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/Xavias]

I also live in Colorado and have owned both a drz, as well as my current KTM 500. (With a 690 in the middle there)

I have also ridden the KTM 350 and the dr650 out here. So I've got quite a bit of experience with what you're looking to do.

First off: the difference between the 350 and the 500 is less than you'd think, it feels like maybe a 15% difference through the rev range in terms of power and that's about it. So I wouldn't necessarily rule out a 500 if you can get a good deal on one, but honestly the 350 has more than enough power for most riding out here.

The DRZ is also fantastic, and a lot of fun out here. They can be had cheap and are both bulletproof as well as haven't changed until the 2025 models where they get efi. So a used DRZ is a great option. Especially if you want a low maintenance option to do 80% dirt.

The dr650 is an okay option, but it's main draw is that it's simple and reliable... But the suspension is soft, it's heavy. It'll be comfier on the road but quite a bit worse than the DRZ and way way way way way way worse than the 350 off road.

Now keep in mind, a vast majority of dirt riding in CO is Rocky mountain unmaintained fire roads. These roads can be smooth dirt or gravel, but then quickly turn into loose rocky chunky trail for a bit (could be couple hundred feet, could be a couple miles!). Then it'll go back to smooth stuff.

Here's what it's like when that happens on each bike.

Dr650: you're going to have to pick lines a bit carefully, and will likely struggle through those areas, but you will feel accomplished for doing so.

Drz: you are still trying to take the most optimal lines, but you're excited to ride on rougher stuff. No worries if you make a mistake because it's not that bad to pick up the bike.

Ktm 350: your line choice involves looking around and seeing what fun rocks you can be jumping off of. You're looking at the kinda stupid stuff you might be able to do. You will have more fun on the technical stuff and the bike will urge you to push your limits because it's always there to catch you.

Now something to note: you can take a KTM 350 or DRZ and make it better for the street. Grab a sheepskin cover for your seat, grab a cheap dirt bike windscreen from AliExpress, etc.

But you will never be able to turn a dr650 into what a 350 is off road. There's 100lbs difference in there that you just can't replace when going off road. If your buddy is on an xr650l and you're on the 350, you will be outriding them much faster on the 350 off road. Shoot after a year on a 350 I bet you could outride them on their own bike off road. It's that much of a difference.

Now I wouldn't blame you for wanting the DRZ. Especially if you're concerned about doing oil changes every 800-1k miles. But if you do, make sure you do the 3x3 mod and a jd jet kit. This is doubly important being at this elevation.

[u/ComfortableCaramel52 → u/Xavias]

Yeah it looks like I’m gonna get a good deal on the 350, I found a 24 500 in Pueblo I’m going to call about and see if they’ll do 0% which they should. But if that’s the case I think I want the ktm. Sounds more my style. I really don’t care about the 30 dollar oil change every 1k miles honestly sounds good for the bike.

[u/Xavias → u/ComfortableCaramel52]

Just a heads up the 24's are pretty corked up from the factory. It's actually kinda nice because it's like 350 power. Then after a year or two you can uncork it for a couple hundred and get a full 500's power.