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WR250x & DRZ400SM-my comparison

454K views 432 replies 195 participants last post by  Metal Supermang 
#1 ·
Ok, now that I am out of the hospital I am going to do my comparion of the two bikes that I own/owned.
The Yamaha is mine since I have owned since new and the Suzuki I will be using is the first one I had, which I owned from new as well. My neighbor currently owns it so I know the interim history.

Here is my simple plan do just give folks some ideas and answer some questions. I am not trying to start a flame war, so please I would like to avoid that. I just happen to have owned both and ridden both on a track(soon).

I am not a pro rider by any means, but an intermediate.

Here is my plan for the comparison, which will be limited in scope, cash and instrumented results, i.e I am not dynoing the bikes. But I will stopwatch a few simple tests.

1. Photo the bikes from all sides, next to each other.
2. List of mods done to each bike.
3. Weight from two different types of scales on each bike.
4. Gas mileage
5. 0-60 time
6. My impession on a street ride.
7. My track day impression at Adams, dirt section included. Probably timed and me as the control rider.
8. A list of what I feel in my opinion only, what are the pro's and con's of each machine relative only to the other.
9. Cost of ownership and modifications.

This will be a big project for me while I am working on getting my health better. If you can think of something SIMPLE and valuable to this comparison, please let me know. Thank you.

My plan is to have nice complete results posted here within 2.5 weeks. With a little searching on here, you can see what I have done already, but the plan is now to do something a little more direct and hands on.

Besides, you will probably get something really good outta SMR anyways. :thumbup:
 
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#194 ·
that calculation was based on putting 91 octane in a wrx that gets 71 mpg and regular 89 in a drz that gets 60 mpg (optimistically). Also you'll notice that I didn't say that the cost of operation in dollars per mile is less than a penny, I said that the DIFFERENCE between their respective costs of operation in dollars per mile was less than a penny.
 
#201 ·
All the local dealer would do was $7,400 otd on an '09 DRZ. I talked the other dealer down to $5,793 otd on the '08 wr250x. The ~$2k difference just made up my mind. I'm going to hate putting 91 octane into this beast, but I think the Yam will be a great first bike. I'm going to pick it up on Friday.
 
#202 ·
This isn't your first vehicle purchase, but just make sure that OTD = OTD on both bikes! Taxes, tags, registration, doc fees, set up, prep, freight, etc.

I found the exact same situation as you did. $5900 OTD for the WR compared to $6600 OTD for the DRZ 200 miles away. Folks posting about brand new DRZ-SMs at dealers for $5500 OTD do not live near me. Oh, and insurance on the WR was $250/yr v. $700/yr for the new DRZ.
 
#212 ·
I picked up the WR yesterday and it was $5,793 otd. Just thought you guys might want to know that, since you did not believe me to begin with. You will not be seeing me any more on here. I'm going to see if maybe there is a newbie forum out there. I'm not hardcore and super experienced like all of you. Sorry for taking up space here. Have fun, guys!
 
#213 ·
Ok I have read this whole thread and I just wanted to chime in my testimony to the wrx. I haven't ridden a drz so I am not saying anything bad about it.

I have had my 07 wr250x for almost two months, I have put on almost 3,000 miles on it already. I love my bike with a passion! I am 6' 200 lbs. I am a complete adrenaline junkie and I have been riding motocross for years and this is my first SM.

I have put this bike through the wringer so far. I was a little light on it during break in but not much. I have carved the twisty canyons on it passing HDs and sportbikes. I've taken it on the dirt trails leading all of my motocross buddies. I took it on a 800 mile road trip in a weekend cruising at 80-85mph constantly. (in a slight but comfortable tuck) I have achieved a top speed of 94 mph indicated (on flat ground with no notable wind) I've jumped it, backed it in, burned out, wheelied, stoppied dragged footpeg, cruised it downtown, and I commute on it about 30 miles every day.

