DR400 or 650? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

boxer77 · 05-17-2006, 07:27 PM

Hi everyone Im new here, looks like a real nice and informative board!
Im looking to buy a dualsport, will ride mostly pavement, but when the time comes I would \like to ride some dirt.
I had some questions about the valve cover on the dr400, I read it is magnesium, I always thought that mag was flammable, is this a alloy?
Other than that Im 5"11" and 240#. Ill be riding to work and riding around open fields and stuff.
I like the idea of liquid cooled motors, but alos like the extra cc's cause of how big I am, I sat on a 400 and I was tippy toeing it, the back end sank a bit but I guess thats normal for a big guy. Which one is the most reliable?
Thanks!

**Clint** · 05-17-2006, 07:55 PM

Many metals are flammable, including iron. Wheels and other parts have been made from cast magnesium for decades. My Hella headlights reside in magnesium housings.

robertc729 · 05-17-2006, 08:19 PM

**Clint** · 05-17-2006, 08:24 PM

Oh, right! Welcome!

robertc729 · 05-17-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Oh, right! Welcome!

Did you fall asleep for a second there Rowdy?

boxer77 · 05-18-2006, 06:35 AM

Thanks for the facts on the Magnesium!, any thoughts on which bike would suit my needs better?
Thanks.

tlwisner · 05-18-2006, 11:27 AM

I'll volunteer that since your riding will be mostly pavement, the 650 would be better since the added weight would be a benefit and the added top end power will make it more highway rideable. Check out all the 650s, the Kawasaki KLR 650, Honda XR650L and the Suzuki.

The KLR 650 has tremendous aftermarket support.

boxer77 · 05-18-2006, 04:05 PM

Ya, I checked out the Kawasakis, on the kawasaki forums, there was a lot of Kawas that have problems, plus I like the looks of the Suzuki, I checked out the Honda as well, and it isnt oil cooled like the 650 suzuki, and it is more expensive.
I can get a 06 DR650 for 5000.00 plus tax.
If the suzuki's are reliable then its what I would like to get.

Dave2122 · 05-24-2006, 10:33 AM

Both the 400 and 650 are excellent bikes.

If you are more dirt than street the 400 is the way to go
If your more street than dirt the 650 is the way to go.

05-17-2006, 07:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
boxer77 Newbie Joined: May 2006 Posts: 3	DR400 or 650? Hi everyone Im new here, looks like a real nice and informative board! Im looking to buy a dualsport, will ride mostly pavement, but when the time comes I would \like to ride some dirt. I had some questions about the valve cover on the dr400, I read it is magnesium, I always thought that mag was flammable, is this a alloy? Other than that Im 5"11" and 240#. Ill be riding to work and riding around open fields and stuff. I like the idea of liquid cooled motors, but alos like the extra cc's cause of how big I am, I sat on a 400 and I was tippy toeing it, the back end sank a bit but I guess thats normal for a big guy. Which one is the most reliable? Thanks!

05-18-2006, 11:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	I'll volunteer that since your riding will be mostly pavement, the 650 would be better since the added weight would be a benefit and the added top end power will make it more highway rideable. Check out all the 650s, the Kawasaki KLR 650, Honda XR650L and the Suzuki. The KLR 650 has tremendous aftermarket support. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

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05-17-2006, 08:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,975

05-18-2006, 06:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
boxer77 Newbie Joined: May 2006 Posts: 3	Thanks for the facts on the Magnesium!, any thoughts on which bike would suit my needs better? Thanks.

05-18-2006, 04:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
boxer77 Newbie Joined: May 2006 Posts: 3	Ya, I checked out the Kawasakis, on the kawasaki forums, there was a lot of Kawas that have problems, plus I like the looks of the Suzuki, I checked out the Honda as well, and it isnt oil cooled like the 650 suzuki, and it is more expensive. I can get a 06 DR650 for 5000.00 plus tax. If the suzuki's are reliable then its what I would like to get.

05-24-2006, 10:33 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dave2122 Sprocket Pilot Joined: Sep 2004 Bike: Which one of the 9? Location: USA Posts: 887	Both the 400 and 650 are excellent bikes. If you are more dirt than street the 400 is the way to go If your more street than dirt the 650 is the way to go.

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