Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: choosing a dirt bike, dual sport bikes, suzuki drz400

Question
I would like to purchase an offroad bike to use for recreation.  My main interests are jumping the bike and climbing with it and not really speed.  So I would like to get something that I can yank around a bit.  Initially, I was thinking of getting a 250cc bike but after looking at them I thought a 125cc might be more of what I was looking for.  This is based purely on the bike size as I sat on it.  What I don't know is if this bike is of adequate size for an adult of my size.  I weight about 180 lbs and measure in at about 5' 10". Any other size bikes I should consider?  Also, I'm interested in advice regarding choosing a stricly offroad bike versus and enduro.   Any advise would be appreciated. thanks

Answer
Mike,

Thanks for the question. My experience is mostly with road bikes, but I can help you with this question.

Due to your size, I'd most likely pass on the 125. It is certainly smaller and lighter than the 250, but I think the problem you'll have is that as your riding skills increase, you'll find the bike too small both in terms of size and power. Since you specify climbing as one of your main interests, a larger displacement bike with more torque is definitely going to be a better climber. Also, the 250 is (depending on the model) going to have suspension more suited to hard landing with someone your weight on the bike.

As for getting a “pure” offroad bike versus an enduro, a pure dirt bike is going to be have better dirt performance than an enduro. However, if you would like to have the advantages of both, you can modify most “dual-sport” bikes to work better in the dirt. That usually entails suspension and tire upgrades at the least, maybe a different pipe and some carb work to really tweak it. A buddy of mine has a Suzuki DRZ400 thats tricked out for better dirt performance, and the thing really flies (literally). It helps that he is a long-time dirt rider. Still, he had the same dilemma as you, and he is very happy with his DRZ for getting around and for it's no-compromise dirt performance. I think Suzuki also make a DR200SE, but it's not as dirt-worthy as the DRZ.

You may think the 250 is too big from sitting on it, but remember that you don't sit on dirtbikes much when riding them aggressively. And they are very tall by nature. At 5-10, you should have enough inseam available for the 250 or the DRZ400. If your main concern is off-road performance, perhaps a pure dirtbike is the best way to go. But if you want that same performance in an enduro, be prepared to spend a bit to upgrade the tires at the very least.

Good luck and ride safe,

Bill Roberson