Dual Sport for returning rider

Message

Monty · #1 Unread post by **Monty** » Tue May 16, 2006 4:31 pm

Looking hard for a bike to return to the two wheel experience. Initially I thought I wanted a cruiser but after some reading and giving it some though have kind of come to the conclusion I might be better of with something more sport/standard to learn the ropes. I would say relearn but I don't know that I learned anything my first time around, 20 yrs ago at 16 I think I was just learning mistakes. So looking away from the cruisers, my eye has turned to the dual sports, specifically the KLR650 and more recently the DR650 (that's the one I've found local for sale at a decent price). From what I have read, I think one of these would suit my needs quite well. Mostly wanting a nice weather commuter on days I'm not transporting the tykes and something to have fun on cruising on my free evening and weekends. Having something that can keep going when the pavement stops is appealing although I'll admit can't remember ever being on a dirt bike.

How do you all feel about one of the above dual sports for a returning rider? I'm 6'1", 295lbs (fairly athletic, can still run full court with the kids) so height of the bike shouldn't' be an issue. How might I be disappointed with one of the dual sports compared to a more standard street bike like say a GS500 or SECA II? I was concerned cornering would be treacherous with the knobby dual sport tires but it sounds like they actually do quite well. Interested in you comments on what at this point appear to be pretty appealing machines.

Thanks, Monty

Gadjet · #2 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Tue May 16, 2006 4:55 pm

I'm a proud owner of a 2005 KLR650, and I use it not only to commute back and forth to work (about 12 miles each way) but also to run errands, and just get out and have fun.

The KLR is a very easy bike to handle and responds very well to rider input.

It also corners very well indeed. On a couple of 'spirited' rides, I've come within inches of scraping toes, pegs, sidecases etc, and doing slow speed circles in a parking lot (speed 20kph or less) in second gear, witnesses tell me I had about four inches before I started scraping things.

The KLR is also a very easy bike to work on and there is a huge aftermarket of support and accessories for it.

you might want to check out the forums at http://www.klr650.net for more information than you ever thought you wanted to know about the KLR

oh, and here is a pic of my baby.

unfortunately, this isn't a recent pic, as I have made a few more modifications to my bike in the last month or so.

Sev · #3 Unread post by **Sev** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:08 pm

I can attest to the value of his bike. It's a right purty little thing, handles well (from what I've seen) and he can set and keep a good pace on it. Judging by the speed at which I've seen it move it'll handle anything you want to throw at it, and more.

Good choice if you ask me.

Ninja Geoff · Tue May 16, 2006 5:32 pm

I like Honda's dual sport. Am I the only one?!

I've heard good trhings about the KLR (from people other than on this board too) and nothing too bad.

On another note, are the KLR/DR the same bike from Kawa/Suzu alliance?

Gadjet · #5 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:07 pm

GeoffXR200R wrote: On another note, are the KLR/DR the same bike from Kawa/Suzu alliance?

nope. not the same bike at all

jmillheiser · Tue May 16, 2006 7:06 pm

GeoffXR200R wrote:I like Honda's dual sport. Am I the only one?!

I've heard good trhings about the KLR (from people other than on this board too) and nothing too bad.

On another note, are the KLR/DR the same bike from Kawa/Suzu alliance?

biggest problem with the XR650L is its tiny fuel tank, very limited range

one of the KLRs biggest selling points is its 6 gallon fuel tank which gives it a huge range.

the DR650 is a completely different bike, supposed to be better off road than the KLR, but is cursed with a tiny fuel tank like the XR.

the KLR is kinda like a poor mans version of the BMW GS bikes.

I could see the V-strom becomming popular with the LD rider crowd, it has a huge fuel tank like the KLR, but packs more power and more pavement oriented suspension, and is pretty darned comfy. Well it could at least become popular with the dual sport riding segment of the LD rider crowd

IIRC the FJR1300 and the R1200RT are the bikes of choice for the hard core IBA riders.

roscowgo · #7 Unread post by **roscowgo** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:58 am

I would snap up a v-strom in a heartbeat. /sigh. maybe in a few years when/if people start selling their 20k mile versions.

MotoF150 · #8 Unread post by **MotoF150** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:33 am

If ur in the market for a dual sport bike figure out what percent of the time the bike will be used both on and off road, if 80 or 90% of ur riding will be on road buy the KLR650. If you wanta spend more time off road like 50 to 50% I would suggest the Suzuki DRZ400S, that bike will do anything off road, jumps 30 feet, keep up with any motocrosser, plus the DRZ400 will go 90 mph on road. The only problem with the KLR off road is the large 6 gallon gas tank when full it makes it too top heavy to handle off road. I used to own a DRZ400S, loved that bike, but most of my riding was off road.

Ninja Geoff · Wed May 17, 2006 2:02 pm

I'd lean towards the XR650L for a good mix of the two myself. Still has the grunt and go of a big bike, but better for offroad than the KLR (knobbier tires, smaller/narrower tank). Though i do admit, if i were to get the XR, the first mod would be a IMS 4 gal tank. And on more of a asthetic sense, i like the looks of the Honda better.

Gadjet · #10 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:52 pm

jmillheiser wrote:I could see the V-strom becomming popular with the LD rider crowd, it has a huge fuel tank like the KLR, but packs more power and more pavement oriented suspension, and is pretty darned comfy. Well it could at least become popular with the dual sport riding segment of the LD rider crowd

IIRC the FJR1300 and the R1200RT are the bikes of choice for the hard core IBA riders.

Actually, being a member of the IBA, as well as having met more than a few other members of the LDR Community, the most prevalent bikes tend to be Goldwings, FJR1300, Honda ST1100/1300, as well as the BMW RT/RS and 1150GS.

Pretty much any bike can be used for LD Riding and IBA rides. I went with the KLR over the F650GS, DL650, and DR650 for the simple fact that the KLR had the greatest range and cheapest price of them all, as well as being very versatile and easy to work on. (maintenance costs were also a big factor in narrowing down my choice)

The extra money for the F650 and DL650 don't really give you any corresponding increase in abilities over the KLR. With the F650, you get the BMW name and the reliability of the Rotax engine. With the DL650 you get an extra cylinder and more weight.