What makes the best street-motard?

[orangeback]

as title asks
would like to hear diffrent opinions, bikes eg DRZ YZ KTM/ models & Modes,& eg wheels, brakes, Lines etc

[Pex Adams]

The dumb bastard holding the handle bars

[GaZBur]

Do you mean Street as in commuting or street as in racing?

Street commute/tour/fun then a DR650 with standard 21 front like I use (or similar other brand)does everything including clubmans and trackdays and gets you racing(but not overly competitively) on a shoesting budget.

You rich and you wanna race a 450 like the KLX for supermoto or the real drool open supermoto the 550 Aprillia V twin. God I wish I was rich!

You not sure which then maybe the KTM's seem to have the best range of all rounders. Depends on where you see you fit as there is only a best for your circumstances which are different to everyone elses.

EDIT: Sorry, I see now that I have looked at your bike list that you already Motard - but my comment stands for the less experienced. I guess you are looking for more technical opinions.

[orangeback]

Since little responce here's the american view

KTM LC4 640, 3000 mile oil changes. Great for commuting. They require (relatively) little maintenance, and are not "pure race motors" at all.

KTM 625, excellent bike, excellent components, excellent handling. There is no reliability drawback over anything else, it's fast and fun. The 625SMC is arguably one of the best street-tards. KTM does all the hard work for you and sells them street legal from the factory. Their only drawback is that they vibrate. Bad. Some people think it shakes too much for street riding.

MZ Baghira, very comfy. "I've put 12,000 miles on it with only oil changes every 2K, and 1 valve adjust. I love the bike, it fits my needs, and if I had to do it again, I would get it again. That said, it is heavy, but I feel that weight is not that big a deal on a street bike." Weight on these bikes is very easy to drop, to a point. For example, the stock muffler/cat is about 15 lbs. "The power of the motor is really good stock, I dropped 1 tooth on the countershaft, still goes 70 comfy on the hwy, but lofts the front in 2nd with ease now."

Husky 610, extremely reliable as a daily commuter. "I recommend buying the 610 if you plan on riding alot on the road. This is my commuting vehicle. I have some nice tight twisty farm roads on the way to work - almost no traffic (25 miles with 3 stop lights total). This is perfect for me, I can't imagine anything better."

XR650R, big, fast, powerful(ish), reliable, little maintenance, etc. While certainly heavier than more specialised machines, it is hard to beat for heavy use, day in day out, commuting, track days, trail riding, 500 mile days, etc. Dependable, all kinds of parts and info available. They are excellent bikes, very stable at speed and have all the potential you want to make out of them. "I ride a XR650R, and typically ride with sport bikes. We ride between 250 and 450 miles in a day, on twisty mountain roads. I have no wind protection, and stock seat foam. I have a range of 150 miles on a 4gal tank with 15/40 gearing, and a top speed of 119. I've done 1900 miles in a span of 9 days, two of them over 400 miles. Put a little over 7K on the supermoto last year, so I guess it's the riders butt and back that regulates how far you can ride a supermoto!" It's also been proven to do great off-road. The XR650R is a good choice, if you're kick start skills are up to par.

XR650L, Bombproof. "The XR650L is probably the most comfy bike you can ride in the city." Big seat, long suspension. "It's not too fun on the highway, though. I stick mainly to B roads." Heavy, old technology, air cooled dirt bike w/ sloppy suspension and low HP. Very dependable. "A good bike, smooth motor(for a thumper), bulletproof, and I can take it on pretty long rides, maintenance intervals are just like any other street bike and parts availability isn't a problem." There is pretty much no difference (performance wise) between an XR650L and DRZ400SM. The XR's an ancient design that is well outdated and its right on track with a more modern 400.

XR400, small, light, reliable. Not incredible power, but a fun bike.

DR650, "I was riding my DR650 142 miles round trip a day for a year, all year. 80/90mph most of the way. I got no complaints with the DR." "Dependable as hell and easy to maintain. Also handles well." "My DR650 is my 21st bike I've owned! I'm getting older so I wanted a good reliable bike to chase my son around the yard on his 50 and a fun way to and from work. No, I dont think I could race it, but these bikes are a blast on the street!! Reliable,pulls great wheelies and great looks!"

DRZ400SM, I would say that a DRZSM would be a perfect bike for a new rider. "Cruises comfortably at 75-80 mph and will even cruise at 90 mph if I want to put up with the windblast." As you probably know the drz motor is bullet proof and needs very little maintenance. Enough power to have a ton of fun, but not too much. However, it does have it's drawbacks. "The DRZ is a great little bike, but it's slow, it's heavy, it needs more HP and another gear." "If you like riding the streets carving the corners and lifting the front wheel on every exit you'll want the hit of the real SM bikes." If you're a modder, then the DRZ will do you well, but you'll need to spend some time and $'s to do so. A stock DRZ-E is about the same power as a DR650, the DRZ-SM has less because of different cams, base gasket and CV carb. You can easily mod it from there to have a lot more go than a DR650 can, but it will take some time and effort of course. If you don't like to do maintenance, and just want to plow around on the street, the DRZ is the right bike for you. It's a great everyday bike, and for blasting around town. So you have to ask yourself, and answer honestly, "what am I going to use this bike for?

KLR650, excellent mileage munchers, but too heavy and soft to make a supermoto. Forget the KLR. Great bike but not motard material. Just too large and heavy.

