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WR250X vs. DRZ400SM

It says a lot about the WR250X that people compare it to a KTM 690 and not a Kawi KLR250SM. See also the ADVrider WR250R hate thread.

BTW, I just rode mine up a steep interstate into a headwind (at about 5,000 ft) and had to downshift because it wouldn't hold 65 mph in top gear (stock gearing).
 
2strokeYardSale said:
It says a lot about the WR250X that people compare it to a KTM 690 and not a Kawi KLR250SM. See also the ADVrider WR250R hate thread.

BTW, I just rode mine up a steep interstate into a headwind (at about 5,000 ft) and had to downshift because it wouldn't hold 65 mph in top gear (stock gearing).
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Is this a good thing?

Having had a DRZ400SM...Id go WR just because it seems a nicer bike overall--basically same power with modern engine n shit and what has to be a slight weight advantage (havent looked it up). NO experience on one though.
 
The DRZs are cheaper and more plentiful. Aftermarket parts for the DRZ are more plentiful as well.

Out of the box, I prefer the WR-X - I think the lower weight and the 6th gear help compensate for the lower HP. But you can do a lot with a DRZ if you're motivated.
 
You can't go wrong with either bike.
 
antidote said:
Is this a good thing?

Having had a DRZ400SM...Id go WR just because it seems a nicer bike overall--basically same power with modern engine n shit and what has to be a slight weight advantage (havent looked it up). NO experience on one though.
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IDK, stock DRZSM 5.5 0-60, WRX 7.7.

http://mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2015_01PerfIndex.pdf

Seems like a big difference to me.

My DRZ with a stage 1 kit can easily outpower cars in the twisties, even up hill and certainly can keep up with any sane rider on a far larger SS in the flats.

Rode it yesterday down St Helena Road over 29 to Middletown and think the 250 might be wheezing trying to power up the fast uphill sweepers to and from Middletown.

Downhill I'm sure it would be fine.
 
Both bikes are pretty corked up from the manufacturer.
 
GAJ said:
IDK, stock DRZSM 5.5 0-60, WRX 7.7.

http://mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2015_01PerfIndex.pdf

Seems like a big difference to me.

My DRZ with a stage 1 kit can easily outpower cars in the twisties, even up hill and certainly can keep up with any sane rider on a far larger SS in the flats.

Rode it yesterday down St Helena Road over 29 to Middletown and think the 250 might be wheezing trying to power up the fast uphill sweepers to and from Middletown.

Downhill I'm sure it would be fine.
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0-60 is only one category. I would imagine the higher low torque of the DRZ affects that time. What I'd be interested in is, once in that 30-50mph range will the 250 feel like it has less power? As you can actually keep it high in the revs at that point.

DRZ just feels so tractor like, Id go WRx just for the spaceship 'new' tech lol. There NEEDS to be an update to that old horse.
 
GAJ said:
IDK, stock DRZSM 5.5 0-60, WRX 7.7.

http://mcnews.com/mcn/articles/2015_01PerfIndex.pdf

Seems like a big difference to me.

My DRZ with a stage 1 kit can easily outpower cars in the twisties, even up hill and certainly can keep up with any sane rider on a far larger SS in the flats.

Rode it yesterday down St Helena Road over 29 to Middletown and think the 250 might be wheezing trying to power up the fast uphill sweepers to and from Middletown.

Downhill I'm sure it would be fine.
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Uphill is often where bikes have the biggest advantage against cars. The extra power needed due to the hill is minimal due to light weight.

And regarding mods, I think you can get a 290 kit for the WR :dunno
 
antidote said:
0-60 is only one category. I would imagine the higher low torque of the DRZ affects that time. What I'd be interested in is, once in that 30-50mph range will the 250 feel like it has less power? As you can actually keep it high in the revs at that point.

DRZ just feels so tractor like, Id go WRx just for the spaceship 'new' tech lol. There NEEDS to be an update to that old horse.
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1/4 mile times were 15.8 at 77mph for the WRX and 13.7 at 88mph so still a 2.1 second gap at the end of the 1/4 mile...and by then the DRZ is at the WRX's top speed of 88 and pretty much hitting the wall near the DRZ's top speed of 94.

The magazine tested the KTM 390 Duke and got a 5.5 0-60 time and a 14 second 1/4 mile time at 92 and a top speed of 104.

My Stage 1 kit on the dyno saw a 10% increase in hp and a 15% increase in torque which affected acceleration but not top speed.

So if you believe the numbers from Motorcycle consumer news all I'd get from switching to a 390 would be more top speed which, really, makes no difference to me.

The DRZ and WRX have better suspension than the $1,000 cheaper 390.

Guess I'll keep the DRZ. :laughing

EDIT: missed the comment in the KTM 390 review that the standard ABS is too intrusive, which I hate, but KTM credit, it comes, egads, with an on/off switch which should be mandatory on all ABS as, yes, some is way to intrusive on clean dry pavement, (ie. takes your brakes away at inopportune moments when braking on dry slightly bumpy pavement).

http://www.motorcycleconsumernews-digitalmagazine.com/mcnews/may_2015d/?pg=16&pm=2&u1=friend#pg18
 
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stan23 said:
personally I feel the DRZ is a better bike.
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I feel like the DRZ is more well rounded in general. The WR would be a sweet city only bike but freeway mileage on a high-strung 2XXLB twofiddy is underwhelming.
 
The drz has about 25 percent more horsepower stock and potential for alot more. Its a little heavier but makes up for it with the awesome torque. With a spring change and proper suspension set up the drz handles great. With a properly jetted fcr carb ..fuel injection isn't even an advantage. With a 38 t sprocket my drz will cruise at 70mph all day and top out at somewhere over 105. Maintainance is similar as well as dependability. The only thing the the wrx is substantially better at ...is looking cool.
 
Junkie said:
And regarding mods, I think you can get a 290 kit for the WR
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And a 440 kit for the DRZ. :ride

And hot cams and a flatslide carb, all of which wake it right up. I personally prefer the WR, but there's no doubt that the DRZ is a solid bike that you can make into a great dualsport/tard.
 
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