Should I get a DRZ 400sm or a gsxr 600?

[rmzrider151]

Sorry for posting this in the DRZ forum, and not in the "what bike should I get" forum. But, I wanted to talk to people who actually have experience with DRZs and maybe with crotch rockets.

So, I know the DRZ has a bullet proof motor, but that's not my concern.

My concern is I live in a small town, but will take longer commuter trips on it.

Is the DRZ suitable for longer trips? Is it comfortable, or would I have to buy a new seat? Is going 70 mph for 3 hrs harsh on the motor?

I know the DRZ will be an absolute blast in town but I'm just concerned when I go on trips. Should I shoot for a DRZ, or go with a gsxr instead? Im leaning more towards the gixxer. But maybe you can talk me out of it.

Thanks

[iowaBClivewire]

the DRZ if not set up for runing 70mph for 3 hours --- but it can do it all day long

wuth the DRZ SM I have I find my sell injoying 3 to 5 hour rides taking the back roads avoiding the 70mph interstats

in town the DRZ rools it is so much fun

[707drz]

Were you going to buy new or used?

If new go for the drz, if you go used go for the drz!

For the price of a new 600 you can mod out a 50hp lean mean SM. Way more fun!

[mikymike311]

I owned a DRZSM for exactly 4 months, traded it in for an 1125r buell and never looked back. I thought I'd like the supermoto lifestyle, but quickly got bored with it. There is no substitute for the power of a sportbike, and that is what I needed. I will say that the thing railed in corners, but the buell is no slouch either... My 2 cents.

[707drz]

It's been said before and I'll say it now

it's more fun riding a slow bike fast then a fast bike slow

No offense to sport bikes what so ever but I just happen to agree.

[zac949]

Get the gixxer.

Yes for a single cylinder motor the drz is bullet proof. But compared to the gixxer as far as overall engine life is concerned, well you can't compare them! I only say this because your statement about 3 hr commuting. With preventative maintenance and proper setup the drz may handle that the first year.... You will get very tired of not being able to pass cars quickly at highway speeds + getting beat up by winds at those speeds well before your bike wears out.

[Jason_D]

I have both, well just got the DRZsm 2 days ago. I have to say that neither of these bikes are suited to go 70mph on the freeway for 3 hours, they both get uncomfortable and boring as hell!

You should be looking for something with a larger motor and a better seating position, some type of sport touring bike maby.

[restosud]

apples and oranges.

[pi3832]

I don't know that 3 hours on the slab on a GSXR would really be an improvement over a DRZ. Would you rather ride a rail for 3 hours, or be stuffed in this little box for three hours?

Have you considered something like a Versys 650, or an SV650?

[f2dog]

Get both.

Btw. the gixxer 600 is a bit "stressful" on longer trips , go for a 750 or 1000 .

[gscx]

LOL, the buel 1125 is considered a sport bike?

[tomf16]

For a 3 hour commute I'd get a used FJR1300 or ST1300, or dare I say it, maybe even a Wee Strom. The SM and Gixxer are great bikes, but not really made for that. Can you do it? Yes, but I don't think they're the best bikes for it.

[Erik Marquez]

Niether from what you have posted so far, both are the wrong bike.

[Debi]

I have 28,000 + miles on my SM and I beat on mine all the time from single track to the kart track and all in between and I always have a huge smile on my face...

People seem to forget that the DRZ SM is still a dirt bike..not made for comfort.🤣

" you can put street tires on a Dirt bike and it's still a dirt bike, you can put dirt tires on a Harley...it's still a Harley"

I do 500 mile trips on mile all the time and it's not that bad. I had a GSXR750 and my back would kill me after 200 miles. The Z kinda makes you tail section sore the first few times doing long rides down the freeway but you do like anything else get used to it.

As stated above...it's not a triple digit machine....it's a "DIRT BIKE" but the fun factor weather you get the DRZ SM or another SM can't be compared ot any other bikes on the road... IMO 👍

[Spicler]

I really don't care for freeway rides on my S. The wind get's kind of tiring if you know what I mean.

[bink98xcab]

well if your main goal is the commute, than the gixxer is the hands down best decision , i have a gsxr 1000 and a drz and an rm 250 . the gsxr gets used on all road duties, the drz gets most of the in town riding/ trail rides, and the rm is used alot less now that i have a drz, but it gets the hardcore stuff. id say if you have to use a commuter bike, get the gsxr , they are a blst to ride and the milage on my 1000(06) is very close to 50mpg w lots a fun in the mix

[Mautrak]

For a three hour ride, neither of these bikes is best, but the GSXR would be the better of the two. If you're really going to spend a good portion of your time on the freeway, get a different bike.

That said, for the last year I've owned a CBR1000RR and a DRZ400SM, and found that I rode the DRZ 90% of the time. I loved the CBR and it's speed was still mind-blowing. However, as 707 said, it's more fun riding a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow. I've been riding street bikes since the 80's and the DRZ is all the bike I need right now. The CBR was great, but it just collected dust.

[smrookie]

Get the bike that suits your purpose.👍

[p0diabl0]

I owned a DRZSM for exactly 4 months, traded it in for an 1125r buell and never looked back. I thought I'd like the supermoto lifestyle, but quickly got bored with it. There is no substitute for the power of a sportbike, and that is what I needed. I will say that the thing railed in corners, but the buell is no slouch either... My 2 cents.

They are slouches - there was one at adams motorsport park and it couldnt keep up with the stock DRZs in the (short) straits 👍

That said, a gsxr cant be all that comfortable for the long haul either - id get something more road oriented like an SV650, Versys, ZZR600, FZ6, etc.

[smrookie]

They are slouches - there was one at adams motorsport park and it couldnt keep up with the stock DRZs in the (short) straits 🙂

I remember that, Scott.👍 I think he overshot one of the turns, and laid it down softly in the dirt.

It was nice to see it out there, running with us though.🤣