KTM 950SM, won't mind long distances or hooliganism, if you can afford it!
TRACK:

Vertimati, Not really ideal for a street-tard just because of maintenance and reliability.

VOR, Some 02 530 E-Start VORs had bad crank bearings. Didn't seem to be a problem with the 03 bikes. Otherwise, VORs are good bikes with engines that make good power. They are high maintenance, though.

TM, for enthusiasts with a lot of money and a lot of patience. It may be street legal, but it's a race bike. Not recomended for street.

CRF, Again, race bike. Maintenance intensive, simply not designed for the street.

YZF, Just buy a WR.

KTM 450, Race bike. Not for the meek. Where as the DRZ is fun, this is insane. Add 20 hp to the DRZ and drop about 20-30 lbs in weight. It's not playing around. Blasting around town is good, but it takes a much more aggressive approach and is more difficult to ride slowly (It will hit 50 mph in 1st gear). Wheelies, stoppies are jokes for this. Maintenance - you'd better enjoy it.

Aprillia SXV, a ton of fun, but an easy way to get you a bunch of tickets and maybe thrown in jail....and a fast way to the poor house in repair and maintenance. The Aprilia SXV's are sweet bikes but maintenance and funding intensive.
Husaberg, "which category does a big fast as crap street legal tard with unproven reliabilty go? i'm thinking the "both" category, though maybe just the race category." shares a lot of tech with KTMs.

Husky 450/510, great competitive track bikes that come with sm suspension, wheels, e-start, brakes, and a plate. I can't think of a better track/occasional street bike. Huskys are cool, but dealerships are few and far between, and they are mildly maintenance intensive, but not bank account killers.

WR400/426/450, the WR's are great bikes. if you want less maintenance go with a DRZ400. Those things just don't die. I think the WR makes a pretty good tard. Its pretty much got the same power as the YZF and will smoke the DRZ (until your stuck rebuilding your WR and the DRZ goes flying by your garage). The WR isn't too maintenance intensive, but requires more frequent oil changes than a DRZ. The 450s have the magic button, but for the 400/426 you'd better be ready to kick. a great bike for street and track supermoto

[Gremlin]

Fun, Reliability and cheap maintenance.

Having tested a sxv550, I can tell you its bloody fun, but only has one mood... mad. Maintenance is... repetitive I guess, nice way to say it. For commuting, you need reliablility and long service intervals.

From the fun side, its got to be a bit of a hooligan, but still be capable of behaving when you want it to.

[Southmotian]

as title asks
would like to hear diffrent opinions, bikes eg DRZ YZ KTM/ models & Modes,& eg wheels, brakes, Lines etc

I reckon you're ahead of your time here mate, the motards haven't quite taken off yet in little old unzud. I think you're onto a good thing with the common jappa with easy to find parts though.

Saying that I love my husky and if you love riding the bike and can afford to run it then all is well.

Might have to stick to the US forums for motard stuff:zzzz:

p.s. where is the motard forum on KB anyway, there is a scooter one FFS!

[GaZBur]

p.s. where is the motard forum on KB anyway, there is a scooter one FFS!
Most of the people who Motard down my way are into dirt or adventure type stuff as well. Have seen a couple of threads in the Sport/Road section and a few references in the Racing section but not much.
I Motard my DR650 just for fun coz whenever I try to go real fast I end up injured. I figured that because I am not uber fast the only people interested in my motarding comments would be DR owners so put my experiences in the DR650 (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=50896&page=3) thread.
Probably motarding would be best put in Racing no Street/Road, no what about Adventure, damn they realy are modified Dirt bikes, hmmmm!!!
OK maybe a forum of thier own.

[Coyote]

I'm still keen to get an XR650R as a road motard. Seems like a good bike for what I need, a reliable commuter that should be some fun in the weekend and I could possibly race. Might get one in the next few months. Plus I've ridden one and fell in love with it. Wheelie, backfire, wheelie, backfire... :D

Luckily the local shop here deals in Yamahas and Huskys, plus I used to work for them so I get along with the boss. If I wanted a race motard, like the NOX they have in store (so tempted, so poor), I should get a good deal.


Does anyone know just how much more maintenance is involved with a WR? Not that I'm toon keen on one anyway, only a grand or 2 more and I could get a ZX10R.

[R6_kid]

WR450 was farking good fun and held up well even with a couple of bins (due to pilot error!)

Top end service i dont think was expensive (ask The Stranger)... but we never had any troubles with it in the time he owned it (except for me being a twit and laying it down twice).

Only niggle was that we had a slightly too wide tire on the rear and it would get nibbled by the chain a bit, but only on the very edge, still wasnt a problem at the track and i was getting it well over on that side (peg down/knee down).

Runs out of smoke at about 160kmh, but that was gearing because its not like it was on the limiter.

Think he scored it for $10k with motard gear (excel rims with brembos up front.)

[orangeback]

Does anyone know just how much more maintenance is involved with a WR? Not that I'm toon keen on one anyway, only a grand or 2 more and I could get a ZX10R.

matinance $500 will do up the top end do it 8-10,000km for the road 4-5000 for race , pritty much bullet prof, cush drive rear hub would be smother on the road and eazyer on the box,
For the ZX10, i had one b4 the WR Retard, and i dont regret selling it to buy the WR , i sold my ZX for 13.5k and spent it all on the WR , it's the most fun youll ever have on a bike, and i can ride it faster than the 10 in the tight stuff by 15-25 km. watch out as they tuck the front verry fast and run wright of the tyre with ground clearance.

