Official Dual Sport BS Thread

Any tips on tires. I'm looking for 100% Street to 80/20 mix in about a 120/80x18 rear and maybe a 110 (running rear 1.25x18 wheel on front).

Mostly commuting on street, would prefer grip in wet stuff. So many options . . .

What does everyone here run (street wise)?

Thanks

 

The stock trail wings on my drz make great street tires.

 

I wouldn't use any motocross type tire if I was worried about grip in the wet and commuting.

 

Heard nothing but good things about these....
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/heidenau-k60-scout-rear-tire

Legit for the streets, last a long time, still have some grip off-road. Know some dudes that run them on their bikes that see a lot of street, and they love them.

 

Good call there

 

I'll add em to the "check these out" list.

Thanks

 

Yea, I know a lot of the bigger adventure bikes ride them, and they're more of the 80/20 ratio, and do great. My buddy rides a big thumper, at more of a 60/40 and he does pretty well with his too. He has to pick and choose his terrain and speed, but it works out.

 

Any of you guys have experience with a GS650? I put my bike up on Craigslist looking to trade for a dual sport bike and someone offered a potential trade for a 2001 F650GS. Obviously, I know this will never be a woods bike, but it could be fun for powerlines and more open trails (which is what I prefer anyways). Any input on reliability or problems (specifically with the 2001 model), opinions, maintenance, etc would be helpful!

I'll be doing my own research online also but finding someone with first hand experience and being able to ask them questions I find to be very useful.

 

Just bought the cylinder works 434 kit for my drz400

Can't wait

 

Pugga, you're not trading your DR650 are you?

 

No, I don't have a DR650. I have a Katana 750 that I was trying to trade to a local member for his DR650. The deal didn't end up going through, he thought he'd either kill himself or end up with a fist full of tickets if he took my bike. Can't say I blame him one bit! But that put me back on the prowl for a dual sport bike. I was able to ride his and really did like the DR650, but I would have had to do the factory lowering option to be comfortable on it.

 

Jebus.... been researching the F650GS and I'm not sure I want that thing. The most alarming failure with the 2001 - 2002 seems to be a catastrophic fork failure in which the casting that holds the axle to the forks breaks off. There doesn't seem to be any warning signs and the failure is common enough to cause concern.

 

Yea, I'd steer clear of an older 650gs.
Stick with the DRs or XRs for unbeatable reliability and low maintenance.

 

thinkin about these after i wear out my trailwings on my drz

 

Subbed... Anybody have any thoughts of buying a DS for tooling around while I'm at college? Seems like it would be good on gas and fun to ride around town/ to make trips home occasionally. As well as exploring trails

 

DS or SM would be an awesome DD. I'm converting my DS and putting street tires on it for commuting. Stay in the 250cc range if you're looking for fuel economy over thrill of the ride. I have a 2006 Yamaha XT225 that is honestly not all that exhilarating at WOT, but I can easily pull 75-85 mpg

 

Thanks for the input! 250cc sounds good, would probably be on the cheaper end of the DS spectrum as well I'd imagine. I've ridden quads my whole life but never had the oppurtunity to ride any bikes. So it would probably be a good starter bike too

 

yeah my DR650 got about 40MPG in town.

 

XT250 would be my recommendation just because I've always liked Yamaha (I'm no pro with bikes, there are tons of good options)

Only downside to a 250-ish is going to be that hitting the highway will be sparse and not exactly a confident experience. I can hold 65+ but it sure isn't relaxing haha

For a starter bike though you will definitely have no problem with a DS. Very light weight and nimble.

Edit: I still like the XT225 better but they stopped making them in 06 or 07 so you'd have to find a used one (6 speed instead of 5 is a plus as well )

 

Ill check it out! Guess I'll stick with the taco on the trips home. Probably better anyways.