Dual Sport Adventure riding

[FatNakedGuy]

Hey all!

I'm interested in purchasing a dual sport bike to join my FJR in the garage. Can anyone recommend bikes to look at?

I've just started researching and the KTM 950 Adventurer looks nice, going to test-ride one tomorrow. No idea what else is available at this point.

Thanks!

Rick

West Point, UT

 

[DucatiSSsp]

Hey all!
I'm interested in purchasing a dual sport bike to join my FJR in the garage. Can anyone recommend bikes to look at?

I've just started researching and the KTM 950 Adventurer looks nice, going to test-ride one tomorrow. No idea what else is available at this point.

Thanks!

Rick

West Point, UT

Wish Honda would produce a XR650L type with more wind protection and luggage racks!

KLR seems just a little too mellow....although a good bike.

R1200gs a little big for off road excursions, F650's are just plain anemic.

Let us know about the KTM test ride!

Bryce

 

[burnergold2B]

I've just started researching and the KTM 950 Adventurer looks nice, going to test-ride one tomorrow. No idea what else is available at this point.

Go brand new or an early '04 that has had the upgrades done. You will love the fun factor!! :assassin:

 

[FJRay]

The KLR650 Kawi gets my vote.They are cheap, almost bulletproof and have a ton of aftermarket support. Don't do anything perfect but most things well.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

How far do you want to go?

Do you want a bike good for dirt roads, fire roads, or single track?

Do you want lots of aftermarket stuff to select from?

KTM Adventure is best in class for LD Adventure Touring.

Suzuki Stom 650 gets pretty good reviews and owners seem to love em.

KLR650 is Best in class for thumper LF adventure touring.

DRZ400SM with an extra set of wheels was my solution because I'm not doing LD adventure touring, and might end up on some trickier dirt...I bout the SM with an extra set of S (enduro) wheels (brake rotors and sprocket) to make swapping between SuperMoto and Dirt easy.

 

[KSFJR]

I have a KLR650 and a KTM LC640 Dual Sport. The KLR is better for roads and longer distances. The KTM is a little more serious for dirt and trails but is still heavy at upper 300#'s full of fuel. Also, 300 miles or so and you will want to end the day. The KTM 950 is a pretty seriously tall bike so if you are short see if lowergin links are available.

If you decide that you want a KLR650, and can wait for a while, see the link for the new model coming out next year.

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/23september06_klr650.htm

 

[Centerline]

Hey all!
I'm interested in purchasing a dual sport bike to join my FJR in the garage. Can anyone recommend bikes to look at?

I've just started researching and the KTM 950 Adventurer looks nice, going to test-ride one tomorrow. No idea what else is available at this point.

Thanks!

Rick

West Point, UT

Just so happens I have an 06 KLR650 purchased new last June. First off-road bike I have ever owned, or really even taken off-road. Toured the mountains of Colorado on it, and was absolutely captured for off-road riding. The problem I had with the KLR, is I like to cruise on the highway to get to my offroad adventure, and I like to be able to comfortably do 80-85mph with gear, and then be able to pass a car or truck when need be. The KLR for me is great on the highway to about 60mph. Above that, my KLR just didn't have enough reserve for accelerating, not to mention the annoying light wobble at high speed.

Just tonight, I have returned to Dallas from picking up a new (for me) KTM 950

Adventure in Southern California This bike is IT. No other big dualsport can touch it offroad and on the highway I cruised it effortlessly at 80-85mph with PLENTY of passing power, and I mean FJR-like acceleration from 0 to 80 mph. After that the FJR would run away from the KTM. Very comfortable on the highway and even quite acceptable protection from the wind by the small windshield. No heat problems either for the rider. The KTM950 radiator is semi-circular as is the 06 FJR, but the KTM radiator has had that shape since I think the beginning of its production life.

The KTM is going to be the only bike in my stable for sometime, as it does EVERYTHING I want a motorcycle to do, and does it all quite well. BTW my FJR was pretty nice in the twisties, but it pales in comparison to the 950. Learned that yesterday at Oak Creek Canyon and the Salt River Canyon of Arizona.

Anyhow, I am really stoked about the KTM. :yahoo: :yahoo:

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I guess we haven't heard back from FNG because he's out riding that new Adventure?

 

[Toecutter]

I've been pondering a similar question a lot lately. I'm thinkin' I'd like to have something in the adventure touring class, like what one would use to go to Alaska.