[orangeback]

:whocares::whocares::Punk:

[Aero165]

I had a 2004 WR 450 motard. I sold it to buy my current bike (06 R1) but boy am I missing the Tard!

I'm considering selling the R1, getting a cheaper R1 (Lightly damaged or something) AND another motard.

[Motardman]

I've been using a KTM 525 EXC-R for the last 6 months now. Have stiffened up the suspension and bunged in a 310mm front disc. Awesome bike, cheap to run as its ultra reliable.

Mods for this year include 540 big bore kit, akrapovic full system and a steering damper as it spends most of the time pointing skywards and the landings could be a little less flighty when your lean't over :wacko:

Sold my GSXR750 to fund the final mods to the tard....best thing I ever did, ultimate fun on the road and twisty tracks....not so much fun on the straights!!

[jimmy 2006]

i don't see anyone saying the KTM 690sm ??

[Motardman]

i don't see anyone saying the KTM 690sm ??

I don't know about you guys but I prefer my motard to be as light and nimble as possible so some of the larger KTM's just feel like tarted up desert cross bikes.....plus I always like the idea that motards are custom built to a certain extent.....factory built feels like cheating......but thats just me

[blueblade]

I don't know about you guys but I prefer my motard to be as light and nimble as possible so some of the larger KTM's just feel like tarted up desert cross bikes.....plus I always like the idea that motards are custom built to a certain extent.....factory built feels like cheating......but thats just me

I tend to agree. The KTM 690 (which I do own) is not a real Motard. Its a quirky road bike with Motard styling.
Having said that though, it is a brilliant twisties bike that can also handle its fair share of long distance work. I occasionally crept onto the road (very out of the way back roads) on my CRF 450 Motard. It was absolutely awesome fun, but only for an hour or so at a time. Beyond that it was a pain in the butt (literally). The KTM on the other hand is fine for the ride down from Auckland then all day round the Coro loop (the big one!!)

[Motardman]

Yep agreed. I'm more of the hoon variety so tend to use the moootard for quick blasts on twisties, anything long distance I get in the Skyline...

*waits for the tirade of car abuse* :woohoo:

[Aero165]

Yep agreed. I'm more of the hoon variety so tend to use the moootard for quick blasts on twisties, anything long distance I get in the Skyline...

*waits for the tirade of car abuse* :woohoo:

*Ahem*

Skylines are for homosexuals.

Buy a Subaru.

*Waits for abuse about how lame Subaru's are*:chase:

[FilthyLuka]

*Ahem*

Skylines are for homosexuals.

Buy a Subaru.

*Waits for abuse about how lame Subaru's are*:chase:


#sigh#

Kids these days...

[Motardman]

:whistle:


Buy a Subaru.

I've already got a lawnmower :whistle:

[slowpoke]

Best street 'tard? Totally depends on the type of riding that it is used for. An Aprilia will be a pain in the arse if you are just after something for trickling through traffic each morning as you'd have all the maintenance hassles and none of the enjoyment to offset it. A softer less maintemnce intensive option (KTM LC4 etc) would be a better option.
But if you are ripping up the Rimutaka's on a Sunday arvo then an Aprilia would be perfect, and an LC4 would be left wallowing in it's wake.
Just a note on converting RMZ's, WR's etc: lotsa peoples bolt on the 'tard rims, brakes etc but few go to the effort/expense of modifying the suspension to suit, so end up with a fun bike but ultimately something that won't cut it with a genuine dedicated motard.
Horses for courses.

[Motardman]

Just a note on converting RMZ's, WR's etc: lotsa peoples bolt on the 'tard rims, brakes etc but few go to the effort/expense of modifying the suspension to suit, so end up with a fun bike but ultimately something that won't cut it with a genuine dedicated motard.
Horses for courses.

Yeah this is true and it's odd seeing as in most cases the brakes/wheels are more bloody expensive than the right springs!!

[Aero165]

I'm pretty keen on the 525 as I'll still be doing dirt work too. The 525 seems like the largest bike you can buy without going into the adventure/simi roadbike, motard thing. If I was going to traveling on it verses just playing I'd go for the LC4.

It's still in consideration though...

[Motardman]

Yep thats why I got the 525, I use it for trail riding too as I have the offroad wheels. Only downsides are that as I have done the brakes and suspension its a little stiff on particularly bumpy trails and the front brake is a little harsh :eek:

[Aero165]

Yep thats why I got the 525, I use it for trail riding too as I have the offroad wheels. Only downsides are that as I have done the brakes and suspension its a little stiff on particularly bumpy trails and the front brake is a little harsh :eek:

My last dirt bike (03YZ250) was set up for big jumps, 70footers and the like. I took that out on a Trail Blazer once and I couldn't walk properly for 2 days afterwards!:doctor:


I actually took a local 525 EXC SM out for a ride yesterday. I looooved it!
It had more grunt than the WR and with the extra gear it just kept on chugging along. I was a happy camper:cool:

[avgas]

But they day they announce a 1L single motard im in.
im not a twin person you see

[Aero165]

But they day they announce a 1L single motard im in.
im not a twin person you see

Think of the vibes! :pinch:

[Badcat]

Yeah this is true and it's odd seeing as in most cases the brakes/wheels are more bloody expensive than the right springs!!

yep.
i've owned a few motards -= and cut up a few bikes.
i'd be tempted if on a budget to just lace up a 19" front rim, use a soft adventure tyre (avon distanzia or pirelli MT60 RS) and get someone with experience to firm/shorten the suspension before buying 2 new wheels and huge brakes, you can add better brakes later if you need them....

i think it would beat a tall bouncy MXer with 17s.
ken

[Motardman]

I actually took a local 525 EXC SM out for a ride yesterday. I looooved it!
It had more grunt than the WR and with the extra gear it just kept on chugging along. I was a happy camper:cool:

Yep it has plenty of power, will be interesting to see what the 540 kit does for it.....

