DR 250 vs 400? Just general differences.

[morkys]

Is the 250 heavier or lighter than the 400E? Is the 400 alot more powerful or not that much? Do the bikes have similar torque or does the 400 have alot more off the bottom than the 250?

Just curious because I may go on a "trail tour" (pay to ride dirt bikes for a day in the woods) and I'm wondering what bike to chose if I'm unable to grab a CRF 250 or DRZ400 or EXC 400. The other options are Yamaha TTR 250, DRZ 250, EXC 200 (2-stroke is fun but I'd prefer 4-stroke) or smaller bikes (150/230 etc).

thanx for any feedback,

[gregghealy]

The 400 has more power everywhere, but the 250 would be the best choice over the TTR or 150/230 for sure.

I believe the 250 is only a few pounds lighter than the 400.

[morkys]

Ok, so the DR 250 is a better choice than the TTR 250?

[gregghealy]

Ive ridden both (it was an 02 TR250 though, maybe they are much better now?), I think the DRZ 250 would be a better choice than the TTR I rode at least.

[ranman]

I have ridden both DRZ250 and 400. According to what type riding it is going to be. If it is all tight, I would lean towrd the 250 because it is a tad lighter. If not super tight, then I'd say the DRZ400.

[rpt50]

Regardless of the number of strokes, the 200 EXC would be the bike for me in this bunch. Fast like a 250 and light like a 2 smoke 125! What more could you want to ride all day?

[morkys]

If at all possible, I'm going to beg that I have an hour to try all of the CRF 250X, DR Z400E, DRZ400S EXC 400 and EXC 200. Not likely to happen, but if I can head out on each bike for a 5 or ten minute run, I'll try it.

[ranman]

I went from the DRZ 250 toa KTM 200 EXC in 2002. That is one fast rocket and can be easily ridden with proper jetting. You have to be more aggressive on it though and can get a little tiring att he end of an enduro if you are out of shape like me. I can ride the DRZ 250 all day and still get tired, but not as much. You get totally exhausted on the 200 in the tight stuff and it could put you in a bad place. It is all based on your skills and shape. I will say that if you are in good enough shape the 200 EXC is your best bet in the small 2st. It has to be the best liuttle all around bike in my opinion. Maybe not for open desert type stuff. I am now back on the DRZ since my son is riding the 200. HUGE difference in power. The 200 has suprisingly low end grunt. If you have ever ridden a KDX 200, take that times two in power and threet imes in handling. The KTM is weight of 125 with power of 250 (seems like it anyway).

I am in process of building auto clutch for the 200. That will tame the hit some too. My son is 15 and does not mind the hit. I just wanted a project to work on.

[morkys]

A 15 year old on an EXC 200. Wow. No wonder he likes it

[MooseRacing552]

Go for the 200exc if you want a fast ride, go for the dr-z 250 if you want a slow easy ride.

[morkys]

I'll try as many bikes as humanly possible and as many as they allow me to swap for a given amount of time. Bikes to choose from are:

CRF 250X, DRZ400E and Z400S (although I'm doing the dirt bike tour so may not be able to try any dual-sports), DRZ 250, TTR 250, KTM EXC 200 and EXC 400.

[kimjohns]

Drz 250 or Crf250x I have them both, X handles much better with more power than the z, but the z is a good all around fun bike . When it's wet and sloppy I ride the z because I have it geared down low but when it's dry the X will let me fly for a old man any way. I weigh 165 so its plenty of bike for me.Don't know much about the 400 drz I'm sure it's a very good bike though.KJ

[morkys]

Well, it didn't make sense to try a bunch of bikes. They let me start on the CRF 250X although they suggested I try a Yamaha TTR 250 at one point. The Yamaha was ok, but it pushed funny when turning, and of course, the power wasn't a match for the CRF. I liked the CRF250X. I didn't see any point in trying the DRZ400. May I should have tried it, but next time. Trails were too tight. Fun ride though.

[MooseRacing552]

So you didnt try the dr-z250?

[morkys]

Nope. I know, I should have, but I figured I enjoyed the CRF and stuck with it. I noticed that the DRZ 250 has an oil cooler(?). When I got there, the first thing the guys said as they were sizing people up with bikes, was "You wanted to ride a CRF 250X right?"...because I mentioned that on the phone and in emails, so I thought, "yes" and just went ahead with it. I'm glad. Next time I may try the CRF 230, DRZ 250 and DRZ400.