In my opinion this bike works well for just about everything. During break in I was getting 65-75mpgs and now that I am riding it harder I still get 60-70mpg.

It doesn't suprise me that people say it keeps up with the drz because the bike feels very light and the 6 speed tranny keeps you in the revs all the time. The few times I have felt like the bike could really use more power I probably should have been in a lower gear.

I really do look forward to aftermarket companies offering more for it but for now i have very few complaints. The only things that are screaming at me are that I want some tires that are a little more aggressive for the dirt and a less restrictive exhaust. (which are both available)

Honestly up to this point in my life I have never bought anything that has made me as happy as this bike.

Like I said this is just my testimony and my opinion of the bike. Take from it whatever you want.
 
#214 ·
^^^^^I agree 100%, as another non-having-DRZ-ridden WRX owner, I've had pretty much all the same on-road experiences (well except the backing-in thing, but I'm working on that). Admittedly if the road is straight any sport bike will own it, however once the turns begin to tighten look-out!!! Once you learn to ride it the way it wants to be ridden it will make you feel like a hero.
 
#218 ·
I think this is all from what you expect a bike to be like on the power. Obviously it will kick ass as a 250 street legal sumo. All bikes are different and if you want big power go bigger on bike. Your height should be no problem, I am also 6'2 and all the sumos are pretty much the same in physical size but its all in what you are comfortable with. Your weight on the other hand is up there so you probably already know that you will not go as fast as lighter people. I am getting a wrx to screw around with like my 50. I know I wont be going 100mph on the thing but if I want to do that I can my other bikes. I think sumos are more fun at the slower speeds anyways. With sportbikes to me they are only fun when they are bouncing off the rev limiters. If you want to be quick get an aprilia, I have a sxv 450 and it will move you quick even if you are 300lbs:bike:
 
#219 ·
Just a little info about me to give you some insight into my reviews: I've ridden/owned several bikes and ridden thousands of miles on sport and touring bikes of different kinds. My favorite bike is an SV650, and if you know about these you'll know exactly what type of rider I am. I'm not a public-road-knee-dragger, but I can say my tires do wear evenly.

My impression of the WRX is that's it's 1/2 incredible looking, but also 1/2 gimmicky looking. Kinda like a Chinese scooter... But who cares, because it's a Yamaha. You'll get brand-name recognition for it. The motor sounds kinda lawn-mower like, but it'll shock you at how fast it is. You'd think a 250 would suck, but it's not at all slow. I was doing 75 before I knew it. Part of this is that there's NO torque. It's not a rocket, but it's not slow either. Think of it as the Honda S2000 of motorcycles.... The 6 speed is nice too. But at the end of the day, I still have to look down to know that it's a Yamaha and not a cheap-o knock off. The bars are crap, the speedo is cheesy and confusing, the power curve is dull... It just didn't feel like a REAL motorcycle. It would be a great 2nd bike to play with, but I would NOT want to have to put serious miles on it.

The DRZ-SM is a well recognized industry standard for street legal SM bikes now. It looks the same as it did years ago, which is good and bad. Personally, I think it looks utilitarian, which is better than gimmicky. I'm glad they didn't do some ugly redesign... The '09 decals are really lame, but it's not as bad as it could be! The engine sounds a lot more substantial. When you ride it the feel is a lot more solid and serious. Like a real motorcycle... a 650 V-Strom almost. There was torque there. I also like how there is several years of previous trial-and-error, and hundreds of thousands of miles worth of testing to research to look at. All-in-all it makes for a much better "only" bike that you can use for commuting and having fun. I do wish it had a 6 speed!!!! But, it feels like a solid, well-built bike.

The top end of both bikes was very buzzy, but the DRZ was more noticeable because of the bigger piston going up and down. Both would do 90MPH, which for an un-fairinged bike is all you'd want to do and only for a short time. If you need to do 75+ for several miles, a supermoto isn't for you. Both felt fine at 65, but that won't cut it on a real freeway. You need to be in the left lane so you're not getting merged on constantly. The tank range is also a problem for both. It's not hard to fill up constantly, but it's annoying...

