Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Greetings!
I just stumbled upon this great forum! Very cool.
Well, i have been out of riding for about 4 years, but living here in colorado has really inspired me to get back on the saddle and explore what the rocky mtns have to offer!
I am looking into a dualsport because of the "do anything, go anywhere" aspect of them. And in Colorado you can be on a dirt road one minute and the next be on the interstate. I really want to do some weekend camping and traveling in the rockies and off into possibly the desert of utah.
Originally I was thinking of a KLR 650, but i went and looked at it and it is BIG bike. I am a short guy. 190lbs 5'7.
now i am really focused on the suzuki DR-Z400S. my main concern is will a 400 be big enough go travel 200-300 miles a day with me and gear on both dirt roads and pavement? Also what is everyones 2 cents about buying new vs. used?
thanks!
-T

Big enough? Absolutely!

Regarding new versus used, I suggest used all the way. If you can find a gently used bike that's even a couple of years old, it will be astoundingly cheaper than a new bike and be just as reliable. Let someone else eat the depreciation on buying a new bike and enjoy your inexpensive used bike.

You should buy the Suzuki DR650SE. I bought a leftover 2004 model with a discount. This has 2 seat height options 34.7 inches or 33 inches. If you buy the Suzuki Gel seat this will lower it an additional 1.5 inches making it only 31.5 inches high.

The 400 will be more than enough to carry you and your gear around unless you plan on going 90mph down the interstates.

The bike's size is very important and it's good that you're considering it before buying. Nothing takes the fun out of road trips faster than a poor fitting, uncomfortable bike so try out the various models to see what fits and feels natural.