That's good to know on the CFRF
Yes the KLR is a handful.
Yes the KLR is a handful.
Dual Sport or dedicated off-roader???
- Thread starter mimico_polak
- Start date
No mention of the DR650? The DR seems to be regarded as the best overall DS compromise (cost, maintenance, aftermarket, handling on/off road). Without the time to ride further afield, I've come to realize gravel roads offer a bit more variety (and almost no traffic) than paved highways, so I've been considering the OP's question myself.
I've nearly bought a DR several times, but held off because you can't do anything in the GTA without enduring a bullsh!t commute though heavy traffic, even on Sundays.
I've nearly bought a DR several times, but held off because you can't do anything in the GTA without enduring a bullsh!t commute though heavy traffic, even on Sundays.
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tonymorgan
Well-known member
I've given up recommending the DR650 to people. Everybody says the KLR is too heavy, which it isn't, but it carries a lot of weight up high, the DRZ400 is screaming its guts out above 100 km/hr, but the DR650 is perfectly in the middle. It can highway travel all day (with a Sargeant saddle), gets better fuel mileage than the KLR as well as being geared for the offroad better, and it's got more than 50 lbs under the KLR weight.
If I think somebody is really serious about a dual sport, I'll let them ride my DR650, as long as they've already ridden some of the competition. Absolutely EVERYBODY I've let test ride my DR has wound up buying one, enough said.
Was going to get Scorpion Trails for it but went with PR3's as 98% of riding is road riding plus PR3s have deep sipes which aren't too bad off road. I wouldn't tackle any deep mud though.
Is the DR650 a very tall bike? My issue unfortunately is the fact that I have a short inseam as mentioned. So the KLR is a very tall bike for me and I'm not really familiar enough to start messing with lowering kits and suspension setups.
Thanks again everyone for your suggestions, after reading this thread I've been keeping my eye out for dual sports more than a dedicated off road bike. Mainly because 2 bikes = 2 insurance + trailer + storage + + + ... a single bike seems like the best of both worlds. I think I may hold off on the CB500 and buy it used, but will keep an eye out for something for 2013. May as well try different types of bikes to see what's best suited for me and each season could be a different bike! Of course if I find a stupid deal on a nice 250 dual sport that I can insure cheap at the cottage...well that would sway me fairly quickly!
If you're riding fairly often on the street and looking for something that will break the 150 kmph barrier pretty easily then a good bet is the v strom or the triumph tiger.
I faced the same problem a month ago trying to find something that would suit my needs. I was looking something that I could "tour" with fairly comfortably, commute to work, have a blast with a street oriented feel in the twisties, and do some fair off road if required.
The reason I settled for the Tiger 800xc, was that it was nimble and powerful enough for both street and dirt. It took the edge over the 650 due to the additional give in the suspension, with better torque and power. It's just pricier than a 650 strom, and I couldn't find any used ones for sale.
In terms of what you want to do the strom 650 should fit the bill nicely. I took the 800xc ( with the stock 95/5 scorpion trail tires) to the whitevale pits along wih a buddy of mine on the 1000 vstrom. I'm very new to dirt and this was only my second time out, so I took advice from him on what would work. I also took into consideration that I would not want to upgrade for the next few years; at least until my skills considerably improve or I eventually decide that I liked to spend time on dirt way more than asphalt.
This guy handled the strom like a toy through sand, mud, gravel and some decently sized hill climbs. It was a 1000 and is a fair bit heavier than its little brother, but he was skilled enough to do it. I ended up tipping over the xc halfway through the climb after stalling. No harm done except for some dirt on the right hand guard.
A true dual sport would be good if
a) you spend at most 60/40 on the street and dirt roads and b) and not looking for higher speeds on the street. If you spend more than 60% of your time on the street with light trail riding then the strom or tiger would be a good bet.
In terms of value the strom seems far more attractive, especially if it's only gravel and light dirt roads your'e looking at. Again, I've seen my friend do crazy stuff with strom DL 1000 so I guess in the end one's limited to skill, preference and most importantly budget.
Everything I've stated above is just my opinion, based on the research I did as well as talking to a few people on what would fit my needs.
I faced the same problem a month ago trying to find something that would suit my needs. I was looking something that I could "tour" with fairly comfortably, commute to work, have a blast with a street oriented feel in the twisties, and do some fair off road if required.
The reason I settled for the Tiger 800xc, was that it was nimble and powerful enough for both street and dirt. It took the edge over the 650 due to the additional give in the suspension, with better torque and power. It's just pricier than a 650 strom, and I couldn't find any used ones for sale.
In terms of what you want to do the strom 650 should fit the bill nicely. I took the 800xc ( with the stock 95/5 scorpion trail tires) to the whitevale pits along wih a buddy of mine on the 1000 vstrom. I'm very new to dirt and this was only my second time out, so I took advice from him on what would work. I also took into consideration that I would not want to upgrade for the next few years; at least until my skills considerably improve or I eventually decide that I liked to spend time on dirt way more than asphalt.
