Let's talk Super Moto's..............

[CrazyCanuckGoat]

I seem to have gotten bitten by the sumo bug and am looking to either get a KLX250SF or a DRZ400. I spend a lot of time on the highway so these 2 seem to fit the bill.

I'm curious as to fellow Ninja 250/300 riders opinions on these style bikes for comfort/touring etc. Do you own one, have you switched from a Ninja to one?

Everything is relative of course, so I think alot of what I've read online has been biased.....example....Gixxer 1000 riders saying the bike is "slow" or people coming off a fully equipped cruiser saying it's not comfy.

I've done quite a bit of touring on my Ninja 250 and make it work. Some people think I'm nuts, I just like the bike, work with what I have and don't need a fully equipped Goldwing to go on a 1000 km ride.

[broken neck]

First,

Do you want a new bike or a used one? Don't forget the KLX250sf was only available in 2009 and 2010 in Canada...

In Québec's Province, the KLX250sf is out numbered almost 9 to 1, so the Kawasaki might be a little trickier to find...

And from what I observed, there's even more DRZ400sm souped up for sale than KLX250sf...

Have you thought about the Yamaha WR250x? Best of both world I would say, 250cc, injection, Nice suspensions, aluminum frame...

But here they sell for a bit more than the other two...

[CrazyCanuckGoat]

Used is fine, no KLX's in my province at the moment. I found 2 in Saskatchewan, bit of a drive though.

I did look into the WR250R....I like it, but the only thing holding me back from a "true" dual sport is the amount of highway driving I do. Knobbies and 100 kph+ is squirmy.

A new WR250R and and DZR400SM are roughly the same price here.

[broken neck]

The WR250x is the supermoto version of the WR250r, like the KLX250sf for the KLX250s.

[Dutymode]

Highway comfort-wise, the ninja is miles ahead of the SM's. I've done 400+ days on the ninja but hated the highway on my DRZ even for short commutes.

For me, the DRZ was maximum fun under 55 mph. Also the seat was extremely uncomfortable. Plan on doing a lot of standing on the pegs or frequent stops.

[CycleCam303]

Either of those bikes are going to be TERRIBLE on any kind of freeway. The Kawi is an absolute dog too. The DRZ 400 even when modded feels punchy under 55mph but quickly feels sluggish.

You are a giant sail sitting on these bikes. The DRZ will be revving high and rattling your teeth out. The wr250x is at least fuel injected and has a 6 speed transmission so it can get the job done.

The small bore supermoto bikes are pretty impractical for street use. Living in Canada I'm pretty sure you can get a lot of stuff street legal. Pick up a wr450 and find some warp 9 wheels on eBay for a Yamaha and call it a day.

[CrazyCanuckGoat]

I mention the WR250R because it was available new. The WR250X is even more scarce than the KLX250SF. Can't find one around these parts.

It's actually worse in Canada for dirt/street conversions or importing bikes. If Transport Canada has not put it's stamp on it, you aren't getting a plate.

I should also mention this would be a secondary bike along with my Ninja, not a replacement.

Interesting about the seats, I didn't think they were going to be THAT uncomfortable

[snot]

I have a KLX and I do take it on the highway, not my favorite place to ride it, around town it is great. IF I upgraded it would be the Duke 390. Have you thought about a KTM?

[Jono]

I've put 15,000 on my KLX250SF. Very few of those miles were on the interstate. It sucks ass for anything over 65mph. You get used to the narrow seat. I can ride for hours on the stock seat. Love the bike, but if you want to ride on the interstate a lot a supermoto isn't what you want.

[nickjpass]

I wouldn't go for the klx. I would get the drz400 if you're looking for something carb'd and outdated.

Personally, I'm looking to pick up a wr250r this winter.

[VaFish]

Have you considered the smaller adventure bikes like the versys 650 or v Strom 650?

Since you are doing mostly highway they would be much more comfortable.

[CrazyCanuckGoat]

Bike needs to be under 500CC due to ridiculous insurance rates in my province. Crown Corporation monopoly.......no private insurance here, even with my clean driving record. That is why my ZX12R is sitting uninsured.

Yes I've consider the KTM RC390/Duke 390, I would love to get one......only ONE dealer 2 hours away and they only sell the offroad bikes, they don't do any street bikes . I would have to go one Province over which defeats the purpose of buying a brand new bike w/ warranty.....at least for me.

I also considered the FZ07/09, but again, I'm not paying $2000+ for a 6 month riding season.