Not sure whether I'd want a 1000cc single.....525 has plenty of thump!!

[avgas]

Think of the vibes! :pinch:
Be fantastic - i have seen a cafe racer in the US made with half a harley block and an overbore to 1L.
I consider it my unicorn

[Motardman]

Probably as unruly as a unicorn too I'd imagine......not that I've ridden many unicorns obviously :rolleyes:

[FilthyLuka]

Im going to go test ride a DR400SM tomorrow, will give you the ride report :hug:

[Motardman]

Im going to go test ride a DR400SM tomorrow, will give you the ride report :hug:

Ah yes, my friend has one of those. Pretty to look at and has all the creature comforts but is too slow as standard. He changed the pipe and jets and modded the airbox, goes better now but still not mental enough for my liking....pretty stable handling though so not too bad.

[FilthyLuka]

Ah yes, my friend has one of those. Pretty to look at and has all the creature comforts but is too slow as standard. He changed the pipe and jets and modded the airbox, goes better now but still not mental enough for my liking....pretty stable handling though so not too bad.

Yoshimura 450 big bore kit, includes bore, high compression piston, cams and an ignition module...

I think that would fix it :devil2:

[slowpoke]

Yoshimura 450 big bore kit, includes bore, high compression piston, cams and an ignition module...

I think that would fix it :devil2:

What's the point of spending up large on a big bore kit on a 400, especially a heavy, low spec unit like a DR? It's still gonna be slower than your average XR650 and be a whole lot more hassle getting it set up. Then you are still stuck with crap suspension, crap brakes and too much lard.
The only thing going for a DR are it's price and reliabilty, both of which you lose once you start talking big bore kits etc.

[FilthyLuka]

What's the point of spending up large on a big bore kit on a 400, especially a heavy, low spec unit like a DR? It's still gonna be slower than your average XR650 and be a whole lot more hassle getting it set up. Then you are still stuck with crap suspension, crap brakes and too much lard.
The only thing going for a DR are it's price and reliabilty, both of which you lose once you start talking big bore kits etc.

Who knows, ask yoshimura Race and Development

http://www.yoshimura-rd.com/ps-3458-1088-ltz-drz-449-motor-kit-parts-only.aspx

[Coyote]

#sigh#

Kids these days...
I've had my car learners for 3 years, probably spent about half an hour total behind the wheel during my lifetime.

However, not having a car to a teenager is like not having a cellphone, which I don't have either. Had one, lost it, couldn't afford another cause of the bike :laugh:

matinance $500 will do up the top end do it 8-10,000km for the road 4-5000 for race , pritty much bullet prof, cush drive rear hub would be smother on the road and eazyer on the box,
For the ZX10, i had one b4 the WR Retard, and i dont regret selling it to buy the WR , i sold my ZX for 13.5k and spent it all on the WR , it's the most fun youll ever have on a bike, and i can ride it faster than the 10 in the tight stuff by 15-25 km. watch out as they tuck the front verry fast and run wright of the tyre with ground clearance.
What other costs were involved? I keep hearing the oil has to be done regularly.

A ZX10R would be better as a commuter/fun bike wouldn't it? Since the WR's maintenance intervals become closer in between since so many k's are being racked up.

I probably won't rest until a ZX10R is out of my system, but I'm not getting one anytime soon :p

The 525 seems like the largest bike you can buy without going into the adventure/simi roadbike, motard thing.
http://www.tmracing.it/eng/modello.php?id_moto=82&anno=2008

Don't think it'd take too much to get that dirt ready.

Top of the list of all the Motards I'm keen on.

[Motardman]

http://www.tmracing.it/eng/modello.php?id_moto=82&anno=2008

Don't think it'd take too much to get that dirt ready.

Top of the list of all the Motards I'm keen on.

Gotta love the TM, but like the Vor....exclusivity has a price....

[Coyote]

Gotta love the TM, but like the Vor....exclusivity has a price....
Parts are difficult to come by aren't they?

Initial cost isn't too much more is it?

Another one at the top of the list, the Maico 685 2 stroke: http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Maico/2003/685%20Supermoto%20Special%20Edition/

Can't find one for sale, but they are re branded as the ATK 700 in America. They're going for around $13000 NZD

[Motardman]

Parts are difficult to come by aren't they?

Initial cost isn't too much more is it?



In Europe no problem....but here....I'd rather stick to a more widely available brand like KTM and have no part searching headaches

[Aero165]

Mammaryman,

I've heard of the 525's have a problem stripping the starter motor cog. Have you experienced this?

[Motardman]

Mammaryman,

I've heard of the 525's have a problem stripping the starter motor cog. Have you experienced this?

