Hi all, looking at my next bike and wondered how the DR 350 coped on faster stretches of black stuff, know I know folks have covered many miles on these bad boys, but comfy at 60 (or 70 with the wind behind you) and how does that affect the economy?
My TTR 250 felt like it needed a few more beans and lots of shifting around to make progress around exmoor- the DR pushes out about another 40% on paper (unless I've got that bit wrong). Will I be dissappointed, as will be doing 70-80% road work.
I have had the DR350S and the DR350E. The E was considerably better than the S alround. Quite heavy bikes for the HP. Moved to the DRZ400E and I am very happy I did, but still have fond memories of the DR. I now have better suspension, more power and better handling that makes the DRZ feel lighter to me when on the move. I don't get quite as good MPG as with the DR. The DR motor is more forgiving at low rpm. I could ride Rocombe Hill in 3rd gear most of the way up, starting in 2nd at the bottom. I have to start in first to avoid a low rev stall on the DRZ.
I suppose, the recommendation I can give is that if I had the space in garage, I would still have a DR350 out of choice!
DR350E i had, Couldnt fault it as a bike, Did mega miles on mine, it was already high miles and my young recklessness didnt help it but still kept going! Had a minor issue with oil starvation but that was my lack of maintenance !. Would be fine as a commuter for around 20 miles max easch way i would say.