Which of these three bikes would make the best...

Which is the best commuter and dirt road/trail pounder? (Or, help me choose my next commuter)

  • KTM 390 Adventure

    Votes: 4 33.3%

  • Honda CB 500x

    Votes: 3 25.0%

  • Suzuki DRZ400SM

    Votes: 5 41.7%
  • Total voters
    12
Roadghost

Roadghost

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
...commuter and weekend dirt road/trail pounder? Down to my last three choices. Slim pickings for what I want to do - 110km/day and some weekend trail riding (that could get pretty rough). I like the light weight of the KTM. The Honda is heavy but more powerful and reliable, the Suzuki has the worst fuel mileage, has a carb but it's the most trail capable. Hard to stop dickering on this. GTA wisdom needed.
 
since you said trail and pounder
those 2 words for me eliminate the CB500X
it's a street bike

depending on the on/off road ratio you have in mind

if mostly trail I'd say the DRZ
if 50/50 I'd choose the Duke dressed like a ADV bike

maybe put the Versys 300 on this list?
 
Friend of mine got the cbx for the same reason you are looking into one. He traded it mid season for the 250L. He didn't enjoy the cbx off road. Drz has a ton of aftermarket support and bullet proofish motor. Cheers!
 
Drz, it will do what you want, 5 days a week. it wont inspire adventure but it will get you out and home
 
J_F said:
since you said trail and pounder
those 2 words for me eliminate the CB500X
it's a street bike

depending on the on/off road ratio you have in mind

if mostly trail I'd say the DRZ
if 50/50 I'd choose the Duke dressed like a ADV bike

maybe put the Versys 300 on this list?
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I did consider the Versys 300, but its fuel mileage is way down compared to the competitors. Also, complaints that all its power is in the upper RPM range, with no hill-climbing torque.
 
Buy the Honda it is a cheap reliable appliance if it breaks discard it.

Sent from my moto g(8) plus using Tapatalk
 
Roadghost said:
...commuter and weekend dirt road/trail pounder? Down to my last three choices. Slim pickings for what I want to do - 110km/day and some weekend trail riding (that could get pretty rough). I like the light weight of the KTM. The Honda is heavy but more powerful and reliable, the Suzuki has the worst fuel mileage, has a carb but it's the most trail capable. Hard to stop dickering on this. GTA wisdom needed.
Click to expand...
I spent a lot of time in Northern Ontario this summer, never saw a anything but DRZs, tons of them. Not a single KTM, Versys300 or CB500x.

Folks up there depend on their bikes, they’re used daily for commuting, and trail pounding.

I think they are all ok for the commute, +1 for the Honda if you are on 400 highways.

Both the KTM and Honda are princesses off road unless you plow in a few grand in upgrades.
 
Another thought is a used DL650. You can pick one up used for 3k, ride it trouble free for 100k. Not as good on fuel as a mini bike, but way better on the commute. And you don’t need to buy panties.
 
Mad Mike said:
Another thought is a used DL650. You can pick one up used for 3k, ride it trouble free for 100k. Not as good on fuel as a mini bike, but way better on the commute. And you don’t need to buy panties.
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What definition of mini bike are you using that excludes the SP125, TS125, and TR25W in your signature but includes any of the three bikes he listed
 
TwistedKestrel said:
What definition of mini bike are you using that excludes the SP125, TS125, and TR25W in your signature but includes any of the three bikes he listed
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Those are antiques, none are suitable for Roadghost’s started needs.
 
Suzuki has the longest legs if you ever plan on going over anything taller then your front axle
the other two bikes are flat landers.
 
KLR650. You say some trails could get rough. Buy the KLR as it's hard to kill and easy to fix. It'll do everything on your list.
 
Hardwrkr13 said:
KLR650. You say some trails could get rough. Buy the KLR as it's hard to kill and easy to fix. It'll do everything on your list.
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It's only a hundred and twelve pounds heavier then a DRZ400SM :unsure:
 
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