any advice as to what brands to look for, and what they will be like in three years up the road, such as for parts and care and maintence, i have no mechanical expertise, so whatever is told to me i have no way of really asertaining as to whether it is good advice or not,(so why ask, but i am asking, thanks for any and all advice, i live in arizona, the yuma area, and will purchase my bike there,
2006-12-31 15:01:23 · 12 answers · asked by chinpingmei 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Under three grand on a brand new dual sport is going to be tough.
Honda's only stateside offering is the XR650L, and it'll go for closer to $5K. You might be able to find a used XR250L in your price range, but the XR250R, XR400R and XR600R are all off-road only bikes and technically no longer available as new machines, save a left over unit. They have been replaced with the CRF-F line and again they are off-road only machines.
Kawsaki's only choice would be the KLR650, again out of your price range.
Suzuki has two dual sports, the DRZ400 and DRZ650. The 650 is simular to Honda and Kawasaki's offerings. Big, heavy and out of your listed price range. The 400 is a good bike and realistically more dirt oriented than the 650's. Well, let me take that back for a second. You being in Yuma, your off-roading is going to be desert riding, so the 650's might actually do OK and be fun. Regardless, either will still be more than your wanting to spend.
Yamaha went the other way entirely. The XT225 is based on the TTR230 and comes closer in price to any of the other bikes. It is also a small bike and very down on power. It would be fine for a smaller framed rider that isn't looking for much in the way of performance. Personally though, I'd be afraid to take it on anything more than a back street or lightly traveled dirt road.
The only realistic way for you to stay on budget will be for you to consider one of the chinese, korean, tiwanese or what have you brands. Or consider a used bike.
Personally I'd rather have a 5 year old Japanese bike than a new 'knock off'. Parts, service and support will be much easier to obtain and the used Japanese bike will probably out last the new knock off.
Good luck!
EDIT:
Hevster 1; Good call on th KLX250S. Not being into dual sports too much I completely missed it in the '06 Kaw line up. It looks like a sweet bike that would be one of my top considerations if I were in the market for a dual sport. Again, good call!
2006-12-31 15:57:19 · answer #1 · answered by Nomad 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on your local laws. In many locations, if a motorcycle is designated from the factory as "Off Road Use Only", it can not be made street legal no matter what you do. In many locations, if it has a 2 stroke motor, it can not be made street legal because of emissions requirements. In areas where they can be made street legal, you will need to add a headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals, street tires, speedometer, mirrors, and a horn. You may also need to change your muffler. You may also want to change your sprockets so your bike can better handle sustained highway speeds. Even if your bike can achieve highway speed, how long will it be able to maintain it. You really need to contact your local DMV before making these modifications so you don't waste a lot of money on a bike that will not be street legal. You may also have a problem because a dirt bike electrical system may not have the capacity to handle these additional electrical requirements. If you need a street / trail bike, you would be better off selling your dirt bike and put the money from the sale towards a motorcycle that is already street legal.
2016-05-23 01:53:27 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget new or you will spend more than 5k. If this is a first bike I recommend a Kawasaki KLX 250 which is a new model for 06 carried over into 07. As you mature and get better you can make it faster. If you are experienced AND ride mainly wide open areas i would recommend a 400-450. A DRZ, KTM or Husky would be good choices but the KTM and Husky are upward of 8k. The suzuki is heavy but can be made lighter. Please whatever you buy get something QUIET! Less sound =More ground.
2006-12-31 18:23:42 · answer #3 · answered by hevster1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honda. A dual-sport is not going to work to well in the dirt,too heavy and messed up gearing. Save up for another year or two and buy a dirt bike and street bike. You get the best of both worlds! Dirt bikes require much more up keep keep in mind.
2006-12-31 15:38:50 · answer #4 · answered by rochstar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say to stick with a Honda, parts and service are readily available and they have a good reputation for dependability.
My Honda is 23 years old and runs like a new bike.
2006-12-31 15:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by ©2009 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honda XR400, 450, or 650 dual-sport bikes. They last forever with very little maintenance. You can find them on ebay used for under $3000.
2006-12-31 15:13:31 · answer #6 · answered by bobo383 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honda makes a Honda Rebel 250cc bike thats awsume! check it out online under image search on yahoo. I wanted one but my wife wanted me to get a bigger bike which I did, but my first choice was the Honda Rebel, It looks like a little harley
2007-01-01 02:52:21 · answer #7 · answered by ricksdollsred 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When I was 12 my dad got me my first dirt bike. A Husky 450. Be sure that you get one with enought horse power to keep you happy. You don't want to be looking for a bigger bike in two or three months. Welcome to the club son!!!
2006-12-31 15:06:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I passed my motorcycles test on a honda enduro... I was the first person in my town to get a flawless 100% on the driven and written test... Go honda
2006-12-31 15:04:15 · answer #9 · answered by Kagen H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Better plan on getting something used if all you have is 3 grand.
2007-01-01 14:51:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