FMX v. DRZ

[alpslapper]

I'm looking for another bike, and I wanted something a bit supermotery

Having said that I dont know the first thing about them :P

I did a bit of reading and so far have honed in on hondas fmx650, and the suzukis drz400sm.

I havent had a test ride of either yet.

The purpose of the bike will be mainly a winter hack, daily commuter, and wannabe hooligan machine - want to pop my wheelie and stoppie cherry :P

This is because I love my transalp and dont want to abuse it.

The bike should also be

economical
good mpg
easy to work on
cheap for parts and tarting up
swift enough
not too high a seat height - im a shortass

Any views on the two above, or can you think of others I should look at.

thanks

[russh]

I would go for the DRZ, I had the 400S trail bike version running on Avon Distanzia tyres, the bike was FUN! great handling even I could get the front wheel airborn, however the reason I changed to a Transalp, I wouldn't / couldn't stand more the 30 mins in the saddle, it being hard and narrow, also the seat height on the DRZ is sky high. If I could afford two bikes
I would have my DRZ back and keep the TA.


This months Motorcycle Sport and Leisure magazine has a review of the DRZ 400 SM

[cbcommuter]

if you want all that from a bike try one of these

http://groups.msn.com/CB500CLUB/bikesforsale.msnw

cheers darren

[jpc]

The DRZ scores on low insurance,lightweightt,great fuel economy,great fun,no major reliability issues with the massive motor,the torque is amazing.An aftermarket gel seat and handlebar risers are a good idea also.If you can source a set of supermoto wheels with an S or E model do.The saddle is tall but narrow,the suspension soft ,so no major issues with being stable at traffic lights.Being lifted would be your major worry I think.

[alpslapper]

if you want all that from a bike try one of these

http://groups.msn.com/CB500CLUB/bikesforsale.msnw

cheers darren

Intewesting! Ive never really thought about a cb500 - but having looked at the site they seem a really good all rounder. I was attracted to the supermotery thing as I like the look of the bikes - but I also want something to hack in winter and thrash basically as Ive been such a sensible biker to date I make myself sick

As you seem to know a bit about this bike - what one do you think is better - the new cbf500 or a newish old cb500.

For the other input on the motards - thanks guys - but I think Im changing my mind a bit.

The drz is the one I would plumb for if I go that way - but yeah, insurance is high in essex for em precisely because theyre rated as highly nickable - and I dont have a garage!!

[cbcommuter]

i would go for a cb5(old shape)cheaper to run and can find spare parts easy had mine 6yrs now and except for services,tyres,and c/s its only had 1 clutch cable and 2 speedo cables( this is due to running all year round) hope this helps
cheers darren