The V-Strom is occupying a high spot on my candidate list. I did some dirt roads on the FJR last week and it was addictive, but I was afraid to go very far. The new V-Strom 650 is available in ABS. Mmmmm...

I'm still not in the income bracket to afford a GS yet, but it's a definite contender. I'm afraid the cost of admission would be the FJR. A 15,000 dollar dirt bike wouldn't go over too big with the CFO.

The deer-strike guy was on a KTM 950 at the time, one of two he bought together. Not sure if he's selling the un-totalled one though, but I'll post up if he does.

 

[xcsp]

I've been looking at upgrading from my commuter bike, a '96 Suzuki DR650 to an adventure/ tour bike like a VStrom 650, or if BMW brings the GS version of it's new F800 series-the price will be a serious factor for me as it wouldn't be a primary bike.

Seems that when out riding, I have a bad habit of looking at a map for a fun road, only to find out it turns into gravel or dirt! That's where the A/T bike would be nice!!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Seems that when out riding, I have a bad habit of looking at a map for a fun road, only to find out it turns into gravel or dirt! That's where the A/T bike would be nice!!

As a few can attest to here, I have that same tendency. I've taken a view group rides where the route had to be toned down due to accidental dirt road encounters. It would be nice to just get more excited than to turn around.

That said, the FJR did just fine on every dirt road I ever took on it.

 

[markjenn]

I have a 650 Strom and it's a nice compliment to the FJR. It does everything well. It's about the perfect bike for Alaska because it is very comfortable for long pavement distances (and the vast majority of an Alaskan trip is long, lonely, high-speed pavement that would be taxing on something like a KLR), but can handle a forest service or gravel road in stride.

But it's not a dirt bike, and it stretches the definition of a dual-sport. It has terrible ground clearance and any off-roading whatsoever really needs a skid plate and crash bars to protect the low-hanging pipe and vunerable oil cooler.

If you're just looking for a hack-around bike to ride to do trail riding and have no need to tour or do long-distances, something like the DRZ400S or KLX250 can fill the bill great. KLRs, DR650s, and XR650s all are slightly more trip-worthy but less dirt-worthy. For a dual-sport, you never want to overbuy - weight is the enemy. The DRZ has been at the sweet spot for a long time now - not too big, not too small, okay to get to the trails, okay on the trails. (Yep, I own one of them too.)

The KTM950 and GS are great bikes for what they are, but at $13K and $16K, they're hard to stomach as bash-about bikes - a tipover in the dirt can run you thousands. The KTM is more dirt-worthy than the GS (and the Strom), but KTM's are more race-bikes than street bikes so you've got to come in ready to attend to their special needs. They're the Land Rovers off off-roading. The KLR is the Jeep Wrangler and the Strom is the Honda Pilot.

- Mark

 

[Toecutter]

I have a 650 Strom and it's a nice compliment to the FJR. It does everything well. It's about the perfect bike for Alaska because it is very comfortable for long pavement distances (and the vast majority of an Alaskan trip is long, lonely, high-speed pavement that would be taxing on something like a KLR), but can handle a forest service or gravel road in stride.

Thanks, that's just the kind of input I can appreciate.

 

[twowheelnut]

I have a 650 Strom and it's a nice compliment to the FJR. It does everything well. It's about the perfect bike for Alaska because it is very comfortable for long pavement distances (and the vast majority of an Alaskan trip is long, lonely, high-speed pavement that would be taxing on something like a KLR), but can handle a forest service or gravel road in stride.

Thanks, that's just the kind of input I can appreciate.

And... We're are planning the trip for when?

 

[Toecutter]

I have a 650 Strom and it's a nice compliment to the FJR. It does everything well. It's about the perfect bike for Alaska because it is very comfortable for long pavement distances (and the vast majority of an Alaskan trip is long, lonely, high-speed pavement that would be taxing on something like a KLR), but can handle a forest service or gravel road in stride.

Thanks, that's just the kind of input I can appreciate.

And... We're are planning the trip for when?

Probably after I buy another bike. Which will be probably after WFO-6. Maybe WFO-7ish, June 2008. Or not. "I have a dream today!"
Wanna go along? Group ride?

 

[evil_henchman]

I have a 650 Strom and it's a nice compliment to the FJR. It does everything well. It's about the perfect bike for Alaska because it is very comfortable for long pavement distances (and the vast majority of an Alaskan trip is long, lonely, high-speed pavement that would be taxing on something like a KLR), but can handle a forest service or gravel road in stride.
But it's not a dirt bike, and it stretches the definition of a dual-sport. It has terrible ground clearance and any off-roading whatsoever really needs a skid plate and crash bars to protect the low-hanging pipe and vunerable oil cooler.

