GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

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.

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."
(http://www.suzuki-motor.hu/uj_modellek/dr-z400_sm_k5/image1.jpg)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

Quote from: RoadstergalI 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!

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.

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 :thumb:

Quote from: RVertigoYou 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.

Oh...  Right...   :oops:

My FIL has a big truck...   :thumb:

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

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

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

I think you should go with the burger idea ;)

Or a Zuma. And add frame mounted foot pegs.

Or a Ruckus.

Used DR350? DR250? Yamaha XT350?

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.

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.   :thumb:

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

I want to actually ride it off road...



A DR650SE is cheaper than an DRZ400S.

put knobbies on the 91.

I actually thought about that.  But the suspension is so far from up to offroading...

Have you seen a H#nda 90 in person?  The suspention is a joke...

I think the problem with off-roading the GS would be the weight...  I think it would drop too easily.

Quote from: RVertigoI think it would drop too easily.

Think it would, Dave?  :)

I guess it depends on where you're trying to go...  I wasn't sticking to trails...  It was raining pretty hard at times and there was slushy snow in some places...

I got into several spots off trail that I nearly dropped the 90...

If you want to stick to trails, you could probably just take the GS as is...

just put some springs back in the forks, and don't go up hill and you'll be fine.

See sig for my dual sport experience. I never thought that thing was underpowered till my dad bought a cb250r. And then I realized it was WAYYYY underpowered when I bought the GS. Still alot of fun tho, with a gut wrenching 12 horsepower. Dayumn.

Quote from: RoadstergalA DR650SE is cheaper than an DRZ400S.

And, cheaper to insure for some reason. I got quoted on the Progressive site for $144/yr on the 650 vs. $274 for the 400.

From what I've heard, the 400S is more of a hard-core offroad bike, and the 650SE is more for old, slow folk to tool around on.  The latter also has a lower seat height, so maybe the known demographic of smaller and more careful riders is a bigger percentage of the buyers. ;)

hmm. That looks like the Supermoto version of the DRZ.  Don't think that'd do RG too much good in the woods.  Although I really want the black one bad!

Jake

Quote from: diamond_ladywhat 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."

HAHA the 2006 DR650SE on the website is free.  MSRP of $0.00.  Anyway i would love to get a dualsport for trail riding as there are quite a few good ones in my area.  Problem is that I don't ahve the loot the get another bike just yet.  Soon though, start a new job the 1st of Dec :thumb:

Quote from: RoadstergalFrom what I've heard, the 400S is more of a hard-core offroad bike, and the 650SE is more for old, slow folk to tool around on.  

I think that is because the 650 is air cooled while the 400 is water cooled.  That also will explain some of the difference in price.  I think both are fine bikes...

trail riding is not only rediculously fun, it really increases your confidence on the road.

I went to look at a few bikes yesterday.  I tried an '04 KLR250 AS had on the floor.  This one was funky - it had a battery that looked to be set up for an electric start, but it was kick-only?  It had a little more oomph than the DR200, but it still was winding pretty high at 60.  Not to mention that the kickstart will get old fast.  They're doing the factory lowering on a DR650, and I'll try it this evening.  It's a little over 300lbs, but my F650 was a little over 400lbs wet, so it'll certainly be more trailworthy.  Not to mention the suspension having more travel.

I had forgotten how nice the seating position is on a dualsport.  You see over everything.

You haven't lived until you've commuted on a kicker.

the only reason the kicker is still popular is because of all the added weight that comes with electric start...  I'm surprized to hear about the battery too.

Plus you can make fun of all the "sissies" when you have a kicker.   :mrgreen:

The KLR250 is electric start. What'd they do, hide the button?

Quote from: scratchThe KLR250 is electric start. What'd they do, hide the button?

Where dija find that?  The KLX is electric start, but what I've found online of the '04 KLR250 is that it was kick-only.

When the KLR250 was introduced in 1986, it was targeted at new riders and had both electric and kick start. I remember the KRL650 was electric only with a kick option. I really don't remember the 250 being kick only. Evar. Kawasaki gettin' cheap?

Mebbe. If that thing ever had an electric starter, it was very cleanly removed by the previous owner.

It does have a tach, which the DR650 lacks.  But the DR has the torque and the freewayability without too much extra weight.  They slapped the lower settings on it, and it fits.  I got a ludicrous offer on one, so I said I'd think about it and get back to them on Monday.

Quote from: scratchOr a Zuma. And add frame mounted foot pegs.

Or a Ruckus.

Used DR350? DR250? Yamaha XT350?

Zumas are the shaZam!.  my dad has one and i would prob actually ride it more than the GS if it was mine.. and RG, u ever see the tires on that thing?  it at least appears to be an offroad vehicle  :lol: .   if u want a story, ask phaedrus aka rich.  lol silly man.

A Zuma would be the best scooter to totally pimp out.

