DRZ400 vs. KTM 350exc-f vs. CRF250L comparison

[@jimperry4420]

The legend of the Drz continues.

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

Totally agreed.. Budget friendly, nice power, low maintenance and a ton of aftermarket parts....The DRZ does it all....I did alot of research before buying a dual sport and the DRZ came out on top.

[@1969cmp]

....I just bought a stock 2019 DRZ400E with less than 300 kilometers. Grunty motor, nice forks, comfortable ergonomics.

[@kcoutside7143]

Congrats! They are awesome bikes! Thanks for watching!

[@EasternNCSportbikes]

Great video, awesome to get first hand experience from someone that owns them all instead of being biased. I really have had a hate for the DRZ for some time because it doesnt seem to have the fun factor my old KTM had but the more and more I do research on them it really meets all the criteria for what im looking for. aside from the fact the seat is so tall and im so short!

[@kcoutside7143]

The KTM is definitely the fun factor king!! The DRZ is just a great "little of everything bike"

[@biscuitsalive]

I’ve had- 250l 400 Fantic Tenere700 300l Now on a 22 350exc-f (Ridden DRZ many times but not actually owned one.) So far- -the KTM is the most fun and nimble off road. (By far) -Honda is the easiest to own. (250l or 300l) DRZ is a great bike. Almost bought one last month. But wanted to try a KTM. Still haven’t decided what suits me yet. Prob try a 701 or a 450l next. The quest is fun.

[@kcoutside7143]

701/690 would be great all around bikes! I’ve never been to into the 450l, I’d just spend extra cheddar & get ktm/husky/beta 500ish.

[@scottlawrence1826]

Thank you 🙏 this was very helpful. I think I’m in the market for a DRZ 400 now! I just want a reliable SOB and will mainly be for my commute to work, some adventure riding and light stuff out on the trail.

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watching! It’s the perfect bike for everything you are looking to use it for!!

[@howdy4596]

Just sold my 2017 ninja 636 and got an 06 drz400sm for 3500 with 3000 miles on it. Never looking back . Funnest bike I have had for sure.

[@rideyourbike]

Congrats! No BS, straight to the point, as i like. Subscribed. 🤟

[@kcoutside7143]

Thank you! Thanks for sub!

[@tonyrichengod9280]

As far as BEST RIDE QUALITY, it's KTM all day. Just an amazing piece of engineering. If off-roading was a video game, the KTM is a cheat code. But yes, overall reliability goes to the DRZ. I love mine :)

[@Scantcity]

Solid reasons, I like light bikes, KTM all day and Sunday.

[@booger65man]

What if the DRZ loses a stator or a CDI box? What if the throttle cable brakes? What if what if...

[@wsl5585]

If I was younger I would buy the KTM. Now that I am older there is less desire for speed and competing. Good point about getting home with the Suzuki. I'll buy the Honda because I want to modify it. Thank you for the video it is helping me to decide between the three.

[@kcoutside7143]

WSL thanks for watching, glad it helped. My KTM actual has a stalling issue right now, it would have left me stranded!! Luckily I was right near my house. I trust the Honda & Suzuki much more!

[@TheTitian69]

If you dont like dogs and the drz there is something wrong with you. Im not saying its the best bike or the fastest but if you can really ride the dam thing you cant help but have fun on it and they can take a beating for years and many miles of abuse. I got 30k miles drzsm NOTHING but change the oil. 80 mph on hwy for hours at a time wheelie ever time I let the clutch out.Ride it hard off road . burnt 15 sets of tires plum up. Valves still in tolerance doesnt burn oil. I grin ever time I start it.

[@kcoutside7143]

Right on!!

[@slim-bobbilly4331]

Thanks for the vid! Seriously looking at a well-modded DRZ currently. Had a WR250; great bike but a little weak. Bought a 690 Enduro R; awesome bike, but a little big for my purposes. Looking at an EXC-F500; it's got the good stuff, but higher maintenance and $$$$. I'll probably go with the DRZ. Price is right and it's probably best for my purposes, like you say, light-weight adventure riding with some fun in the fireroads and trails in between. Good advice and input. Thanks again!

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watching! I had more seat time on the DRZ this year than the other bikes, just such a good all around bike!! The 690r is a sweet bike too!

[@mototoad1242]

The drz400 is a dual sport for MEN

[@rolandtiiroja]

Also the drz looks the sickest imo. It's sad that in estonian used market, there's not many drz's. Crf's are a little more common here it seems.

