Dual Sport

[FJRocket]

I'm thinking about getting a "trail bike" (what we used to call an enduro). I haven't ridden one for about 20 years, so I'm not up to snuff, that's for sure. But wondering if you all might recommend something in the lower cc's that might be a good used "refresher" bike. Models and gotchas would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking in the 250 - 400+ range to try and get reacquainted. That way perhaps I can keep the costs low and perhaps not get back in over my head.

 

[yanktar]

I'm no whiz on this, but Kawa and Suzuki were jointly building the 400cc DP. I think only Suzuki still is. KTM seems to have dropped that size. I believe Honda only builds the 650 as a DP. Yamaha's choices are an oversize mini bike and a 200 or 225.

I believe your DP choices are limited to 200- 250 and 650 cc. Some of the enduro bikes can be converted with T/S and brake light kits.

 

[Bounce]

Suz's "Wee-Strom" is the DL650 version of the V-Strom DL1000. Lots of good reports for that one.

 

[rickysnickers]

I'm thinking about getting a "trail bike" (what we used to call an enduro). I haven't ridden one for about 20 years, so I'm not up to snuff, that's for sure. But wondering if you all might recommend something in the lower cc's that might be a good used "refresher" bike. Models and gotchas would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking in the 250 - 400+ range to try and get reacquainted. That way perhaps I can keep the costs low and perhaps not get back in over my head.

Although it's bigger than what you want, a KLR650 is a good trail bike. They are cheap and decent. It's no hardcore offroader that's for sure, but it's comfortable and has a long range with it's 6 gallon tank. There is lots of aftermartket support for the bike too. The flaws are the front suspension is a little soft, and the brakes are a little weak. Progressive makes a set of front springs that provide a large improvement over the stockers, they also make a rear shock too. There are a couple of companies that make larger rotor kits for the front end as well. The DRZ's are good bikes also.

Rick

w/a KLR and an FJR

 

[KSFJR]

Matt - I just got back from a trip to my farm on my KLR 650 15 minutes ago. It was a great evening to be riding. I left just as the sun was dipping below the horizon and the moon was just coming up. Round trip was about 130 miles but I spent some time down there.

The KLR is pretty damn comfortable for routine work. I was running 70 miles an hour pretty easily so cars were not running me over. The headlight is also on the weak side. I have added the Progressive front springs and the Progressive rear shock and spring a month ago. The KLR's are a little on the tall side but I am able to sit on it and touch the ground flat footed. It would be a stretch for you but doable. They do have lowering links that would put its height way below any problem for you. For around town it is great with the higher riding position, lighter weight, and wider handle bars for easier steering. Plus I would rather have it sitting out in a parking lot all day than my FJR.

Some of the guys that I know have had them off road in Colorado and could go just about anywhere. These are pretty skillful guys and they could hang with lesser riders on dedicated off road bikes.

As an aside, I was riding the KLR over in a small suburb of Kansas City called Mission this moring about 7 am and pulled up next to a female cop on a Police Harley. She must have been about 5"2" and 105#'s. Looked like a little kid on that bike.

 

[GunMD]

KSFJR,

Wave to my lil brother the KHP Trooper next time you're riding 'round Johnson County. (K-100)

 

[Toynut]

DRZ400s is a pretty good choice for a great all rounder. You would have to choose a different set of tires if you want to spend more time off road than on. Not much wind protection at speed, and seems to be comfortable at speeds under 75(without a sprocket swap). It's a comfortable ride around town and is suprisingly flickable as well, (check out the new supermoto version, DRZ400SM) .

I concur that the Suzuki DL650 is an excellent choice as well, just don't take it for an all terrain dirt bike, rather a good two track, groomed dirt road bike, as well as an excellent light weight tourer with a impressive fan club.

 

[markjenn]

Assuming you want a street-legal bike, I'd look first at the Suzuki DRZ400S. This is a nice trail bike that you can use to get around town as well. And it's also a capable tight-roads pavement bike. It does everything pretty well.

The Kaw KLR650 is also a fine bike, but is heavier and more street-oriented. It really excels in the adventure touring role, not as a trail bike. Very old tech too.

The Suzuki DR650 is about half-way between these two. Another old-tech bike but competent if you don't try and push it too hard in the dirt.

Most of the 200cc-250cc dual-sport bikes are kiddy, beginner, or wife bikes. Okay if you just want to plonk around, but that's all they're really good for.

If you are willing to go non-street-legal (or live in a state where you can license a true dirt bike) than a universe of possibilities open up, but this is not generally something for the beginner.

Someone mentioned the DL650 V-Strom. Great bike, but it really isn't a trail bike at all. It's a road bike with just enough off-road stuff to take it on gravel roads and not-too-challenging fire roads. It's another adventure touring bike and biased towards pavement.

The DRZ400S is probably the best choice for someone who wants to try a little trail riding on a street-legal machine. Older Suzuiki DR350s are good too, but harder to find.

- Mark

 

[FJRandy]

Most of the 200cc-250cc dual-sport bikes are kiddy, beginner, or wife bikes.  Okay if you just want to plonk around, but that's all they're really good for.
- Mark

Ouch! That hurt!

FJRocket, I believe you didn't state clearly if the bike was to hit the street at all. That fact makes a big difference in choice.

