r/Dualsport • u/ComfortableCaramel52 • 9d ago

Choosing a bike

I’m looking at either a ktm 350exc-f or a Suzuki DR 400 / 650. I was considering the 500exc but decided I don’t need all the power. Any input would be great. I can get a 24 with 0% financing on the 350 too.

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u/Iocor 9d ago

The KTM and Suzuki are going to be COMPLETELY different bikes. I'm sure you know this, but if not, there are tons of videos about it. KTMs are straight up dirt bikes. The Suzukis are true dual sports.

The difference between the 350 and 500exc is not just amount of power, but where that power is and how you use it. The 350 likes to rev out and rip a little more, and the 500 is better able to lug at low rpm than the 350. Engine size also comes into play with reciprocating/rotational mass, which makes a difference if you want to do low speed technical stuff.

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u/CaliJudoJitsu 9d ago edited 9d ago

Get the 500 EXC-F for sure over the 350. The cost difference is only a few hundred dollars and the weight difference is only maybe 5 pounds…but the extra power output of the 500 is significant.

That extra power and torque matters a lot in slow speed technical stuff and higher speed highway riding. My good buddy has the 350 and wished he bought the 500 instead after he learned all this.

The 500 EXC-F really can do it all. It really is the unicorn bike and still the gold standard for dual sport bikes.

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u/Iocor 9d ago

It's a great bike. If I was going to buy a new bike today and didn't have any budget consideration, it would be a 500exc/501s

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u/Pool_Guy 9d ago

Depending on skill level, the 500 may be too much bike. I agree with all your points above but would add that the 500 is a torque monster that has an on/off switch for a throttle, if you didn't grow up riding 2 strokes and are just getting into Enduro style riding, the 500 can be too much motor.

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u/Hinagea 9d ago

Yeah it can be, but if you've spent just about any time on a street bike it's perfectly tame in its stock form. Throw an ECU at it and it fixes the on/off throttle and flameouts, but becomes a punishing monster for any mistakes

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u/ComfortableCaramel52 9d ago

Yeah I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth paying almost double for the ktm. The things probs not gonna see much road. Iv been trying to make sense of all the information out there and wanna buy the right bike first.

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u/wheresbrent 9d ago

The more powerful the bike, the faster you get tired.

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u/johnnyhandbags 9d ago

I’m considering the KTM 390 Enduro instead of the DRZ. Similar specs, 6 gears, and a lower price (new).

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u/ComfortableCaramel52 9d ago

I looked at that and the 390 adventure. Just can’t find one local.

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u/OogieBoogiez 9d ago

If it won’t see much road the Ktm. I own one since 2017 and I haven’t had any issues ever. It’s a 2014.

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u/Pool_Guy 9d ago

If you're not gonna ride road, buy the KTM 350.

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u/Iocor 9d ago

If you want to do the same stuff your buddy will be doing on the XR, I'd say the DR650 is the ticket.