dual sport of the decade??

[birdrunner]

Obviously the Honda XR650L

With it's Rock like reliability, enormous torque, and 25 plus years of heritage, the only question is "Which decade to choose from?".

It makes KLR's and their widget and wussy suspension quake on their tires.

DL's...... did anyone buy one?

BMW???  great for getting over the gravel lot to find the best cup of Latte.

So,  to any who don't know better and disagree.........................

[GraniteGray]

The DRZ400, naturally! It makes the XR650L look like a complete joke.

One of very few dualsports that can actually run technical trails nearly as well as an enduro bike...

[birdrunner]

Bah,,,  the DL400's a light weight.   Come back in a few decades.  


If it doesn't say Honda,  why even bother replying.

[GraniteGray]

DL400's a light weight.

Exactly! Now you're catching on. The XL is all bacon!

If it doesn't say Honda,  why even bother replying.

The XR650R is a truly great bike, but the XR650L is a dog by any standard. Get rid of that heap of junk for the real thing, dude.

 

[Rustydust]

The DRZ400, naturally! It makes the XR650L look like a complete joke.

My vote too. Give me a lightweight flickable DR to the Honda every time. Hey- I love Hondas, but they don't make the best of everything.

[GraniteGray]

I love Hondas, but they don't make the best of everything.

Yeah, I like Hondas too. It's just too bad they don't make a street legal version of the XR650R. The XR650L is just a sad wanna-be, compared to the RR.

[birdrunner]

My vote too. Give me a lightweight flickable DR to the Honda every time. Hey- I love Hondas, but they don't make the best of everything.

Yes,  the light weight is certainly nice when I use my XL to tow the teeny little 400's out of the bush.

My friends have them, and I can get both out with just one tow.

[GraniteGray]

Yes,  the light weight is certainly nice when I use my XL to tow the teeny little 400's out of the bush.

My friends have them, and I can get both out with just one tow.

The bushes on the fringes of the local Walmart parking lot, maybe. That's about as technical as anyone would want to ride a fake XR650R.

You better get your swine flu shot, dude. Riding that XL piggy around will put you at high-risk for H1N1.

 

[R.Markus]

Any dual sport built by the big four is an underpowered hunk of shit. Arguing which one is best is like arguing over which retarded child is the smartest.

[GraniteGray]

   

[birdrunner]

The bushes on the fringes of the local Walmart parking lot, maybe. That's about as technical as anyone would want to ride a fake XR650R.

You better get your swine flu shot, dude. Riding that XL piggy around will put you at high-risk for H1N1.

 

Walmart's a jungle out here.  

Dual sport involve trails AND highway.  You'd better hope there's a nice slow road to Walmart, or you'll be strung out from the vibes getting there.  (if the teeny 400 doesn't blow up over 80 ....................................... . kph)  

[R.Markus]

 

...slap some lights on a dirt bike...

That's the original definition of dual sport. Dual sporting has nothing to do with highway riding, it's making the bike barely street legal so you can ride short pavement trail connectors legally.

[birdrunner]

That's the original definition of dual sport. Dual sporting has nothing to do with highway riding, it's making the bike barely street legal so you can ride short pavement trail connectors legally.

That may have been true of the 60's  but things have changed.

[kurtw]

That may have been true of the 60's  but things have changed.

I'm sure they have, but which things? I didn't get the memo.

[R.Markus]

That may have been true of the 60's  but things have changed.

The only thing that has changed is people that want to use the term inappropriately.

[R Doug]

Husqvarna TE 610

[birdrunner]

Husqvarna TE 610

Hey,  neat to have a bike that's totally recyclable.  Parts are so hard to get, you can always part it out, for a profit.

Besides,  you can't ride them here as they're not street legal.

No one wants parts for the mighty Honda.  Just like Superman,  the XR650 never breaks.  









Oh, and  ... Hey you guys,  quit screwing up this tread with facts.

[Marcster]

Oh, and  ... Hey you guys,  quit screwing up this tread with facts.

Is this a single-track tread?

[marc11]

That's odd as I ride with a guy who has a one or two year old TE 610 that is 100 percent street legal from the dealer. So are we donw to complete lies to make that POS wanna be Honda look good . I mean hell, even Kawi knew 20 years were long enough and updated the KLR, what's Honda's excuse on the XRL....did they use all the available lead weight and ugly looks on the new VFR?

[R Doug]

If I were putting my money into buying a dual sport today, it would be the Yamaha WR250R.  

Though I'm not sure whether it qualifies for DS of the decade, especially since it hasn't been out that long, the bike would be absolutely brilliant for me and my area.  

[R.Markus]

If I were putting my money into buying a dual sport today, it would be the Yamaha WR250R.  
 

For my uses I'd buy a 300XCW-E and add a light kit, but the best four stroke factory dual sports out there are probably the 450EXC and the TE450.

[birdrunner]

That's odd as I ride with a guy who has a one or two year old TE 610 that is 100 percent street legal from the dealer.

Marc, Marc, Marc.     I'm thought everybody knew that I lived up here in God's country,  Alberta,  Canada.  They're only street legal in lesser domains.    I don't need to lie.

