Start gabbin' about dualsports

[Roadstergal]

Just as a thought exercise, of course.  I have to get that PITR out first.

I can just fit on the TW200 and DR200.  Taller seat heights and more weight won't cut it.  There's lots of good offroading in the NW, and I never did more than dirt roads on the F650; too big and heavy.  I do like the looks of the XT225.  You can't choose when you're looking at used, but toss pros and cons and others I should keep an eye on.

[diamond_lady]

what about the new suzuki dr z-400?
I've heard friends say you can have a LOT of fun.
Here's a comment I found
"What's this thing like to ride? In a word, it's a blast! Even though we rode the heavier, electric start model (claimed to be 262 pounds dry, as mentioned above), the weight is carried low, and Suzuki has done an exceptional job of mass centralization. The bike, therefore, feels light and maneuverable."

[Blueknyt]

my buddy who owns the honda hawk and a slew of other bikes (my hero) has a DRZ400S, and its been beat on hard and laughs, nice power, light, but tall of saddle, also, if you dont like sitting on a 2x4, you might not like it.  the Honda XR 250 and 400 seem ok.  ive got a 83honda XL250R,kickstart only with a carb from something else, seems to work pretty darn good. if i could just get it dialed in abit better.

[Stephen072774]

I have decided over the last few months that a drz will be my next bike.  If you have not been to Thumpertalk.com, go there, lots of good info.  They have forums for each model so you can read about the problems prone to a specific bike.  While the drzsm is new, the drz has been around a while... and it seems pretty bullet-proof.  The majority of the complaints are that it's a bit heavy and a bit underpowered.

I can understand your problem on the seat heights tho, the drz400s is something like 37 inches, makes it hard even for a 5'11" guy.

[jag69]

I am also looking for a dualsport.  I have been looking for a KLR, DRZ or something in that region.  I want to be able to ride on the highway if necessary.

[Jazzzzz]

Why go dual sport?  Super motard w/ a light kit and mirrors!

[Grainbelt]

Kawasaki has a new 250 dual sport out this year, looks to be the business. Seat height is 34.7in. Quick check of the internet reveals dr200 at 31.9, so probably a no go there.

There was a KLR 250 for the last several years, a guy on cycleworld.com forums had one that he rode everywhere.

I have always had a soft spot for the XT225 that I can't explain, almost bought one as my first bike.

[scratch]

Here's the best thread for making the DRZ into a Motard:
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=223655&highlight=rim+width

A stock DRZ400S, too, may posibly be my next bike instead of a DR650 motard.

Roadstergal - The XT225 and TW200 motors I know best, and will be solid and reliable, the TW200 is a fun bike, but not freeway capable (re: not freeway safe, underpowered). I don't know how the XT would fare, but if it's anything like it's older brother the SRX250 (XT250 motor w/electric start), it'll zing you up there to speed and it'll want to keep on accelerating, but it will be limited by its rpms (I could do 95mph at the 9500rpm redline on the SRX).

Hope this helps.

[Roadstergal]

Thanks, scratch; I'll look a little closer at the 225.  I do need something that can do freeway.

As for the DRZ400 recommendations, that's exactly why I put in:

I can just fit on the TW200 and DR200.  Taller seat heights and more weight won't cut it.

The DRZ400 is too goddam tall.  The DRZ400 is too goddam tall.  The DRZ400 is too goddam tall.  The 650 has a lower seat height than the 400S!

[scratch]

That's also why I was looking at a DR650, with the factory lowering kit (over 2" lower), at 5' 10" with a 30" inseam (and 125lbs frame) I need something light and low. On top of that, I was going to motard it, which would lower it even more, with a 17" front rim (net -2" in the front from the 21" front rim to a 17) and low-profile street tires, it would be perfect.

I heard ya on the DRZ, I just gave the link to others who might be interested.

[RVertigo]

I've taken a '69 and a '79 H#nda 90 off-roading a few times...  I learned something very important...

You DON'T need anything fancy or powerful to have fun off roading.  Something that can clime a hill is good enough.

My 0.02

[Roadstergal]

You DON'T need anything fancy or powerful to have fun off roading.

No, but I do need something that will get me there.  If I lived right next to the best trails in WA, I'd get a teeny offroad-only bike, but I have to ride to the trails.

[RVertigo]

Oh...  Right...  

My FIL has a big truck...  

H#nda 90's are sweet!   :mrgreen:  8 Speed!!

[Stephen072774]

anything in the 200 cc range will suck on the interstate or freeway...

What you're asking for will be tough...

[dionysus]

I think you should go with the burger idea

[scratch]

Or a Zuma. And add frame mounted foot pegs.

Or a Ruckus.

Used DR350? DR250? Yamaha XT350?

[Alphamazing]

I've got a 1980 Yamaha XT250 (Back before they converted it to a 225 motor) and a 1981 Suzuki TS250 (Two stroke!). Both are rock solid reliable and good for trail and street. My dad and I do trail riding on them, but agressive trail riding is best with full knobbies. If you plan on some dirt road riding and decent street riding the standard dual-sport tires should do fine.

[RVertigo]

I got it!!!

Get a trailer for the GSF...  Then you can get a little dual-sport/off-road bike and still make it to the trail head.  

[davipu]

just get a rd400 with some knobbies and set it up as a flat tracker

[Roadstergal]

I want to actually ride it off road...



A DR650SE is cheaper than an DRZ400S.