Official Dual Sport BS Thread

In my biased opinion look at KTM 690's if $$$ isn't an issue. 68HP on the 2012+'s and they weight 317 lbs stock (the same as a DRZ400S) and only 30-40 lbs more than some of the pure dirt bikes. It easily handles street and trips (if you don't mind a bit of windblast) and can kick ass in the dirt. It won't be as fast as a pure dirt bike but it won't tire you out like a heavier bike would either.

One of the real questions to ask is how much tight single track are you going to do? If it's slim to none I'd go with a 650cc class bike. If that's what you'll be riding primarily and very little on the street then I'd go with a 250 to 450. I'm a big guy at 260 lbs so the small 250's especially at higher altitudes in the mountains just don't have the grunt.

 

I've pretty much made up my mind on either a 13' or 14' DRZ 400SM. I've already spent like $1300 on gear..lol. I figured that I should have it all when I buy the bike since I sold all my riding gear with my last street bike. I'm from VA but work a lot with Duke power in NC and SC. Im looking forward to having the summer off and putting some miles on this thing.

 

This is smart. I always tell new riders who ask me for advice to buy the gear first.

I probably have about $2,200 in gear myself between my street and dirt stuff.

 

Now 10 years ago I probably wouldn't have had that thought process..lo.l I've also been looking at a 2012 Honda CRF450X, that a guy has made into a SM. It's in NC and he has already had the title changed over. He is asking $7500 for it, not sure how much he has put into it to convert it but it looks really bad ass.

 

Here are some pictures of the CRF450X.

 

God and christ almighty... Buy that machine! Then upgrade the front brake to dual rotors if possible

 

I would pass on the CRF450. It's a dirt bike, not a dual sport. The maintenance on it compared to a true dual sport is probably much greater. Plus I'm sure the dude didn't baby it at all.
The drz would be your best bet. Tons of parts available, and it's made for the road. People take those things across country with little issue. They also do the TAT and other long trials without issue. Not many people are hoping on the CRF and riding from Colorado to Mexico for good reason.

Does look nice though.

 

So whats the best bike for street and open trail riding? I want a dual sport but also want a comfortable riding bike for distance. I dont wanna ride the street for 20 miles and be hurting. Whats your input from experience?

 

dr650 with a new seat

 

KTM 690 Enduro w/an aftermarket seat. Beats the pants off the DR650 for sure...

 

Depends how aggressive you are and wanna be. Height/weight? If you're a smaller less experienced rider you don't want a battle ax dr650 or a KTM 690.

 

Bring it muffin man

 

You really think tht big turd of a motorcycle would outperform a KTM? You're dilusional

 

I wouldnt say im a rookie I have a little experience on Dirt bikes alot of experience on ATV. None on street bike. But i am a bigger guy im 6'4 225lbs. And when I get on the road I wanna be able to get up and go if need be. Whats your opinion on a husky TE630 or Husky in general

 

So I went to look at a 2014 Suzuki DR-Z400SM today. They had $7100 on the sticker and I was able to get them down to $6000. Is this a great deal on a new bike or should I keep looking for a better deal?

 

your high
have fun spending all your time and money trying to keep that over priced pig functioning

 

9,000 miles on my 2012 and they have not been gentle or easy. All That I had to do maintenance wise was gas, tires, and oil, and a valve check at 600, and 6,600 miles so far. Replaced a couple bent levers too from crashes in the dirt. The LC4 engine isn't their racing engine which has much higher maintenance requirements. I change oil every 3,000 miles because I ride it hard, even though the manual says it can go 6,000 miles between oil changes and valve checks. Oh yeah it makes 68 hp and weighs 317lbs stock.

It's an amazing machine, blows the DR650 out of the water suspension and power wise while being 30 lbs lighter. The drawback yes it cost, but it's worth it if you want to be able to ride a hundred miles on the interstate, hit trails for the day, then ride home.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMYMC4jxKM

 

Dual sports.... my dad has a 1100S hypermotard. I want to build a ktm exc up sooo bad

 

im in the process of building my 300 right now.