First road bike... DRZ vs. WR

I know, I know... this is the great debate... I have done a lot of research and am leaning towards to the overpriced WR..(screw you Honda (CRF250 L) for not meeting my expectations on retail on your new bike, or your quality... its gross)

Me: 5' 9" 170 pounds... 31 inch inseam... some discomfort in my hands from using them all day (ie carpel tunnel)

I have ridden 3 and 4 wheelers and for some reason they don't seem to hurt my hands...I had an older CR125...

My main goal (reality) is to take it to work 4.1 miles, and find an "interesting" way home... However, I may plan a cross country trip like that one awesome guy did a year ago... ADV stuff I think.

I live in KY and some of the best trail or street riding is close, so I am guessing 70/30 street dirt... and that is an honest guess... there is a lot of dirt around here...

I am a stingy SOB... and my gf told me to buy something... I guess paying cash is bad for your credit... lame. So there will be a lien on this "toy."

So what do you two wheelers say...

Thank you!

I have a DRZ and I like it. It's a little heavy for the woods, but for an ADV-ish bike, it's pretty good on the street. It is tall, though lowering kits are cheap. Fuel injection would be nice. There is a huge aftermarket for them.

I've had both. The wr250r is a much better bike. I've ridden mine all over, including from Maryland to Alaska on a one way move carrying everything i owned. It's been all the way to Deadhorse. Also md to key west to Oklahoma. It currently has 43,000 miles on it and I'm looking forward to more.

The wr motor is much, much smoother than the drz400. It's equally reliable, lower maintenance, fuel injected, requires no protection or preventative engine mods beyond a skid plate and rad guard, has a 350w stator and strong starting system, carries luggage better, weighs less, cruises on the highway better, and is more comfortable. It's the best 50/50 dual sport available, bar none, which is why it's the most expensive. It's a fantastic city bike, and a good dirt bike.