I currently have an 07 drz 400sm. I've been tossing around the idea of selling my hayabusa and trade my drz in for an sm510. I'm looking for something with a little more power than my current ride but don't really want something as large as a 610.

Ever since getting a Sumo I don't ride my busa very much.

One of my concerns is the maintenance schedule on a 510. I will mainly ride short rides, less than 100 miles. Mainly just for commuting to work and for some fun on the weekends.

what do you guys think? I've heard if I'm going to get something that I will ride on the street to get a 610 but I like the look, size, and power of a 510 more than the 610.

im in a simular boat to you, i am looking at the 510 and 610. im tending to lean more towards the 610 just because of maintenance, and i am just looking to commute.

i wouldnt mind the performance of the 510 being lighter etc.. and it not really hard to check valves and change oil regularly, but from what iv read it seems to be more of a race bike then a comuter, but id say like anything if you look after it, clean oil etc it would be ok..

and i "think" you would find that a 610 is aprox same weight if not less as your drz 400sm, if your woried about the weight.

its a hard choice i know..

I have ridden both and own a SM610. the 510 is much sportier and fun. the 610 is more of a real street bike / wider range of use. From your description I would get the 510. Super fun bike and will do fine on the street for shorter rides. Wheelies forever, turns on a dime, blows away real sportbikes in the tight stuff. the 610 is much more mellow and deliberate. More civilized and restrained but a much better mount for longer adventure trips.

what is the 610 like for wheelies?? will it pop up in third or do u need clutch??

I also ride dirtbikes and love being able to lift the front coming out of a corner when I snap on the gas..... I"m not really concerned with comfort since I'm used to riding on a 2x4 for a seat all day long. I also won't be making 300mi trips on the bike most likely.