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - one can save major $$ buying the KLR in place of the Tenere if that works for some. Another solution to go right down the middle and have only one bike, is the Suzuki DR650 - bulletproof, more torque than the DRZ400 & less weight than the KLR. I loved my DR650 (replaced with the Tenere). Great video.
I traded in my dr650 for a drz400, I ended up recognizing the I was having more fun on and off road with the Dr then the drz for some reason, maybe it was the sound and the torque of the dr650 that was hard to beat with the drz
I have both as well. You are totally correct. A person just can't go wrong with either.
I personally stick with the 300’s basically. Honda CRF300L and Kawi KLX300. Super light weight and nimble, and can get me in those real tight, real deep wooded areas that the bigger bikes just can’t get to. Great vid, bruddah
I've ridden both 300's and really like my DRZ better. Confirmation bias, I guess.
@@DorkintheRoad Same. Had them both but sold them and am currently bike-less. Looking to pick the KLX back up tho in digicam. It’s less torkey and a little better “behaved” as I call it. Plus, I dig the digicam over the red CRF Ronald McDonald looking bike. They did release a bunch of black and silver CRF over seas but nothing here.
My explanation is, The KLR 650 is a road bike you can ride in the dirt. The DRZ 400 is a dirt bike you can ride on the road. Neither are the best at anything, but they are both good at most things. I own a few different road bikes so I bought the DRZ 400. I am not riding motocross anymore but still want to play in the dirt. It is nice that I can ride to the track, play around and then ride home. I might not be able keep up with the the motocross guys, but at least I am still having a great time!
Just wanted to let you know I became a Patron this morning - loving all of the content and even binging super old stuff throughout the week. Keep it up!
Thanks for becoming a patron!
Appreciate the Double DRZ's down footage at Huckleberry Flats! Nice review. Both great bikes!
Back in the hey-day (late 90s / early 2000s) when dual sport events were taking place every month of the summer all over the country, the digital ODO on the DRZ was awesome, because if you missed a turn and has to back track, you’d simply dial back the mileage on the ODO. By about 2005, dualsport events mostly went away here in the Pacific NW. As of 2022 there’s only one left in Washington and possibly only one left in Oregon.
The DRZ still has a far better instrument cluster than my 2019 KTM.
I test rode a KLR 650 and noted that the seat height was similar to my DRZ400E ; pretty high and suited to those long in the legs. With advancing age I have recently sold my Tiger 800XCx and now ride the DRZ. It is so nice not to have to deal with the weight in slow conditions. I have fitted the ACT wide ratio gear set and lowered the seat height by 40 mm by internal rear shock adjustments. At 5'11" ( 180 cm) tall I used to be on tip toe on the DRZ( my spring rate was stiffer than stock) , but now I can touch the ground better. While heavier ADV mounts are good on hightways, adequate on dirt roads, the ability to go anywhere without undue concern with the DRZ is reassuring.
DRZ400S owner here. I've had two full seasons riding on it, currently in my third. When I bought the bike, it was easy to overlook the negatives. But after 2.5 years it's really starting to get annoying. 1) The seat. I've put my own custom foam + cover, sheep skin pad, etc. It's just plain uncomfortable. It's hard to enjoy a bike when your ass is on fire. 2) Seat height. I can't count the amount of times I casually come to a stop and almost drop the bike because I JUST can't get a foot down and hold the bike. I lose my balance and all of a sudden she becomes very top heavy as my toes desperately grip pavement trying to hold it up. If you're on uneven pavement? Good luck. 3) Sucks on the road. It's a dirt bike with turn signals. Sure twisties are fun. But those long, straight, flat pavement roads? Shoot me.
Starting to see the appeal of having a 2nd motorcycle.
I’m really interested in getting the KLR 650 dealerships in my area will not allow you to test ride any motorcycle but I’m confident in my abilities of picking the correct bike Great video
I am seriously thinking about buying a klr in January for the same reason you have one. I also have an old 02 drz but it isn't dry up for highway at all. There are so many place i could go here in Utah on an adventure/tail bike.
When I had a Drz400s it was happy at 70/80mph (flat out 95mph) but with only 5 gears in traffic at 25/30 mph couldn't find the right gear, either revving too high or chugging, was better on my 5 geared BMW G650GS SERTAO 418lb/190kg but still chugged a bit.