So are we donw to complete lies to make that POS wanna be Honda look good . I mean hell, even Kawi knew 20 years were long enough and updated the KLR, what's Honda's excuse on the XRL....did they use all the available lead weight and ugly looks on the new VFR?

When you're perfect,  you don't need to change.

[birdrunner]

For my uses I'd buy a 300XCW-E and add a light kit, but the best four stroke factory dual sports out there are probably the 450EXC and the TE450.

Nope,  they such P.o S.  that they've even been rendered not legally a dual sport up here in God's country.

I mean, if the government doesn't recognize them, they must be inadequate.  

[ChikkenNoodul]

For my uses I'd buy a 300XCW-E and add a light kit, but the best four stroke factory dual sports out there are probably the 450EXC and the TE450.

I agonized over the decision forever, but went with the 450EXC.

Sometimes I wish the oil-change intervals were lon.....no I don't, it's an enjoyable activity compared to lopping bits off to save weight  

[R.Markus]

I agonized over the decision forever, but went with the 450EXC.

Sometimes I wish the oil-change intervals were lon.....no I don't, it's an enjoyable activity compared to lopping bits off to save weight  

The 450EXC was what I was looking for before I found a good deal on the 300. I wasn't too sure about getting a 2 stroke, but it's a damn fun bike...and light.

[swingset]

The best dual sport is the one I'm fucking riding. Screw all you guys and your sad opinions.

 

[birdrunner]

The best dual sport is the one I'm fucking riding. Screw all you guys and your sad opinions.

 

Naturally,  it's the Honda.

[shawn and gwyn]

Walmart's a jungle out here.  

Dual sport involve trails AND highway.  You'd better hope there's a nice slow road to Walmart, or you'll be strung out from the vibes getting there.  (if the teeny 400 doesn't blow up over 80 ....................................... . kph)  

LOL,  and you better hope that its not to far away, just so that little penut tank dont run dry before you get there..  

[dirtyoffroad]

this is my choice

[scarecrow]

I'm new to the forum but not to dual sports. God loves KLRs and so do the Marines.

[birdrunner]

If God truly loved KLR's there wouldn't be a Marine anywhere close to one.

[sammyseaman]

If it doesn't say Honda,  why even bother replying.

Wow! You and Larry should hook up for a good old fashioned Honda Love Fest  

Anyhoo, I'll give the nod to the DR400. Not the bike I'd buy now but I'd buy it over a big 'ol fat XR anyday.

[birdrunner]

Wow! You and Larry should hook up for a good old fashioned Honda Love Fest  

Anyhoo, I'll give the nod to the DR400. Not the bike I'd buy now but I'd buy it over a big 'ol fat XR anyday.

Sorry,  any replies from Grand Rapids go on auto-ignore.  (Knew too many people who went to Calvin College  )

[alphabet man]

Naturally,  it's the Honda.

 Now now now this can't be the same Birdrunner that was trying to flogg that old Honda off on someone so he could buy the KTM he lusted after????      NAH couldn't be

[scarecrow]

If God truly loved KLR's there wouldn't be a Marine anywhere close to one.

Explain that please.

[mugwump58]

Isn't the KLR the Marines 2 wheel ride? Or didn't it used to be?

[R.Markus]

Explain that please.

In a nutshell, KLRs are complete pieces of shit.

[scarecrow]

Isn't the KLR the Marines 2 wheel ride? Or didn't it used to be?

It still is. The Marines started using the gasoline model about 2000 then switched to the re-engineered multi-fuel model (diesel, kerosene, or bio diesel) about 3 years ago. A few months ago a video from HDT announced that the multi-fuel will be available to the public this spring hopefully. The claim is you can either get a turnkey model or have your own KLR remade as a diesel. They have made this claim before but demand for the bike by the Marines and other militaries took up all of their production capabilities.

[fastdadio]

If God truly loved KLR's there wouldn't be a Marine anywhere close to one.

Thats some funny chit right there! If it absolutely has to be destroyed overnight.....
SP/4 Fastdadio, 3rd BN/34th FA, Ft. Lewis Wa.

[mugwump58]

It still is. The Marines started using the gasoline model about 2000 then switched to the re-engineered multi-fuel model (diesel, kerosene, or bio diesel) about 3 years ago. A few months ago a video from HDT announced that the multi-fuel will be available to the public this spring hopefully. The claim is you can either get a turnkey model or have your own KLR remade as a diesel. They have made this claim before but demand for the bike by the Marines and other militaries took up all of their production capabilities.

HDTs been saying that for ages...I'll believe it when I see it.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

In a nutshell, KLRs are complete pieces of shit.

Awwww -you're just jealous  

[mtrider16]

   This is as much fun as the definitions of sport-touring thread.  

XR650R, F800GS have been the ones I tried.  The DP bike is hard to define.  I think the next one will be a CRF250X.  Going from one extreme to the other.  

David

[birdrunner]

   This is as much fun as the definitions of sport-touring thread.  