If you're just looking for a hack-around bike to ride to do trail riding and have no need to tour or do long-distances, something like the DRZ400S or KLX250 can fill the bill great. KLRs, DR650s, and XR650s all are slightly more trip-worthy but less dirt-worthy. For a dual-sport, you never want to overbuy - weight is the enemy. The DRZ has been at the sweet spot for a long time now - not too big, not too small, okay to get to the trails, okay on the trails. (Yep, I own one of them too.)

The KTM950 and GS are great bikes for what they are, but at $13K and $16K, they're hard to stomach as bash-about bikes - a tipover in the dirt can run you thousands. The KTM is more dirt-worthy than the GS (and the Strom), but KTM's are more race-bikes than street bikes so you've got to come in ready to attend to their special needs. They're the Land Rovers off off-roading. The KLR is the Jeep Wrangler and the Strom is the Honda Pilot.

- Mark

+1 and a great write up! Though I'd suggest that if you're going the DRZ route, get the DRZ400E and put a street kit on it. Assuming you live in a state that allows that sort of thing. They cut some major corners on the "S" model, suspension and carburetion in particular and they're priced about the same.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I have a 650 Strom and it's a nice compliment to the FJR. It does everything well. It's about the perfect bike for Alaska because it is very comfortable for long pavement distances (and the vast majority of an Alaskan trip is long, lonely, high-speed pavement that would be taxing on something like a KLR), but can handle a forest service or gravel road in stride.

But it's not a dirt bike, and it stretches the definition of a dual-sport. It has terrible ground clearance and any off-roading whatsoever really needs a skid plate and crash bars to protect the low-hanging pipe and vunerable oil cooler.

If you're just looking for a hack-around bike to ride to do trail riding and have no need to tour or do long-distances, something like the DRZ400S or KLX250 can fill the bill great. KLRs, DR650s, and XR650s all are slightly more trip-worthy but less dirt-worthy. For a dual-sport, you never want to overbuy - weight is the enemy. The DRZ has been at the sweet spot for a long time now - not too big, not too small, okay to get to the trails, okay on the trails. (Yep, I own one of them too.)

The KTM950 and GS are great bikes for what they are, but at $13K and $16K, they're hard to stomach as bash-about bikes - a tipover in the dirt can run you thousands. The KTM is more dirt-worthy than the GS (and the Strom), but KTM's are more race-bikes than street bikes so you've got to come in ready to attend to their special needs. They're the Land Rovers off off-roading. The KLR is the Jeep Wrangler and the Strom is the Honda Pilot.

- Mark

+1 and a great write up! Though I'd suggest that if you're going the DRZ route, get the DRZ400E and put a street kit on it. Assuming you live in a state that allows that sort of thing. They cut some major corners on the "S" model, suspension and carburetion in particular and they're priced about the same.

+1, except I bought the DRZ400SM and got a set of 21/18 wheels for it. The front fork is a lot firmer than the S model and great on the road, but can absorb some pretty significant bumps off road. I'm a happy DRZ owner. My enduro wheels also have a sprocket that gives me a little more low end grunt, taking the most comfortable cruising speed from 75 to 68. It's still capable of 90 at top end though (too buzzy for me).

 

[Bikewhore]

I had a KLR650, an R1150 GS Adventure, and an Aprilia Caponord.

I never really clicked with the GS, the Capo had too many "oddities" (Italians would consider it character I guess) and LOVED the KLR650.

The KLR is a sail on the highway though. The tank was over 6 gallons, I put a big nerdy windshield on it and some silly looking aloominnyum panniers and road it to hell and back. Mud holes, train tracks, chased by dogs on logging trails, bounced it off trees, you name it. It kept on keeping on. Change out the doohicky and ride the **** out of it. I got 300 miles per tank a few times and it's actually pretty comfy stock. Only real draw backs were that fact it would change lanes on the highway if you sneezed and had weak brakes. It's not an awesome trail bike but does well enough IMO. It even put out enough power for my 77 watt gerbings jacket.

Change out the stock KLR tires. I got some cheapy Kenda DOT knobbies that gripped super well off road. THey were a little squirrely on road though.