But now got a six geared Honda CRF250L and no chugging, sit's ok at 70mph until a hill but I couldn't be happier, weight is the same as Drz400s but carries it alot lower down than a DRZ400S and is much smother and better off road.
Not to bust your nuts, but you could be happier, and if you would've bought the KLX 300 you would be!
Hands down owns the Honda in everyones opinion who have ridden both.
@@RedboneUnincorporated Don't think that's available in the UK.
But the point I'm making is I paid £3,400 for a bike with 3,000 miles on it.
And at that price I don't care if I drop it or thrash it.
A new bike I would just think about the extra money I'm throwing away giving the bike a hard life.
I could afford any bike I like but don't like wasting money. 🤑😁
@@thinkingoutofthebox.9421 Ah!
Respectfully sir, there's a couple things you are saying that makes me think you're from another reality in the multiverse. The DRZ's gears are super close together and everyone complains that either 5th is too short or 1st too tall but never have I ever heard someone say that they couldn't find the right gear in between. Having own a DRZ myself I can confidently say that you can run 30mph in either 2nd, 3rd or 4th no problem (2nd offroad, 3rd onroad, and 4th when you have monkey butt). As such it just boggles my mind that you couldn't find the right gear. Also 95mph is a little faster than what the DRZ's rev limiter (short 5th gear) will allow, are you sure it was a DRZ?
@@cameronturnbow8004 yes I know what bike I had 🙄, but maybe the previous owner had changed the sprockets. But it was as I said, or why the hell would I of said it!
People are sooo touchy about their exact bike!
Got 1999 Xvs1100 bobber now love it so much torque and crf250l is for sale., 😄
I replaced my 2001 DRZ400S with a 2008 KLR650 when I wanted to go from trail riding to adventure touring. Then I added a 2012 KLX250S for trail riding.
Deffanatly glad I got my green DRZ instead of a KLR as my first bike. Cant wait to take it out in Colorado.
I just picked up My first klr ! &Love it ⚡️
Best bike ever made!
Nice video. Very cool to have both the KLR and DR-Z, each is a good tool for it's respective job.
Funny thing is, a bike needs to be a little soft and heavy to work on the road. Pure dirt bikes suck on the street - I have a plated '10 Husberg FE450. On paper it smokes the DR-Z as it has 50 plus fuel injected horsepower, a 6 speed wide ratio "XC-W" trans that is good for everything from technical crawling to cruising at 75 MPH, it holds 1.5 quarts of oil, making it reasonable to use as a street bike as regardless of what the manual says, it can go 50 hours easy between changes if good oil is used.
The thing is, the FE's narrow hard seat is a weapon of ass destruction, it is too tall, too thin and it quickly beats the rider up on the street. I use the FE for rides where connecting trails via the road is on the menu. Still toying with the idea of adding a better seat and a more wind protective rally type front end on the FE. It has the 70 Degree add on subframe tank, so it holds 3 gallons and being quite thrifty on gas, it has a max range of about 120 miles. After dealing with a well documented for that model fuel pump issue, it has been a stone reliable machine.
Had a DR-Z before the FE, while it pales off road next to the FE, the DR-Z was too easy for dual sport use - just add an exhaust, Dynojet the CV carb, regear a little and go ride the crap out of it . Added Hotcams and did a lot of suspension work to my DR-Z, it was good enough in modded form that I pissed off a lot of KTM riders with it. That basically is what led to the FE 450, I needed friends to trail ride with. They still looked at me funny back then, as the 'Berg is blue and not orange. Finally the assimilation was completed, I have still have the 'Berg, but also have an '18 KTM 300 XC that is my go to hard core dirt bike these days. Two strokes baby, ya gotta love 'em!
Dork! You nailed another one! I got a drz400 and a dr 650, and ride both often for exact reasons you stated!
Great perfect review!
Totally true
KLR was my first bike that made me love motorcycling ( I am much more of an on road rider)!
I owned a drz for a few years and have ridden several KLR's. They're both great bikes for sure, and built for slightly different purposes. The key to me has always been: do you want to make a compromise on the trail or a compromise on the road getting to the trail?
They are 2 sides of a 50/50 road/trail coin. Just have to figure out what side you want to be on.
What I found in my years of owning a ktm 690 which by all accounts makes up the space between these two is that you really just kinda have to choose one side of the coin or the other. The 690 is also a great bike and can do everything the drz/klr can do better than they can. But the one thing that comes along with that is $$$. Hole in a radiator cost me $900 for a new one. Because of that I couldn't push it off road as hard as my drz because it was expensive to fix.
