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Battle of the Bikes - Suzuki DR-Z400S vs. Honda XR650L
 
>> Ashley Benson


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Battle of the Bikes - Suzuki DR-Z400S vs. Honda XR650L



It's a duel of the dual sport bikes. Let's debate whether the Suzuki DR-Z400S or the Honda XR650L is a better dual sport ride. And while the two match ups may be in different displacement categories, they seem to be two of the most debated about bikes. But with these dual sports, there's a heck of a lot to consider. How much pavement vs how much dirt are you going to be hitting? Either way, while the DR-Z400S is lacking a few cc, a brand spanking new one will also cost you less than the XR650L. Along with the extra green you shell out for the extra displacement, however, you're also getting about 30 extra pounds with that Honda. And that's just one of the differences between the two:Here's how they stack up on paper:

2012 Honda XR650L
MSRP: $7,499

Powertrain
Engine type: 4-stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder
Displacement: 644cc
Final Drive: #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T

MPG: 52
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 57.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 13 in.
Seat Height: 37 in.
Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gal.
Wet Weight: 346 lbs.

Suspension
Front: 43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability
Rear: Pro-link Showa� single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability
Tires
Front Tire: 3.00-21
Rear Tire: 4.60-18

Brakes
Front: Single Disc Brake
Rear: Single Disc Brake
  2011 Suzuki DR-Z400S
MSRP: $6,199

Powertrain
Engine type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single cylinder, DOHC
Displacement: 398cc
Final Drive: Chain, RK520KZ0, 112 links

MPG: 65
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 58.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 11.8 in.
Seat Height: 36.8 in.
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gal.
Wet Weight: 317 lbs.

Suspension
Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Tires
Front Tire: 80/100-21 M/C 51P, Tube Type
Rear Tire: 120/90-18 M/C 65P, Tube Type

Brakes
Front: Disc Brake
Rear: Disc Brake

So as much as we would like to settle the debate based off facts that can be written on paper, it really does come down to the riding. So tell us, in your experience, is the Suzuki DR-Z400S or the Honda XR650L the better of the two dual sport bikes?

 

 

 


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