After looking and riding both, I bought an '07 DRZ in black because I felt it was a more substantial bike for the money. As I said, the WRX would be a great second bike, but I need something to put 30K miles on over the years, not a toy. Hate my review if you want, but it's how I feel. There's no doubt in my mind the DRZ is the best bike I've ever owned.
 
#221 ·
After reading a couple of the last posts i would like to make a few comments..

For the guy thats 250lbs, im 5'10 210lbs and have seen 102 on the speedo! of course i was on a bit of a down hill no wind in a tucked position for a few miles lol. I had my Q4 slip on, i dont think i had my header then. This isnt break necks speeds obviously but for a SM its not that bad either..

I have spent some time on a DRZsm, in fact riding my friends is what brought me to the SM scene to begin with. To the person saying the WR feels less like a real bike and is cheaply made id have to disagree. I feel the WR has more technology (wave rotors, fuel injection, etc) and is easily on par as far as build quality to that of the DRZ.. Less stable ? i noticed the DRZ was not as flickable, it felt heavier in the twisties in comparison.. so.. maybe this is what your experiencing?

When it comes to performance its a toss up at this point for me. My friend and i weigh about the same, and he cant pull me on his DRZ, in fact at this point im starting to pull on him. He is stock, where i have full exhaust and my airbox door is swiss cheesed. So if he were to install his jet kit and do an exhaust my guess is he would out run me in a strait line.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and this is merely my own. I think the DRZ is a great bike and i hold no ill feelings towards it. I feel most will enjoy their experience on either bikes. We have a great community of people here and i hope it continues to grow! Sorry for the novel, everyone ride safe and have fun!!
 
#222 ·
5'11" 290 lbs on my wr.. fast enough to keep me out of trouble hehehe.. as soon as the turbo kit goes into production Ill be purchasing it.. i payed $5400 OTD up here in alaska.. i dont mind spending another 2k to double the HP on this fun all around bike:bike:
 
#223 ·
totally on the fence

I have just test ridden a wr250x and kinda really like it, but was still left a little flat because of the power. I have a ktm 640 adv. and a Te450, and both of these bikes have no lack of power. I have ridden Drz's and many other dual sports but am not a rider that can get everything out of either of my bikes. I was thinking this bike would be just a little less power than the Drz, and that would be ok, but it has way less. This has a good side and a bad side: good, because my wife has expressed interest in learning to ride,and it seems like a very tame and easy to ride bike, bad, in that it just seems so gutless. Obviously it was not good idea to have just gotten off my Te450 before test riding the wr250x, but it seemed like it would give me a better idea about the handling, being that the Te is in dirt trim. The steering kinda felt heavy on the 250, but of course I am comparing knobbies on asphalt to slicks, so I guess it would be. For some reason, despite the lack of power I still am drawn to the WR250x ( maybe like a moth to a flame). I think is is the idea of a small fuel efficient bike to get to work on, the ktm and TE are not that great in the mpg department, the Te in particular get surprisingly bad mpg. This whole mess started with wanting to put moto wheels on the TE450, and then realizing for a little more money I could just get a whole bike. I love the TE, but realize that it does not make sense as a commuter bike, even with moto wheels.
The only FI moto bike, I know of, in this price range is the WR250x. I only have about a 5 mile commute, but I like to try and make it fun, I just can't decide if the Wrx will still be as fun. I can't really pitch the Drz to my wife, it is to much bike for a beginner in my mind. I guess people like this bike, it reminds me of watching all the small motos in Europe, I just cant decide if it will end up being a bummer. Should I go for this WR250x I found a fair deal on one???:headscrat
 