Nope, not once, I've been riding it for just under a year now and use the electric start everytime.

[Aero165]

Thats good to hear!

[slowpoke]

For the ZX10, i had one b4 the WR Retard, and i dont regret selling it to buy the WR , i sold my ZX for 13.5k and spent it all on the WR , it's the most fun youll ever have on a bike, and i can ride it faster than the 10 in the tight stuff by 15-25 km. watch out as they tuck the front verry fast and run wright of the tyre with ground clearance.

Hmmmm, I dunno OB, I kinda agree with ya but not whole heartedly. Yup, they are awesome fun on the right bit of road.....but getting to the right bit of road is the pain in the arse (literally).
I loved my Husaberg 650 and only live about 30km's from the 'Taka's. As you mentioned, I was comfortably quicker over there than on my R1 and on this sort of road the thing made perfect sense.......but even 30 pissant km's was an exercise in boredom and discomfort. Not to mention a tank range of just over 100k's meant at least one fill every time you went out.
Around town you'll be battling to avoid tickets but if you get one on the open road you are to be congratulated as cruising speed ain't gonna much over 100km/hr.
Don't forget the wedgie with a 4 x 2" feeling either. You soon learn all the bum dance moves on that frikkin' torture plank they call a seat too: leaning forward, leaning back, weight on one cheek, then the other, standing up through towns etc etc. The 100km tank range is almost blessing.
They do stop and corner like very little else (dry weight of 112kg's) but come any sort of straight and you'll be left wanting more.

[Aero165]

I agree. The straights are why I sold my WR. I've since reconsidered and have decided to purchase a motard AND a sports bike. Sports bike for the traveling and motard for the playing.

Makes sense to me...

[Bulldog]

Mammary man wishes he could keep up with my drz! Seriously. I love my DRZ and have done a few mods like full zorst, airbox and jet kit which really helped but it still lacks power. To me for an everyday motard this badboy rocks. I'm simply on a quest to find more power. There's heaps and heaps of kit around for them should you want to spend big $$ on performance and mods.

The only other bike I'd consider at the mo is something like the husqy 610sm. As I ride my bike everyday from west harbour to CBD and generally thrash through town during the day I'm always wary of reliability. The DRZ hasn't missed a bit.

I'm about to order my FCR carb kit which adds 5hp odd so should add somewhat.

See pic of mine below and the yoshi redbull bike I'm aiming towards...

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/bulldognz/Motard/IMG_1590.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/bulldognz/Motard/Picture156.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/bulldognz/Motard/IMG_1572.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/bulldognz/Motard/DSC01133.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/bulldognz/Motard/DSC01132.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee214/bulldognz/Motard/DSC01129.jpg

[Motardman]

Mammary man wishes he could keep up with my drz! Seriously.

Ahhh the enthusiasm is touching......keep on dreaming matey :lol:

[Bulldog]

It sounded good while I was typing it :Punk:

I watched Motorway Patrol last night but you weren't on it....yet :Police:

[Motardman]

I obviously wasn't bad enough, will try harder next time.....:clap:

[SeppoDave]

I don't know if it's the best, but... It's pretty cool!

I just picked it up from AMPS yesterday. Can't wait to try it on the track!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2626642487_16448f8353_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2627459170_81a961a090_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2626639941_dd6604d55c_b.jpg

[scorry]

Nice looking bike mate, good luck on the track

[Motardman]

I don't know if it's the best, but... It's pretty cool!

I just picked it up from AMPS yesterday. Can't wait to try it on the track!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2626642487_16448f8353_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2627459170_81a961a090_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2626639941_dd6604d55c_b.jpg

It will fly my friend, just sure you find a twisty circuit as they really don't like long straights :2thumbsup

[boomer]

I bought a 400 SM and 200k's and one track day later i sold it. It's woefully painful in the 'go' department.

[scorry]

I bought a 400 SM and 200k's and one track day later i sold it. It's woefully painful in the 'go' department.

Was that a DRZ?
It would have been good on a tight track, maybe?

[boomer]

Was that a DRZ?
It would have been good on a tight track, maybe?

a go kart track yes.. anything with a straight on/in it..forget and yes it was a DRZ.

wanna take it off road, then you need to spend another 3 large on wheels, spacers, brakes, calipers.. etc etc and then your gonna get a clean bike muddy...!!!

the bikes that claim to be multi purpose/all rounders are 'jack of all and master of none'.

[Motardman]

a go kart track yes.. anything with a straight on/in it..forget.


and yes it was a DRZ

Hmm, not so with the faster motards my friend, can you say 200+ Kph top end....sorry to say but the DRZ is one of the most gutless motards available, with the right gearing the 525/530/540/560 KTM's will fly. Only really need to avoid Pukekohe (which is crap anyway) and the A1GP configuration of the Taupo circuit...other than that its all good and great fun to out corner the sportsbikes out there :Pokey:

Plus many of the KTM's come with both dirt wheels and road wheels......it's not that all enduro's are crap for all situations....just some....like the DRZ SM

[scorry]

Ive got a WR450, with 2 sets of wheels.
It does 145km+ with std dirt gearing of 13 and 50 and that was on the gravel.
My 17's have got a 44 and im gonna put a 15 on the front, shout only gear it to just over 170. off to levels in a couple of weeks so i will see if i got the gearing right

[Bulldog]

The DRZSM is a commuter that is made to look like a motard. It's a brilliant commuter but lacks punch on the track. If you want to race a motard get a real one. Think KTM, Husqy etc.

