Another crazy which bike thread ! DR vs DRZ vs KTM 530 EXC

[Samy]

I am not sure if this thread should be at Suzuki Section but I have KTM on my list.

Need to decide for :

• lighter,
• long distance oriented,
• 20 off road 80 on road,
• easy to fix and maintain,
• parts easily available,
• larger tank possible,
• not much mechanical problems
• less vibration

bike which I can ride it everywhere.
I would go for DRZ or XT but after reading vibration issue wanted to ask.

I will be happy with especially people who had experiences with more models in this list contributes.

I am not a fan of KTM but I hear a lot of people go for it after Suzies but also hear it has lots of mecanical and leaking problems !

Yeah I know I want much from a bike, want to hear experiences.

Thanks and have safe rides...

S-

[MikeS]

DR650SE for me every time, you can get a 20L tank comfy seat etc and can happily cruise at 70mph when you want it to but good off road. Easy to work on etc. If you want to do more off-road than on-road, go for the DRz400 but I think the DR650 is a great long distance tourer.

[*Touring Ted*]

The DRZ and KTM are 80% offroad and 20% road orientated. I don't think they really fit what you're looking for. Especially the KTM.

The XT is a great bike it doesn't vibrate that much. Less than most singles. It's cheap, simple and super reliable.

The DR650SE is probably the best choice due to longer road legs but finding a decent one in the UK and then the gear to prepare it is quite difficult hence why the XT usually gets picked.

[AliBaba]

I have an EXC400 which is almost identical to the 530.

This is an extremely funny bike to ride but it's a hardcore competition-machine and I don't think it fits on tarmac at all. It requires a bit of maintenance but you might stretch the intervals a lot if you intend to use it mostly for road-use.
I wouldn't have used the EXC for traveling, neither the DRZ but the XT is a great bike.

[Samy]

Taken out XT from my list sometime ago as I think DR wins over. It seems need to put it back to list.

Which XT model and year do you recommend especially ? Does it vibrate a lot or should I go for dual Yam Tenere in order to not have such much vibe.

Personally I prefer older carb bikes more over new ones because of problems may occur in remote areas.

[MikeS]

I had no vibration issues at all with my DR but can't comment on the other bikes. I did change my bars to higher Renthal bars which helped the riding position but are also stiffer than the original bars. Riding from Australia to Uk, all I did was look at the valves now and then, but they hardly ever needed adjusting. Never needed to touch the carbs either. Punctures were my only problem.

[*Touring Ted*]

Originally Posted by Samy

Taken out XT from my list sometime ago as I think DR wins over. It seems need to put it back to list.

Which XT model and year do you recommend especially ? Does it vibrate a lot or should I go for dual Yam Tenere in order to not have such much vibe.

Personally I prefer older carb bikes more over new ones because of problems may occur in remote areas.

The XT600E was made upto 2003. There are still very clean low mileage examples out there.

That's what I'd go for. It's vibe free upto about 65mph then the engine isn't overly happy. Change gearing to 15/44 for 70mph cruising. It hasn't really got the power for longer gearing than that.

I'd still prefer a DR650 but theres not much in it at all. Don't forget the KLR650 too for even better highway cruising.