Dual Purpose Bike for Newbie

Message

Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:49 pm

Duffy wrote:I know this is kinda late, but why didn't anyone mention the BMW 600GS? When I was looking to buy a bike I wanted a dual and would have gotton that one, but it ended up being out of my price range.

the price is a big reason why i wouldnt want one as a serious on and off roader. Maybe if i were to keep dirt roads as the most offroading i did, then yes, i'd love one. BUT i'd rather not have to pay to repair one if i were to crash it at 30 mph down a trail.

paul246 · #12 Unread post by **paul246** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:24 am

Ninja Geoff wrote:
Duffy wrote:I know this is kinda late, but why didn't anyone mention the BMW 600GS? When I was looking to buy a bike I wanted a dual and would have gotton that one, but it ended up being out of my price range.
the price is a big reason why i wouldnt want one as a serious on and off roader. Maybe if i were to keep dirt roads as the most offroading i did, then yes, i'd love one. BUT i'd rather not have to pay to repair one if i were to crash it at 30 mph down a trail.

I agree, price is high plus it is not much of an off-road bike anyway. Also, I think Duffy meant to say BMW 650GS.

SBK15 · #13 Unread post by **SBK15** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:22 pm

If you wanna start with Low CC's and Light weight...

Kawasaki KLX250
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... LX250S.htm

Suzuki DR200
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... R200SE.htm

Yamaha XT225
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... -XT225.htm

Yamaha TW200
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... -TW200.htm

Yamaha WR250R
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... WR250R.htm

I wouldn't mind a dual sport for my second bike, and i'm lookin at a DR650SE, Honda XR650L, or Kawasaki KLR650

Lisa · #14 Unread post by **Lisa** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:36 am

I did my course on a tw200, love the bike, i'm 6' and for around town it is a nice bike. I want one now for a winter bike. It is highway capable but i wouldn't want to do a long trip on it. I do wonder what the cost of tires on it would be thoug (it has fat tires)

HYPERR · #15 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:11 pm

SBK15 wrote:If you wanna start with Low CC's and Light weight...

Kawasaki KLX250
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... LX250S.htm

Suzuki DR200
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... R200SE.htm

Yamaha XT225
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... -XT225.htm

Yamaha TW200
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... -TW200.htm

Yamaha WR250R
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... WR250R.htm

Those bikes are not actually that similar. The WR has twice the HP of the XT. Unless one has a very long inseam, the WR250R & the DRZ400 at seat heights close to 37" are not what I would recommend to a beginner. The KLX250S is borderline at around 35". The WR, DRZ, and the KLX are much more dirt oriented than the XT225/250 & the DR200 The XT225/250 & the DR200 are much more suited for a beginner than the other bikes.

joeyroe · #16 Unread post by **joeyroe** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:08 pm

AlphaZed · #17 Unread post by **AlphaZed** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:53 pm

invader wrote:Suzuki's DRZ400S at $5600 would probably be your best choice. It is the best available dual-purpose being lighter (291 lbs) and as powerful as the 650's, with liquid cooling, better suspensions and a 36.8" seat height...
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DR ... fault.aspx
Kawasaki's new KLX™250S at $4800 is very interesting too, also with a liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine and 11+ inches of suspension, but lighter at 262 lbs with a 34.8" seat height.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail ... ifications

I agree with Invader.

The only caution is the seat height. All the dual-sports are fairly tall. That can, in some cases, cause problems for noobs...

I believe though, that if you learn on a dual-sport -- spending most of your time on the dirt -- you'll be a MUCH better rider when the time comes to ride on the street! IMHO, dual-sports are a GREAT choice for new riders!

Radar51 · #18 Unread post by **Radar51** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:27 pm

I am shopping for a DS bike too. I have compared the xlr650,klr650,dr400 and the dr650.
Most of my riding will be commuting but as much dirt as I can get. I am not a new rider, I am just returning (gas prices and little fun mixed in).
From what I am reading seat height might not be a problem as it is with me.
I am looking for a dr650. xlr too pricey not as good on the road,klr too big bulky,heavier and not as good off the road.

I want a 650cc for the low end torque on the street which after you ride a while you will find very useful. The dr can be lowered easily which is important to me I am 5'8" and a 29" I want at least one foot flat on the ground for a while. I can raise it back up fairly easily if I want.

Take a look at one see what you think. No doubt the Honda is a better offroad bike than the Suzuki or the Kawasaki (better road bike). But that is not priority for me.
These are just my observations and may well be the opposite of yours.

Good Luck

Johnj · #19 Unread post by **Johnj** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:06 am

I always liked the TW200 Yamahas. Those big tires kill me. 31.1in seat height, air-cooled, manual clutch, and only $4000.

Ladymx · #20 Unread post by **Ladymx** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:53 am

I think anything on the lines of the DR400 for a newbie is the best way to go for the enduro bike. Not a bad bike all the way around for a beginner/ novice rider.