You haven't exeperienced Motard until you've ridden a big bore badboy like my KTM 525 or similar. Think 60+hp plus 110kilos with massive sticky rubber :yes:

I've owned both DRZ and KTM now....day and night.

[Motardman]

200+ top end which takes 15 minutes to arrive..... behave mate; anything resembling a straight and these bikes are shown up for what they are... toys meant for go kart tracks or off road. Put equal riders on a Motard and a sportsbike.. teh sportsbike corners faster... no arguments!

i stand by what i said, want dirt.. buy a dirt bike.. want a road bike then buy a road bike.. SM's don't do both well and we all KNOW KTM's service intervals are horrendous on the pocket...:buggerd:

Seriously mate....do you really know that little about motards?? From the sounds of things the only motard you've ever ridden is the DRZ? That would explain your lack of knowledge when it comes to how fast and able they can really be.

You would have to be certifiably insane to believe that a sportsbike will out corner a motard.....just have a look on the web if you want some idea of how fast a sorted motard can corner.

15 mins to 200 is not even funny.....I really hope we meet on the track at some point and I will change your mind whille backing it in past you on the brakes...

Service intervals my hairy arse, thats the usual bollocks I hear....if you call changing the oil every 1000km on a bike that has no fairing difficult then I'd hang up your spanners now matey.

[boomer]

Seriously mate....do you really know that little about motards?? From the sounds of things the only motard you've ever ridden is the DRZ? That would explain your lack of knowledge when it comes to how fast and able they can really be.

You would have to be certifiably insane to believe that a sportsbike will out corner a motard.....just have a look on the web if you want some idea of how fast a sorted motard can corner.

15 mins to 200 is not even funny.....I really hope we meet on the track at some point and I will change your mind whille backing it in past you on the brakes...

Service intervals my hairy arse, thats the usual bollocks I hear....if you call changing the oil every 1000km on a bike that has no fairing difficult then I'd hang up your spanners now matey.


ahahah by the time we get to the first corner you'll be waving frantically for me to slow down so i can turn around and watch you back it in... :jerry:

[Motardman]

ahahah by the time we get to the first corner you'll be waving frantically for me to slow down so i can turn around and watch you back it in... :jerry:

As you wish my friend........find out we may.....mmmmm yes......challenge you I will......

With some luck we will meet soon enough on road or track :girlfight:

[boomer]

As you wish my friend........find out we may.....mmmmm yes......challenge you I will......

With some luck we will meet soon enough on road or track :girlfight:

you want me to get my cock out too..??!!! :crybaby:

ps.. who are you? you sound like that annoying green thing of star wars.....!!!!

[Bulldog]

trackday handbags!!!! :headbang:

[scorry]

Can we get some video footage of this wee challenge? sounds like fun

[Motardman]

you want me to get my cock out too..??!!! :crybaby:

ps.. who are you? you sound like that annoying green thing of star wars.....!!!!

Don't get your cock out...you'll lose :cool:

[boomer]

Don't get your cock out...you'll lose :cool:


Thats quite apparent.. you sound like a BIG cock to me!

[Bulldog]

I think I might suggest a motard vs sports bike thingy to Kiwi rider mag....editor lives in the next street to me :scooter:

[Motardman]

Thats quite apparent.. you sound like a BIG cock to me!

HOHOHOHO......takes one to know one.......this could go on all day :zzzz:

[scorry]

HOHOHOHO......takes one to know one.......this could go on all day :zzzz:

Yeah but it makes for a good laugh, way off topic but meh :2thumbsup

[boomer]

Can we get some video footage of this wee challenge? sounds like fun

I'll ask the organisers if they mind me booking into the slow group for one session so i can ride with Mammaryman... and we can get some footage.

Or are we talking about Mt. Wellington Goat Track ..???? :crazy::pinch:

[Motardman]

I'll ask the organisers if they mind me booking into the slow group for one session so i can ride with Mammaryman... and we can get some footage.

Or are we talking about Mt. Wellington Goat Track ..???? :crazy::pinch:

Oh dear.....don't you think that if I'm issueing challenges that maybe I actually have some riding talent....there again maybe you don't think like that at all....some of us don't need to go out and buy a Gixer thou to prove something. But hey like I said...we'll meet soon enough....and then we'll see....I'm looking forward to it....I hope you're as good as you think you are.

[boomer]

Oh dear.....don't you think that if I'm issueing challenges that maybe I actually have some riding talent....there again maybe you don't think like that at all....some of us don't need to go out and buy a Gixer thou to prove something.

Mate, if you had some talent you'd be riding in the nationals and showing me your :first: trophies... not banging your chest like an over sized baphoon!

lets agree to disagree and you can stop living up to your name...! mmmkay?!

[Bulldog]

Just spoke with Gavin (Motard Racer) who said the last track day he did at Taupo he was in the fast group and started last and overtook every single bike in the field......pretty damning really. You could question the other rider's ability but we're talking GSXRs and competant riders here.

Good luck to you boomer. Let's book it. :second:

[Motardman]

Mate, if you had some talent you'd be riding in the nationals and showing me your :first: trophies... not banging your chest like an over sized baphoon!

lets agree to disagree and you can stop living up to your name...! mmmkay?!

