New to Dual Sport - Thoughts

[downtick]

I have  friend who recently purchased a DRZ400 and has told me how much run riding through the dirt paths and fireroads in Orange County can be.  We went to the store and I sat on a few different dual sport bikes, but noticed that at my height/weight, 6'5", 280lbs, the DRZ seems a bit small.

I was looking at getting a KLR or the Honda 650, since both are larger bikes, and it seemed like it was easier for me to sit on each one.  My concern is that those bikes are much harder to maneuver and more difficult to use on dirt.  I can't buy a pure dirtbike because I need to be able to ride it legally to the location where the dirt is, and I do not own a truck.

Could I get some thoughts on the usuability of something like a KLR or the Honda on the dirt?

Any other taller/heavier-set guys out there riding these?

Thanks!

[Johnny Monsoon]

I have  friend who recently purchased a DRZ400 and has told me how much run riding through the dirt paths and fireroads in Orange County can be.  We went to the store and I sat on a few different dual sport bikes, but noticed that at my height/weight, 6'5", 280lbs, the DRZ seems a bit small.

I was looking at getting a KLR or the Honda 650, since both are larger bikes, and it seemed like it was easier for me to sit on each one.  My concern is that those bikes are much harder to maneuver and more difficult to use on dirt.  I can't buy a pure dirtbike because I need to be able to ride it legally to the location where the dirt is, and I do not own a truck.

Could I get some thoughts on the usuability of something like a KLR or the Honda on the dirt?

Any other taller/heavier-set guys out there riding these?

Thanks!

My buddy started riding again on a TT-R125LE (mine).  He's nearly your size at 6'4" 220+.  My bike is tiny and we had a blast all the time.  But, that's a pure dirtbike.  He later got a KLX250S and it serves him very well.  It is just about a true dirtbike offroad, and will get you down the road more comfortably than any other 'real' dirt capable machine offered that I know of.  Take a good look around, they're a fantastic bike that, while not having supa-powa on the road, will get you where you need to be and let you really tear it up offroad.

Smaller is better for the most part.

[downtick]

I have to say that it's amazing how few dual sport bikes are for sale in the Orange County area.

[Johnny Monsoon]

I have to say that it's amazing how few dual sport bikes are for sale in the Orange County area.

And for a single young man, you'll be amazed at the amounts of looks and attention you'll get from the ladies.  Sounds unlikely, I know, but it sure is true.

[downtick]

And for a single young man, you'll be amazed at the amounts of looks and attention you'll get from the ladies.  Sounds unlikely, I know, but it sure is true.

You should see the attention I get on the multistrada, just because it ssays DUCATI on it.

[XLR8]

I was looking at getting a KLR but I'm pretty certain I'm going to pull the trigger on a Husqvarna TE 610. I just have to decide if I want a 06 or 07.

[Johnny Monsoon]

I was looking at getting a KLR but I'm pretty certain I'm going to pull the trigger on a Husqvarna TE 610. I just have to decide if I want a 06 or 07.

Tasty!  That's my #1 replacement choice for my XX.

[XLR8]

Tasty!  That's my #1 replacement choice for my XX.

I'll post up my experiences here when I get it. There is an LC4 just round the corner I am deciding if I want to look at for $4000. But I really like the TE.

[Johnny Monsoon]

I'll post up my experiences here when I get it. There is an LC4 just round the corner I am deciding if I want to look at for $4000. But I really like the TE.

The LC4 is a fine bike, without doubt, but it is fairly labor intensive (by comparison) and it will vibe like a Harley at idle.  If you want a smooth bike, the LC4 is not for you.

[speedjunkie]

I was looking at getting a KLR but I'm pretty certain I'm going to pull the trigger on a Husqvarna TE 610. I just have to decide if I want a 06 or 07.

Blue/yellow or red/white?  Tough choice.  NOT!!  Get the '07!!  



Mike

[Mac]

I am 6'4" 275 lbs and ride the drz 400s. Its a great bike, I've ridden it in Big bear and the surrounding blm areas, in Ms tight woods and mud. True its not as good as a "pure" dirt bike, but you won't have to tow it to the dirt and then home. It has plentiful power, as is, and there are many mods for making more. I've even been thinking about taking it on a trip to ride in Alaska.

[Frantik1]

I have  friend who recently purchased a DRZ400 and has told me how much run riding through the dirt paths and fireroads in Orange County can be.  We went to the store and I sat on a few different dual sport bikes, but noticed that at my height/weight, 6'5", 280lbs, the DRZ seems a bit small.

I was looking at getting a KLR or the Honda 650, since both are larger bikes, and it seemed like it was easier for me to sit on each one.  My concern is that those bikes are much harder to maneuver and more difficult to use on dirt.  I can't buy a pure dirtbike because I need to be able to ride it legally to the location where the dirt is, and I do not own a truck.

Could I get some thoughts on the usuability of something like a KLR or the Honda on the dirt?

Any other taller/heavier-set guys out there riding these?

Thanks!



 I used to have an 03 Honda XR650l and I can tell you if your worried about the bikes fit and feel (non mushy suspention) it would be the ticket. I'm about 250 lbs.,and never bottomed the suspention on it. It handled great and went anywhere (with DOT knobbies) and had a lot more torque than the wind me up DRZ. BUT, to me the bike absolutly sucked on the road. Now I know this is just my perspective, but it was too big of a trade off for me. Terrible fuel range (not MPG) and the engine is not the most impressive thing for highway use.  But for the money its a good overall machine if your going to keep it on backroads, dirtroads, and trails. Jetting it  correctly is a must.