Best motard for road/track? (400cc - 600cc)

**Hardstyle-haz** · 12th July 2013, 13:02

Hey everyone,

I am looking to get a new Motard for road riding. I have been looking mostly at the suzuki DRZ400 but would like to get some other opinions on what a really good mid weight motard is for the road.
Mostly I want it to be sturdy as I will be making clip on parts for this so I can also ride it on the track. I need it to be capable of holding itself together and not rattling apart as i thrash it.
Secondly - I wish to make an extended swing arm for this bike eventually, so perhaps something that looks quite good and won't have too much suspension issues with it being about 200mm longer.

Note: I hope to learn sliding/drifting with this, so if you think one of these may not have enough power for that particular style of riding, please let me know!

This is my first motard, but definitely not my first bike, perhaps some of you tard-savvy peeps can give me a little advice?

**toebug** · 15th July 2013, 20:55

Is it to be road registered? Maybe a KTM EXC will do the job. A DRZ might be ok but they are a bit under powered.

Why put clipons on? Why not just buy a 400 road bike or something like that if thats what you are going to do? Half the fun of a motard is the upright dirt bike riding position otherwise with clipons its just an F3 bike, and next will be fairings.......

**Hardstyle-haz** · 18th July 2013, 15:57

Originally Posted by toebug

Is it to be road registered? Maybe a KTM EXC will do the job. A DRZ might be ok but they are a bit under powered.

Why put clipons on? Why not just buy a 400 road bike or something like that if thats what you are going to do? Half the fun of a motard is the upright dirt bike riding position otherwise with clipons its just an F3 bike, and next will be fairings.......

I will be registering it for road and getting slicks for it for he track. I have been looking at the EXC's but They have a lower top speed than the DRZ, probably a little more grunty for torque due to shorter gearing but the taller gearing on the DRZ will give me a little more comfort on the motorway in the mornings.

The clip-ons were in reference to EVERYTHING that makes it road legal, not the handle bars. handle bars will remain as dirt bike bars. I will have clip on indicators, number plates, mirrors etc and just throw nylons on it when i take it to the track and remove all of the above.

**Quasievil** · 18th July 2013, 18:51

a 400 would be ok for the road, at the track a waste of time ! Ive ridden a DRZ around Taupo and got of it after two laps, was bored.
I raced a KTM525 SMR for a while and know what im talking about, I got a KTM 690 for the road and occasional track, that worked but was a tad heavy compared to the SMR so was not entirely happy.
My advise get a 690 and you should be happy.

p.s a DRZ would be okay for kart tracks tho

**haydes55** · 18th July 2013, 18:59

Originally Posted by Hardstyle-haz

I have been looking at the EXC's but They have a lower top speed than the DRZ, probably a little more grunty for torque due to shorter gearing but the taller gearing on the DRZ will give me a little more comfort on the motorway in the mornings.

You can always change the gearing to get a higher top speed. Geared for top speed the exc would more likely go faster and still accelerate quicker. The drz is a good motor but the ktm engines are a class above. +1 on the 690 or an older 640.

**Hardstyle-haz** · 19th July 2013, 13:25

Originally Posted by Quasievil

a 400 would be ok for the road, at the track a waste of time ! Ive ridden a DRZ around Taupo and got of it after two laps, was bored.
I raced a KTM525 SMR for a while and know what im talking about, I got a KTM 690 for the road and occasional track, that worked but was a tad heavy compared to the SMR so was not entirely happy.
My advise get a 690 and you should be happy.

p.s a DRZ would be okay for kart tracks tho

What do you think about the husqvarna SM series 690's? I have been looking at a few 600-700cc ones and definitely am willing to get a little extra engine if you guys say its worth going that one step further. Keep in mind I'm new to motards (not new to racing or road riding) and i hear its a very different style of riding. I don't want to get something that's way too much and have to grow in to it. I would rather be able to thrash something and then move up a class when i get better.