As a matter of fact, I've been trailriding/racing a Yamaha WR250F for 4 yrs now.

I chose it because it's much more nimble in the woods than a 400cc machine. I was lucky enough to get mine plated in NJ, but they usually only come with a man. statement of origin.

It's a grey area about which bike will suit you best. Terrain, tight or mostly open fireroads, your own weight-height-size, things like that.

My '01 250 four stroke has more horsepower than my 1980 2 stroke MX'er.

It hauls my 200 lb arse around extremely well.

But if you're looking for something street legal too, yes the DRZ400 is a good choice. I wouldn't call it a porker in the dirt.....I'd say it's a little "stocky".

 

[FJRocket]

I thought "dual sport" meant street legal, so that's why I used that topic. Yes, I want to ride on the back roads to some places where I can then ride trails and play in the dirt, do some hill climbing, then ride the roads back. I can certainly truck the bike, but getting there should be half the fun. We're talking in my county or one of the adjacent ones, not cross country or anything. I may work up to that, but I think I want something easier to pick up when (not if) I drop it and light on handling.

I can't imagine that any of the dynosaurs or "stocky" bikes you speak of would seem insufficient to me. I started on a 100, then 175 back in the early 70's, then 250 enduro in the 80's. Bet even a 5 year old bike would run rings around those things. The 250 was a nice Suzuki, and I think it was an early 4 stroke? Anyway, fun bike til it was stolen from my apartment. I think that was in '85. Replaced that with a GS750 and haven't been back on the dirt since.

So I'm not a complete novice here, but definitely not current. Been thinking about this for a couple years, and having seen how many guys ride off road at Deals Gap and in southern Ohio in state parks and such, it just seemed like it would be a blast. And some good excersize.

 

[ZZR12]

I would absolutely love to add a DRZ400S to the stable some day. Good, cheap, dirty fun!

 

[FJRocket]

The DRZ400E then convert to an S sounds like a pretty good way to go. Can't find either (so far) that aren't trash. Not within 1000 miles anyway. Get to that point, might as well buy new.

Anyone familiar with the KTM 450 MXC? They have a used one at the local stealer that could be had for about 4 grand. Looks to be in great shape.

 

[FJRottie]

KLR and DR 650's are great IMHO.

Good ride on and off road.

 

[RonC]

The Suzi DRZ400 and the Kwack KLR 650 are both terrific dual-sports. The DRZ is more dirt oriented and not very comfortable on the road. The KLR can handle roads very well, but is heavier than the DRZ and takes more work to ride it in the dirt.

As was said before in this thread, there are some very skilled people in the Denver metro area that can take the KLR on single-track trails and out ride people on dedicated dirt bikes.

The DRZ has about the same horsepower as the KLR, but is down significantly on torque. The KLR is very easy to work on. The shim-over-bucket valve adjustment was no problem for me.

Must haves for the KLR: again, braided steel cables for front brakes; Progressive springs for the fork.

Late 1990's KLRs can be had for $2000 or less. My highly accessorized 2001 KLR set me back $2800.

Ron

 

[gr8eyes]

I had a DRZ400S, 03 model, I was looking to use it mainly in the dirt and that may be my problem. I had been used to riding a YZ400F. Up against that the DRZ was a real pig. Heavy, slow,soft suspension. I bought it for friends to ride when they came in from out of town. I rode it a few times but finally sold it and got a WR450F. Now for my type riding that is it. Much better than the 400F for off road riding too.

Glenn

 

[motorcycle_guy2004]

I have a KLR as well and it's a great bike for bumming around town, etc., but it's a pig if you want to get into any challenging off-road riding. I just rode the Shenandoah 500 dual sport ride for the second year and ended up getting in way over my head on one of the advanced routes. You can read the report, here: Ride report, https://www.tomshobbies.net/shen_500.htm. The year before I fared much better, lol.

Now a big part of that is the rider -- I just haven't been doing enough off-road stuff to be really comfortable/good with it, and in the hands of a skilled rider, most would have been fine. Even some of the skilled riders said it was too big/heavy for anything more than basic off-road.

Having said that, the regular fire roads and gravel/dirt, it was tons of fun. So... just be aware of the limitations and balance that against your skill level.

-Tom

 

[FJRocket]

Ok, the KTM is out the window. But there is a newer DR650 and a DRZ400E in the area for about the same money.... around 4K give or take. Sounds like the 650 is more of a dirt road bike and the DRZ is an underpowered mushy trail bike. I guess no matter what I'm going to be making some sort of compromise. I suppose I should ride each one and see which seems to suit me better. I'm really coming at this with no perspective, so I appreciate all the help. I'm also doing some research on the Thumper forum. Seems to be scads of info there. Any other sources you vets would recommend?

 

[motorcycle_guy2004]

Yes,

Check out advrider.com look in the forums section, "thumpers, less filling" among other places. Warning, you can spend tons of time just with the ride reports section!

-Tom

www.tomshobbies.net

 

[mbottoms]

I can't believe no one would consider the Yamaha WR450.

While it won't be very comfortable on the street, it should fit the bill well off-road.

I currently ride a YZF 400, (the older moto-cross version of the WR450) in the Texas State Championship Enduro Circuit and it has proven to be a solid ride.

We beat the ?!#$ out of our bikes and mine has continued to perform very well.

Just my 2 cents.

Mark