[@sfallier]

Good to hear the DRZ has been reliable for you ... but I don't think that's the normal case. I had the end of the drive shaft straight up break off on mine - and this is not an unheard of occurence. People go to change their front front sprocket and while tightening the nut it just pops. Mine happened while riding. No bueno. They're also notorious for having the seal behind the sprocket go bad. I'm also thoroughly fed up with carbs. The ethanol content in modern gas clogs my idle jet if I let the bike sit for a few weeks - then I have to pull the carb (which is a giant PITA compared to other dirt bikes) and clean everything out. In hundreds of thousands of miles of riding fuel injected bikes, I've never had a fuel pump fail on me, or been stranded, or had a bike not start when I went to ride (regardless of how long it's sat), or had to mess with tuning for elevation, etc. Unfortunately, no one makes a modern dual sport that doesn't have race bike maintenance intervals that can get by on the highway - so the DRZ lives on. I'd gladly trade a little horsepower and weight on a KTM 350 for Honda 450L to get 3,000 mile oil changes, so I can ride the thing more than I'd have to wrench on it.

[@kwatts90]

I’m with you. We’re all sitting here still waiting for one of the Japanese companies to release a low maintenance, inexpensive, properly suspended 400-500cc fuel injected bike... how hard can it be they already have the motors either use a single cylinder or a twin. Basically we need a modern geometry and updated XR 650 or DRZ (essentially what I’d like to see is a CRF 450L frame and suspension with a CB500 motor) something with power but long service intervals. Still waiting.......

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

The older I get the lighter the bike I want/NEED!. Going from my now for sale Tenere 700 to the KTM 350 should be eye openingly dramatic. I could always detune and lower it if it becomes too powerful as I get older. I'm 59 and had a low speed get off on a heavily rutted downhill yesterday. As I lay on the ground I had two thoughts. This is fun as hell and how the F@ck am I going to pick this lead sled up by myself. Craigslist today.

[@kcoutside7143]

I’m turning 50 this year, I’m starting to know the feeling. You will love the 350, great lightweight bike, with great power. Thanks for watching!

[@therealtashiro]

Great video KC! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏻🍻

[@kcoutside7143]

Thank you!

[@therealtashiro]

@@kcoutside7143 Hi KC! What are your thoughts on the new CRF300L, & KLX300? How do they compare to a new DRZ400?

[@kcoutside7143]

I haven’t ridden the 300L, I have a vid on the klx 300 vs. the drz 400. I currently have just over 1000mi. On the klx, of all of the bikes I’ve owned it is 1 of my favorite.

[@larrytucker1945]

I love my DRZ but I would not say you could pull the carburetor off quickly. It’s the toughest bike I’ve ever had to change jetting. Including street bikes.

[@coolworkgear9231]

True it might be hard to remove but when you are prepared and know how to it will still get you home. Ex SWAT team , ex fireman, ex construction worker,. Old saying says when all else fails, go back to basics and that's what scares me about buying a new EFI motorcycles

[@franmitch3589]

@@coolworkgear9231 I've been a field mechanic for highway equipment everything from back hoes loaders motor-graders dump trucks Cat, john deere, case, volvo, mack, kenworth, the list goes on & on not even counting chevy & ford work trucks, anyway after 20 YEARS of that shit I just wanna hop on & ride the least maintenance bike out there / plug & play fuel injection even when need to service SOOOO much easier last thing I wanna do after working on other people's stuff is work on my own

[@cinemabunny]

I agree. What a pain that carb is.

[@cinemabunny]

The KTM/Husqvarna line scare me. I see so many 5-10 year old bikes for sale that do not run or even have catastrophic failure with 3000 miles. Currently have 2013 Wr250R 06 DRZ400S 93 KTM 300EXC 82 XL500R. Our KTM is a handful to maintain.

[@bradl45]

3 VERY Nice bikes. I haven't had a DRZ for 6 years, but I'm always looking for a low use E or a Sumo with an exhaust and FCR carb for a good deal. Uncorked and 17 inch wheels, SOooooo nice. I always sell my DRZs after 12k miles, usually before the valves start to move. I moved to KTM 500s(525, 530, 500) for dual sporting on the T1 in Idaho, The KTM really shines in the loose rock, hill climbs and the single track. That honda, I have no idea, but I'd bet that honda motor will go 20k miles before needing anything!! I think 2019, 2020 Honda crf450x or maybe the "L" is the new and upgraded DRZ(Power, suspension, durability?), they are still expensive used. I race(but am not fast, lol) a 350 XC, but I think a 350exc would make a really NICE dual sport in Idaho(where 60+mpg would be super nice), my xc doesn't get close to 60 mpg , lol. I usually only have 2 bikes, my daughter can use one if she goes with me too. Someday I need to move to 3 like your collection, very versatile!!

[@kcoutside7143]

It's almost impossible to find a bike that can do it all. They all have 1 thing there good at. The 350 is awesome in the woods & with the wheels balanced it is actually nice on the street too.

[@MrAddison79]

telling me what i want to hear! good info!

