this topic has been beat to death

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 07:57 AM

Supermoto, live in poulsbo commute to brem want to hoon in seattle with friends on sumo's....don't care fr the drz400sm due to weight vs power its only beni is durability. I really like wr250x but for 5k I could get a ktm or husky and weight less with more power. For about 5k I could get a 450x wr or crf and convert it for even less weight and more power and durability....any one have experence converting or riding enduro bikes (crf450x or wr450x) any sumo's I've overlooked?...I rode thee drz400sm and one drz490sm and a sxv 5.5 the 490 had good power but for 7k it was a bit high the 5.5 was to much maintenance, basicly I wanna commute and look cool without owning a garage full of tools, just like most people who own sumo's.

koorbloh · 02-03-2012, 08:02 AM

so, lets get this straight, you want to take a dirt bike (race bike) that's been converted from dirt to dirt/pavement racing, and ride it like a street bike and not have to work on it like a race or dirt bike?

pass the glue please.

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 08:16 AM

Ya almost...the crf450x and wr450x aren't "race bikes" the r models are I have an x I rid it for months in tahuyabefore I have to do any real work on it but even then it runs everytime and it alyways works after its been dropped they aren't unbeakable like a drz400sm. But they are pretty darn good. And compared to a husky and ktm I think they are ceepr to maintain and get parts for (but I don't know for sure)

koorbloh · 02-03-2012, 08:17 AM

ask jim and debi how "unbreakable" a drz400 is.

dragracer1951 · 02-03-2012, 08:18 AM

KTM
End of story
Ax me how I know...

Originally Posted by koorbloh

ask jim and debi how "unbreakable" a drz400 is.

Actually, both mine as Debi's were avoidable.
Mine moved the cam timing. That got expensive
Deb's dropped a valve.

wsmc831 · 02-03-2012, 08:22 AM

Depends on how many miles you plan to put on it. For that money, I'd look for an 04-06 SMC. A true motard will of course outperform an SMC in many ways, but they also require things like valve adjustments and top ends more frequently.

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 08:23 AM

Did you have a failure before or after your 470 kit?

And if the drz isent insane reliable like they are played to be then wtf good are they they are supr heave and cost what....1k less than a husky? (I've heard husky are gold standard for sumo is that true any facts?)

sunofnun · 02-03-2012, 08:51 AM

Here ya are..

Originally Posted by sunofnun

there are like 300 good conversation threads with the difference all layed out.

Originally Posted by sunofnun

to maric..

you got three catagories of bikes that you are talking about (4 if you are really including the KTM 950 which is a hypermoto but that's another story)

Street Motard (DRZ400, KTM625, Husky 610, Husaberg 650)

these are true street tards proper suspension/brakes for hard street riding. the main reason they are classified as street is oil capacity. they have regular maintenance schedules (3000+ miles between oil changes etc) plus they are expected to rev @ high rpm's for extended periods (70-80mph for a couple hours if your slabbing it)

Race Motard (crf450 wr450, yz450, ktm 400s/450's, ktm 525-580's, bergs, huskies, etc etc etc)

They are not normally street legal, these bikes are specifically for motard racing (they can be streeted if you can get a plate easy on ktm/berg/husky NOT easy on the japaneese models) they have lower oil capacity than their street counterparts. They have quicker revving motors, and rip, but are not built to handle long hard high rpms. this means oil changes after every ride (which can be alleviated somewhat by the addidion of an aftermarket oil cooler) Then also will need a new top end, and valve adjustments more often (due to the nature of their race oriented motors)

Dualsport (KTM 625, DR650, xr650r, klx650, drz400e)

These bikes are for street use, and offroad. By offroad I mean fireroads, and jeep trails.. They (for the most part) are heavier than a motard, or a race oriented bike. They have great gear ratio's for some tricky terrain but can also cruise at lower hiway speeds. They are NOT for technical riding, and tons of single track. The suspension is not setup for jumping, or hardcore trails. Normally you would have a DOT knobbie, which awesome for sliding sideways on fireroads, and handling some jeep trails. It is Not good for giant 4ft deep muddy ruts.. the compounds that pass street legal are harder than a good offroad knobby.

