New Dual Sporter

[Surfdad]

Hey folks,

I just moved to the KC area. I have ridden all around Europe on a Wee-Strom. Probably 90/10 road/dirt. Having recently returned to the good ole USA I am buying a new dual sport motorcycle. My plan is to start spending more time off road. I have narrowed my choice to the F800gs Adventure, KLR 650 and Suzuki DR 650. I have very little dirt experience. I would like to start riding with TARKC as the weather warms up.

Thoughts? Recommendations? I would like to ride wherever I go and avoid trailering.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Rick]

Want to learn off-road? Find a rideforum member with a KTM or Husaberg (Kyle, Luc, Troy, Stu, Randy, many others). Put your front tire in their rear tire track and twist the throttle. You'll learn to ride off road or go home. All jokes aside, you will learn a lot from the Rideforum group and will meet some good friends along the way.

Rick

[Surfdad]

Thanks a ton! I can't wait to get out on the trails.

Any input on a beginner dual sport for more off-road than on? F800gsa, klr650, DR650? I also found a used DRZ400 on Craigslist.

Again, thanks.

Dave

[Rick]

If you are asking for input on this forum you are apt to get a wide variety of answers. Of the bikes you named, my opinion, which is worth nothing, would be the DRZ because I like single track riding. Others that read this forum would lead you to the DR or the KLR or the BMW. Nobody is wrong, they just like different things. Good luck.

Rick

[Bob Morgan]

I've owned a DRZ-400, DR650, BMW G650GS, Kawasaki KLX250S, Yamaha WR250R, and a Suzuki DL-1000.
All of them were good bikes, and I currently still own the DR, and the WR. I haven't ridden the DR much at all, but have it setup for long range traveling. I ride with several people who are long time owners of KLR's and the two are comparable. The DR is a little more dirt, and the KLR is a little more street. The DR is lighter. One of the hooks for the DR is it's "old school" Air cooled, rocker arm valve adjustment motor...... easy to work on and very reliable. KLRs are reliable too, once the Doohickey has been replaced. 2009 models had problems with using oil.

The DRZ is very good all around, but a little tall and top heavy for me. I wouldn't want to ride it all day on the blacktop, but 250 miles is pretty easy once you replace the seat. Powerful, easy to wheelie, and rock solid.

The BMW was one of the best gravel road capable street bikes I've owned. Comfortable, safe, fast, and 65 mpg due to the fuel injection. It was shiny and expensive..... crashing it was out of the question due the cost to repair, and loss of value at resale. It weighs a little more than a KLR, but less than the F800.

You didn't mention any of the Light weights on your list, but they do have their place.

I guess my advice would be to stay away from nice shiny big dual sports until you find out what a dual sport is going to be to you. If you are taller than 5' 10" I recommend the DRZ for a first bike. The DR sets lower than the DRZ and has a lower center of gravity but is heavier. It will comfortably go down the road more like the KLR if that appeals to you. The KLR is a good choice too just a little different.

Hope this helps. Bob

[Hank Moody]

Welcome and it seems like this question comes up often. As others have said there is no perfect dual sport bike and they are correct. For my money the DRZ400 comes the closest as it will do everything well and you will be able to determine what type of terrain you like best.

If you notice a lot of us have a bike for gravel roads/longer dual sport rides, mine is a BMW F800 and another for single track/trail riding, mine is a KTM EXC 450. Like Bob said you can’t really go wrong with any of the bikes you mentioned. Just get out and ride.

[Savage]

WELCOME to the site! All good advice above.

[Surfdad]

Thanks for all the great advice. Anyone here ride a KTM 500? I am going to try to check one out tomorrow.

[Rick]

Surfdad, You were just messing with us weren't you? The EXC 500 would absolutely be my top choice for a new dualsport bike. Want to weigh in here Stu?

Rick

[ajayhawkfan]

..........

I guess my advice would be to stay away from nice shiny big dual sports until you find out what a dual sport is going to be to you. .........

Best advice you got. I would add don't by anything you are afraid to scratch or break because sooner or later the bike and you will go down. (BMW parts can be expensive, check Troys thread about a lens cover.)

[troy]

Surfdad, You were just messing with us weren't you? The EXC 500 would absolutely be my top choice for a new dualsport bike.

Ah...the KTM 500 EXC!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRw17xMx ... ubs_digest

From the Alps to the Deserts, Join Motology Film's Adam Riemann on a motorcycle adventure of a lifetime - Austria to Egypt on KTM 500EXC's! No film crew, no support vehicles, you've never seen a journey like this before! http://www.motology.cc

[MacWildcat]

I perused a new KTM 500exc at Letko yesterday. Once I saw the price tag my ass clinched so hard I almost yelped. $11,000 for a DS bike? Maybe for a long distance tourer but not for a hard core single track monster. Yeah, yeah, if I didn't see the price tag it would be my top choice.

Ditto the advice on a DRZ. I had one (KLX), sold it and bought it back because I liked it so much.

[MacWildcat]

....I had to wonder if Letko is under new management. I was asking about a 520 o-ring chain. The sales person told me I couldn't get one for less than $120. Sounded like an excuse for inflating their prices.

[Surfdad]

Gents,

Thanks a ton for all the advice. I am riding the final candidates tomorrow. 2011 DRZ and a 2012 DR. No idea which will win out. Either way, look forward to meeting some of you for rides in the near future.

Guess I need to replace my Euro street helmet and stock up on ibuprofen.

[Savage]

If you want to hit the trails sometimes, get the DRZ. If you plan to do mostly Kansas gravel and rough roads, get the DR.

[Bob Morgan]

If you want to hit the trails sometimes, get the DRZ. If you plan to do mostly Kansas gravel and rough roads, get the DR.

Good advice........

[Surfdad]

Thanks for all the great advice. I made a last minute switch to a Super Tenere. Got a super deal on a leftover 2012. It is sitting in my garage as I type this. I am hoping TARKC does some rides that I might be able to do on on this bike. Well, thanks again.

[Savage]

That should be a fun ride. Congrats!