First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Appreciated

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DavetheAccountant said:
I came here fore what I thought might be reasonable discussing and advice, from a respectful community - which mosts posts are... Didn't think I'd encounter the regular set of internet trolls.
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:lmao:

Internet trolls everywhere, that's the bottom line Dave. There's no accounting for some peoples' internetting. Get a dual sport. I have a DR650 with road wheels. It does everything except tabletops and trials. These bikes are pretty crude but at least they're slow.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Dave, I think the question comes down to how much touring you want to do.

I love dual sports... grew up on dirt bikes, so dual sports fit well. I just recently had a KLX250S that was a great bike, but really wore me out after more than an hour or two in the saddle. Sure, better seats can be had, but a 300lb or less bike really gets blown around on any sort of highway, and I really felt like I was killing it running it at 8k rpm to maintain 110kph. If you only plan to stay local, get a dual sport. Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, cheap on fuel.

I ended up selling my KLX though because I wanted to do much longer touring. So I bought a Vstrom. It is much heavier than I really want, but in the end it does what I want very well -- and that is excellent touring capability and some offroad capability to boot, and tons of options for accessories.

Anyway... it all comes down to determining what you want to do. I wish I could have lived with the KLX, but living in Mississauga it was just too much slabbing for the bike to be useful at all. Since you are in the country, if you plan to stay local get a dual sport. If you plan to ride more than a few hundred km a day, get either a big dual sport or a street bike.
 
First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

MacDoc said:
It's not in the least a rude post....you came here asking for advice and then tell people who understand the sport that you "think" this and "think" that without a shred of experience to base it on.
I have 50 years riding on road and off and 10's of thousands of posts on forums all over the world.
I tend to tell people who come for advice to listen instead of speculating on stuff they have no experience with. If it hurt your feelings that's your problem not mine.

Good luck....and when you ask advice in the future...listen more speculate less
.
Several people with experience comment on what you should do and then you blather on about what you "think". Well that's not a good way to encourage sound advice.
Subtext....he's set in his ways and not listening.... and thin skinned to boot.

t'would appear to be the case



Yes you don't know, you have nothing to base your speculation on and your ignorance is real - but you say it in a snarky manner and wonder why you are getting some attitude.

Emoticons are exactly to soften a bitter pill.....which I would guess from your reaction was a hard one to swallow. You may be top dog in your chosen field....you're a noob in this one.
You come for advice....then listen and ask - what you "think" doesn't mean "bull crap".:rolleyes:
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Damn i gotta that was nicely written!
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

MacDoc - I actually appreciate your input - that's why I'm here. My point is that it doesn't need to be delivered in a "know-it-all" way.

Additionally, I guess I forgot to mention that I have previously solicited opinions from a number of non-internet sources who also have years of riding experience - these sources have echoed what Diesel said - smaller/lighter bikes get "knocked" around at higher speeds and 90%+ of any potential on-road riding would be done on 2-lane 80KM/HR roads. I note that other members here have said they don't have an issue with riding highways on their dual sports - which I will take into consideration.

Anyways, keep it coming....
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Alright its 3:45am I have been up since 2 and I went to bed after midnight so take that into account.

I got my M2 last fall and bought a KLX250S as my first bike in January, for me there was no dilemma it was a done deal before I ever straddled a bike that I would have a DS. (I am a whitewater kayaker, snowboarder, mountain biker and have camped since 6 weeks old so "outdoors" is my thing) I picked it up in March but really I have to be honest and say that I couldnt really start riding it much until mid April. With that said I currently have 8500km on the bike.

Obviously much of this is commuting, I live in Barrie and work down in Vaughan. I do occasionally take it on the 400 when I am late or in a rush but mostly I take the extra time and go down highway 11 through Newmarket the down Dufferin. Most of this is on 80km/h highway. I suppose a "street" bike might be better but - The bike does fine.

Off road I have gone through a lot of the Simcoe forest tracks, and did the "bethany ride" as my first foray into offroading, I also took a short overnight trip up to Algonquin park and set the GPS to "avoid highways" which took me through crazy gravel roads, unmaintained roads and finally a snowmobile trail. My KLX has been stuck up to its axels in mud, its hit trees, ridden through ditches, its crossed streams, its been jumped, wheelied, its been dropped more times than I care to admit and I can attest to one decent crash that I am still sore from it a week and a half later. The bike does fine.

