What's A Good $5000 Dual Sport?

[Lightcycle]

I'd mostly be riding with KTM 890ADV or AT so I don't need a true singletrack weapon which is why I'm looking that way.

If you're as good a rider as your buddies, then anything in that class will do: F800GS, F650GS/F700GS twin, V-Strom, CB500X, Versys 650, Tiger 955i etc. From your description, it doesn't sound like off-road chops are as important as being comfortable on the highway.

if you're not as good as your buddies and you're spending a lot of time off-pavement, opt for a lighter thumper.

 

[timtune]

KLR will 120 all day long.

 

[deckard]

WR250X or WR250R
300 lbs wet

or

CRF230L
268 lbs wet

sooner or later you have to pick them up off the trail

WR is like an enduro mountain bike
CRF is like an XC mountain bike

both fun and well known and well supported by the aftermarket

 

[xrljoel]

If you're planning to ride stuff like the Pick-axe loop (Pick-Axe Loop) regularly the the KLR (and the other big singles) would be the most fun.

This ride is certainly doable on a larger ADV bike, especially given your off road experience but having ridden it this summer on my 1090 I would have enjoyed it A LOT more on a big single.

If you're staying on gravel roads or forest access roads get a V-strom. I've seen several 1000's in your price range and I'm sure there's some 650's as well.