Any Dual Sporters on here ?

[toynut]

I have been riding motorcycles on and off for 25 years , a buddy of mine has a Kawasaki KLX250S and has been pestering me to pick up a bike , my last bike's were 10 years ago , a YZ250 and a Virago 1100 .
I was considering picking up a Harley Sportster but then I wouldn't be able to ride with my buddy so.. I am looking at bikes with the surprising (reluctant) permission of the wife . I am thinking about a Suzuki DR650, although its a bit heavy, it seams to have the best of both worlds as these things are a compromise to begin with, if i don't end up with one of these and I don't find a decent used older 250 - 400 cc , I am leaning towards a New Honda CRF250L with fuel injection .

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

I had a Honda 230 which was underpowered on the pavement
but very light and great fun in the bush.
Reliable and great resale value

 

[ikeedikeed]

No dualsport for me, but I have a 2002 BMW R1150R, which is not underpowered on the highway. I thought about getting and GS (either 1150 or 1200) but they're so heavy that they are pretty much pavement bikes anyway. For me it's R1150R now, little 250cc dirtbike after the dust settles at home. If anyone's heading up to Whistler, Pemberton or beyond (Duffy Lake loop?) lemme know, preferably when it's warmer.

 

[wrongway around]

Dr650 is a decent bike. Not a single track though. I thought the gs1200 was lighter than the 1150r.

 

[ikeedikeed]

I thought the gs1200 was lighter than the 1150r.

It could be. I don't know. I wouldn't take my R1150R of the trail either. My point is for a dirt bike I'd want a light one for single track and for a pavement bike I'd want (and have) a powerful one. What I'm saying is get two bikes and don't try and split the difference. But, I guess you could say the same for mine as I tried to split the difference between a sport tourer and a crotch rocket. Everyone needs like six or seven different bikes is pretty much what I'm saying.

 

[Enigma]

I rode and raced an Xr350 for years, but sold it eons ago it seems now. I did ride a buddies Dr650 for a bit, that was a very nice machine. I have no experience with the more street type dual purpose types, but they sure look slick.

 

[Scalp]

I had a Triumph 350 Twin in 1959 but sold it after wrecking my knee in an accident. I got the knee replaced in June of this year.

 

[ikeedikeed]

Two ends of the spectrum for sale:

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/nvn/mcy/4767698094.html

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/mcy/4768109330.html

 

[Diesel Cruiserman]

One bike is a tank the other gutless. Built a ktm 535,stroked, big bore kit and polished gears. The bike pulled like a super mortar On the street, crazy power for trail. If I had the money, the ktm 300 2 stroke is all the rage, yet very robust, trail only

 

[dr_claw]

Drz is a great all - around bike. Not too light but not too heavy.

I have a klx250 bored out to a 300 which is great for my 150 lbs frame

Or you can go high end and buy a husky

 

[wrongway around]

Husky ? Were talking bikes still, and not saws right. Or do you mean husaberg.

 

[kim]

Husqvarna built bikes, maybe still does. I'm not a bike guy though.

 

[Tmax]

Husky ? Were talking bikes still, and not saws right. Or do you mean husaberg.

huskys are righ up there with KTM now days. my friend actualy sells them. very cool and much nicer finish than jap bikes.

 

[wrongway around]

The last couple years yes but not the older ones.

 

[whitey45]

I have a 2012 husqvarna te 511 dual sport. Bmw had bought husky and the engine is based from a bmw. Its fuel injected, weighs 250lbs and pulls like a freight train. Was on an xr650 for the last 12 years, this bike rips! My buddy just bought a 2015 husky 500 and now ktm owns husky, beautiful bike and fit and finish is outstanding. You pay alot but every component is high end, so you dont have to mod these new bikes. The injection is crisp and very responsive!

 

[toynut]

So last month i bought a 1980 Honda XL185s , today i bought a second old school 1982 Honda XL185S , for the wife ! looking at getting her some lessons !

 

[tag3]

Sorry to jump in here. Suzuki DRZ 400s. Street legal dual sport. Not good for any of the uses, but great at all of them.

 

[WrenchMonkey]

I have a ktm 690 smc for the road (dirt bike on steroids) used to have a 300 exc for the dirt rather have 2 bikes that are awesome at there disciplines than one that is so so for both, I will say I really like the new 1290 adventure though