If you feel that you can be satisfied with only staying on the roads - even the gravel ones LOL! then buy a regular bike. If you are slightly more adventurous and want to see what you and your bike can do and can handle some bumps, bangs and scratches (to you and your bike) then get a DS.

My only reservation on the KLX as some one else pointed out is that long rides are a little tougher. When I was in getting my new tires put on a guy with a bigger "adventure bike" (I think it was a Tenere) and I talked about the trip he just got back from where he rode down to Florida. Also my brothers father in law is currently up in Alaska on a ride. I would LOVE to do something like that but both of these trips I would consider as being out of the question on my bike (YES I am sure you can google someone who did it on a 50cc DS - good for you) Now "luckily" for me I have neither the time or resources for an "epic ride" so my choice in bike is a bit of a mute point. Seeing as you have a young family, a situation similar to me, I suspect you may be in the same boat.

thats its, im tired and have to wake up for work at 7am.
 
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Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Good post :clap:

For comfort there is always the Sargent seats. I was shocked the difference it made on the KLR650
ws_610_main.jpg


http://www.sargentcycle.com/ws_610_main.jpg

I've been thinking of downsizing in Australia to a 400 or even 250 to reduce the weight - the 650 is fine at 110-120 but a bit of a pig off road. Thanks for the insight on that ride.
Now I have the ST1100 for longer trips the down-size make more sense.

In S Ontario those tracks and back roads are the only decent riding it doesn't take hours to get to.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

DavetheAccountant said:
Additionally, I guess I forgot to mention that I have previously solicited opinions from a number of non-internet sources who also have years of riding experience - these sources have echoed what Diesel said - smaller/lighter bikes get "knocked" around at higher speeds and 90%+ of any potential on-road riding would be done on 2-lane 80KM/HR roads. I note that other members here have said they don't have an issue with riding highways on their dual sports - which I will take into consideration.

Anyways, keep it coming....
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All bikes get knocked around by side-wind. Large and small.
However: bikes should not be knocked around simply from higher speeds.

Your level of comfort, once you have a bike, will tell you whether or not YOU want to take it onto the highway. A mid-sized dual-sport, like a DRZ400, is more than capable of pulling license-revoking speeds on the 401. A larger dual-sport, like a KLR650, is often used as a cheap "touring" bike by many; capable of easily handling on-and-off road duties without complaint.
That being said: 400-series highways are boring and if there was a way to avoid them and get to work in a similar amount of time: I would definitely take it.

I'm not advocating one type of bike over another. I personally prefer streetbikes but there's no reason to be afraid of commuting to work just because you chose a dual-sport to start out.

I'm a strong advocate of "get on and ride it" regardless of the destination. I'd have a hard time justifying a motorcycle in the first place if I couldn't get the seat time going to work every day when it's warm out.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

I switched to D/S's 2 bikes ago when I got sick of the weight of my Bandit.
I would get the Suzuki 400 in a minute but right now my wife and I tour on a V-Strom 650.
A dual sport will let you go anywhere especially in a rural setting.
Off road riding is the best place to learn fine control and dual sports like the 400 or the KLR don't break as easily when they fall over, which it will.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Your back might protest picking up the KLR650 tho ....:( Piggy beast
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

I used to have a CBR250 during uni and used it for commuting. Wasn't too comfortable in traffic or on long runs. Now i have a DR650. Love the dual sport. I'm 5'11" 150lbs and i find the height/weight of this bike perfect. Other choice was KLR but it was a bit massive for me. I have two sets of wheels, one with good dirt and another with street tires. It takes about 20 minutes to swap them. I've been off roading a few times and am able to keep up with guys on dirt bikes with much more experience! Great performance on the road also with the supermoto wheels. Comfortable riding position. Won't go much faster than 130, but who needs to anyway. I like to ride outside of the city, wind in my face and all! Also i do tend to think that off road riding is safer due to the low speeds and lack of cars/concrete. In a few years my second bike will be a Duc :)
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

I wanted a 1975 Honda CB400F as my first motorcycle. But I ended up buying an NOS 1974 Kawasaki G4TRD 100 with a dual range transmission like this one.

