Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I've read the sticky about 600cc+ being too much of a bike for a beginner. Would this apply to a dual sport bike as well?

I consider myself a very safe/defensive driver and I believe I should be ok if I take it slow in the beginning.

I just love the KLR650s but if you think I'm likely to kill myself on one then I'll reconsider.

It depends on what you mean by beginner. Never ridden any kind of motorbike? It could be too much. (But, with some luck, and a good coach, maybe not).

I see great value in starting on the smallest bike possible, a 125 cc of some kind. Even if it's only for a few (intense) days. Then when you get bored and tired of 11hp, make the leap to 400cc, 500cc, 600cc.

A dual sport single cyl, or dual cyl, will put out FAR less bhp than a 600cc sportbike. Can you handle the basics like emergency stop and uturn on a 125, 250, etc? Then the extra weight of the KLR may not be enough to throw you.

If you've ridden dirt, or had some experience on motorbikes in the MSF (whatever that is) then a KLR650 could be a great learner bike. Dual sport bikes usually have a high seat height though, not sure about the KLR.

See if you can get some training on smaller bikes first, but dual sport 650 singles are not nearly the beast of a sportbike.

Jave- How tall are you, how long are your legs? Besides power and weight considerations, dual sport 600/650 bikes are tall. I'm 6'1" and ride a V-strom 1000, and I'm not sure I could handle the extra two inches of a KLR.....

Being a single cylinder, a KLR650 isnt huge on power...somewhere in the 40hp range if I remember correctly. Dual Sports would make a good first bike since they are light and manuverable...however they are pretty high up so if you are shorter than 5'8 or so you may want to sit on one to make sure both feet can reach the ground. I dont know if youve ever seen a KLR in person but they are pretty big and tall. Kinda like the SUV of motorcycles.

Ian522 wrote:............ a KLR in person but they are pretty big and tall. Kinda like the SUV of motorcycles.

yes, yes they are.

I'm 5'8", and at stock height I can tippy-toe my KLR. I rode with it lowered for a little over a year, but increasing confidence and a desire to not wreck any more swingarms had me raising it back up to stock height.

Be forewarned - The KLR has a big gas tank, and when it's full it makes the bike *very* top heavy.

Here's mine


To see all my KLR pics, check out these two links:
KLR Gallery
Travel Gallery

I say go for it. As long as you're comfy on the bike there isn't a 650 "dual sport" out there with enough power to go crazy on you. At the same time, then do pack alot of low end oomph, but it's still handlable.

Thanks guys, I'm 6'0 and have long legs (always have trouble finding pants that fit well) so it sounds like I should be alright. I feel confident I should be able to handle the weight of the bike as well as I'm somewhat built.

Jave wrote:Thanks guys, I'm 6'0 and have long legs (always have trouble finding pants that fit well) so it sounds like I should be alright. I feel confident I should be able to handle the weight of the bike as well as I'm somewhat built.

technique is always better than strength. Just keep the bike up while rolling and your feet as far out as you can at a stop and you'll be fine

Based on your size, I'd say it is a good choice! Enjoy it!

i remember i ride a dr650 a few years ago. it was my first time on a "dirt" bike, even though it was on the road. The extra suspension travel takes some getting used to at first. i felt like i was wheelieing it whenever i took off from a stop (maybe i was, ). I'd been riding for 6 or 7 years on the street before getting on that bike, and i'm just saying i was different. something to think about i guess.