DRZ400SM, bulletproof and cheap.

 

aprilia = way expensive



I had a drz400 with supermotard wheels for a while, it was fun but heavy.



Have a look at the husquvarna SM bikes....you can pick up used models cheap

http://www.husqvarnausa.com/

 

so the aprilia's expensive........is it a good bike? Money isn't a big issue i want performance and looks.



those husky's look pretty cool. BTW

 

Get the aprillia, they were claiming like 85hp from the svx550. The 450 should rip, that would be my choice. Plus it's damn sexy.

 

the aprilia 450 is an absolutely beautiful, fabulous bike with an even more amazing powerplant.



Money no object, i'd have an RSV-450 (streetbike version of the aprilia bike)

 

Ok, Ive owned 2 aprilias, and trust me they are super spendy if you arent mechanically inclined. Parts are expensive and there is always a wait. most aprilia dealers dont carry replacement parts. just the basic brake pads rotor etc. If this is your first street bike I would steer clear of aprilias. Now, If you were after a competitive race bike that would be a diferent story. Just think of it this way. would you give your kid a 360 modena as a first car??.....

 

I have a 600rr and have rode full race bikes at track days. So i know my way around on a street bike. I doubt this compares to a fully built RC51 but i know you don't know my experience level and that is actually really good advice for a beg.

 

Im not refering to power Im refering to cost of riding it. the cost of riding a RC51 is dirt compared to riding an aprilia.

 

i understand that. We actually have a pretty good local Aprilia dealer here. I'm fully aware that everything about the bike will be more expensive but that thing looks worth it! Thats all i am saying.

 

Buy the Aprilla then, and prepare for the pain of first run bugs and crappy manufacture support for your $12,000 supermoto, if you can get on the waiting list.



Buy the Husky, take it to the shop every week to fix the bugs.



The European Supermoto experience is for the patient and the rich.



Buy the Suzuki, pipe it, jet it, airbox mod it, put gas in it, enjoy it.

 

I here what your saying man. I could actually probably find a nice DR-Z used and dump so $$ into it and make it totally sweet too...... thats not a bad idea.

 

Well, you seem content on the aprilia, so whats the point of asking for opinions? Just buy it if thats what you want. Like I stated before you will always be waiting for parts. I finally gave up on aprilias after 3 years of headaches. If oyu want a cool motard to run on the street just pick up a KTM 450 or 525 and get lights and register it. Thats what my buddy is doing right now with his '06 husaberg.

 

sorry if it came off like that man. I think the Aprilia is amazing in the looks dept. But i am not stuck on it at all. What i would really like to do is take a CRF 450 and street/motard that. Is that possible? I'm a Honda man through and through to be honest. That would be my first choice if its do able.

 

Id go with the DRZ. no problems wit hgetting it plated. bulletproof easy to maintain and tons of aftermarket for it.

 

Dude I just got rid of my DRZ... loved it but needed the money more than the bike at the time. I would steer clear of the CRF450's... While a bad ass bike... you know the maintainence schedule and stories of tight valves... Just go buy a KTM 525 SMR, add lights and plate it.



Blayne

 

Ohhhhhh..please don't buy a Husaberg!!



A plated KTM 450 or 525 EXC is still a pain in the ass. Valve adjusments and oil changes will have you wishing you never went through the hassle of getting a plate if you use it as your street ride. Same with the CRF450, those are race bikes man, they make HORRIBLE street rides.



I'm not a big fan of the Suzuki, my old street SM , a 2001 KTM 640 Supermoto, would destroy one as far as raw power is concerned.



But I see the Suzuki as the only sane choice?



Here she is (was), bit of a piggy! That 160 M1 Sportec was too big for the 4.25" Behr rim, needed a 150.

 

im actually picking up a DRZ400SM in the next few weeks. Best bang for the buck it looks like.

 

Heh, the maint interval on the Aprila is measured in mere 10s of hours...

 

I'll go check out some DRZ's this week. I don't like KTM at all so the DRZ seems like the logical choice it seems like. Thanks for the help guys,

 

I've been looking into buying a supermoto this summer too. It will be my first road bike.



The huskys look cool, but there are no dealers around here and they are kind of odd balls.



The DRZ's are tanks but would probably be most reliable.



I doubt it's worth the hassle to try to get any jap mx 450 on the street.



I really like the ktm four stroke excs I just don't know about street reliablilty. I was also considering the 2 stroke 380 ktm exc, not much to maintain, just don't know about a two stroke powerband on the road.

 

we need this one to go with the collection of pics. The DRZ just lacks in the looks dept compared to the husky and Aprilia.

 

Don't rule out the old Honda Stand By. If I were going to run a street motard I would rock the XR650. They are a Honda, big plus. Parts are available all over the place. They are very strong running bikes and have many engine mods out there if you want more power. Just get a light kit and some rims laced up and you could be rockin. Just my .02. But the DRZ is pretty cool too. I am not sure of the weight of it, but it looks so heavy that it would take the dirtbike feel out of it.

 

the xr is really ugly though. *big thumbs down* I think it would be insanely heavy too.

 

i have a drz400, and although it isnt nearly as trick as a 450-based trackbike, it is so much fun on the street. they only make like 34 hp off the showroom floor, but do a full exhaust, 3x3 airbox mod and rejet, and youll be at about 40. ditch the stock carb for a 39mm fcr and be even happier. just get one and run the dog piss out of it; youll enjoy it. the best part is smoking sportbikes on the twisties.

 

Im a big fan of the KTM's i would love to get one of those guys on the street and for the price i thinks a good deal.