Am not back from Afghanistan until late August, but have already started to dream of My Next Bike:) Hey, gotta have something to keep me going in this mad house By the time I get back to the UK, will have spent a year away and off two wheels, so don’t want a really crazy arse machine that am going to come a cropper on in the first week.
Have had road bikes - latest was a Honda Hornet 600 - and ridden a TTR off road - but am interested in a moto upon return. Am 5 foot 5, fairly slight build, was thinking of a Duke, but the DRZ was recently recommended to me by a pal. I’d like something to go around town on and also lane on and do the odd spot of off road. I also don’t want to spend my entire life on maintenance, so something fairly easy to maintain would be great.
So - what’s the low down? DRZ 400? Good reliable bikes? Worth a shot? Or any other recommendations?
Cheers!! And thanks!! (That’s if I ever get out of ‘Hotel California’ )
go for the drz, for what you want there ideal .low maintenanc and elecy start;), the xr’s are old in the tooth now,overpriced, very tall and look poop
Don’t forget about the XT660X.
The moto boys will say that it’s not a real supermoto as it’s too heavy and road oriented etc, but it’s a great town bike that will put up with daily use (immobiliser, long service intervals, reliable …), and with some decent exhausts it puts a great big grin on your face on any roads except motorway type of stuff.
Have a go on mine when you get back if you want.
I’d say try out as many as you can.
guys please them xt’s are dangerous, you risk falling asleep whilest riding them and falling off plus shes about 4 foot tall so them barges will be too big and heavy for her, the ccm are a better grunty bike to a drz but there made in the same place all the chinese pit bikes are on ebay so build quality is dreadfull, ive had all of the above so can comment on them;) she wants to do some green lanes too so the xt and mt are out the question lol
Cheers folks for your good advices Thanks I shall look into all your suggestions and shall do my research! Re DRZ - the seat is way tall - is it easy to lower?
Might take up the offers of your bike try outs too:)
Hey, gotta have something to keep me going in this mad house 
plus shes about 4 foot tall so them barges will be too big and heavy for her, the ccm are a better grunty bike to a drz but there made in the same place all the chinese pit bikes are on ebay so build quality is dreadfull, ive had all of the above so can comment on them;) she wants to do some green lanes too so the xt and mt are out the question lol