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Just looking to get a dual sport, wanted to see what everyone recommends on here.
Best Dual Sport?
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My dad and I ride dual sports, oldies but goodies. A 1986 Honda XL600 and a 1989 Yamaha XT600. They're both his, but I found the yammy for him so I ride that, lol. When it comes to dual sports, you have to think about if you are actually going to ride it off road, or if you just want a dirtbike style motorcycle to ride primarily on the street. We ride a lot of dirt roads, so our biked are perfect. Older bikes with big bore singles are wicked fun hammerin down back roads. If I had the money though, I would try and find either an XR650R, or a KTM 520 and convert them for street riding. What model dual sport are you looking into?
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Ktm!
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I was thinking DRZ400 as I mainly want to be able to just ride out to the local trails from my house without having to hook up my 16ft trailer every time. I wan't what ever I get to be manageable but still have a little bit of power to it. I'm 5'9" 155lbs so I think the xr650 will be a bit much for me to muscle on the trails.
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I know what you mean. My dads bikes seem kind of heavy riding them, and they probably weigh around 330lbs, maybe a little more. The DRZ400 is an excellent motor, peppy and strong. I had the Z400 ATV and never had a problem with the motor on it. You could try and look for the DRZ400SM, the super moto version. It came with better front suspension, I beleive they were the same forks that the RM250 2stroke dirtbike had. Swap the street only tires out for some on/off road meats and it'll be a nice ripper.
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The Dizzer is a heavy bike for woods riding. I like the WR250r too
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I thought the wr250r was sweet but I wasn't sure as it comes prepped for the street, if I would have to change the suspension to work on the dirt. Won't be jumping or anything but will spend 90% of time on the trail.
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I would try to get a XR400 if you are looking for trails. I sold mine, but it was amazing riding down the road and then into the woods. Just want to get the inverted forks, as they are better handling on whatever you get. I have a XR650L still, and its a blast on old dirt roads, but I hardly take it in the woods as it's a monster LOL. Im not too familiar with the drz400's, but I know that if you get a bike with the same engine quads have, especially the 400's, they are very reputable and parts are everywhere. Big thing to think about with whatever you get is tire combinations, how much percentage road and not. Trust me, if it is registered, you definately want road legal tires on there if you ride in towns or anything, as cops can and will check, I've had a few tickets LOL.
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KTM 690 and I'm d
What sort of trails?
For smooth non technical fast type then a 600/650 will work fine.
For mud and woods type then these sort of bikes are far to heavy.
A wr250 is a superb bike for mud, being extremely light, but like many of the enduro ktm,s needs lots of engine servicing.
The xr hondas are reliable, but heavy ,old and no electric start!
The dr350 is still rated by some as better than the dr400 !
Modern enduro machines handle extremely well and very light, but are very tall and for a short person present a bit of a challenge. the seats are now like razor blades and make for uncomfortable all day riding.
Here in the uk any enduro/mx bike can easily be made road legal but there is no such thing as a good on/off road as the good off roaders are not really geared for road, and the ones designed for "dual sport" are just plain to heavy !
Hence the suzuki dr,s as a compromise as the engine does not need oil changes every 10/20 hrs !
For smooth non technical fast type then a 600/650 will work fine.
For mud and woods type then these sort of bikes are far to heavy.
A wr250 is a superb bike for mud, being extremely light, but like many of the enduro ktm,s needs lots of engine servicing.
The xr hondas are reliable, but heavy ,old and no electric start!
The dr350 is still rated by some as better than the dr400 !
Modern enduro machines handle extremely well and very light, but are very tall and for a short person present a bit of a challenge. the seats are now like razor blades and make for uncomfortable all day riding.
Here in the uk any enduro/mx bike can easily be made road legal but there is no such thing as a good on/off road as the good off roaders are not really geared for road, and the ones designed for "dual sport" are just plain to heavy !
Hence the suzuki dr,s as a compromise as the engine does not need oil changes every 10/20 hrs !
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