Hybrid class 1 (plated proper dirt bikes KTM 450 WR450, crf450x)

If you can get a plate on the WR, or the CRFx (ktm should be easy) these proper full on dirt bikes will be ok for connecting singletrack via fireroads. imagine a dirt bike that you can jump on the hiway (for very short distances) to connect hundreds of miles of single track. These will NOT do will ridden at 60MPH for hours.. but would be great for short jaunts. You could run a real offroad (not DOT approved) tire, and be able to rip through some GNARLY stuff, but the more street connecting you do.. the quicker you will have a bald rear.. haha..

GIxxer Pete can attest to most of this.. as he had a DRZe which was bitchen for dualsport, NOT bitchen for single track NOR was it bitchen for LONG rides.. He hated the seat on his too!

and Maric is learning the joys of weekly oil changes.. (although I rode his ((wifes

) tard and liked it!

I have a KTM 625 smc for a street tard, and a wr450 for dirt riding.. I just couldn't seem to get a bike that would do both. but I love both of them each for their specific jobs.
ok, enough rambling..

here's a good one:
http://www.pnwriders.com/forum/showt...ghlight=motard

and as to the history.. look up superbikers from the late 70's and 80's

history thread? here's a good one:
http://www.pnwriders.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34229

Originally Posted by sunofnun

SUPERBIKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! gladiators.. giants among men..

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iUEyWgyQOKg

some light reading
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/S...137/entry.html

Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Steve Wise

Year Inducted: 2001

Achievements:
Superbikers champion, winner of AMA Motocross Nationals, Supercross and Road Race events

1982 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/hall...age.asp?id=295

stevieb · 02-03-2012, 08:57 AM

I loved my first husky, and I love my second one even more. Just like the KTM's, they are pretty well loaded with good parts from the factory. Throw oil and valve checks at them often enough, and they are solid bikes. The worst thing about the Husky's are their stock seats...absolutely the worst for long rides, but they are functional for agressive riding.

I could spend a day riding my old SM610. I can only handle a couple hours on the new 450 but it's a world of difference in weight and power delivery...it is a plated "near" race ready bike afterall. In the Husky line, you'll get a good everyday ridable bike looking at the SM610's or SM630's. Similar weight to the DRZ but quite a bit more power and easy maintenance schedule.

my $.02

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 09:53 AM

Seems like the exra 40lbs is worth it for longeivity and ridability as far a a commuter is concerned so I would b lookin at the wr250x and 630 smc. ..maby a ktm but I've heard nothing but complaints that's what turned me away from the duke 2.. .which I like a lot...any word on reliability vs performance (200lb rider) for the wr250x?

sunofnun · 02-03-2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by stricmic000

Seems like the exra 40lbs is worth it for longeivity and ridability as far a a commuter is concerned so I would b lookin at the wr250x and 630 smc. ..maby a ktm but I've heard nothing but complaints that's what turned me away from the duke 2.. .which I like a lot...any word on reliability vs performance (200lb rider) for the wr250x?

the WR is tooo small. It's a fun neighborhood bike! Super light..
but it's worse than riding a ninja 250 on the freeway.. sucks for longer distance 70mph runs.

It kicks ass for jumping railroad tracks, off loading ramps though and over other 250x's!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbVZveivo_8

As far as the Katooms go.. I've had mine since 05, and have ridden the piss out of it. It hasn't let me down. I would look into the 2000+ models.. ktm had some parts availability issues back in the 90's that was most of the pain point..

I had a 01 duke 2 as well.. it was super fun.. no problems with it.

I'd look for a drz, 625 smc (or a 690 if you have the cash), a husky 610 would kick ass as well..

good luck.

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 10:28 AM

thanks for all the info, I'm gona try to find a ktm or husky they seem to be the best and they make a decent sized bike with good specs....where do I get a husky worked on in kitsap? Its owned by bmw that kind of cncerns me wth parts cost?

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 10:53 AM

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2817464211.html
Damn thiswould look good with my white shoei and leitt body armor

sunofnun · 02-03-2012, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by stricmic000

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2817464211.html
Damn thiswould look good with my white shoei and leitt body armor

Hell.. you don't have to go all the way to craigslist..
there's a bitching 610 up in our for sale section for $4500 I think?
2007 Husqvarna sm610

Now you can afford a track day!