(http://tinypic.com/fc2pa0.jpg)

I looked at a Dual sport a couple of years ago.  I did not like the seat height though.  The 650 and 400 Suzuki runs pretty good, I have ridden one of the DRZ400 dual sports and the engine is tamed down from the off road version( carbs, compresion, and cam)

The Z400 atv engine is closer to the spec of dual sport than the off road DRZ dirtbike engine.

My brother was visiting this weekend, and I took him by to take a look at the potential acquisition.  I got on it and he fell over laughing.   :P   He did not inherit the Short Gene.

Cool bike RG... I hope you get it cause I wanna hear about it and see pics of it in action :thumb:

my honda XL250R is kick only, and let me tell you, tryin to Lite off a hot Thumper after tanking it/sliding out/ or finding the fast way down a hill NOT on 2 wheels is a PAIN. you get to swaping legs for kicking sessions.  If anyone knows were a early to mid 80 honda XL/XR 250/350 engine with electric start is, CHEAP.   i think the 3 and 4 wheelers are the same providing they are chain drive and 4 stroke. other wise, 2 of my 3 running bikes are going to be forsale to get a newer, bigger digger with an Electric leg.

Well, the sales guy Ryan passed me onto and I had a miscommunication, because I brought all of the AN crap today and he wasn't in.  Maybe tomorrow.   :roll:

The lightest bike I've ever owned.  Lighter than my Savage.  And a darn good thing, too, because even with the low height, I have to tip the bike to put a foot down.  Yep, gotta love thumper torque.  So laid-back and punchy.  This will be so much better for offroading than my 100lb+-heavier F650GS.  Even the lowered suspension has more travel than I'm used to.

And the back rack is just the right size for the 24-pack.  Good thing, too; I had just run out.

(http://tinypic.com/fjggvo.jpg)

The bike buying never ends, does it?

Since you seem to have the spare cash, wanna buy me some RaceTech springs?  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :cheers:  :cheers:  :)  :)

The only bike I lost money on was the F650GS, and that hurt; I decided to try to buy smart from then on out.  If it hadn't been a really good deal, I would have sat on the Burger (so to speak).

I'm in the market for a suga daddy myself, so don't go trying to make me a momma.   :P

Taking bets on how long this bike stays in RG's stable.  This will work like a dead pool, where whoever gets closest to the actual date that RG decides to sell or trade the bike wins it all ("it all" being a prize of my determination, worth no more than $25).

Post your guesses!

Quote from: RoadstergalThe only bike I lost money on was the F650GS, and that hurt; I decided to try to buy smart from then on out.  If it hadn't been a really good deal, I would have sat on the Burger (so to speak).

I'm in the market for a suga daddy myself, so don't go trying to make me a momma.   :P

Beemers lose value quick?

I bet the only reason you sold the Burger was because you got tired of not being able to shift.

I'm a poor college student. ANYONE with ANY money is a sugar whatever to me. :lol:

Quote from: AlphaFire X5I bet the only reason you sold the Burger was because you got tired of not being able to shift.

I won't deny that.

You are so totally a bike whore, RG!!!!!!!!

Quote from: ajgs500You are so totally a bike whore, RG!!!!!!!!

Quote from: RoadstergalI won't deny that.

I love it!  Congrats  :cheers:  I have been looking at dirtworthy dualsports for awhile (KLR650, DR650SE and XR650L).   Please give an indepth review of the bike once you have more saddle time.  I am especially interested on how it behaves on the highway.  I know that dualsports aren't highway mile burners, but I would have to travel on some in order to get to a few choice locations.  I am also interested in gas mileage and tank range.

Someday I will be like you and just buy another bike instead of waiting and researching them to death  :roll: .  As for the GS, well I will keep it until it dies.

P.S. More pics please.

RG If I was single I would be your sugar dadda..... :mrgreen:

but one of us would have to move? :dunno:

I vote out here.  More mountains.  :)

Quote from: RoadstergalI vote out here.  More mountains.  :)

I could get used to the Mountains.....

You like kids? ;)

HaHAA!! I knew you'd go for it! I hope you really enjoy the DR650! Can you slide the forks through the triples to make it lower?
Personally, I'm becoming more inclined to get a DRZ400S, after the GS dies (if it dies).

All good points folks my dirt ride is a DR 200 . Reliable -FUN - 80 mpg to boot . Great for light trail riding in dirt or sand. I run mostly atv- snowmobile trails or some logging roads. I just rode the LIFAN GY 200 dual purpose and was impressed with it . Fit and finish was good it came with extras like skidplate-back rack-handguards-discs front and rear-electric and kick start-comfy low to ground seat-lots of power.Up here in CANADA they retail for$2500.00. plus 15% tax [free health care] why pay more?

Quote from: scratchPersonally, I'm becoming more inclined to get a DRZ400S, after the GS dies (if it dies).

Me too, Scratch...  I am debating s or sm, but either way I want 2 sets of tires to do both.