[@michaelbox8916]

I would like to see what you think about the ktm 500

[@izzywashington5461]

Job well done Suzuki especially that sm model!

[@NK-dl2nc]

I don't see the point in the Honda if you have the DRZ. The DRZ is a far better bike allround. The Honda is a value commuter bike with offroad clothes. It needs lots spent on it to make anywhere near a decent trailbike. It's heavy as well. KTM is a weapon and should be used as such. You have one bike to many. In fact, the DRZ would do it all if you are not a dirt hero. I think you just like having lots of bikes......that's fine 👍

[@kcoutside7143]

I do like to always be trying different bikes, but I also have 2 sons that ride them also. Thanks for watching!

[@squid148]

Great comparison. Thanks

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watching!

[@squid148]

How about a review on the Kawasaki.

[@kcoutside7143]

@@squid148 I have an initial ride vid up & A 500 or 1000mi. Update, not sure exactly which it was.

[@stevenbury3980]

Interesting breakdown. Funny how you said if you could only have one bike it would be the DRZ. I'm looking around at bikes and keep trying to talk myself out of the DRZ, I've ridden one and the suspension felt soft. The only way to know will be to get one and own it. Like you said, it can be 'adventurised' -great for long distance travel eg the TET here in Europe. The crf is widely available here in the U.K. but seems under powered etc. I think I'd out grow it fast. KTM, great but too expensive atm and perhaps not so great for long ride- like you'd pay more and get something that has a niche use but would be really great at that.Thanks for the video.

[@kcoutside7143]

Steven Bury your welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@onoffroad]

This is why I still have my 2000 DRZ I bought new.

[@MrKingJavo]

I’m looking to get a bike that’s not too power where I can master my craft and not kill myself. I’m planning on riding mostly on the street but if I happen to find some dirt roads I may venture out. I like the look of the Honda crf but the drz seems to be the best from all of my research. Would you recommend I get the bike I want like a triumph street triple or settle for the drz to enjoy riding?

[@kcoutside7143]

King Javo that’s a tough call, definitely DRZ if you might explore off road, but if you enjoy smooth, fast road riding then Triumph all the way. I definitely feel the DRZ is a better option than the CRF, may want to get a lowering link for rear suspension.

[@tylermerrell1975]

If you get the DRZ and then decide you are only gonna be using it for on road use, you can buy supermoto tires for the bike. You can actually buy a supermoto version of the drz 400 from a dealer

[@tylermerrell1975]

Im 18 and in the next month or 2 im gonna be getting myself a 2020 drz 400

[@toddkurtz7635]

I've had 3 drz 400s over the last 20 years. I've had a ktm 500excf for the last 3 years. There's no way I could go back to the drz now as my only bike. I just rode my brothers drz this morning and although I thought they had pretty good power when I owned them, it felt like an absolute slug now. And the suspension felt like a soggy marshmallow.

[@ThatGuy-Noob_69]

My only problem with KTM is with all that amazing performance comes extremely frequent matinence and valve checks/repairs.

[@advsquared]

It's nice to know I wasn't the only one to have a problem with the KTM tensioner. I also replaced it with a DirtTricks but it failed because of a manufacturing defect. I also had a DRZ400, great bike.

[@kcoutside7143]

ADVsquared I’m hoping my DirtTricks holds up, I put it on after I watched your vid. Thanks for the vid!

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

BTW...Congrats on the Chiefs win...I'm at a hotel in KC on Southwest Blvd and can hear the fireworks going off ...I stay in KC a couple times a week working for the railroad.

[@WarbirdPylonRacer]

I just wish the DRZ400 was a little lighter and had a 6th gear.

[@k0d0kan]

great review and i agree.

[@kcoutside7143]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@amirulafiq8883]

would u recommend a ktm exc f 350 for a daily ride? (with a supermoto set up)

[@kcoutside7143]

Absolutely, with wheels properly balanced, they go down the road as good as a DRZ. Maybe get a seat concepts seat.

[@seankeene1574]

What do you think about the crf300l vs those?

[@kcoutside7143]

300L I have not ridden, but I sold the 250L early in 2021 & purchased a KLX 300, it’s is 1 of my favorite bikes I’ve owned, I have a klx vs. DRZ comparison vid. I purchased klx because it has good , adjustable suspension right out of the box. I had upgraded suspension on my CRF, it still didn’t come close to the stock klx suspension. The klx 300 still has much less torque than the DRZ.

[@antonyhawkridge3237]

drz service every 20 years ktm every 20mins

[@kcoutside7143]

Right on! Thanks for watching!

