Dual sport bikes

So I've been seriously considering getting one. It'd be nice to have a bike that was a little more versatile than the scooter and there's some seriously awesome trail riding just outside my back door in the Rocky Mountains and specifically Rampart Range. I'd definitely want a dual sport as street legal, but trail capable is important to me. The current and only one I've looked at so far is the Honda CRL230L. Anyhow, just thought I'd solicite any opinions and such on this or any other bikes.

---

Grant Hughes

I have a thing for the Yamaha TW200. Not sure why, but I've wanted one for years.

---

Per

I had a KLR 650 for a while and it was a OK starter bike (ugly, heavy, and underpowered but reliable and simple) I now ride a BMW F650GS dakar which I like alot good on the road, good touring, good enough for rally roads. I think its the best thing out there if you want a bike that is capable in all areas (dirt, touring, twisty pavement). It balances each well but excels in none. ie its not a real dirt bike.

It's tough to balance real offroad ability with real onroad ability. You might like the DR650 if you don't plan any more road riding than connecting trails a KTM 525exc or similar is fun.

You are going to find as many opinions as people about what the best dualsport is. Here it is near impossible to get a trail bike street titled.

www.advrider.com and www.thumpertalk.com are good places to find information.

---

Matt Smith

Racing in glorious black and red

My daily life is a Saab story (sold!)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2008 03:17PM by mothra.

Honestly I'd rather have a shifter kart, but I can go to a dealer right now and drive away with a bike.
Yamaha's offerings look good, but a bit more expensive. KTMs stuff is all huge engines.

---

Grant Hughes

KDX200 any year, you want trail capability, you can ride it 2 tank loads on narrow mountain trails---if YOU can---.
It was my choice when i finally had to apy for stuff myself so no point of doing Husqvarna any longer.

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
Remember! Pacific Standard Time
is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

I have liked the dr400 the little I have ridden on them

---

In the long run reality always wins.

I'm liking the looks of a Husky TE 610....

Anders

---

Grassroots rally. It's what I think about.

The KDX200 looks like a great woods bike. Unfortunately its a 2 stroke and 2 strokes are not streetable in most states.

---

Matt Smith

Racing in glorious black and red

My daily life is a Saab story (sold!)

It's all a matter of what you want to do with it. There is a perfect bike for every person. I would stay away from the Chinese knock off bikes.

What are your goals and aspirations for this theoretical bike?

---

Matt Smith

Racing in glorious black and red

My daily life is a Saab story (sold!)

I have a friend that just sold a drz400sm. They look like a fun bike. Lighter than the big singles but still streetable.

---

Matt Smith

Racing in glorious black and red

My daily life is a Saab story (sold!)

john vanlandingham Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> KDX200 ...
> It was my choice when i finally had to pay for
> stuff myself so no point of doing Husqvarna any
> longer.

Did you used to get Husky stuff when you were racing? Or did you race for them at one point?

Cheers,
Anders

---

Grassroots rally. It's what I think about.

Something I can drive around town when I need something that's faster than the scooter.
Something I can drive out to Rampart Range and go trail riding.
Those are the two aspirations.

---

Grant Hughes

this would be fun.

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/674987213.html

There look to be quite a few bieks available in your area. THe DR200 and TW200 while not fast and without excellent suspension do the job.

http://denver.craigslist.org/search/mcy?query=dual+sport&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

---

Matt Smith

Racing in glorious black and red

My daily life is a Saab story (sold!)

Going to stop in and look at the new Kawasaki KLX250R on my way home. Specs on it look pretty sweet.

---

Grant Hughes

I like that bike a lot. If I did not want highway speed I would seriously consider that bike. Unlike many it has real front forks. FYI the brakes are crap.

---

Matt Smith

Racing in glorious black and red

My daily life is a Saab story (sold!)