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Well, i wouldnt mind a good lookin' dual sport next year.
but, im not sure which one i like better.
So far, i think ive like the KLR the best...but the XR looks pretty dang cool for 2008.

What's your opinnion?


Thanks a bunch!,
SBK15

I've also rode my buddys DR650 a bunch of times, and its pretty powerfull and comfortable.

You will have to ask yourself a number of questions, including what ratio of street to off-road you will likely do, how serious you are about tackling seriously rough terrain, what seat height you feel comfortable with, is the off-road terrain going to be tight in the trees or mostly open, what fuel range you want, is highway comfort a priority, etc.

After asking those questions I can say that I still love my choice, but that's me. You'll have to assess yourself first, then look at the bikes.

paul246 wrote:You will have to ask yourself a number of questions, including what ratio of street to off-road you will likely do, how serious you are about tackling seriously rough terrain, what seat height you feel comfortable with, is the off-road terrain going to be tight in the trees or mostly open, what fuel range you want, is highway comfort a priority, etc.

After asking those questions I can say that I still love my choice, but that's me. You'll have to assess yourself first, then look at the bikes.

Well, about 45% of the time on my bike I will be doing off-road use, wich isn't that much. I'm not gonna do anything crazy in the woods, like motorcross and what not. Seat height, I would like to flat-foot, but i was comfortable with almost flat-footing my buddy's DR650SE. Highway comfort i could care less about. Fuel range, i DON'T want a gass hog. Wich makes the best MPG? When i do go off-road it'll be tight in the trees.

From your description I would bet that the KLR650 would suit your needs, but none of the 3 bikes you listed are going to be fun in tight woods, you would be better off with something in the 250 class in that case.

Well, it'll be trail riding, not actually "tight in trees" i didn't clarify that. If you know what windrock is. That's where i'll be

The Kawasaki KLR650 has a oil consumsion problem
In the 2008 models Kawasaki has changed the design of the piston rings to possibly correct this problem.
2007 and older models of the KLR650 its considered normal for them to use 1 quart of oil every 500 to 800 miles.

do you think a very short person 5'3" could handle the KLR, my husband wants me to get one and go off roading with him, no serious dirt bike riding just trails and fire roads. My younger days I use to ride a Honda 500 thumper but that was 20 years ago, I don't feel like getting beat up or have a kidney prolapse.

FOLLOW wrote:do you think a very short person 5'3" could handle the KLR, my husband wants me to get one and go off roading with him, no serious dirt bike riding just trails and fire roads. My younger days I use to ride a Honda 500 thumper but that was 20 years ago, I don't feel like getting beat up or have a kidney prolapse.

The KLR would be pretty tall for a 5'3" person. Kouba does make lowering links for it. If you want to stay in the 650cc class, the Suzuki DR650 is lower and better off-road. They have a dealer lowering kit and you can even lower it more with a Corbin seat.

If you don't need the big thumper, the Yamaha XT250 or the Honda CR230L are great choices as they are much lower to the ground.

FOLLOW wrote:do you think a very short person 5'3" could handle the KLR, my husband wants me to get one and go off roading with him, no serious dirt bike riding just trails and fire roads. My younger days I use to ride a Honda 500 thumper but that was 20 years ago, I don't feel like getting beat up or have a kidney prolapse.

It isn't your height that is of concern so much as your inseam, Also, don't assume you have to flat foot these bikes, far from it.

I know of a local couple that bought two KLRs' and had hers lowered right at the shop when it arrived. They took off on a great trip through Alaska and had a ball. She was probably about your height, BTW.

For plain having a good time I would also recommend (as did Hyperr) the Yamaha XT250 or Honda 230L. I think Kawasaki and Suzuki also carry some small DS bikes as well.