250 or 400/450 cc

[GWarren85]

Hi,
New to the forum, from broadbridge Heath / Horsham area, I've always had sports bikes , currently have a Fireblade 1000cc but want to get into greenlaning, I had off road bikes when I was a kid but since doing a day riding a tour in Cambodia I've caught the bug for it again, I often take the way to work through shere in Surrey and remember seeing a lot of guys on green lane bikes and guessed it was probably members from here so signed up.
I'm viewing a Suzuki DRZ 400 at the weekend , it seems like a decent bike at a good price but my only worry is its the right bike for the job, I'm not a small bloke so I figured a 400 might fit me better, I've always preferred larger road bikes so I'm hoping the same logic applies,
The 250s tend to be cheaper but this 400 is the same price as an equivalent 250, what's the general consensus on 250 vs 400 cc bikes on here ? Is it just personal preference or would a 250 be more fun on the green lanes ?
Cheers

[GWarren85]

Also if this is in the wrong section then apologies

[neeklondon]

I think it's personal preference. I prefer lighter bikes, and a 250 has more than enough power for me on the lanes.

The DRZ is heavier than most, but it's the same weight as the CRF250L that I used to have and I didn't find the weight an issue with that.

The appeal bikes like the DRZ, CRF250L and WR250R is that they are lower maintenance and you can effectively use them as a everyday bike.

[Bush Pig]

I have done a few "easy/beginner" runs on a DR650, it's just harder work on the heavier machines and you don't zip across the lumps as well as others. Speed is low on the lanes and so power is not the major issue. If you have to ride your bike to the start point this is a consideration, also your physical size on the bike - you need to be comfortable as you need to stand on the foot pegs for the lumpy and technical stuff.
As has been said before, try a bike of a friend to see the best fit and make your choice.
Bikes can be modified for rider weight and handle bar risers fitted etc.
I followed a DRZ 400 last weekend and it did everything a ktm 450 and husky 300 2-smoke did.

Happy bike hunting!

[Stewie]

You'll get as many opinions as they are bikes as it's each to their own and all that, the DRZ be it an S or E model are great trail bikes as they are low maintenance and will eat road miles, there only down side if it can even be called that is they are heavier than the KTM, Gas Gas, Beta etc.
There's a few of us in the Hosham area and head out from BBH Tesco, my lad rides a DRZ400s with a few adventure mods it's a great fun machine, with the versatility of a bigger dual purpose bike, he's riding it to the Taffy Dakar in a few weeks


Oh hello and welcome

[Dominic]

Your best bet is to see if you can try both before buying. Some experience days or training schools may allow you to do this.

As others have said, it's really down to your preference, how you ride, where you ride, etc. I am pretty sure the main manufacturers all use the same size frame for a 250 and a 400/450 for recent models so don't count on fitting a 400/450 better. I don't know what the case is for older models.

[smccormick]

Come and have a look at a AJP PR4 200 cc 4 stroke I have for sale. Very capable bikes, excellent value and more than sufficient.


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[smccormick]

I think the bike will be with me at the Nomads 3 stage trial. A friend may be using it to ride that event but not confirmed at mo.


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[andrewblair]

I have an husky te450 2009, weighs only slightly more than my friends wr250. So much fun, torque is incredible and the release of power just gives you that much extra. Of course there is nothing wrong with a 250 just my personal preference. You're welcome to come give it ago which should convince you I'm about 10 mins from Shere. May even consider selling as I'm looking for funds to do bike trip on a bigger adventure bike. Cheers PM if you want to make arrangements.



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[GWarren85]

Nice one cheers for the replies, I'm going to go for a 400/450 bike, I just prefer bigger bikes, if I got a 250 it would probably be because id been an impatient b*****d and not waited for the right bike to come up, I really like the look of the wr400/426/450's , im still tempted by the drz400 I've found but mainly because it seems genuine for a good price, 2003 at £1600, it's good to hear there's some people round here that go out, when I've got the bike It'll would be great to come out riding with some of you on this forum, sounds like a good laugh !


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