I'm looking at getting a dual sport bike, something that is a little easier on the bank for riding on a daily basis. I went and test road a KLR650 today, and coming from riding a 12R, the 650 was a complete dog, and it is one of the larger dual sport bikes. I couldn't even get it to wheelie in first gear without using the clutch. I really want to go off road, but it has to be streetable also or I just can't justify buying it. I was told the vstrom 1000 was a good bike, but it didn't look like it was up to par with the off road capabilities. Anyone have any suggestions on what would make a good on/off road bike. I really just want loads of torque, something that will cruise down the highway at 80mph without straining, and something that can cross a small creek(in the air would work too).
Ping Adventure/Dual Sport Riders
big-ron
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Pretty hard to argue against the KLR as a commuter. 8) Indistructable.
Just turned 33k on mine...runs like a top. One bike I couldn't live without. 8) 50 MPH no matter how I ride it.
Had an 04 come into the shop today and it sat for 1 1/2 hrs....new owner.
Just turned 33k on mine...runs like a top. One bike I couldn't live without. 8) 50 MPH no matter how I ride it.
Had an 04 come into the shop today and it sat for 1 1/2 hrs....new owner.
Ron,
The DL1000 is a nice ride. I've only had an opportunity to log about 200 miles on mine. Bought it semi wrecked, bought parts, failed to install cosmetic parts as of yet. Wheelies are easy in first, Rev, let off, Rev - (front wheel comes off the ground) shift, shift, scared, let out.
The DL1000 is a nice ride. I've only had an opportunity to log about 200 miles on mine. Bought it semi wrecked, bought parts, failed to install cosmetic parts as of yet. Wheelies are easy in first, Rev, let off, Rev - (front wheel comes off the ground) shift, shift, scared, let out.
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3,405 Posts
Hey Ron,How much of a "Of road " bike are you looking for?If you just want to do some fire road exploring ,may i suggest 1 of these beasts,this is my BMW r1150 GS Adventure & its 1 of the best Bikes i have ever owned 
.If you want a Full blown off road bike,go elsewhere,But,this can be taken off road,as you can see..Plus its the fisrt bike that fits me,When i purchased it in 05 i was weighing in @ 250 :shock: :shock: lbsAnd 6'4", now down to 210 lbs,most bikes i owned i looked like a Trained Bear act :lol: :lol: even the 12 looked small,but this bike fits me like a glove..And as i am guessing "Big Ron"
You aint no little guy :wink: :wink: So go to a dealership and see if you cant take 1 out for a spin.If you are ever in central Fla.stop by & take mine for a spin
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.If you want a Full blown off road bike,go elsewhere,But,this can be taken off road,as you can see..Plus its the fisrt bike that fits me,When i purchased it in 05 i was weighing in @ 250 :shock: :shock: lbsAnd 6'4", now down to 210 lbs,most bikes i owned i looked like a Trained Bear act :lol: :lol: even the 12 looked small,but this bike fits me like a glove..And as i am guessing "Big Ron"You aint no little guy :wink: :wink: So go to a dealership and see if you cant take 1 out for a spin.If you are ever in central Fla.stop by & take mine for a spin
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658 Posts
The part I'm battling with right now is, whether I want to just replace the 12 with a more expensive dual sport 10-14k range. Or do I just want to by a cheap dual sport to do mostly off road and commute to work on.1reddawg12r said:Hey Ron,How much of a "Of road " bike are you looking for?If you just want to do some fire road exploring ,may i suggest 1 of these beasts,this is my BMW r1150 GS Adventure & its 1 of the best Bikes i have ever owned
You aint no little guy :wink: :wink: So go to a dealership and see if you cant take 1 out for a spin.If you are ever in central Fla.stop by & take mine for a spin
That BMW looks like a fun machine and I'm sure it would be up for any of the off road tasks that I would attempt to throw at it.
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645 Posts
If you're looking to do any real offroad or trail riding, the KLR isn't really that good of an option. It looks the part of being a dirt bike more than it actually does it. A DRZ400 would be a far better option IMO - lighter and better power (with a few simple mods) if you want something that can realistically do road and dirt. If you REALLY want a badass dual sport that is nice and lightweight but streetlegal, check out the Husky TE610. Aprillia has a new V-twin 650 dual sport that is supposed to put out 75 rwhp with a weight of only 200-something pounds(!!!). :shock:MarkPMB said:Here's the one I may go get ...
