Any dual sport bike recommendations?

[Spede]

I've been thinking about getting a motorcycle for my 5 mile commute when I'm not riding my bicycle.

I haven't decided definitely on a dual sport bike but have been reading a little about it and am intrigued by the concept. I like the idea of having a light bike to whip around and less body plastic to worry about "just in case." Plus I could then go where no street bike can go.

So far, I'm thinking about a used TW200 or DRZ400... both which are within my $3k price range.

Any thoughts?
Steve

[Danny_Ocean]

I say be the coolest kid on the block and get a vintage MT-250 (Honda Elsinore in street clothes):

[dd74]

Seems cool. I like the WR250 more, and it looks like it has the option of being more dual purpose.

[Seric]

Ktm.

[Spede]

Interesting bikes!

[RPKESQ]

Any Japanese dual sport will do. Some are better than others on road, some better than others off road. Pick your most important attribute. Try to buy only adult owned used ones, they will normally be in much better shape. If you are not using freeways for your commute, than anything from a 125cc to a 350cc will give 35+ MPG. Over 400cc or two stroke will give you less milage. Freeway use will require a 350-400cc for ability to keep up with the flow of traffic and less wear and tear on the engine. Consider changing the engine sprocket to a higher drive ratio to improve milage, reduce wear and stress on engine and boost freeway cruising speed. Enjoy

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by dd74

Seems cool. I like the WR250 more, and it looks like it has the option of being more dual purpose.

Nice, but out of his price range ($5795.00?)

[5axis]

Street Tard's make for fun commutes. It is good to know where the popo are at because it really is hard not to stand it up, back it in and other motard type hooliganism. Sidewalks are fair game if no one is looking.

The DRZ is a fun street tard and has been around for a few years. You may find one used in your range. A KTM, Aprilia, or Husky tard will be much more race bike and much more $

A DRZ can be fun at track days too.

[deathpunk dan]

Distinguishing between dual sports and super motards is key here. Which way are you leaning?

[vash]

the best dual purpose is the suzuki DR400e. but it is very white bread. the ktm is more exotic.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

Nice, but out of his price range ($5795.00?)

True. But I'm of the mind that if a couple more $$$ can really get you what you want in something you'll live with for a long time, the money is negligible.

That's why I'd probably go with as mentioned Aprilia, KTM or Husky. Those bikes are tough as nails, but very versatile. If they can deal with cobblestone streets in Europe, they must be well built.

[creaturecat]

My Dualsport. Lots of power. 60 mpg. Super reliable. Kick to start!

[5axis]

Originally Posted by dd74

True. But I'm of the mind that if a couple more $$$ can really get you what you want in something you'll live with for a long time, the money is negligible.

That's why I'd probably go with as mentioned Aprilia, KTM or Husky. Those bikes are tough as nails, but very versatile. If they can deal with cobblestone streets in Europe, they must be well built.

Those euro bikes are much closer to purebread race bikes. The Aprilia 450 is a rocket but has as little as a 20 hr. service life (new pistons, valves and so on)
They do not make very practical commuter bikes, but they are crazy fun play bikes.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by 5axis

Those euro bikes are much closer to purebread race bikes. The Aprilia 450 is a rocket but has as little as a 20 hr. service life (new pistons, valves and so on)...

Hmmm...interesting. I don't know how they can sell to the public with a 20 hr. service life on the engine.

I do know there are kits that can convert an appropriate motorcycle to an enduro bike. Might be worth a look if a cheap enough and reliable motorcycle can be obtained second hand.

[5axis]

Originally Posted by dd74

Hmmm...interesting. I don't know how they can sell to the public with a 20 hr. service life on the engine.

I do know there are kits that can convert an appropriate motorcycle to an enduro bike. Might be worth a look if a cheap enough and reliable motorcycle can be obtained second hand.

They sell them just fine, it is a true race bike w/lights and it needs to be taken care of that way. The KTMs, Husaburgs, Huskys, and other street tards are not quite as hard core as the Aprilia. I can hook you up with a KTM, my sister in law runs a Suzuki/KTM dealership and they just recieved a KTM 690 SM.The 450 EXC dual sport is pretty sweet too. It really is their XC bike with lights, and needs to maintained as such. As a practical matter,the Suzuki DR line will be a better commuter and significantly cheaper.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by 5axis

I can hook you up with a KTM, my sister in law runs a Suzuki/KTM dealership and they just recieved a KTM 690 SM.

Thanks for the offer, 5axis. I'd love to get into one or possibly a Duc, but the...um...significant other has her...um...issues with motorbikes in L.A.

Funny how she thinks cycling is safer.

[vash]

ok, they changed the model. it is now the DRZ400s




the older 400e is fantastic. i had some san francisco cops chase me down on theirs. i was on a mountian bike with gravitational advantage, and i was hauling arse. they had fun running me down. it was a $75 dollar ticket. those bikes are badarse

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by 5axis

I can hook you up with a KTM, my sister in law runs a Suzuki/KTM dealership and they just recieved a KTM 690 SM ($8898).The 450 EXC dual sport is pretty sweet too($8448). It really is their XC bike with lights, and needs to maintained as such.

We're spending money this guy doesn't have!

[Flatbutt1]

KLR 650 'nuff said

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by vash

ok, they changed the model. it is now the DRZ400s

$5599 (2007 msrp)...