My Dual Sport Search Has Ended Here

[Albie]

I'm not tryin to start fights. But isn't there a pretty thick like between DS and Adventure Touring.  If you're going down a gravel road all day that's fine.  But are really going to take it in the mud and play with it.  Only if you have 3 other guys there to help you pick your 400 pound KTM or BMW loaded with your 800 pounds of crap that people bring out of a deep rut.  I think true Dual Sports aren't about HP and fuel capacity for a paved to gravel road. but about weight and maneuverability for street and dirt.  Anyone agree?

yes

[Albie]

I'm not sure what you are getting at exactly but yes I agree and I think everyone else would too. For me there are three levels of offroad thinking & bikes.

Dedicated Dirt Bikes/Race Bikes
Mid Size DS Bikes - TE 610, KLR, DZ, etc.
Large DS Bikes - GS1200, 990 Adventure, etc.

Pick one that fits what you are looking for and hit the road, trail or both. Analyzing it much more is pointless. There is riding to be done and places to see.

I see it completely different:

Dedicated dirt/race bikes
dual sport bikes, any street legal dirt bike weighing in at less then 300lbs
adventure bikes: Any bike that weighs over 300 lbs and can go off road.

[Albie]

I can understand that I suppose. I'm sick of ride reports and threads about idiots on v-4 and I-4 road barges that rode a 450 mile day and think they accomplished something.

+1  

[FrontlineAuto]

Anyways, i didn't mean to start anything huge.  i saw the dirt lovers forum and had to chime in.  Everyone's got there own thing.  you got that right.
Does anybody with a drz 400s think that the front suspension is too stiff, even on the softest setting.  I'm thinkin about changing to a lighter oil.  Does it help?

[XLR8]

Anyways, i didn't mean to start anything huge.  i saw the dirt lovers forum and had to chime in.  Everyone's got there own thing.  you got that right.
Does anybody with a drz 400s think that the front suspension is too stiff, even on the softest setting.  I'm thinkin about changing to a lighter oil.  Does it help?

What! All that chest pounding and you ride a DR-Z noobercycle! Nothing manly like a KTM 525, Husky 510, 610, or a Superenduro?  

 

[Albie]

Anyways, i didn't mean to start anything huge.  i saw the dirt lovers forum and had to chime in.  Everyone's got there own thing.  you got that right.
Does anybody with a drz 400s think that the front suspension is too stiff, even on the softest setting.  I'm thinkin about changing to a lighter oil.  Does it help?

Probably not. Lighter spring rate is more likely the fix.

[FrontlineAuto]

you're talking a big difference between a drz400 and a ktm or husky.  i dont think i would dirt ride anything over a 450 just due to weight.  thats just me.  but i ride more then just gravel roads.

[XLR8]

 but i ride more then just gravel roads.

Yea I think I got that part. As if there is something wrong with gravel roads or something.   We have a lot of gravel roads in this state and they can take you to some wonderful places.

[Albie]

Yea I think I got that part. As if there is something wrong with gravel roads or something.   We have a lot of gravel roads in this state and they can take you to some wonderful places.

Yup, you usually got to take the gravel roads to get to the fun stuff.  

[x32792]

I do still have it, for a few more days, and do like it.  I like the DR-Z more, however.

Why do you like your DR-Z more then your KLR? Weight? Value? Less problems? Better suited to where you ride? (your particular paved to dirt ratio). TIA.

[bluesurf]

Why do you like your DR-Z more then your KLR? Weight? Value? Less problems? Better suited to where you ride? (your particular paved to dirt ratio). TIA.

All of the above, and much more performance/ability to toss around/pure fun factor.  Some like the KLR because it's a tad more comfortable, but I'll take performance/less weight (translates to more fun) over comfort, more of a road bike than a dirt bike, & associated weight.