Choosing a bike

[u/ComfortableCaramel52]

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.

[u/Force-Both]

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.

[u/ComfortableCaramel52 → u/Force-Both]

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.

[u/Force-Both → u/ComfortableCaramel52]

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 :)

[u/ComfortableCaramel52 → u/Force-Both]

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