about to make the plunge.....but which, the 200 or 400

[Love2Shoot]

OK, about to make the plunge and get another bike. I am getting a dual sport, but can't decide between the 200 and 400. leaning towards the 400, but still not positive. Give me your opinions. I am not going to be racing, mostly just exploring/trail riding.

[katanadr]

how big a boy are ya, in 250lbs, have a 200, not racing just playing,,,,need the 400!!!!!

[Irwin]

Good Question Katanadr,
My DR250 pulls me around pretty good, I'm about 200lbs, just need longer legs. I've been doing a few road trips and have found the 250 isn't made for much of any riding over 55mph. So if you are thinking about any long road trips I'd go 400cc but if just pluncking around 200cc would be fine depending on your weight.
Irwin

[drew750]

Just bought the 200 for myself. 5'9" and 175 pounds. Was purchased for just messing around on while there is still salt on the roads (from winter for all of you southern folk reading this). I will wait until this clears before my cruiser hits the streets. Fine on dirt roads, have not tried it on the trails yet as they are still snow covered.
Not much power, and will improve a bit as it gets broken in. If you want any power at all, buy the 400. If you just want an around town bike and are not to tall, the 200 may do it.

Cheers
Drew

[Love2Shoot]

I am 5'11" and currently 235lbs (and still going down from 270 ). Really dont want to be on the highway with this thing. any major highway will be getting on and then off at next exit.

[mudsniper]

400

[DRider]

I have a 200 and have ridden a 400. I found the 400 to be quite heavy. For trail riding, the 200 is much easier to throw around. The power of the 200 is a bit lacking, but it will keep up with the bigger bikes on twisty narrow trails, but will fall behind on steep climbs and long flat straights. I'm not too fussed about top speed as I don't ride on roads. I'm 5'11" and 95 kg (about 210 lbs?). I also subscribe to the (unproven) theory that a smaller bike hurts less when you fall off.

IMHO little bikes are just plain more fun. I'd gladly trade my DR350 for a (newer ) 200. I've always ridden smaller bikes ('til now), and in woodsy situations (not racing, per se) nobody, ever, gets away from me. One of my favorite bikes ever was a Honda TLR200 street-legal trials bike. Plonkers are cool.

[analog999]

I bought both - a 400 for me and a 200 for my wife. Like everyone says, the 200 is lighter and is great for dirt trails, but I would not give up my 400. There is way more power on the 400 and it's not that much heavier. It is a little tall, so if you're not, it's probably not a good choice. The only thing I would change on the 400 is to stretch out the low end with different gearing, but I have no experience in that, and came here to look for someone who does! I find myself using 1st gear most of the way on twisty trails and quite a few times I used the clutch where I wouldn't have to on the 200 because it is geared so low comparitavely. If I didn't have the 400, and had never ridden one, I would be happy with the 200. But now that I've ridden both, definitely would stay with the 400.

[ilaoc77]

Originally Posted by Love2Shoot

I am 5'11" and currently 235lbs (and still going down from 270 ). Really dont want to be on the highway with this thing. any major highway will be getting on and then off at next exit.

Congrats... I'm on my way down from 250... (i'm approaching 235)
(5'11")

[Dewlap]

I thought about a 200 cc too. I went with the 400 because I knew that sooner or later I'd want more POWER. Sure it's easier to ride a 200 than a 400, and this is my first bike, but since I occasionally ride the street a 200 would definately be lacking.