I should add, the reason I was thinking super moto is that there is nothing under 500CC that really interests me worth buying except the KTM's. I even looked into getting an 80's 400 twin (KZ or XS) but decided against that.

I do appreciate all the info though.

[motoman]

I, m in the same boat right now I want a dual sport and have a new generation ninja. I love the ninja but I have had dirt bikes my whole life. Here in Ontario all the bikes you talk about are easily found but it seem, S that you have good and bad points no matter what bike you choose. I think the klx looks the best but is underpowerd. The Drz from what I here is heavy off road and costs more to insure. I, m surprised that you said you get 6 months of ridding time in Winnipeg I thought it, S get, S colder there alot soon there then here is southwestern Ontario.

[VaFish]

Originally Posted by CrazyCanuckGoat

Bike needs to be under 500CC due to ridiculous insurance rates in my province. Crown Corporation monopoly.......no private insurance here, even with my clean driving record. That is why my ZX12R is sitting uninsured.

Yes I've consider the KTM RC390/Duke 390, I would love to get one......only ONE dealer 2 hours away and they only sell the offroad bikes, they don't do any street bikes . I would have to go one Province over which defeats the purpose of buying a brand new bike w/ warranty.....at least for me.

I also considered the FZ07/09, but again, I'm not paying $2000+ for a 6 month riding season.

I should add, the reason I was thinking super moto is that there is nothing under 500CC that really interests me worth buying except the KTM's. I even looked into getting an 80's 400 twin (KZ or XS) but decided against that.

I do appreciate all the info though.

That changes things.

How about the Honda CB500X?


@NevadaWolf has one and seems to like it.

[CrazyCanuckGoat]

Originally Posted by motoman

I, m in the same boat right now I want a dual sport and have a new generation ninja. I love the ninja but I have had dirt bikes my whole life. Here in Ontario all the bikes you talk about are easily found but it seem, S that you have good and bad points no matter what bike you choose. I think the klx looks the best but is underpowerd. The Drz from what I here is heavy off road and costs more to insure. I, m surprised that you said you get 6 months of ridding time in Winnipeg I thought it, S get, S colder there alot soon there then here is southwestern Ontario.

I start riding as soon as the roads are dry in March/April and I try to ride until the snow flies. My gear is good enough to around -5 on the highway. Our season is so short that I'm usually still on the road a month or 2 after other people put their bikes away for the winter.

Not really interesting in anything Honda. Nothing against them, just nothing they have really does it for me or makes me want to part with my cash.

I think I'll just stick with my winter engine build on the Ninja and leave it at that for now unless a ridiculously good deal comes up.

[SLOWn60]

Originally Posted by CrazyCanuckGoat

I start riding as soon as the roads are dry in March/April and I try to ride until the snow flies. My gear is good enough to around -5 on the highway. Our season is so short that I'm usually still on the road a month or 2 after other people put their bikes away for the winter.

Not really interesting in anything Honda. Nothing against them, just nothing they have really does it for me or makes me want to part with my cash.

I think I'll just stick with my winter engine build on the Ninja and leave it at that for now unless a ridiculously good deal comes up.

You must be some kind of wimp, Rob! Or not really from Winterpeg!

I spent my New Years Eve installing the upholstery in the Hy's Restaurant at Main & Portage a few years ago and even in a snow storm I watched several Winterpegers riding by in their snowsuits pedalling bicycles! No reason you shouldn't throw some knobbies on your bike and blend in!
Honestly; as a Wet Coaster: I think yer all nutz!

[CrazyCanuckGoat]

lol Bill

Pedal bikes are still out in full force during winter here.......they are insane!

I could just imagine how many pieces the fairings would shatter into dropping the bike in -30 weather.

I would LOVE to move to BC (Kelowna), but the wife is having none of that

[SLOWn60]

More on topic for you: my (very small) claim to fame was racing Supermoto a few years ago on a Honda 450 as well as hundreds of hours trail riding so my ear was well tuned to all such chatter. For what it's worth; the overwhelming consensus was the best all rounder for what you are looking for is the DRZ 400 Supermoto, Yes it's a bit heavy on the scale etc and the seat is a foam covered 2x4 but it's bulletproof and has a huge aftermarket farkle industry to tweak it as much as your wallet can stand! Great resale value too!
Whatever you decide: Sumo is way too much fun and a real threat to your license! Better act fast though: there's only 3 weeks left before your lawn is frozen in the morning!

[verboten1]

I've wanted a DRZ for years. I rode one for 2 days while my KLR was waiting for parts. The seat sucked, but there are options for that. The tank is small, Otherwise I had a blast.