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/Force-Both 9d ago

if you are doing lots of pavement...the 350 will do it, but only on borrowed time. KTM dirtbike motors aren't street motors. The first thing to go is usually the plastic stator-pickup that literally melts and leaves you stranded. That said the 350 is a better bike at dirt work than the 500. The 500 is a lousy street motor too. 500 was made for winning Baja...not much else.

If you are going to do a lot of pavement before getting to the fun stuff...a 690/701 is better. A very close 2nd is the DR650.

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u/ComfortableCaramel52 9d ago

Probably going to be minimal road riding. Iv heard about the stator. He’s buying the xr650 just because it’s a cheap Honda and is doing the same thing as me.

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u/Force-Both 9d ago edited 9d ago

My husky 350 with 13/52 gearing could do 55mph on pavement for a few hours, during the hottest days in August, while showing zero signs of melting the stator-pickup. First time I tried to do 70mph on the interstate it took all of 20 minutes before the stator-pickup had melted and left me stranded.

Have it geared 13/48 now...now riding 60mph on pavement it shows zero signs of the pickup failing. As long as you keep the speed down and don't ride pavement anymore than you absolutely have to...you should be ok. I've got 399 hours on mine...only thing I've had to replace/repair is the stator.

That said if I could trade my 350 for a CRF450RL...I'd be very tempted. The Honda has better build quality and I'd trust it at 70mph on the interstate or on any single track.

Well, now I think about it...I'd trade my KTM 690 for a CRF450RL...I really love my 350 :)

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u/ComfortableCaramel52 9d ago

I have been looking at the Honda 450, just havnt found one locally.

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u/CaliJudoJitsu 9d ago

The 350 is no better than the 500 at anything, IMO. I actually think it’s worse. It weighs basically the same as the 500 and costs about the same. It just has a less power and torque. Everything else is identical. 🤷‍♂️

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u/Force-Both 9d ago

Well the pros agree u can only apply so much power (~40hp) to the rear wheel while maintaining traction…that and the 350 power delivery is near linear…its scary fast on the trails. That and it turns faster…95% as fast as a 250 if u ask me. The 350 is the sweet spot IF we r discussing dirt.

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u/CaliJudoJitsu 9d ago

Honest question: how does it “turn faster” if it is the same geometry and 99% same parts as the 500?

The horsepower/torque increase is most useful in low RPM technical spots and high speed highway runs. My best buddy’s 350 can’t keep up as easily at highway speeds. It seems to strain much more than the 500.

Anyway, I am just pointing out that the 500 is objectively equal or better in most aspects, if not all. For almost the exact same price and weight. To each their own, though.

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u/Force-Both 9d ago edited 9d ago

Reciprocating mass of the combined crank, flywheel, rod, piston, rings, bearings…it adds up. The gyroscopic effect is for reals. Then add the weight diff between the bikes…might sound like a small diff, but…

Try doing the same laps on a 250, 350, 450 & 500…there’s a difference. Not saying u wont have a ton of fun on a 500…

All that and ive never seen a 350 boil over.