dual sport

I have a 2004 DRZ400e. This is Suzuki's official "dirtbike" version of the 400. You may be thinking of the DRZ400s and 400sm, which come street legal from the Factory. The 400e from the factory is technically a off road only bike, but many have converted them into a street legal DS. There are numerous kits out there that help with this conversion. A lot of DS'ers opt for the 400e model because of the stiffer suspension, stronger frame, & better carb, then convert over to street. Also, some of the folks who bought the 400s usually source parts from a 400e because of the comments above. Either way its a solid platform.

For those interested, in order for me to get my "off road use only" bike street legal here in Ky, I have to go through a simple process.
First I obviously need to buy all the parts to make it street legal here in KY (note: every state is different.) That meant, turn signals, mirrors, horn, & brake pressure switch for the taillights. Also, a speedometer but the 400e comes with that already. I have to make a copy of all these purchases and include them into the final documentation. Next is the "rebuild." Here I need to document every step I took to get the bike ready for street. I literally have to list anything I did to the bike with a description. "IE, removed headlight to install horn behind it. ran positive & negative wires through such n such into the battery. Tested." After all that, I apply for a rebuilt title with all the documentation I have from above. Be sure to have a title or bill of sale. Once I receive a rebuilt title I take it to the sheriffs office for an inspection. Then off to the DMV for registration! Its as simple as that!

Before conversion:


During conversion: (yes, that's another 400e in the background being converted)

 

I prefer the WR 400/426/450. Get a plate on one and never look back! Tons of power, super reliable, and not to much maintenance for a high performance bike. I've ridden A LOT of bikes, and never found an "all around" bike I like more for my use when you take in all factors (maintenance, price, performance, reliability, etc...)

Ive owned a 1999 WR400 and now have a 2005 WR450 (Dirt and Supermoto Set-Up for both)

 

Unless you're a big guy or a very experienced rider anything over a 450 is too much for the woods IMO. Open trails and fire roads they're good. Single track through tight woods and technical stuff is where a ktm300 or any 450 would shine.

 

Yea, I knew there was a difference in the DRZ between the three. I know about the superiority of the e model, but always just assumed they came street legal. Seen so many tagged, never even thought about it.

That's one bike that has been catching my eye though. The DRZsm. There is a white one in town, and everytime I see it, I want to get one.

 

Very true. I don't think I ever made it past third gear on the 650R in the trails. That things 2nd gear was about all you needed. Going from that to a 250 feels like you're riding a mountain bike. It's amazing what a difference 30lbs can make.

 

This may help feed your interest lol

You've heard of deals gap - tail of the dragon right??
Its rumored that a Super Motard similar to the DRZ400sm has the new speed record there. 318 turns in 11 miles
(don't quote me on this, like I said its a rumor, but I believe it! lol)

That's just bad ass though..

 

...your next one.
I bought a 2002 DRZ-400s in 04' as a holdover. I have put 14,000 miles on it and would buy another one in a heart beat. Has been very dependable(left it almost completely stock). I am 5'8" 165lbs and can keep up with my buddys on their KTMs and CRFs in most conditions. I do have a trials backround which will improve your riding imensely.

 

What is a ballpark price on insurance costs for a dual sport?

 

I have a dr650. Big enough to stay on the freeway for extended periods of time without being too uncomfortable. The bike does well in a variety of terrain, sucks in soft sand however.
For my weight and the time I spend on the highway a 650cc engine or above is needed.

My bike is not great in single tracks, I can't hit big jumps, nor can I race around and toss it around in the woods. It doesn't have instant power and is heavy.
None of this bothers me because I know exactly what this bike is ment to do, for me anyway.
Besides I have my two stroke 250 for whatever my Dr can't do.

 

I have a WR250R and can't say enough good things about. Typical Japanese quality and indestructability. Great dealership net work leading to some competition to sell parts at discounts up to 30% off. Great aftermarket support from north American, Japanese and Australian sources. A great bunch of enthusiast on several forums, thumper talk, wr250r/x, adventure rider, FI, fairly good stock suspension that can be made better by specialist servicing with a few additional parts.