[@muddy1ish]

I love my KLX 400

[@craigcook1571]

I don’t know why, but the DRZ just pulls me to it. I currently own a 2018 crf and it’s a great bike, but I keep looking at the DRZ 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@kcoutside7143]

Every time I sell 1 , within 2yrs. I end up picking up a used 1 again. Those things are hard to beat!!

[@mohawkmikemotorcycles9077]

Cool videos

[@kcoutside7143]

Mohawk Mike Motorcycles thank you!!

[@rantANDrave1987]

I’d be interested in what you thought about WR250R

[@kcoutside7143]

In 2012 I purchased a New WR, put all of the mods on. IMO it is a better bike than CRF hands down, & if you don’t mind having a little less hp & torque than the DRZ. The WR is a better bike & lighter than both of them. WR also has great suspension. I just sold the CRF, I’m waiting on a KLX300/CRF300. Thanks for watching.

[@factorjay2100]

@@kcoutside7143 Keep us posted on the 300s

[@kcoutside7143]

@@factorjay2100 my name is on list at local dealer, KLX is due sometime in March, their 1st Crf is to arrive in April, but it is an abs model. Not sure which I’m going to purchase yet KLX or CRF.

[@kwatts90]

Great video! Loved seeing the comparison of 3 iconic dual sports. I have had my 2015 CRF250L since new. Little over 6,000 miles. Protection mods, Q4 slip-on, bars, race tech fork spring, 13 tooth front sprocket. Reliable bike, keeps up in the woods and streets and does everything I need it to and don’t have a reason to part with it- and best of all it’s paid for. But out of curiosity what did you get for your 250L? Still waiting for one of the Japanese companies to come out with a F.I. Updated 400-500 (basically a lower maintenance and cheaper 450L).. haven’t we all..

[@kcoutside7143]

@@kwatts90 thanks for watching! I sold it for $3800.

[@michaelclark5796]

Now that you have a KLX300, where you'd you put that in the comparison?

[@kcoutside7143]

It’s my favorite of all of the 250/300 class dual sports, but I still have to give the best all around dualsport for the money to the DRZ 400, even without EFI & no 6th gear. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelclark5796]

@@kcoutside7143 Thanks for the reply. I have a KTM 350XCF and am worried about all the maintenance it needs. Maybe the DRZ would be a good replacement. I do mostly off road and on road is mostly just connecting trails or getting to the first trail.

[@kcoutside7143]

@@michaelclark5796 that’s such a tough call,, cause man do I love the 350 off road, but the 400 will do all but the knarliest hard enduro when geared right. Just a little heavier to pick up. Good luck on that decision!

[@gregplassmann7139]

I find it funny that you are wearing a Kawasaki shirt for this comparison,.. but, without putting words in your mouth, it sounds like you like the CRF250L for its lower seat height and comfort for running around town. I know that both of those things are missing from the KTM and the DRZ. I have owned a DRZ400S and I currently own a KTM 350 EXC-f. The DRZ was simply too heavy for serious, gnarly off road riding. The KTM feels *much* lighter - although both have towering seat heights. I put a Terra-X lowering kit in my KTM (lowered both ends by 35mm), and that helped a lot.

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watching! Great comment! Thanks for the input. I guess the Kawasaki shirt was a hint for what was coming!

[@derrickldesign]

i'll have a crf250l very soon!

[@kcoutside7143]

It’s a great bike, you’ll love it!

[@take5th]

I own one bike, well, and a sportster but that’s basically a lump of pretty crap, and it’s a drz. I love it also, but no matter how strong I get or balanced i feel, that DRZ is just too heavy, too planted, to truly toss around. It’s a Swiss Army knife of a bike. Guess I need a Beta or KTM for those days. Anyone want to trade for a sportster? Thanks for that, it was helpful to me.

[@kcoutside7143]

KTM or Beta is definitely the way to go for light weight flckability! I’m gonna pass on the sportster!! Thank for watching!

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

What a throwback.. I can remember I think I was 8 years old . When my brother bought a new ''maico 490...""the rest is history!!! I worked my way up.. 1981 YZ125 the first water-cooled bike!! Brand new. 1982 the YZ250 brand new..now we had three motocross bikes all still running.. after 5 years they were all getting tired and I surprised my brother. I brought home a brand new CR500.. and let him take the first ride. The good old days.. 65 miles an hour on the side of the railroad tracks!!!😲😲😲

[@slamboy66]

Easy KTM 350exc-f $$$$ , CRF250L $$$, DRZ400 $$ .

[@Canadian750]

The Kawasaki hoodie and no KLX hmmm ?..

[@kcoutside7143]

Lol! That hoodie was from my days of KLR 650!

[@maxk5134]

I agree 100%

[@kcoutside7143]

Thanks for watching!

[@slamboy66]

Bikes come down to these things . Money inseam experience Other than that, it is all subjective and no one will agree .