Rippn · 02-03-2012, 11:02 AM

THANKS SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Magoo... "loose"... go figure...
Wise... brought MX to the Astrodome... both ex Maico riders.
silly guys...
SALUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CR500 SM... what was I thinking????
Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaaaa!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FREE and clean, Ripp'n

dragracer1951 · 02-03-2012, 11:19 AM

I had my DRZ as a 436. MRD pipe, 41 FCR, yada yada. It was fine and a hoot for commuteing.
My 625 smc is more of that with more power and torque, better suspension and brakes...
Either / or
I'm going to put the 470 back together and ride it some.

holypiston · 02-03-2012, 11:29 AM

really good info. Thanks for posting. funny how the NEW RDs (what i call supermotos / giant killas) go through oil almost as fast as a two stroke on injection...BTW: two stroke oil is way overpriced, killing me.

is it even possible for someone 5'7" to get a leg over the SMC?

Or do you carry a 4 x 4 x 4 inch block w/ you everywhere you go?

lay out your secrets people. 8-)

stricmic000 · 02-03-2012, 02:51 PM

Anybody lower/stiffen and sumo a 650l?

Joking

dragracer1951 · 02-03-2012, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by holypiston

really good info. Thanks for posting. funny how the NEW RDs (what i call supermotos / giant killas) go through oil almost as fast as a two stroke on injection...BTW: two stroke oil is way overpriced, killing me.

is it even possible for someone 5'7" to get a leg over the SMC?

Or do you carry a 4 x 4 x 4 inch block w/ you everywhere you go?

lay out your secrets people. 8-)

Bike on sidestand.
Step on peg and throw a leg over.
Start bike
Pick up foot...
Back into corner...

Debi · 02-03-2012, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by stricmic000

Did you have a failure before or after your 470 kit?

And if the drz isent insane reliable like they are played to be then wtf good are they they are supr heave and cost what....1k less than a husky? (I've heard husky are gold standard for sumo is that true any facts?)

I got over 50,000 miles out of my DRZ and I rode the piss out of it

a simple 50 cent part cause a catastrophic failure

But was a great bike for what it was

Originally Posted by dragracer1951

I had my DRZ as a 436. MRD pipe, 41 FCR, yada yada. It was fine and a hoot for commuteing.
My 625 smc is more of that with more power and torque, better suspension and brakes...
Either / or
I'm going to put the 470 back together and ride it some.

I so need to run ya on your 625 vs my 4fiddy hehe

To the OP
Oh and yes... KTM is a great bike but the only street version is the 690 that is made now and the earlier ones were SMC's.. my 450 SMR I can get a plate for but why? it's a race bike and very hard on parts when commuting


