back late in 2005 when my local dealer had a test ride day,i got to test every 2006 model gas gas made,i was an "A" rider racing a 2003 EC125,the course consisted of some rocky cart roads and plenty of singletrack as well,i thought the 300 and the 450 were by far the fastest bikes for me that day, they just flat out handled all the rocks without deflecting. i bought a 300 to race the next season. one of the local riders used a demo 450 at one of our races,he was flying and the bike sounded sooo nice, im thinking if I were to pick up a 400+ for a dual sport it would be much better than a DRZ for me...enjoy!