If I could only have one of the three (drz, klr, ktm690) it would honestly be the drz. They're just so stupidly fun once you hit dirt that you stop caring about the road it took to get there. Throw on super moto 17's and rip up that same road. But I get why people love KLRs. They're so good in their own right.
I bought an 890 Adventure R in April, and sold it in September after putting only 800 miles on it. For me, it was too dirtbikey to be a comfortable road bike, and too heavy and expensive to fix to be fun off road. The good thing is that it held its resale value. Considering a 690 now👍🏻
@@toddjones5222 are you looking for an adv style bike with a good dirt focus? (It sounds like you are). If so the 690 is definitely for you. I'm selling it because I want to do tight and technical single track. For 4x4 roads and even going up mountain passes the 690 was great. But for tight, techy single track it was just a bit much.
But for what it's worth I do have my 690 for sale. Tons of extras, 2015 with 17k miles that runs absolutely perfectly. Asking $6700.
Thanks Frosty... Im holding off on buying a bike for now. Thanks though!
I have owned both also. The KLR is more rideable for road. The DRZ was better in the woods. Pretty obvious. When I owned the 400 I also had a triumph thunderbird , so I had a dirt and a road choice. When I got rid of the triumph I wanted a better all rounder for “everything” and the KLR has done what I was looking for. Now my “dirt bike” is a specialized turbo levo comp EMTB…..mountain bike.
Thanks for the video on these 2 bikes. I have a 2021 drz400s now and was at a bike nite and was looking to get the 2023 Klr Adventure. I didn't. Gonna stick with my Drz400s a few more years. Keep up the good work. 👍🏼
I faced the same conundrum. In SoCal with the freeways, the GS 650 ruled. Here in the Pacific Northwest I hardly take a motorcycle on the freeways, the DRZ is my go-to bike. With the sm gearing, I hardly even use 5th gear unless on a state highway...
super good and honest review and I agree110 percent with you!!!... they are both nice bikes. thanks for posting!!!
Liked your video, started out riding dirt bikes when young, for the last thirty years been riding 850 lb. street bikes. Been wanting to get back to a bike where I could do a little off road riding, nothing too serious. Been looking at the DRZ and the KLR as they are in my price range. I think your video was straight and to the point. Most my riding will be tar roads and a little exploring dirt roads and trails that I always had to drive by on my Electra Glide. Thanks man, believe I'll go with the KLR.
I'm in the same boat. I've been looking at all the adventure bikes, but I keep coming back to the KLR.
Nice video with good info. I have had them all I think I landed staying with a 05 klr some pretty good mods. Like the bike for 100 to 150 mile get aways here in the mountains. I have a 03 klx400r which is a drz400 badged as a kawi. It is regeared for lower rpm at speed for we desert ride allot more than harder off road. 65 to 70 mph is really good cruising speed for all day. It will fly much faster than that but why. Also love my nc700x with a few comfort mods for longer road trips, back roads and super easy trails. small wheels and heavy bike limits what this one does off pavement. Yet gets better mpg than both the smaller single cylinder bikes. Did try 2019 crf250l pure junk. light weight yes. nimble yes. dirt bike everything yet gutless . It only has one spring in the front forks. The other side is empty? It will get your ass run over for having no more power than a xr150. My worn out 1990 xr200 would run off and leave it like it died in a race to top speed. What they sacrificed for injection and mpg was not worth it. I will try the new twin cylinder nx500 when it comes out. Road a 2020 500 rebel with off road rally suspension upgrades and was probably the best all around explorer bike I have ever ridden. Good medium power, good freeway manors, great mpg, great on trails, not a motocross ride for sure. Was allot of fun to ride 50 miles to the mountains, 20 miles on trails and back roads and then 50 miles home without exhaustion. Wonder what a rebel 1100 on rally suspension would be like. I am 60 yrs old male busted up veteran, I have been riding since I was a kid. I still seeking Gods therapy by riding and exploring when I can. Pray for New Mexico fire victims and the animals.
It always comes down to a compromise... the better at off-road, the worse at on-road... more powerful, heavier... etc etc... that's why we all need multiple bikes 😎
As a drz owner, I love that thing! Its gotten me to places it had no business going, on trails I swear were carved by mountain goats! I dont think I'll ever get rid of it!