This guy handled the strom like a toy through sand, mud, gravel and some decently sized hill climbs. It was a 1000 and is a fair bit heavier than its little brother, but he was skilled enough to do it. I ended up tipping over the xc halfway through the climb after stalling. No harm done except for some dirt on the right hand guard.
A true dual sport would be good if
a) you spend at most 60/40 on the street and dirt roads and b) and not looking for higher speeds on the street. If you spend more than 60% of your time on the street with light trail riding then the strom or tiger would be a good bet.
In terms of value the strom seems far more attractive, especially if it's only gravel and light dirt roads your'e looking at. Again, I've seen my friend do crazy stuff with strom DL 1000 so I guess in the end one's limited to skill, preference and most importantly budget.
Everything I've stated above is just my opinion, based on the research I did as well as talking to a few people on what would fit my needs.
Given he is new to off road and coming from a smaller bike the Vstrom would be way too big for his build and experience.
Vstrom 650 a very nice touring bike but any twin has problems tractoring compared to a thumper.
You can't always have momentum on your side.
But hills are thrills both up and down. Good for you taking a twin off road.
What's seat height and weight on the Tiger?
After a few conversations with him I think a small offroad to trailer around and do cottage stuff would be sweet. You can often sell them for what you paid for them and have fun for a year or two.
Then go from there.
Vstrom 650 a very nice touring bike but any twin has problems tractoring compared to a thumper.
You can't always have momentum on your side.
But hills are thrills both up and down. Good for you taking a twin off road.
What's seat height and weight on the Tiger?
After a few conversations with him I think a small offroad to trailer around and do cottage stuff would be sweet. You can often sell them for what you paid for them and have fun for a year or two.
Then go from there.
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Its a matter of progression and what you are willing to undertake to progress yourself. Defining seat heights and getting into technical discussion on suspension travel does not make the ride any better or worse.. its about as useless as discussing the new ipad or iphone functionality which still has yet to put an fm radio in their product releases. Its a matter of what the rider is used to now and how far they are willing to take themselves to that next level. i have ridden the corduroy enduro for years on end and this fellow that ran the race more than 50 years ago and straps on his leather helmet, rides his 72 cz and places with the younger intermediate riders being in his late 70's is example of technique over machine... rolf klausen is his name. i have seen ninja 600's deep in the woods in far more rougher stuff than the bmw riders club of toronto even attempts.
The vstrom or similar depending on the riders intent can be the bike they will never get off. If the person is a so called arm chair rider and discusses the nuances of the bike and its applicability.. i agree go with something small as its more of a discussion and not about the riding involved or where/when the next trip lies. If you dont know and you are still a newby and have aspirations of long distance travel without cylinder meltdown the best thing to do is get on a machine that is on the verge of the highest level (big displacement, big weight, big speed etc)... anyone who has been riding for years will say the same. Meaning you can cook down the highway upwards of 160 when you feel comfortable and also have the ability to do hill climbs when need be or river crossings when need be... also being forgiving enough to ride at nominal speeds and go off the beaten path at a leisurely pace. The klr and dr is still a bit raw and is more like a john deere where you will never have enjoyment on both avenues unless you are chasing single track in some nice rugged stuff a majority of your ride..we live in ontario not the swiss alps or bc. I have seen a 5 ft tall 120lb women on a vstrom plow through the trail (not gravel road) and their legs did not collapse from the beast.
I am not looking to get into an argument and is simply a statement of opinion and a definition of progression from someone that has been riding for a while.
Go with the strom 650, bmw gs650, transalp 650 xc and enjoy your investment for a greater amount of time.
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It's got an adjustable seat with two settings - 845 mm (33.2 in.) or 865 mm (34 in). I got this from one of the online reviews. In terms of weight I think it's 475 lbs wet.
33 - not bad.
••
I think the OP is on the right track with the CB500 but I think if he could find the discontinued F650CS Scarver single of a couple years back that would be a great machine for his leg length and experience level.
50 HP so no slouch but flexible design and I know the girl that rides one has shorter legs than the OP and she's an instructor and looks very well planted on it.
Just over 410 lb - weight is down low compared to say the KLR650
The Scarver is one I would consider for Australia if I could find one a bit more dirt oriented.
I saw a couple of Kiji a reasonable prices.
Review is here.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/ride-report-2003-bmw-f650cs-scarver-1641.html
The bigger twins would certainly be better tourers but even with my experience off and on road I'd take the single over them.
I find them too tall and top heavy.
Certainly shorter riders can handle big bikes - hell I saw a guy in South africa about 5' 7 riding a Dakar 1200 in bare feet.