02-03-2012, 07:57 AM	#1
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	this topic has been beat to death Supermoto, live in poulsbo commute to brem want to hoon in seattle with friends on sumo's....don't care fr the drz400sm due to weight vs power its only beni is durability. I really like wr250x but for 5k I could get a ktm or husky and weight less with more power. For about 5k I could get a 450x wr or crf and convert it for even less weight and more power and durability....any one have experence converting or riding enduro bikes (crf450x or wr450x) any sumo's I've overlooked?...I rode thee drz400sm and one drz490sm and a sxv 5.5 the 490 had good power but for 7k it was a bit high the 5.5 was to much maintenance, basicly I wanna commute and look cool without owning a garage full of tools, just like most people who own sumo's. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 08:02 AM	#2
koorbloh Je Fa Fa Joined: Mar 2007 From: Monroe-mish, WA Blog Entries: 5 I Ride: 06 DR650, 74 XL350, 70-ish GT80, 78 CB400	so, lets get this straight, you want to take a dirt bike (race bike) that's been converted from dirt to dirt/pavement racing, and ride it like a street bike and not have to work on it like a race or dirt bike? pass the glue please. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 08:16 AM	#3
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	eh Ya almost...the crf450x and wr450x aren't "race bikes" the r models are I have an x I rid it for months in tahuyabefore I have to do any real work on it but even then it runs everytime and it alyways works after its been dropped they aren't unbeakable like a drz400sm. But they are pretty darn good. And compared to a husky and ktm I think they are ceepr to maintain and get parts for (but I don't know for sure) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 08:17 AM	#4
koorbloh Je Fa Fa Joined: Mar 2007 From: Monroe-mish, WA Blog Entries: 5 I Ride: 06 DR650, 74 XL350, 70-ish GT80, 78 CB400	ask jim and debi how "unbreakable" a drz400 is. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 08:22 AM	#6
wsmc831 Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2008 From: Los Gatos I Ride: TL-s, KTM 300, 690 Duke, 530 XCRW	Depends on how many miles you plan to put on it. For that money, I'd look for an 04-06 SMC. A true motard will of course outperform an SMC in many ways, but they also require things like valve adjustments and top ends more frequently. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 08:23 AM	#7
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	Did you have a failure before or after your 470 kit? And if the drz isent insane reliable like they are played to be then wtf good are they they are supr heave and cost what....1k less than a husky? (I've heard husky are gold standard for sumo is that true any facts?) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 08:57 AM	#9
stevieb Peg Dragger Joined: Feb 2007 From: Seattle, WA	I loved my first husky, and I love my second one even more. Just like the KTM's, they are pretty well loaded with good parts from the factory. Throw oil and valve checks at them often enough, and they are solid bikes. The worst thing about the Husky's are their stock seats...absolutely the worst for long rides, but they are functional for agressive riding. I could spend a day riding my old SM610. I can only handle a couple hours on the new 450 but it's a world of difference in weight and power delivery...it is a plated "near" race ready bike afterall. In the Husky line, you'll get a good everyday ridable bike looking at the SM610's or SM630's. Similar weight to the DRZ but quite a bit more power and easy maintenance schedule. my $.02 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 09:53 AM	#10
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	Seems like the exra 40lbs is worth it for longeivity and ridability as far a a commuter is concerned so I would b lookin at the wr250x and 630 smc. ..maby a ktm but I've heard nothing but complaints that's what turned me away from the duke 2.. .which I like a lot...any word on reliability vs performance (200lb rider) for the wr250x? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 10:28 AM	#12
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	thanks for all the info, I'm gona try to find a ktm or husky they seem to be the best and they make a decent sized bike with good specs....where do I get a husky worked on in kitsap? Its owned by bmw that kind of cncerns me wth parts cost? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 10:53 AM	#13
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2817464211.html Damn thiswould look good with my white shoei and leitt body armor __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 11:02 AM	#15
Rippn Human Race Qualifier FREE and clean Joined: Apr 2007 From: soap lake wa. I Ride: 00kaw12r, 97 tls1000, 96gsxr1260 turbo freakshow, kz1300gt, 88gsxr1100, 86gsxr750, 82gsx1100ez, 79kz1300, 75 ducati750gts, 72 gt550 cafe	THANKS SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Magoo... "loose"... go figure... Wise... brought MX to the Astrodome... both ex Maico riders. silly guys... SALUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CR500 SM... what was I thinking???? Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaaaa!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE and clean, Ripp'n __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 11:19 AM	#16
dragracer1951 Joined: Sep 2005 From: Bremerton I Ride: 05 KTM 625smc, 03 Are See fiddy one, 05 DRZ470SM, 95 FZR1040, 69 Combat Commando Roadster, 73 Commando Interstate, 67 BSA B44, 71 BSA B50	I had my DRZ as a 436. MRD pipe, 41 FCR, yada yada. It was fine and a hoot for commuteing. My 625 smc is more of that with more power and torque, better suspension and brakes... Either / or I'm going to put the 470 back together and ride it some. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


02-03-2012, 11:29 AM	#17
holypiston Superbiker Joined: Oct 2006 From: Vanquiver, WA Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: RD400F Daytonut	really good info. Thanks for posting. funny how the NEW RDs (what i call supermotos / giant killas) go through oil almost as fast as a two stroke on injection...BTW: two stroke oil is way overpriced, killing me. is it even possible for someone 5'7" to get a leg over the SMC? Or do you carry a 4 x 4 x 4 inch block w/ you everywhere you go? lay out your secrets people. 8-) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by holypiston; 02-03-2012 at 11:31 AM..


02-03-2012, 02:51 PM	#18
stricmic000 Permit Joined: Mar 2011 From: poulsbo, wa I Ride: crf230f 2004 xr500r 1984 k6 gsxr 600-dead	Anybody lower/stiffen and sumo a 650l? Joking __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by stricmic000; 02-03-2012 at 03:02 PM..

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