Looking for a motard for around/under $7000. Help!

jordan0, Apr 25, 3:41pm
Hey, I am looking for buy a motard for road use. My budget is around $7000. I liked the look of 469383058, 468851614 and 451165085. I am just not sure how many hours these bikes are made for as the 06 KTM linked has done 65 hours on its current build. Any help will be appreciated, thanks! Jordan.
kaymay88, Apr 25, 4:00pm
you're going to get much better info by going to www.kiwibiker.co.nz
youre going to need more info if you want to know which is the best buy - and asking the question of how many hours its going to last is like asking ow long is a piece of string.
Some of the 4 strokes are getting rebuilt as often as 2 strokes. A top end on a 4 stroke costs more than a 2 stroke, but its more common for them to last longer between rebuilds than the 2 strokes - but you do need quite regular valve checks as well on most of the 4 strokes.

How mechanically minded are you! will the shop be doing most of the maintenance, or will you be doing it!

its service history and usage is going to be a factor as well, if theyve been raced theyll require work sooner tha if theyve been used as a commuter/weekend ride toy.
ninja_man, Apr 25, 4:04pm
if you are riding it quite often, the drz would be perfect (just put a new exhaust and do the airbox mod for more power). If its just a weekend toy i would get the ktm. more fun and more power. The drz will be cheaper to run and maintain
jordan0, Apr 25, 4:08pm
Thanks both for your comments. I may sign up to kiwi biker and see what some of them also say, might know these guys selling. I will do basic maintenance myself, for the harder stuff I will send it in to the mechanic. I was thinking of paying a bike shop to run over the bike before I purchase it anyway. I will be using the bike as a run around more than a weekend rider. I am getting it over a sport bike as they just seem alot more fun to ride, I have done alot of trail riding and dont think I want to adapt to a sport bike. Cheers again.
trogedon, Apr 25, 4:13pm
Not much more 'fun' when you're out on the open road high up without a fairing.
jordan0, Apr 25, 4:16pm
I wont be using it much for long trips, I am talk 10-20km's at a time. Are they still ok for the odd long trip or too uncomfortable!
cassina1, Apr 25, 5:26pm
I used to own a Honda XL500 in the late 70s and it was like a sailboat in the wind on the open road and despite having plenty of grunt for overtaking I was a bit nervous in side winds. Last year I bought a Honda Transalp and despite haiving a small fairing/windshield I am amazed with its stability
kaymay88, Apr 25, 6:56pm
good chance the sellers are known on KB, KB has alot of trolling, but can be a goldmine for information, I recommend you join up if you are bike-minded.

Agree the DRZ may be the netter option. as for fun, well depends on what you like i guess, I wouldnt trade my sportsbike for anything!
as for getting the bike checked over by a dealer - thats a great idea. A bike wof is around $45 - offer a mechanic at a well known bike shop $75 to spend half an hour giving it a good once over and a quick test ride before you commit to buy - it might be the best $75 you ever spend.
newtec1, Apr 25, 8:50pm
They look like mean machines from what i have seen.They race them at Paeroa on the street circuit,and they get up and boogie ,especially down the main straight.There was actually a guy racing one with one arm,i couldn't believe it untill i saw it.You really have to watch him closely to notice,unbelievable.