1974-Kawasaki-G4TRD-Red-461-5.jpg



I lived in Courtice and worked in Ajax. I would leave the house 1 1/2 hours early and ride back roads, through fields and along trails to get to work. I’d take even longer coming home. Most fun and the best learning experience I could ever have asked for.
A lightly used Kawasaki Super Sherpa 250 with hand guards and crash bars would be my suggestion for a first bike these days. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy street bikes but you have to learn and practice basic bike control first. A large field with gently rolling hills, unopened road allowances and easy trails are fun way to learn.

You could do an off road school to experience just how much fun it is. A quick Google search and I found this: http://trailtour.com/ Good luck with what ever you decide.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

I am also a Dave and an Accountant.

Traded my Bandit 1200 for a 650 VStrom.
I like it a lot. Great on dirt roads but not really an off road bike.
Very good on the strret also.
Try looking at adventure rather than dual purpose.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Thanks, for all the info - It has helped a lot and I am going to narrow my search to try and find a used dual sport. The versatility will be great where I live, and when I really thought about it the longer road touring that I would like to do, isn't really that realistic at the present time given my family and work commitments.

Any additional info is always appreciated and hopefully this might be of use to other new riders.

I'll post an update with my first experiences in a few weeks (or as soon as I find a bike).

FWIW, I'm leaning towards a DR-Z400, but am open to anything as I don't have anything to go on but reviews, discussions and recommendations from forums - Any opinions on this front are welcome, as well.

Cheers!

Dave
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Dave L said:
My only reservation on the KLX as some one else pointed out is that long rides are a little tougher.
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Is it because of the engine, or it's too lightweight , or both? I am considering a wr250r simply because of the 6th gear
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

vrus said:
Is it because of the engine, or it's too lightweight , or both? I am considering a wr250r simply because of the 6th gear
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the KLx has 6 gears but even with that 120km/h puts it pretty high into the revs and I feel that its wringing its neck - It might be perfectly fine for the bike, I dont know. I mainly find the seat uncomfortable around the 2 - 3 hour mark.
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

DavetheAccountant said:
Thanks, for all the info - It has helped a lot and I am going to narrow my search to try and find a used dual sport. The versatility will be great where I live, and when I really thought about it the longer road touring that I would like to do, isn't really that realistic at the present time given my family and work commitments.

Any additional info is always appreciated and hopefully this might be of use to other new riders.

I'll post an update with my first experiences in a few weeks (or as soon as I find a bike).

FWIW, I'm leaning towards a DR-Z400, but am open to anything as I don't have anything to go on but reviews, discussions and recommendations from forums - Any opinions on this front are welcome, as well.

Cheers!

Dave
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DRZ is a great bike, if you are not going to do a lot of single track/woods stuff, the vstrom may present more options for you, can take it most anywhere, and it will cover the pavement no problem...how long/extensive are the trails near your place? Dual sports are fun, but I could never see giving up the street/sport touring facet.
ps not me in the pic, but it is a v strom......

IMG_2827.jpg
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

Thanks, I will take a look. Going with a dual sport, I anticipate doing more woods/trails than roads - probably 60 - 70% of the time. My thought with the DRZ is that it would be a bit easier to handle/learn on as a starter bike - don't know how true or not that is though....

I live in Simcoe county and from what the neighbors say, the trails are fairly extensive. My in-laws also have a cottage 45 minutes away with additional trails. There is also a motocross track in the area I could see having some fun on with a DRZ.

Dave
 
Re: First Bike Purchase - Street or Dual Sport - Thoughts + Considerations Apprecia

FWIW, I'm leaning towards a DR-Z400, but am open to anything as I don't have anything to go on but reviews, discussions and recommendations from forums - Any opinions on this front are welcome, as well.
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That's a very good choice and one I'm considering doing coming down from the KLR650 which is heavy in the woods.
And it's big enough bore for local touring tho do consider a better seat for that.
If you are going to commute then the better seat might to a good idea early.

What is your inseam tho? The challenge might be the seat height in the 36" range.
Others have been challenged by that ( the KLR is 35 )
Some comments and solutions here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136949

Apparently the SM version is a bit more friendly....maybe DRZ owners can chime in.

This looks like a good resource.
http://www.paochow.com/DRZguide/DRZguide.php
 
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