Focus...Truck or Bike?

Yeah, I always loved going to events at Paragon. My fiance actually went with me to the National Takeover there. That was a blast. I've really been somewhat inactive in the club since I graduated college and sold my truck

 

I know what you mean. We were considering selling the jeep but realized we wouldn't get shit for it. There's no way in hell I'd let it for for cheap. I'd rather keep it. Found some other hobbies also.

Paragon was awesome!! If it hadn't closed down - I'd probably still own the Dodge Ram & the trailer.

I get out wheeling MAYBE twice a year. The jeep sees more pavement miles.

 

I hear you. I really attribute the closing of Paragon as the sole reason behind me selling my truck and getting out of the hobby. I've increased my hunting time quite a bit over the past year or so, and also now am involved in target archery a bit. However, something about things with motors always have drawn me in, and I've been on bikes a lot throughout my youth, and the idea of a dual sport has always been in the back of my mind.

 

Dual Sports can be an exceptional scouting tool... a KTM LC4 (640cc) thumper was my last 2 wheeled pre-season archery hunting companion.

Legal for the highway and wasn't afraid of a little dirt. That particular machine wasn't afraid of anything... a $4000 dollar tank of a motorcycle that steered like it wanted to be ridden on a Supercross track. Go for the scooter.

I figured I'd chime in, seeing that you live nearby and had commented on the stick and string.

 

How do you like the tree saddle? Thanks for the post, btw. Where are you located? I'm in Cogan Station.

 

TRUCK! i bought a $8000 motorcycle last summer, I'm not selling it because I don't have anyone to ride with. but lots of people to wheel with!
how bout a lift and some accessories? cb, offroad lights etc

 

Oh believe me, if I decide to begin modifying this truck, it will turn into a mass spiral quickly. I had my truck finally offroad a bit this afternoon, and I parked with my wheels turned on a side hill, and I have a fraction of an inch of clearance on the front inner fender. She will be getting at least "minor" suspension upgrades within the year...if I still have it.

 

I'm in a similar situation. I've had a dual-sport bike for a couple of years, and I just got my Taco last fall with the intention of leaving it completely stock and getting my "wheeling fix" on the bike... I can go more places on the bike, faster and cheaper, but my roots in wheeling are deep; I can't get the same fix from the bike as I can in a truck/jeep. As of now my Taco is basically stock and wheels good as is, but considering my experience a stock vehicle just has too many limitations on the trail. I'm gonna do as I always do and outfit the truck for the trail, eventually; I'm in the research/pricing stage right now and I'll start building asap. My location works out well too, I've got lots of trails within 20min of my house so I can get in a good 2-3hr dualsport ride in after work in the summer, and still keep a Saturday open for allday wheelin'.

 

What dual sport bike are you thinking about and how much are you looking to spend? I have a 2004 KLR 650. I love the bike. It's great for fire roads and such and handles well on the pavement. I bought it in 2005 with 1K miles on it for $4K OTD. It was real nice when gas was $4.50 /gallon (gets about 45-50 mpg). They're cheap and easy to work on.

 

Looking at a DRZ400s most likely.

 

DRZ400S is an awesome dualsport... not great for long highway distances though, they get real buzzy at 65+ for extended periods. I ride a DR650, it's solid on the highway but a bit of a pig on tight trails, I've put alot into the motor and suspension to be able to keep up in the dirt. All the DRZ400S needs is a set of knobbies and an IMS gas tank and you're good to go. There's a great forum called "ThumperTalk" that has lots of stuff on all the popular dualsports.

 

I wouldn't plan on long distance highway trips. I would just trailer it if the time came to doing a long distance event. I'm a member on TK. Been a member for a while, but I'm just now getting around to posting a bit. Downside is I certainly can't get a bike this summer though with just buying the house and paying for a wedding. In time, I suppose.

 

Owned one and tis true... well maintained models can be had for under $3 large. My barely ridden '06 was only $2500 dullas.

They are buzzy and the stock tires must go! They pose a serious safety risk when transitioning from pavement to dirt. "Deathwings" they have been so regularly called.

The DRZ400S is tall and thin... the gel seat will help, but not enough to warrant its cost. The bike has good "flickability" but not nearly as street worthy as the 650 variant. I liked the 400 for blasting around off road. It also wheelied like it was on a stand. Just keep clicking the shifter and you can carry the front tire well beyond its ability to keep spinnin'. Good fun.

As far as the tree saddle... not a big fan. Places pressure on the back of the legs near the seat. Could be my height, (6'1"), but I've been wrong before. I'll keep running arrows through 'em from the Summit. It climbs safe and effortless even up to the nose bleed section. Clearfield county is where I spend my time... turkey season be right around the corner!

 

I know, I'm pumped for turkey season. I've got one or two flocks pinned down so far (hopefully it stays that way).

I've heard the S is a bit tall as well, but I will have to check one out at the local dealer sometime.

 

I'm in Pa we could ride together.

 

hey mgh pa.im thinking of getting a dual sport as well.dont no why but i just figured what the hell ya no.ive got a big boy scooter now.majest 400 and love it.60mpg and will do 114mph.thinking of selling it.but i cant afford to get hurt on a bike anymore.i no i would go nuts on a ds in the mountains though.nice to see another local pa person on here.good luck on the truck,its never ending. i do no u just want more and more and more.and yes turkey season is almost here.takiing my daughter out for her 2nd yr for the youth hunt.she loves to turkey hunt.so do i.later and take care