**Quasievil** · 19th July 2013, 15:02

Originally Posted by Hardstyle-haz

What do you think about the husqvarna SM series 690's? I have been looking at a few 600-700cc ones and definitely am willing to get a little extra engine if you guys say its worth going that one step further. Keep in mind I'm new to motards (not new to racing or road riding) and i hear its a very different style of riding. I don't want to get something that's way too much and have to grow in to it. I would rather be able to thrash something and then move up a class when i get better.

Well I dont know much about the Husqy, I dont think they have the reliability of a KTM LC series engine, so I would swing that way personally I think this is my old one here
http://www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz/Sto...p=8008&t=2&c=0
I thrashed it at the track and rode it to Welly a few times from Hams, never missed a beat !

**Hardstyle-haz** · 22nd July 2013, 09:57

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Well I dont know much about the Husqy, I dont think they have the reliability of a KTM LC series engine, so I would swing that way personally I think this is my old one here
http://www.boydmotorcycles.co.nz/Sto...p=8008&t=2&c=0
I thrashed it at the track and rode it to Welly a few times from Hams, never missed a beat !

That's pretty nice! how do you think a KTM engine would go as a daily commuter? think it would like it much?

**ZondaX15** · 22nd July 2013, 12:57

I can't imagine the big ones would be an issue. If you were using say an EXC450 or something, you'd have to up the maintenance a little.

**Quasievil** · 22nd July 2013, 17:27

Originally Posted by Hardstyle-haz

That's pretty nice! how do you think a KTM engine would go as a daily commuter? think it would like it much?

No Problem, super reliable bike

**Hardstyle-haz** · 23rd July 2013, 16:20

Nice one! thanks everyone! Can't wait to join you big bunch of mo-tards

I'm gonna test ride a few bikes and nail one thats powerful and gorgeous!

Cheers, Motard riders!

**Eddieb** · 24th July 2013, 19:09

I've got a Road legal KTM 520 EXC in Hamilton that needs a new home, it's actually my sisters. $3500 to take it away.

Fitted and vinned with full road kit, rego on hold, no WOF but not aware of any reason why it wouldn't pass. Needs a new battery. Fitted with 80/20 tyres with good tread plus there's a set of off road only knobblies. Has a very bling gold aftermarket top clamp that allows adjustment of the handlebars over 3 positions forward and back. Since this photo was taken the seat was remade to be thicker and softer. Also fitted with a bash plate and a small rear luggage rack. I think the original rear guard without the lights etc is also included but I'd need to check.

**blackdog** · 24th July 2013, 19:33

Originally Posted by Eddieb

I've got a Road legal KTM 520 EXC in Hamilton that needs a new home, it's actually my sisters. $3500 to take it away.

Hell yeah, that's the most fun anyone could have for that money.

Is it LAMS? Hang on, my dgaf buzzer just sounded.

**Eddieb** · 24th July 2013, 19:49

Originally Posted by blackdog

Is it LAMS? Hang on, my dgaf buzzer just sounded.

No, but it possibly could be if you submitted it for inclusion via their process. The 500EXC and the 525EXC are both LAMS approved on the list so given that the 525 is on the list presumably the 520 would also qualify.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/gett...torcycles.html
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/gett...cles/lams.html

**racefactory450** · 2nd August 2013, 11:16

Originally Posted by Eddieb

I've got a Road legal KTM 520 EXC in Hamilton that needs a new home, it's actually my sisters. $3500 to take it away.

Fitted and vinned with full road kit, rego on hold, no WOF but not aware of any reason why it wouldn't pass. Needs a new battery. Fitted with 80/20 tyres with good tread plus there's a set of off road only knobblies. Has a very bling gold aftermarket top clamp that allows adjustment of the handlebars over 3 positions forward and back. Since this photo was taken the seat was remade to be thicker and softer. Also fitted with a bash plate and a small rear luggage rack. I think the original rear guard without the lights etc is also included but I'd need to check.

that is awesome value, best fun for sure for that money.