Just sold fully modded 2015 KLR, it was absolutely great 30k km in last 5 years, but now with family those long trips are gone. I want to be able to tackle harder stuff localy during day or half day trips so I am in the market for DRZ. Looks like I will end up buying new one, cos used market is so bad now. Cheers!
Thank you sir.
I've already got a '23 KLR in the works and your review here helped affirm my choice. I haven't ridden dirt in about 10 years now, and even then I wasn't crazy or super skilled.
I'm expecting to take fire/logging roads through the lower Rockies and some twisty highways in between.
I'm just looking for relaxation and sight seeing.
I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam, I expect to be good in most situations.
I didn't pick the adventure, I picked the S variation (might be new for '23?) And I'm not afraid to lift a heavy bike... Despite having every intention to not fall.
S version is a little shorter than the regular version. How you liking it?
I'm literally between these two bikes right now and after watching these vids I'm pretty confident I'll like the DRZ much more. Great content!
Depends what you need it Primarily for.....local back roads, or Highway trips......you definitely lose "fun factor" with a 650, but it will go farther Easily.......But with the 400, you definitely have Hooligan Dirt Bike feel.......you Don't wanna ride Super far because it's really not geared for highway, although it HAS tons of power past 60mph, it's just Buzzy, and also depends on tires!!! 50/50 tires will be manageable.....but if you go more aggressive Dirt tires, they Will suck on the highway and burn up FAST....and that goes for all bikes.
well said, my dude. I was on the fence throughout the video but that last line sold me on hitting that subscribe button. thanks for the great inside info. now i know the KLR is going to be the better utilized fit for my needs. be excellent, my dude.
I have a KLR 650 and a KLX 250 and I find myself on the 250 more and more. The KLR is great on the highway and on easy dirt roads, but it's too heavy for me to do any technical riding. I drop the KLR and it's a bear to pick up.
You nailed it. I'm getting really close to hitting the trifecta. V-Strom, KLR, KLX!
Two bikes really is the answer if you can swing it. I have a BMW f800gs and a Yamaha xt225 which keeps all my bases covered. And I have less than ten grand in them both!
Man, nice I had a XT 225 Serow, a blast to ride, now got the new KLR !
I recently bought a DRZ400 and love it. I almost didn't buy it because everyone says how heavy they are. It doesn't feel heavy to me at all, I ride mostly off road and there's nothing I havnt been able to do.
Great channel. Feels like we’ve been friends forever, but never even met you!
Thanks for the video! Very detailed info on both bikes.. Sounds like great options either way you go.
I’ve been torn between the two for a year now. This has helped. Excellent!
DR650 might be the answer. Another legend and might be more bulletproof than either.
I'd love to get you're take on the Suzuki DR650, probably similar to the KLR maybe. Great channel btw.
Great comparison. I'm particularly impressed by your facile delivery. Keep it up.
A couple weeks ago I did a trip from Pennsylvania to Michigan and back on my 2021 DRZ400SM, and let me just say, I kinda wish I had something more along the lines of an ADV or cruiser, but it was still fun in a weird way. I was kinda proud of the bike and myself for doing that trip considering almost all 1,100 miles were interstate. I was really wanting the 6th gear just because I felt bad winding the motor out so much for so long. I have a Corbin seat for it, which definitely helped, but I think the seat concepts commuter would’ve been better just because it has a hump in the back and is a little softer
You brought up a good point, different bikes perform different. There's no one perfect bike to do it all.
I have a 2015 KLR, updated with some aftermarket stuff. First thing I got for it was a centerstand, then a bag for the rear rack to carry tire repair stuff in. I have since added many more things, but I continue to use soft luggage. I tried to ride a friends DRZ400, but was unable to do so. I had to stand on a step ladder to get on it, and could not touch the ground, so I decided I had better not try to ride it. But I do see the difference. The DRZ is more into the performance oriented dual sport category, intended to be ridden faster and over rougher terrain. More MX or enduro oriented. The KLR is more of an adventure bike, not fast or powerful, but capable of being ridden long distances. It's more of a dirt road bike than a real dirt bike. And that is what I bought it for. Sadly I would not consider the new one, because of the EFI. EFI is way to complicated, virtually impossible to work on, and parts are super expensive. The KLR was already complicated, double overhead cams, 4 valves, chain driven counterbalancer, liquid cooling, and shim type valve adjustment. It doesn't need any of those things. I was stranded once when the cooling system sprung a leak, but was able to get help. And it was easy to fix. Not the case with all the electronic garbage that goes with EFI. Most people have no idea just how much electronic trash goes with EFI.
