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New Rider ForumsJust joining the motorcyclist hobbie? Looking to get some information about a first bike? Or have some newbie questions. Are you new to the website?
These bikes are kinda of an apples to oranges comparison.
suspension wise the DRZ is leaps ahead, power wise the sv
as far as learning to ride, you'll get more out of the DRZ and advance quicker IMO , it can do alot of stuff. If you have alot of tight and rough backroads the drz is in its element.
But if most of your riding area is flat , or you expect alot of long distance riding the SV would be better.
A fast rider on a DRZ in really tight stuff, is normally very competive with Supersports. Ofcourse out in the open they'll get left behind.
I have no experience with a SV, but I did purchase a DRZ400sm as my first bike. I had a few years of dirt experience, so I naturally thought this would be a good choice. The bike is great, bulletproof engine, cheap parts, fun to ride, and gets alot of looks. I use mine as a weekend toy, but it could be used for commuting. If you do alot of highway riding, I would probably regear it or look at the SV. But if you like backroads and twistys, this bike is the way to go. I have rejetted, opened the airbox, and put on a full yoshi pipe and it made a world of difference. My buddies all have GSXRs and R6s and in the tight stuff, I'm on their back tire, but once we leave the corners they are long gone. Its also nice to have something that isn't so main stream. Everyone knows what a CBR is or an R6, but the looks you get with a dirtbike with road tires, its great. Good luck, not sure if this helped in your decision process.
I have no experience with a SV, but I did purchase a DRZ400sm as my first bike. I had a few years of dirt experience, so I naturally thought this would be a good choice. The bike is great, bulletproof engine, cheap parts, fun to ride, and gets alot of looks. I use mine as a weekend toy, but it could be used for commuting. If you do alot of highway riding, I would probably regear it or look at the SV. But if you like backroads and twistys, this bike is the way to go. I have rejetted, opened the airbox, and put on a full yoshi pipe and it made a world of difference. My buddies all have GSXRs and R6s and in the tight stuff, I'm on their back tire, but once we leave the corners they are long gone. Its also nice to have something that isn't so main stream. Everyone knows what a CBR is or an R6, but the looks you get with a dirtbike with road tires, its great. Good luck, not sure if this helped in your decision process.
yeah i may go with the DRZ. I wont be doing much if any highways as a compromise to my dad. He doesnt want me to have one, but can deal with it if i stay off the highway. And luckly there is a backround to everyplace i plan to commute.
Plus its got a similar riding position to the ATVs i'm use to riding. So it should be easier to learn on.
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"I dont see holy wars fought in the name of Satan"- Glenn Danzig
I don't think you will be dissapointed with the bike. Not many people are. If you have anymore questions or concerns, be sure to check out the DRZ forum on Thumpertalk.com as well as Supermotojunkie.com, both are excellent resources for info, advice, and parts.
If you stay off the highways, the drz would be a blast. If highways are in the mix, go with the sv.
Our son had a street-legal Honda XR-400 for a while. Great little bike (similar to the drz), but sucked on the highway even with taller gearing.
I came close to buying a street legal XR400. A cycle recycler had one for 2k, beat to hell, but perfect for a first bike since that 400cc engine is bomb proof(since people insist the drz400's engine is bullet proof)
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You could take a drz on the highway easy. Though you will not be hitting numbers like the sv would or a sportbike. But its still doable. I had a klx400 (02) up to 100 exact same bike pretty much just a lot older now. Plus all I ride are back roads and if I do get on the highway I ride the speed limit.
The DRZ was OK but once you got over 60 mph it was excruciating to ride. Also if you go on the highway you are going to get blown all over the place. It is a bit scary when you hit the on ramp in 5th gear and realize that you don't have that much power left to merge with traffic. But, it can be done.
But, if you plan on sticking to the backroads, the DRZ is a great choice. I owned mine for a whole season, and probably put about $30 into it.
The DRZ was OK but once you got over 60 mph it was excruciating to ride. Also if you go on the highway you are going to get blown all over the place. It is a bit scary when you hit the on ramp in 5th gear and realize that you don't have that much power left to merge with traffic. But, it can be done.
But, if you plan on sticking to the backroads, the DRZ is a great choice. I owned mine for a whole season, and probably put about $30 into it.
so if you saw a DRZ in a sweeper at 100 mph next to a CBR1000
Man i was torn between the two also. My friend had one and I was thinking about trading him until I rode it. I thought the DRZ was a dog!! Not much power at all. I'd go for the sv. but that's just me. It's more practical. Now if it was for your second bike it would be a different story.
I was gonna buy one but I dont want one as my only bike because I ride long distances to get to the twisties.
In favor of the DRZ is fun factor...they are an absolute blast to ride around town and in the tight twisties. I cant touch my buddies DRZ on Palomar. He's super fast in the tight stuff.
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Alex S. AKA Icely or Smugleesta!
"Mr. Madison what you just said was one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point...in your rambling incoherent response...were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points...and may God have mercy on your soul."
I wont be doing much if any highways as a compromise to my dad.
Hasn't educated himself very well on bikes has he? Since highway, statisticly, is much much safer than urban or even back-road riding. It's traffic and unusual road conditions that are the culprit, and you've got a lot more room on the superslab and far less intersections.
Ah well, it's a touchy feely world. Few people bother finding out the truth before making a decision. [Political comment removed to reduce risk of thread highjacking]
DRZsm vs. SV650?
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