What's a good street legal dual-sport?

Question

I've been looking at the Suzuki V-Strom 650, the DR 650SE, and the DR Z-400S. I'm looking to spend c. $6000. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

First of all have you ridden a motorcycle before. If you have I would be 50-50 about getting a neww bike if you are new to riding I would recommend a good used one first. Cheaper to buy and if you lose interest in riding you can almost get all your money back if you sell it. WIth 6 grand you can two of these and if you open up your options maybe three. you can have one bike for differnt types of riding.

The V-Strom is nice but its more of a street bike and a little on the heavy side. It can go most places but you would need to change the tires to more a more aggressive design. That will lose you some of the smoothness of the street capabilities.It has a bigger tank so that is a plus for longer range
The DR650SE is more for off-road than street. It can go anywhere you want it to it is heavy so you will have to learn how to manuever it in slow riding situations.Small tank

The DR Z 400 is nice I actuall am considering it. It can go anywhere plus it light. This is more dirt ready and fun. In the Street since it is light you can flick it around all over the place like a Super Moto. In the dirt it will put a grin on your face for days. Also has small tank .Cycle World called it the Best Dual Purpose bike of the Year.

You should check out ADVrider.com for more info on bikes.

I just got into Dual Sport riding and got me a used 2002 DR200 for cheap to play with and get to work on my riding skills off road. I have street bikes already. I like the DR200 cause it is so light and has a 3.4 gallon tank and gets me 60+ miles per gallon. I already dropped it twice and nothing broke. Took it to see the Baja 1000 .

I was thinking about the 2008 KLR650 (6gal Tank)but now I know weight does play a role in the Fun factor of riding off road. I will keep my DR200 and maybe get a DR Z400S for more serious off road. Just upgrade to a larger Fuel tank for longer range.

Answer 2

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RE:
What's a good street legal dual-sport?
I've been looking at the Suzuki V-Strom 650, the DR 650SE, and the DR Z-400S. I'm looking to spend c. $6000. Any other suggestions?

Answer 3

husqvarna is one of the most stylish an capable enduros out there, the big japanese brands don't offer many that are both of the two, but i'll have to say that suzuki probably has the best line of enduros out of the japanese bikes, the 400s is the most capable of the suzuki's.
the husky will cost a bit more since its made in europe. my friend owns a te 510 and its an unbelievable bike (610 and 450 also available), definitely worth the extra money, 6k should be more then enough for a good used one.
the drz 400s would be a good bike if its more affordable, either way they're are both good bikes, research between the two and see which one suits you better.

Answer 4

what percentage of ur riding time will be spent on and off road?
Suzuki DRZ400S and the Honda XL650R is suited for 75% off road and 24% on road
The Suzuki V Strom 650 is 95% on road
The Suzuki DR650 is 80% on road, 20% off road
If you want a street legal bike for short road trips less than 20 miles from home buy the DRZ400S
If you want a dual sport bike that you can ride across the country, get the V Strom

Answer 5

I really like the Suzuki V-Strom, (I owned a DL1000 for a couple of years) but you should also check out the Kawasaki KLR650. It's one of the most popular mid-sized dual sports available in the USA. The price is right too, with an MSRP of $5,349.

Answer 6

The DRZ is a dog, even for a 400, but it's the best choice out of those you've given.

The KTM 450 EXC blows the DRZ away, that's what I would recommend. Better suspension, better handling, more power. More money to though, but worth it if you can find one in your price range.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Kawasaki KLR650
Search the web - nothing but good reviews.
The US Military use them exclusively.