En verdad dos motos increíbles, tengo mi DRZ y me encanta, me gustaría en el futuro también tener una KLR para los viajes más largos en pareja
Well done comparison'. Ive owned both as well, and you nailed all the pros & cons.
Great video and comparison between the two bikes ! Very helpful thanks 🙏🏻 Merry Xmas 🎄
Mostly they are high strung at freeway speeds because they are relatively small displacement motorcycles and not so much due to only 5 speed transmissions which I know YOU understand but so many people think you can add another cog and miraculously make a 650 single cruise 80 mph at 3000 rpm...it ain't happen'n.
I just priced a 2022 KLR650 adventure it's price was $7,999 out the door it cost $9,890. That's a nice chunk of coin. I'm looking a a 2017 KLR650 adventure for $5,250. Kind of a deal.
I got a dr650 and it's amazing. I bought my first bike ever at 20 and I bought a new xt250 and my god it was great for trails as it has amazing ground clearance yet a really low seat height. But riding with a buddy with a crf250l a buddy with a rmz250 and a buddy with a cr450f, I was definitely way behind in power and suspension stiffness. The xt is definitely an amazing trail bike but it can be slow and hard as muscling through some tougher stuff. I bought the dr650 second hand from a friend, it's a 96 paid 1k for it, and my god is it just so much more of a bike. Can run right next to them, can do everything my XT could. Now when I hop on the xt it feels like a little 125 almost. Don't get me wrong though, that bike still has a place. It's under 300lbs and can be easily maneuvered anywhere. But the dr is my highway and trail bike. The xt is almost a dirt bike but not at this point. It gets 80mpg though so it gets rode to work a lot
I don't own either but I'm still planning on a DRZ in the spring. Did lots of research to get there, my mind is made up. KLR is tempting but too heavy, I plan on falling alot.
Interesting, now I have both also and I’m hesitant to sell the KLR because of the exact reasons you stated. The DRZ is a screamer off road, but highway manners are not up to the KLR. Life brings so so many decisions.
I disagree with you on a few points and a I totally agree with you on a few also.But I think in general you give a lot of good info esp for someone who may be new to some of these things. Thanks for the good video.
After riding my KLR for 2,200 miles and dropping it three times off road I’ve got one thing to say. If you ride alone off road, make sure you can pickup your bike even if injured. This was my situation recently.
Excellent and entraining video. Thank you!
Excellent comparison 👍 Exactly all the questions in my head summed up right there. Thank you 👌
Great video,if you want a bike to ride to your offroad trails....DRZ. If you go out riding and happen along to an offroad trail.... KLR. Kinda like the DRZ is the Honda Civic and the KLR is the Honda Prelude.😄
I have both bones and have to say. First thru 3rd gear wheelies on the klr are a thing. And 2nd through 4th are a thing on the drz. Hopefully this helps anyone trying to make a decision. Lol
Excellent comparison!
You hit the nail on the head.
It saddens me slightly that stuff like this now comes with ABS and a digital clock, but I suppose one must move with the times.
With a big single (and on truth even 400cc is not so small), five gears are always going to be plenty. Neither bome has a "power band" per se... You just change up when they start to buzz and drop a cog when things begin to rattle.
This comparison was brim-full with common sense and gave a sound, pragmatic overview.
Chapeau!
This video helps me reassure myself that the DRZ is for me. I don't have one yet but my planned use case is local town riding and some twisty back roads. I am much more likely to throw it in the bed of my truck or get a hitch carrier if I want to go to the mountains 2 hours away than to ride all the way there. I feel like I would spend more time going to a local dirt bike track and trying to hit some jumps or finding good single tracks than straight highway riding. If I do find that it needs help on the highway, I plan on doing a 462 cc kit and the wide ratio gears.
I have both bikes too, as you said if you want a bike for the trails/off road the drz is better, no doubt.
KLR is possibly the most adequate bike ever made it just kinda does everything you ask it too. I love my 23 adv i will never give her up.
Keep up the great reviews
fellow!What'up,enjoyed-top editing-💫
KLR650 weight: 460 lb
DRZ400 weight: 319 lb
Yes folks that’s 140 extra pounds you won’t be able to lift when your KLR goes down. The ideal weight for this kind of dual sport riding is 300-375 pounds.