#227 ·
I have just test ridden a wr250x and kinda really like it, but was still left a little flat because of the power. I have a ktm 640 adv. and a Te450, and both of these bikes have no lack of power. I have ridden Drz's and many other dual sports but am not a rider that can get everything out of either of my bikes. I was thinking this bike would be just a little less power than the Drz, and that would be ok, but it has way less. This has a good side and a bad side: good, because my wife has expressed interest in learning to ride,and it seems like a very tame and easy to ride bike, bad, in that it just seems so gutless. Obviously it was not good idea to have just gotten off my Te450 before test riding the wr250x, but it seemed like it would give me a better idea about the handling, being that the Te is in dirt trim. The steering kinda felt heavy on the 250, but of course I am comparing knobbies on asphalt to slicks, so I guess it would be. For some reason, despite the lack of power I still am drawn to the WR250x ( maybe like a moth to a flame). I think is is the idea of a small fuel efficient bike to get to work on, the ktm and TE are not that great in the mpg department, the Te in particular get surprisingly bad mpg. This whole mess started with wanting to put moto wheels on the TE450, and then realizing for a little more money I could just get a whole bike. I love the TE, but realize that it does not make sense as a commuter bike, even with moto wheels.
The only FI moto bike, I know of, in this price range is the WR250x. I only have about a 5 mile commute, but I like to try and make it fun, I just can't decide if the Wrx will still be as fun. I can't really pitch the Drz to my wife, it is to much bike for a beginner in my mind. I guess people like this bike, it reminds me of watching all the small motos in Europe, I just cant decide if it will end up being a bummer. Should I go for this WR250x I found a fair deal on one???:headscrat

If you are looking for some power, maybe you should get one of these :D

 
#224 ·
What's the old bike saying: "Price, performance, or quality. Pick two of the three." Something like that, anyway. If you want good gas mileage and a reasonable price, you're going to have to give a little in the performance/power department. I'm not a fan of the DRZ. I've ridden three of them now. I just can't get enthused over 'em.

The 250 makes more sense to me. Good economy, and I'm not even beginning to play the power/displacement game. I'm just looking for something economical, light, practical, and fun. Neither one is impressive, performance-wise. Besides, no 6th gear drives me crazy. To each his/her own.

Then, again, if you really want practical, a Kawi Versys makes more sense than either one, IMO. Better comfort, fuel range, power, wind protection, and still great economy. All this, and still a nice combo of SM, w/real street bike feel. Very cool...That's why they make different models.
 
#225 ·
Some folks factor in the "right wrist rush" more than others. For me a well carved corner and heat cycled tires mean more than acceleration. Having said that I DID put a pipe and programmer on my WR250X so I could close up a couple of braking points!

13 mile one way commute here with 3 paths to choose. One is a bit too twisty for the dark:30 morning ride, one is fun but runs through some traffic areas, and the third is a bit of interstate. The WR250X works great in all of the regimes (might look into a pair of Super Oscars for that am run %-). If power is the thing go big. If you want a great little machine to fling through the turns all day the X is great.
 
#228 ·
I just picked up an X. I've had all kinds of bikes, of all types and displacements. If you're all about peak power, acceleration, top speed, braggin' rights, and/or showmanship, etc., the X ain't for you. No smaller displacement bike is. If you're more about power character and delivery, the X is fine for what it was intended. It's soft down low (Again, if you're comparing it to performance bikes, it's REALLY soft everywhere.), but runs pretty nicely mid-top.

I'm hoping a slip-on and a tweak, or two, will make that nicer in all respects. The bike is very flickable and great on gravel/dirt roads. It's nice around town, though I'm really hoping to sharpen things up a bit. It's a little soft for my tastes, even for what it is, bone stock. An exhaust usually addresses that nicely. I don't, OTOH, want to go overboard w/mods. The bike ain't going to be fast, regardless. Moderation, simplicity, economy, and fun are the names of the game here.

But, yeh, if you're concerned about outright power, you're looking in the wrong place.
 
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