DS options

[gregory]

Was at a used bike shop yesterday and was looking at a KLR650 and a Honda 650 and a couple 400's. While I would really like a KLR, I am about 4"'s too short in the inseam. They did have a Yamaha 200 that fit me, but I would like a few more cc's if I can get em.

Any suggestions?

TIA

Greg

 

[Niehart]

Yamaha WR250R, very cool and can be lowered another inch on both ends.

 

[UberKul]

No replacement for displacement and almost any bike can be lowered. DRZ 400 is about as low as I would personally go.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

<snip>While I would really like a KLR, I am about 4"'s too short in the inseam. Any suggestions?

TIA

Well, you ride an FJR -- and that's certainly not a small bike...!

You'll have to trust me on this -- off-road capable bikes are tall for a reason; and, although they may seem way too tall in the showroom or when you first try to get on and off, you will get used to it.

Good off-road riding skill doesn't require the feet to be on the ground at all....

You're welcome

 

[dougc]

Was at a used bike shop yesterday and was looking at a KLR650 and a Honda 650 and a couple 400's. While I would really like a KLR, I am about 4"'s too short in the inseam. They did have a Yamaha 200 that fit me, but I would like a few more cc's if I can get em.

Which Honda, XR650L or XR650R?

I ride an XRR (own 3 and son has one) and love it. Cut the seat down myself to fit and its still tall but ya get used to it.

Depending on your size there really is no replacement for displacement unless your inseam is shorter than my 29".

dougc

 

[rickcorwn]

I picked up a KLR a few years ago the PO had lowered it 1 inch. I'm 5'6" and a 30' inseam and can touch only one side at a time but that's good enough the bike is so light and easy to handle. At a stop light I just slide off to one side and lean the bike over a bit and reach flatfooted, on one side That said I was at the dealer this morning and was looking at the WR250 and thinking what a fun little ride that would be in the woods.

Touching the ground is over rated.

 

[chrisflock]

Last time I was looking at dual sport bikes, the issue I was having was most were too tall. The dealer had me sitting on a Suzuki DR650, which was awesome except for the height, then he told me that the bike was designed to be easily lowered a considerable amount, the rear shock has 2 mounting holes, and then either sliding the forks up in the triples or removing a spacer inside the fork, and then for further lowering it is possible to invert the rear spring (this I don't entirely understand, but a quick google search revealed discussion about doing it) and then performing both front lowering techniques.

Also DR650 seems to be priced pretty darn well...

 

[rickysnickers]

Was at a used bike shop yesterday and was looking at a KLR650 and a Honda 650 and a couple 400's. While I would really like a KLR, I am about 4"'s too short in the inseam. They did have a Yamaha 200 that fit me, but I would like a few more cc's if I can get em.
Any suggestions?

TIA

Greg

I'm partial to the KLR since I have an '02. Leftcoastklrs.com, Eagle Mike, is a machinist and sells lower links as well as several others things for the KLR. There's lot of aftermarket stuff for it, if you are so inclined. Also look at klr650.net.

Rick

 

[Ed_Grant]

I have a klx250s and a drz400sm. Both fun bikes. With a 29" inseam I've had to slide my butt to the left on most the bikes I've ridden. Not a big deal. The klx250s seat is pretty tall but I have more trouble getting off of it then riding it.

 

[roger dodger]

I own a DR650 and lowered it. The shock simply moves to the lower hole, and the forks slide up the tree. You need to buy a shorter kick-stand ($40 silver) and everything is 2" lower. Now it feels more like a super-moto than a dirt bike, but we ride 90% on the street and I'm 5'8" and taller than my son who rides it everyday. The DR has good torque but not as much as the XL, I call it the 'middle of the road' DS 'cause it's faster than a Kaw, and shorter than a Honda.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Well a lot depends on what kind of riding your going to do. The 650's are kinda of big bikes for tite trails, trust me I found this out the hard way. As far as the height goes you need that if your trail riding. My XR650L will suck up rocks and mogels at high speeds easily. It will eat up KTM's and Yami's if you have the open room on the trails. You will need to mod the sprockets for any serious trail riding. I have to lean the bike over slighty while touching with my toe's on the ground but i will gladly put up with that for the added clearance for the trails. JMO

 

[MotorToad]

Touching the ground is over rated.

I agree. Especially if it has electric start.
I like the Suzukis for having a bit more offroad capability than the KLR. If you're rich and want serious dirt use, look at the new KTMs, several are road legal and uncompromised dirt bikes. A used DRZ400S is in my future, though.