Ben, thanks for posting! Great stuff as usual. How would the DR 650 compare with these bikes?…..
I have a DRZ 400 S, that I accidently ruined the transimission on. The countershaft (where the front chain spocket sits on) is actually free floating in the axial direction. This means that if you over torque the front chain sprocket nut, bad things can happen. There is a slide bushing on the shaft inside the case, that can be deformed if you use more than 110 Nm to crank on the nut, OR if the sprocket nut isn't secured in place, as the nut will tighten itself up due to the nature of single cylinder bikes. It's like having an impact gun working that nut, ever so slightly. This is what happened to me. But in a way I was glad this happened, because now I had the perfect excuse to upgrade the tranny with a with a ACT wide ratio gear kit, that reduce the revs about 20% on 2nd through to 5th gear, making the bike more highway friendly, without loosing trail characteristics...in other words, getting a bit closer to that "unicorn dream dual sport bike"😄 Also since my DRZ came with a Keihin FCR 39 mm carb, hotcams, 440 big bore kit, and yoshimura full exhaust, I ran out of gears very quickly..hopefully the wide ratio gear kit will be a better match for the power delivery this engine has. I just finished my renovation, but haven't test rided it yet. If it wasn't for the ruined transmission. I'm not sure I would recommend doing this operation. You quite litterary have to take the whole bike apart(besides the front end). Also there is some dremel work that is needed to fit the bigger 5th gear inside the engine case. It's not difficult, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with absolute zero mechanical experience. It's also very important everything gets back in the right place when you're done. This is probably the hardest part🙂 One way to help this is a clean work bench, a full service manual, and get all the special tools needed to split the engine in half, and put it back together, so you don't marr or bend things that shouldn't be marred or bent. If someone is thinking of doing the same thing I did, I'm happy to share information an guidance.
Hey Mikael, I am looking at getting the ACT gear set. Not worried about the dremmel mods once I'm in it, but I'd like some info on taking everything apart and things to be aware of. I'm mechanically inclined on car engines but never worked deep on a motorcycle. Any help is appreciated.
I had a drz 400. pipe n jet kit also. man it was fantastic. light enough to throw around. my only want was a bit more power. but if you stay off the freeway it's a perfectly balanced bike. I loved mine. my buddy had a klr. we called it "the Cadillac " big heavy thing with squishy suspension....
Top video mate
Two great choices overall to try and cover all your bases. Very hard to do that in the world of motorcycles. It seems the KLR is more comfortable overall for your riding style than the AT. I also owned a 2019AT and let that go as well --- for combination of Wr250r and an FJ-09 to cover all types of riding. Do you miss the benefits on road of the Twin much or does the ease of the KLR outweigh the void? Keep up the good work.
Easy, smooth power delivery, hard to spin the tire = Underpowered (not always a bad thing)
Great episode. Makes me wanna go ride. But... do snow is here now. 🤷♂️. Ride safe
Ok so most of the riding i would like to do is dirt/back roads. Occasional 2 lane hwy 65 to 70 for maybe 20 mile stints. And commuting around small towns… and I want a bike to ride with my young son off road. Am buying him a lil 50 cc db. So is it safe to say the drz is the way to go? I really am turned on to it!
I have a Gen 2 KLR and I love it. Definitely not perfect but its forgiving in some sense and less so in others. It's definitely better on the highway just because of the wind protection and weight alone. That being said, it's porky, and each generation is heavier than the last. I think the 2nd Gen is best overall of the 3 for the KLR but it's definitely the ugliest. If the DRZ had a 6th gear and a small windscreen, it's a very tempting proposition, but the KLR definitely has the comfort to go the distance for true adventure touring
Comfort is subjective and, weight, ground clearance, suspension travel are objective. You can change subjective problems by changing your mind. You cannot change the world. For those reasons I chose the DRZ.
Carbed klr 2015-2018,Ktm exc 500.
My rhino and quarter horse.
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Great run down. thanks for walking through the pros and cons of these two machines.
perfect comparison & advice. thank you
I know this is an old video but I have a question. Did you ever open up the airbox and re-jet the DRZ? I did mine yesterday and I’m really impressed with the increase in mid range punch.
good insight on these 2 classics. any thoughts on dr650?