Gave up racing when I left the UK my friend, not overly keen on the circuits here and some are just too far afield to justify travelling round the country every few weeks.

[Motardman]

Good luck to you boomer. Let's book it. :second:

I'm always up for a race.

[boomer]

Just spoke with Gavin (Motard Racer) who said the last track day he did at Taupo he was in the fast group and started last and overtook every single bike in the field......pretty damning really. You could question the other rider's ability but we're talking GSXRs and competant riders here.

Good luck to you boomer. Let's book it. :second:

Lets look at this for a minute,


This motard mate of yours is a racer.
All the sportsbike racers were at a race meet on the last track day, so they wouldnt have been at THAT track
I wasn't at that track
Motards are ONLY allowed in the fast group ( because they get in teh way.. fact )


MY statement was that put equal riders on each bike and the sportsbike would have the quickest lap times.. ( have you watched the battle of the streets....?? what wins?! Do you watch SBK, GP, Nationals, Winter series.. how many of these motards are on the podiums... ;)......thats right :calm: )



Gave up racing when I left the UK my friend, not overly keen on the circuits here and some are just too far afield to justify travelling round the country every few weeks.

There are some that 'do' and some that 'talk'.. i know which you are now ;)

[boomer]

Gave up racing when I left the UK my friend, not overly keen on the circuits here and some are just too far afield to justify travelling round the country every few weeks.

thats right, cos all the tracks in the UK are within 100miles of one an other :p mate.. give it up!

[Morcs]

i dont find the drz slow. gets a pain in the arse trying to maintain a constant speed, but twisties and commuting is sooo good.

[Bulldog]

Insert "argueing on th internet is retarded slogan here" I don't think this is going anywhere constructive.....peace out. :blink:

[Motardman]

thats right, cos all the tracks in the UK are within 100miles of one an other :p mate.. give it up!

Well if you knew anything about Club Racing in the UK then you'd know that the circuits you race are infact all in the same region so yes they are infact all within about a 150 mile radius......sigh......North Glos Race Club....look it up.

[daaatomic]

interesting watch

yz450 vs gsxr1000

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JEhF0B94sw4&hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JEhF0B94sw4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[boomer]

Well if you knew anything about Club Racing in the UK then you'd know that the circuits you race are infact all in the same region so yes they are infact all within about a 150 mile radius......sigh......North Glos Race Club....look it up.

oh you're a club racer.. sorry; i was under the impression you raced in the nationals.. ! my bad.

[Motardman]

oh you're a club racer.. sorry; i was under the impression you raced in the nationals.. ! my bad.

Glasshouses my friend. Anyhow...see you on the race track. Laters.

[boomer]

Glasshouses my friend.

Whats this.. is this word association time or have you reverted back to speaking like Yoga?!

lets put it to bed bro... you win. :first:

[Mikkel]

interesting watch

yz450 vs gsxr1000

That's pretty awesome :D

What would the power difference be - 100 hps? Gotta be around that mark at least.
Weight difference?

[kiwifruit]

That's pretty awesome :D

What would the power difference be - 100 hps? Gotta be around that mark at least.
Weight difference?

i think the difference in rider ability is more important in that vid, the guy on the road bike was "not fast"
cool vid tho!!

[Mikkel]

i think the difference in rider ability is more important in that vid, the guy on the road bike was "not fast"
cool vid tho!!

Ultimately skill is what matters of course. Still looking at the specs of either bike might gain a bit of insight.

I don't doubt that for a reasonably fast track the superbike will be able to put in faster laps than a motard - rider skills being equal. However, a racing situation is different - if the motard rider can squeeze in and screw up the superbike's lines then the situation might be different. And I suspect that this is the core issue behind the motard discussion in the racing circles as well.

[imdying]

interesting watchCool video! A nutter on a YZ can keep up with Captain Slow on GSXR1000 round a track :yes: Looks like if they swapped bikes the poor YZ would get a hiding though :S

[boomer]

a guy on a vespa went round the outside of a CBR1000RR on a track day... what does that prove?!


please... get a grip on reality. If a motard could do the 'times' around a track a Sports/super bike could then surely they'd be competing and winning at all levels....however THEY"RE NOT!

:niceone:



They're chook chasers !!!!



.

[Aero165]

I think this is all a bit silly...

It's like comparing horses and bikes. It's night and day.

I love my R1 and I also love my KTM. They both do the same thing but completely differently.

My R1 will piss on my 525 on the straights:wari: but my 525 will eat the R1 in the corners:Punk:.

And really, there's no such thing as a track that will give both bikes an equal advantage.

You could throw in a few big straights to help the sportbike or a dirt section to help the motard. No matter what you do it will be an unfair fight.

[wysper]

So if you are a newbie getting into motards and the like.
Would the DR650 or the XT660 both be good places to start?
Learn the differences in handling and then maybe move to more aggressive motards from there?

[Mikkel]

I'm sure the high-strung 450 ccm motards are a lot of fun - but they are supposedly a bit dear on the maintanence side of things.

The 600+ ccm "workhorse" motards will still be a lot of fun with bucketloads of torque, while being more reliable and cheaper to run. IMHO that is preferable for a street motard - but that's just my take on it.

One thing to bear in mind if you buy a factory off-road bike is that you'd want to:

-Get motard wheels and tyres (add about $2500)
-Upgrade your front brake - adapter and larger disc (more $$)
-Ideally get your suspension dialled in for road-use which might require reconfiguration of internals.