2007 KLR650, 5,000 mi, new michelin tires, tailbag included, service manual included, doohickey already fixed, vibe free mirrors.
He is wanting to go all dirt, that's why he's selling.
$3,750 ... sounds like a good deal to me!
I may do a few dirt roads, nothing seriously off road.
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The VStrom is way too big for challenging trail work in my estimation. Some light dirt work, gravel roads, etc., but if you expect to ride stuff where you figure to fall off once in a while, the Strom isn't the one you want to have to try and pick up on a trail (to say nothing of the fairings).
I'm pretty new to the dual-sport thing myself (have a KTM), but the above is what I've observed from riding and riding with the above bikes (as well as lots of reading, etc.).
If you are replacing the 12 and want the ultimate dual sport (ultimate as in off road, being able to jump etc.) go for the KTM 950 SE if you can find one. If you are keeping the 12 and want something with great gas mileage, commute, fire roads, dirt roads, moderate dual sport, go with a Honda, Suzuki or Kawi 650 dual sport.
The Beemers and KTM 950 SM are ok on dirt roads, but I would not want to catch too much air on them or tackle rough off road with the low exhaust.
The limitations on the KTM SE are fuel range and numb but factor (dirt bike seat). For a little more street set up, some go with a 19" front wheel and more street oriented rubber. With that set up, the SE is the Swiss Arm knife of motorcycles, just still limited by fuel range.
You have to be honest with yourself on how you are going to use it and if the extra money for an Beemer or Katoom are worth it. Bang for the buck, the Japanese 650's are hard to beat. All out performance, the KTM 950 SE is one hell of a machine.
The Beemers and KTM 950 SM are ok on dirt roads, but I would not want to catch too much air on them or tackle rough off road with the low exhaust.
The limitations on the KTM SE are fuel range and numb but factor (dirt bike seat). For a little more street set up, some go with a 19" front wheel and more street oriented rubber. With that set up, the SE is the Swiss Arm knife of motorcycles, just still limited by fuel range.
You have to be honest with yourself on how you are going to use it and if the extra money for an Beemer or Katoom are worth it. Bang for the buck, the Japanese 650's are hard to beat. All out performance, the KTM 950 SE is one hell of a machine.
STATUS ?MarkPMB said:Here's the one I may go get ...
2007 KLR650, 5,000 mi, new michelin tires, tailbag included, service manual included, doohickey already fixed, vibe free mirrors.
He is wanting to go all dirt, that's why he's selling.
$3,750 ... sounds like a good deal to me!
I may do a few dirt roads, nothing seriously off road.
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1,217 Posts
I still enjoy my 9 year old DR650. I have beat it,abused it, wrung its little neck for thousands of miles and It has never complained or let me down. It is till the most used bike in my stable. I also have a V-strom 1000 which is a great bike,but it is in no way a dirt bike.
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I went out Sunday a.m. and met the owner
He lives way up in the mountains, beautiful home...and a HUGE shop 8)
About 100 miles from me.
I went with an empty trailer, and cash in my pocket.
And for some reason I backed out at the last second,
I don't even know why.
There was no mechanical issues with the bike, just a little
cosmetic stuff from a 30 mph spill on a dirt road.
He let me take it for a ride.
It shifted great, and handled very nicely ( this was the first one I rode ).
I ALWAYS follow my gut instinct, and I just decided to think about it.
BTW ..he had his brothers bike in his garage, a DRZ400SM!
First one of those I had seen too. Very nice 8)
Three other bikes present, WR450....YZ 250 ... and a GSXR600.
Everything there was spotless!
As Bogus Dave would say .... more later :wink:
He lives way up in the mountains, beautiful home...and a HUGE shop 8)
About 100 miles from me.
I went with an empty trailer, and cash in my pocket.
And for some reason I backed out at the last second,
I don't even know why.
There was no mechanical issues with the bike, just a little
cosmetic stuff from a 30 mph spill on a dirt road.
He let me take it for a ride.
It shifted great, and handled very nicely ( this was the first one I rode ).
I ALWAYS follow my gut instinct, and I just decided to think about it.
BTW ..he had his brothers bike in his garage, a DRZ400SM!
First one of those I had seen too. Very nice 8)
Three other bikes present, WR450....YZ 250 ... and a GSXR600.
Everything there was spotless!
As Bogus Dave would say .... more later :wink:
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