 

[BlueStreak-1]

I have a DL650K4 Blue that just turned 2 years old and I have 43,000 trouble free miles. I decided on the 650 because I liked the balance and 'flick' factor better than the 1000.On the 1000 it just feels to me like that extra 50-60 lbs of weight is all up on top. I still like to jump off on that dirt/gravel road just to see where it goes and the benifits of a lighter bike just seems to make sense.

I changed out the front primary sprocket from a 15 to a 16 tooth and that made a lot of difference in RPM's by about 5-600 lower. I'm on my 3rd set of Metzler Tourances, great tires!!!. I ride a lot with friends that have FJR1300's, ST 1300's & BMW's. I have absolutely NO problem keeping up with them when we're scraping pegs and canyon dancin' in the twisties! In fact their comment usually is something like... "so you're sure that's JUST a 650? Wow... that thing sure is FAST!" LOL... The handling and balance is perfect for me. I've had bigger & faster but this machine does everything I really need it to do. I love that torquey engine. I have to say that this is one of the best bikes I've owned over my 50 years of riding. So far I have done 1- SS1000 and many 350-700 mile days. I can cruise at a real 85 all day long with no problems. I have my BBG1500 coming up shortly and I will also be running the Dalton Hwy from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay next July. This is a very comfortable and fast (enough for me anyway) machine.

The ergos on this bike were great from the start. I have only made them better, for me, with the added farkles. I have it set up for Solo LD Adventure Touring with a Pat Walsh engine guard & skid plate and radar [SIZE=10pt]shelf, Kuryakyn LongHorn Offset 360 hwy pegs mounted on the engine guards, Bill Mayer saddle with LD Comfort Shorts and a Alaska Leather Sheepskin Buttpad=Long Distance Riding COMFORT, Givi shield on the MadStad brackets, J&M CB [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]with my XM Radio plugged in, Givi E52 Maxima top case and E41 Keyless side cases with that trick little combo lock door on the top... VERY cool for easy top access, a Throttler Anti Lock Cruise Control (indexed ratcheting), PIAA Powersports 510 driving lights , Piaa Super White's in both headlights with a Kriss Modulator, Steibel Air Horn, a Staintune pipe and a Garmin Nuvi 350. This will be up graded to the Garmin 376 C because of the great screen in bright sunlight, XM Radio and NEXRAD capabilities. Here are the links below for all the 'farkles' [/SIZE]

After all is said and done, I think the new '07 DL650 ABS would be a winner. At a price point of $7,200 retail that's a very hard deal to beat!!! I think that anyone would be very happy with this bike!!!

https://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DL650AK7/Default.aspx

https://patwalshdesigns.com/guard.html

https://patwalshdesigns.com/radar.html

https://billmayersaddles.com/october25homepage.html

https://www.ldcomfort.com/mensshorts.htm

https://www.alaskaleather.com/sheepskinbuttpads.html

https://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=24

https://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=D260ST

https://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=GIVI-E52

https://happy-trail.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=GIVI-E41

https://www.50sboy.net/throttler.html

https://www.madstad.com/servlet/Categories?category=Motorycle+Accessories

https://www.amotostuff.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AMS_VSTAUXKIT_510W&Category_Code=dl650_electrical

https://www.kriss.com./dualh4mod.htm

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137/333/

https://www.kuryakyn.com/products.asp?bn=metric&ci=3259

https://www.kuryakyn.com/products.asp?bn=metric&ci=3262

https://www.pipecity.com/Search/CategorySearch.cfm/IP/1_4_0_0/ManuID/406/_1/Street/_2/Suzuki/_3/DL650%20Vstrom

https://www.getfeetwet.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=010-00455-00

https://www.getfeetwet.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=010-00438-00

One of the things that impressed my right off the top was the riding position. I have since modoified that with the Bill Mayer seat adding another 2" in height, Gen Mar bar risers 1" up 1 3/8" back. https://www.zianet.com/GenMar/

The Bar risers are being replace with these on Friday.

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2016/203/

and install this 1.2" on the 45 degree angle.

https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/333/203/

There is no flex and this combination gives me a little more height and moves the handle bar back a little more as well. A friend of mine has this installed on his DL650K6 and it's a perfect fit for me! On long rides I like to sit up straighter in the saddle. Easier on the back. This standard seating position is most comfortable for me. The GenMar's just don't com back far enough for me.

and I just ordered these bar ends.

[SIZE=10pt]https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2328/203/ [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]I just LOVE my iddy biddy six fiddy.... :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: [/SIZE]