As such a factory street motard might be the cheaper option compared to streeting an off-road bike. Nothing wrong with keeping the off-road suspension settings, it'll still be a lot of fun and very comfortable and friendly to ride. Could imagine it would start getting a bit hairy at higher speeds though and I suspect you wouldn't get as much feedback from the road too.

[humphrt]

please... get a grip on reality. If a motard could do the 'times' around a track a Sports/super bike could then surely they'd be competing and winning at all levels....however THEY"RE NOT!

They're chook chasers !!!!


:whocares:

I'm sorry just a little confused by all this. We all know that a supersport/bike will kill a motard on the straights and a motard will own the corners so lets just leave it at that.

And why all the 'motard hating' in the motard section why dont you go take you straight line skill somewhere else.

[Motardman]

It's just jealousy, they don't like being out cornered by 'chook chasers'.....is funny really, we're all on two wheels so should really stick together...but like with all things it just turns into a p1ssing contest...as a species we're doomed.

[humphrt]

...as a species we're doomed.

Lol, you said it mate.

Anyway i took a mates KTM450SX for a burn. Soooooooo much fun. Me on one of them is a good magnet for a big white sedan with disco lights.

[Motardman]

Lol, you said it mate.

Anyway i took a mates KTM450SX for a burn. Soooooooo much fun. Me on one of them is a good magnet for a big white sedan with disco lights.

I know what you mean, I'm trying to nurse my license to the 2 year anniversary of my points.....fooking KTM is not helping :laugh:

[humphrt]

Yeah well lucky you. I'll just keep dreaming of motardy goodness till i've got my full licence and have sold the lard bucket im riding right now.
I know i shouldnt complain but i've got the motard bug and just wanna start now... bloody licence thingy. Gotta start somewhere i guess, one slow painful step at a time.

[Motardman]

True.....what you need is for them to start importing this (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/596/0/home.aspx) sucker

[humphrt]

Ohhhh nice bike. I'd probly get bored with the lack of power though and im 6'3 so... well that wouldnt be such an issue on mx bikes. I reckon i just gotta wait till im on my full or if they change the laws to allow restricteds to ride 400 singles then i'd be set

[Motardman]

Probably not much in it compared to say the DRZ SM, plus it'll be a whole heap lighter and much newer technology.....

[humphrt]

Yeah, i was thinking more along the lines of WR400/426/450. Unless someone convinces me otherwise :bash:

[Motardman]

The WR400 route could work out cheaper if you take your time getting the best deals for bits......and sure will work out faster :2thumbsup

[humphrt]

Sweet well i guess the hunt begins

[idleidolidyll]

My god there's some bullshit in here!

200kph+ motards?

Motards are brick walls at high speed. After about 140 they practically crawl to their maximum speed and I'd suggest the number of motards in NZ under 700cc that can pull over 200kph could be counted on the fingers of one hand with digits to spare.

Bloody fast to 140/150kph but beyond that the sportbikes will start to reel them in very quickly.

the bullshit is much like claims of close to 70HP from a 525-540 single cyl motor with reliability: wet dreams perhaps but reality? unlikely.
The 2 cylinder Aprilia manages to reach those numbers but it does it at the expense of reliability and with extreme maintenance regardless.

some people obviously have very fast dynos and speedos.

[idleidolidyll]

MY statement was that put equal riders on each bike and the sportsbike would have the quickest lap times..

That depends on the track.
At Pukekohe; it's a fact. At Taupo it becomes a grey area and on most street circuits, motards will often be quicker.

[CrazyFrog]

:whocares:

I'm sorry just a little confused by all this. We all know that a supersport/bike will kill a motard on the straights and a motard will own the corners so lets just leave it at that.

And why all the 'motard hating' in the motard section why dont you go take you straight line skill somewhere else.

Woooooo, straight line jockeys are so impressive. Not!
Down our way the big bore 'tard boys rule the roads, only coz we've got loads of twisties, but at least they're well respected after some serious road bike ass kickings. :clap:

[GaZBur]

....One thing to bear in mind if you buy a factory off-road bike is that you'd want to:

-Get motard wheels and tyres (add about $2500)
-Upgrade your front brake - adapter and larger disc (more $$)
-Ideally get your suspension dialled in for road-use which might require reconfiguration of internals...

For budget Motard you can get used mags and have them machined to fit for under $700 plus of course the cost of tyres.
Upgrading brakes is only needed if you cant lock up the front or they overheat. Standard DR650 brakes can lock the front with 2 fingers at over 150kph and dont fade or even require braided lines to keep the solid feel while racing. Keep/adapt the disk and carrier from the donor bike wheels and its a 10 min job to swap the front, 25 min swap the back. (Someone mechanical would do it faster).
The front end drops with the smaller front rim and you can balance the DR suspension by simply putting the rear shock on its lower standard mounting hole.
DR650 is the cheapest option for a very decent road Motard and even on the track never comes in last and often in front of bikes that cost twice as much and on paper at least should cream it!

[orangeback]

having fun

[racefactory]

It really just depends on what you want:

-Best reliability and least hassle? DRZ400SM. Good for 140kph (takes ages to get to 160) and never have to touch a thing on it basically.

-Racing? Any of the 450s.

-Dirt and street? 450EXC 525/530 WR450- just add radiator fan.

-Track days, back road day rides? KTM 525, 640SM.