Had an XT350, got tired off picking the heavy beast up (yes you will fall). Got tired of the kick starter when things weren't to its liking.

The wrr has Plenty of power for the tight eastern terrain I mostly ride in.

The bad is the msrp but you can find good used and maybe a deal on a left over. I bought mine in'10, a new left over '08 for 900 under msrp. The 2 gal. Fuel tank is limiting to about 120 miles between fill ups but aftermarket tanks of 3 and 4.7 gallons are available

Has a high output alternator that will support heated clothing, gps, etc. doesn't mind be flogged at 70 mph for hour upon hour although you may.

 

I just changed my insurance to the Hogans Agency and I now pay $66 for full coverage for a year. Call Amanda at 410-778-1665(they're licensed in 48 states). No harm in getting a quote.

 

Pocket change lmao. They are cheap cuz they are slow, small engines, not a huge liability unless you state has a engine size for liability insurance. Cost plays a huge factor. I pay 103 a year

 

Awesome thanks. Doesn't really make any sense how the insurance can be so cheap but gear is so damn expensive.

 

Buy cheap gear and you'll realize why big brands cost a lot. Don't cheap out on a helmet you want one that muffles well if you plan on having a small thumper on the highway with and exhaust. Jacket and over the ankle shoes. I ride in jeans

 

Well right now I'm torn between getting a KLX250S or a KLX250SF

I wouldn't skimp on a helmet, (even though the ones I'm looking at are DOT approved) but I just don't know how well it would do for what I'm looking for. The bike would be mainly 80% on road and 20% off road. I would like to only buy one pair of boots so they have to be sturdy enough to ride in all day but comfy enough to walk town in. So much to learn.

 

If you're doing 80% road, I would go higher then a 250. Trust me, it gets old fast.

I never got into the gear thing. When I ride on the road, I wear jeans or shorts, sleeves, and normal shoes (chuck Ts). Offroad I'll wear jeans, boots, and maybe a padded jacket. I've fallen my fair share, and seems like the head and feet usually are going to be the most fragile parts.

Don't skimp on boots. You buy a shit pair, and you won't wear them, or the buckles will break. Get a good pair that's comfortable, but still stiff/firm to protect your feet when your bike lands on them, or when you turn off the trail onto a closed section only to find yourself ripping through a forest and 10ft in front of you there are two tress that are impossible to fit through, you try b/c it's your only option, and now you're flying through the air and your right foot gets sucked up under the rear fender while the tire is still going. Then while you're laying on the ground you realize why they closed this section and that you're glad you wore your real boots.

You're not going to find a pair of dirt riding boots that are comfortable enough to walk around town in for more then 30 seconds. Plus most tuck their pants into the boot, so you'll look super cool while moon-booting through the mall.

I still say buy used, plus lots of times when dudes are selling their bike, they include their gear b/c they are getting out of riding or dirt riding.

 

As much as I would like a 600 or above, a) no way the parents would be down with it (even though I am 21 and will be paying for every cent of this possible endeavor) b) I have never driven a motorcycle on a road besides my neighborhood. I would like to get a feel for what it is like to drive in traffic first and c) I won't be able to afford the type of 600 I would like. My budget would be around $5000 for EVERYTHING (bike, gear, prepaid insurance, etc.) which, if I'm not mistaken, is doable. So yeah I would be looking for used bikes. Plus I could always just pick up at big bore kit to give it a little bump, right?

 

Go take a motorcycle safety course, if you haven't already. Helps build your skills and confidence.

 

Part of the dealo if I get the chance.

 

Do it sooner that later, in some states a safety course automatically gets you your motorcycle endorsement, no need to take the state test. I found that some insurances care more about how long you have had your license that they do about the size of the bike, so if you can get that clock started before you buy a bike, it might help with insurance,