Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

On my DRZ I had soft bags and a big roll bag. A fair bit of weight but I was crossing Africa for 7 months. I don't know the exact weight but I had lots of tools and spares. I did the 3x3 power on my DRZ and had a sports exhaust and up-jetted for power. I still struggled to cruise at 65mph. I tried all sorts of gearing but the bike wasn't powerful enough for lower ratios 'with luggage'.. Kills were a pain. I was travelling with a guy on an old battered F650GS and he left me behind with ease.

The DRZ is a fine bike. It's simple, reliable, lightweight and has decent components. I would happily do another trip on one but only if it was an off-road based trip. I would pack MUCH lighter and stay away from highways.

The XRL is in the same category as the DRZ but with a bigger engine. They are just as reliable but obviously more powerful and a little more thirsty with it.

The XRL is also a very TALL bike. I'd say a little more vibey than the DRZ too. It's got a much weaker rear subframe but it's very simple to strengthen.

The XRL is hugely popular in the USA. There are sooooo many parts available. It's been going in it's current for for over 20 years. You can also get a Corbin seat for it too which it DEFINITELY needs. As does the DRZ.

If you're based in the UK or Europe then outfitted a DRZ is much easier. However, the XRL has a strong following. You can get almost everything you need for an XRL from Gab at Zen Overland. He did a RTW on his XR650L and swears it's the best bike for the job.

Tell me about your trip... Where are you going and what terrain are you covering ??

Originally Posted by WesleyDRZ400

Ted i would get 88mph out of my total standard DRZ400S on motorways which was max speed, not comfy but i screwed it like that for hours sometimes, not sure why you struggled to get 65mph and you had mods

Originally Posted by WesleyDRZ400

it is fact a standard DRZ is very very low maintenance, you should not tarnish its good name by putting it in brackets with a KTM when referring to maintenance issues

Originally Posted by mollydog

But still, a good mechanic who really knows the KTM and keeps up on the shorter maintenance intervals ... can have a pretty reliable bike.

Originally Posted by WesleyDRZ400

KTM is the better bike for sure but does need alot more maintenance and second hand parts like of ebay are not so available so you will be paying out your ass

Originally Posted by WesleyDRZ400

"I prefer the xr650l .. However, parts have to be imported from the USA if you're in Europe"