Metal pegs, hot pavement and all....Tshirt, shorts and barefoot.
Just doing an errand but realllllly.
••• Decent one here -
http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...MW-F650-GS-Dakar-Certified-W0QQAdIdZ422046751
$4200 - Dakar is a bit taller tho.
good farkles
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I think the OP is on the right track with the CB500 but I think if he could find the discontinued F650CS Scarver single of a couple years back that would be a great machine for his leg length and experience level.
50 HP so no slouch but flexible design and I know the girl that rides one has shorter legs than the OP and she's an instructor and looks very well planted on it.
Just over 410 lb - weight is down low compared to say the KLR650
The Scarver is one I would consider for Australia if I could find one a bit more dirt oriented.
I saw a couple of Kiji a reasonable prices.
Review is here.
http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/ride-report-2003-bmw-f650cs-scarver-1641.html
The bigger twins would certainly be better tourers but even with my experience off and on road I'd take the single over them.
I find them too tall and top heavy.
Certainly shorter riders can handle big bikes - hell I saw a guy in South africa about 5' 7 riding a Dakar 1200 in bare feet.
Metal pegs, hot pavement and all....Tshirt, shorts and barefoot.Just doing an errand but realllllly.
••• Decent one here -
http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...MW-F650-GS-Dakar-Certified-W0QQAdIdZ422046751
$4200 - Dakar is a bit taller tho.
good farkles
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Not a bad idea but it's a twin. Certainly not a bad thought
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=419923594
nicely equipped this one at $5200
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...2009-Kawasaki-Versys-650cc-W0QQAdIdZ418239683
Might look at that model for Australia
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=419923594
nicely equipped this one at $5200
2009 Kawasaki Versys
-10,500 km
-650 cc
-Givi Windscreen (stock windscreen also included)
-Barkbuster Hand Guards
-Heated Grips
-Givi Side Bags (hard shell)
Purchased from Dealer- great bike, no issues looking to upgrade to larger touring model. Always stored inside & well cared for.
Very manageable weight for a new rider. Comfortable upright sitting position.
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...2009-Kawasaki-Versys-650cc-W0QQAdIdZ418239683
Might look at that model for Australia
Of course you can take almost any bike onto decent trails (I took my Norton 750 Commando onto the Fire Roads in Northumberland forest all the time) but I'm told the Versys competes more in the SV650 type of category as the front wheel is a 17". I'm told it is a bit sportier than a V-Strom in the twisties (although of course rider ability is a huge factor.)
As good as it is, if you are looking at a bike that is perhaps a Dual Sport than it probably is only vaguely in that category.
..Tom
Yeah that's why I think he's better with the older single BMW - lower, a bit lighter and a thumper at least but he really is looking at Southern Ontario version of dual sport so most of the these twins are suitable and the twins certainly nicer on the touring and twisties.
That Versys is nicely equipped and a fine move up from a 250 if the seat height is okay.
Bit he has his eye on the BMW single floating about on Kiji which I think is just about perfect for his intended use.
That Versys is nicely equipped and a fine move up from a 250 if the seat height is okay.
Bit he has his eye on the BMW single floating about on Kiji which I think is just about perfect for his intended use.
Yup I am actually leaning towards the BMW. I've seen a lot recently so maybe it's a sign! LoL I've been doing a lot of research since I started this thread and with everyone's input the BMW 650 is coming to the front each time. It seems to be the right power, weight, and size. Ive briefly ridden the GSX650F which was really nice but felt big (very short duration ride).
Im going to go check out a few bikes in person and will need to sell my cbr first. I love that bike but there's a better bike out there for longer distance touring, especially when I want to take my gf also as she loves to come with me...but is very uncomfortable on the 250.
Im going to go check out a few bikes in person and will need to sell my cbr first. I love that bike but there's a better bike out there for longer distance touring, especially when I want to take my gf also as she loves to come with me...but is very uncomfortable on the 250.
This late in the year I'd snag the bmw - not register it and wait til spring on the 250 when it will sell in a heart beat.
Do make sure you get a top case with a backrest as that will make her feel very secure. Think that one you are looking at had that. Makes a huge difference.
That is just a beaut
and cheap.
Do make sure you get a top case with a backrest as that will make her feel very secure. Think that one you are looking at had that. Makes a huge difference.
That is just a beaut
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Bike does take an acquired taste for the looks! Any trouble years to look out for? Issues? Reliability is ok? What I've read is they're fairly good but I don't known anyone with one.
and yes I do want her to be comfy....if she isn't she won't go on rides with me and won't be as much fun.
Hows the 5 speed? I believe the Dakar has that on the one I was looking for.
and yes I do want her to be comfy....if she isn't she won't go on rides with me and won't be as much fun.
Hows the 5 speed? I believe the Dakar has that on the one I was looking for.