Quote from: scratchCan you slide the forks through the triples to make it lower?

It's already been done.

Quote from: scratchPersonally, I'm becoming more inclined to get a DRZ400S, after the GS dies (if it dies).

I can barely even get on the seat when it's on the sidestand.  And I can't see the ground from there.

Quote from: RoadstergalI can barely even get on the seat when it's on the sidestand.  And I can't see the ground from there.

Oh it just IRKS me so to be stuck behind some ol' granny (of 29?) who can't see over the handlebars! :x

Have you tried a ladder for climbing on?   :dunno:  











:kiss:  :mrgreen:

It was easier to knit while riding the Burger.

Quote from: RoadstergalIt was easier to knit while riding the Burger.

:lol:

What about crocheting?  :mrgreen:

Quote from: pandy

Quote from: RoadstergalIt was easier to knit while riding the Burger.

What about crocheting?  :mrgreen:

Naw...you need to get one of those "crochet rockets" for that.

Boo.   :lol:

:o  OH that was BAD!!!!!  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

nice bike, i know that i would like one.

Talk about breakin... I remember my F650 needing over a thousand miles to really smooth out, but this one is even rougher.  I read it in the reviews - it's just made tight from the factory and takes a while to settle in.  It's not the vibration - it just has twitchy throttle response.
Still waiting for the gel seat.  In its absence, I have to shift a cheek off of the bike to get a toe down.  But it weighs so little... and I have a commanding view of the road.
The mirrors are, astonishingly, silky-smooth on the freeway.  No vibration.  Pity you can't see much in them due to the shape.
No tach, so no RPM restriction (they say half-throttle during breakin in the manual), but I'm taking it easy, varying revs, unloading when I can.

Quote from: Stephen072774

Quote from: scratchPersonally, I'm becoming more inclined to get a DRZ400S, after the GS dies (if it dies).

Me too, Scratch...  I am debating s or sm, but either way I want 2 sets of tires to do both.

After reading the Thumpertalk.com site it sould seem to be better to buy the S, because it would be easier to set up the suspension for the street, than setting up the suspension for the dirt on the SM. Not to mention, there are plenty of SM conversion kits available, but not many dirt conversion kits.

Edit: But, of course (or should I say conversely), with everybody converting their S's to SM's, there may be a surplus of S rims and suspension innards available.

You could use it as a commuter... See:

(http://www.parabellum.com/parabellum/IMAGES/dr650m.jpg)

:lol:

I don't like big windscreens.  They move the buffeting to the back.  The stock fairing (such as it is) gives me a decent enough slipstream.

:dunno:

I just thought it was funny looking...  I didn't think you'd actually want to buy that.   :roll:

Quote from: Roadstergal'06 DR650SE
'05 GS500F
'91 GS500E pain in the rear

Did I miss something here???  :?  When did you get the DR???  That's cool!!!   :thumb:  :cheers:

EDIT: Now that I've read the entire post my questions been answered.  :oops: Anyway, sweet bike, I'm jealous!  I had a 93 DR650 that was really cool.

Quote from: flyingbeagle71Did I miss something here???

You stop paying attention for one second and RG has a new motorcycle or two. :mrgreen:

:lol:

Quote from: RVertigo

Quote from: flyingbeagle71Did I miss something here???

You stop paying attention for one second and RG has a new motorcycle or two. :mrgreen:

No kidding!  It's tough keeping up.  Maybe there's a rule about not owning motorcycles longer than one year.  Someone tell my wife!  :thumb:

Quote from: flyingbeagle71No kidding!  It's tough keeping up.  Maybe there's a rule about not owning motorcycles longer than one year.  Someone tell my wife!  :thumb:

Or longer than a month in RG's case?  :dunno:








:mrgreen:

Quote from: pandyOr longer than a month in RG's case?  :dunno:

:lol:  :lol:  :lol: If the shoe fits...or maybe if the Motorcycle doesn't fit, sell it...  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

I can't remember the movie, but I distinctly remember the line "If the shaZam! fits, wear it!"

Getting artsyfartsy.

(http://www.roadstergal.info/11_11_05/79bw.jpg)

This thing is light, which is nice in many ways, but if you hit something low-traction - say, hypothetically, the grating on 520 in the wet, or the Montlake bridge in the wet - she wants to dance.  But she's very tractable, and you just ride it out with no drama.

Quote from: Roadstergalshe wants to dance.

You just gotta dance with her.

Wait until you put a Metzeler ME33 Lazer front on.

It's safe to dance.

That is a really nice picture Roadstergal. I especially like the blue reflection. Good job, nice bike.  :thumb:

It is a really good picture of the 650 there, odd though the wood is wet and the road probably wet too....  How did you keep the bike that clean looking after riding it when it is wet out?

magic???? :mrgreen:

I'm filthy - the bike is clean.  The magic of a dualsport is how it deflects the grunge onto the rider.  :)

Aww, I'm blushing...