XR650R, F800GS have been the ones I tried.  The DP bike is hard to define.  I think the next one will be a CRF250X.  Going from one extreme to the other.  

David

Listen, keep the reasonableness to a minimum, or I'll have my "friends" from Havre pay you a visit,  .... got it.?

[mtrider16]

  I may have to resort to calling on some favors from Grand Rapids if you keep this up Birdrunner.  

David

[birdrunner]

  I may have to resort to calling on some favors from Grand Rapids if you keep this up Birdrunner.  

David

I'll take your Grand Rapids, and toss in some Glendive

[sammyseaman]

  I may have to resort to calling on some favors from Grand Rapids if you keep this up Birdrunner.  

David

Yeah, they might just "pray" him to death.

[mtrider16]

   So does anyone have any more motorcycle comments?

[MuddDawg]

   So does anyone have any more motorcycle comments?

Sure...  +1 DRZ

[birdrunner]

Sure...  +1 DRZ

I think all those boys who like the teeny DRZ should go over to the

"Pussyfication of America" thread and defend their choices.  


Man up ... Boys.

[MuddDawg]

I think all those boys who like the teeny DRZ should go over to the

"Pussyfication of America" thread and defend their choices.  


Man up ... Boys.

Ok.. I went over there.  Got bored after a couple pages.

I have ridden the Big Red Pig(L not R) and it was a in stock form, and thou the DRZ is Portly in its own right, I will stick with the DRZ which in stock form is also a pig.  But I can't keep anything stock.

I don't want a highway cruiser, I want a street legal dirt bike that I don't have to check the valves every other oil change.

If I could make an CRF 250 Street legal in Warshington I would do it in a heartbeat. Or maybe a 450.  hmmmmm How often do you need to adjust  CRF 450 valves?

[R.Markus]

  hmmmmm How often do you need to adjust  CRF 450 valves?

Almost as often as you need to replace them.

[MuddDawg]

Almost as often as you need to replace them.

Ok...Never mind.  

[GraniteGray]

Since we're now in a new decade, I decided to notch it up a little and start fresh with this 'homemade' dualsport bike. It's my new (and plated) KLX450R...

[Lon]

I'm going to assume you meant "DOT & EPA tested & certified vehicles for on-road use" (which I am fairly sure that not a single plated OHV is), I'd have to say (for 2000-2009 decade):

WR250R

- enough power to cruise at 75+ with reportedly less buzz than a DRZ400S, due to a wide ratio 6-speed gearbox
- enough stator output power whatever you please
- maintenance?  what's that?  
- EFI
- fully adjustable front and rear suspension
- doesn't come with Death Wings from the factory  
- plenty of aftermarket support
- with another extra $1500, you get a fully baked supermoto conversion kit: two bikes in one

Just my opinion, of course.

[Lon]

Since we're now in a new decade, I decided to notch it up a little and start fresh with this 'homemade' dualsport bike. It's my new (and plated) KLX450R...

If we open the scope to plated enduros or motorcross bikes...

I wouldn't have a clue.  That KLX looks totally awesome, though

[R.Markus]

If we open the scope to plated enduros or motorcross bikes...

That is the definition of dual sport. Anything else is just a street bike with knobby tires.

[Dano]

I like my,  06 TE610   except for  the  shallow lock to lock turning radius, it will go anywhere.

[swingset]

My vote too. Give me a lightweight flickable DR to the Honda every time. Hey- I love Hondas, but they don't make the best of everything.

Did you just say that the Dizzer is lightweight and flickable?

 

The Dizz carries it's 290 all uptop, like a big-breasted chick on high heels, and plows on tight technical terrain something fierce. For a "middleweight" DS, it rides like a heavy bike offroad.

It's a fine bike, if you don't mind the screaming-in-pain 5th gear at highway speeds, weak wiring, a desperate need for loctite on the innards, puny carb, plush suspension, rectum-killing seat and abysmal stator output. I mean, other than that stuff, it's an awesome dual sport.

 

[Mike-H]

My 530exc with larger fuel tank & htr oil cooler, 262 lbs "ready to race" as KTM likes to say

[GraniteGray]

That KLX looks totally awesome, though

Thanks.

'Dualsport' means different things to different people, of course, but for me it means a killer woods bike that I can legally ride on the street to connect trail networks. My old DRZ400 was pretty close, but this new KLX450R certainly fits my definition much more tightly. Been havin' a ball on it off road, and it certainly turns heads on the street, too...

[birdrunner]

You guys kill me.  quit trying to justify your bike.

I'd by a Yamaha, ... If I wanted a Piano
I'd by a Husky,   ... If I wanted a chain saw
I'd by a Kawasaki ... if I wanted an oil tanker

[GraniteGray]

You guys kill me.  quit trying to justify your bike.

I'd by a Yamaha, ... If I wanted a Piano
I'd by a Husky,   ... If I wanted a chain saw
I'd by a Kawasaki ... if I wanted an oil tanker

You forgot one...

You'd buy a Honda if you wanted a leaf blower.

 

[photomd]

What about a plated XR400? I had fun switching on/off one in a local HOV area. I'd love to plate one for dualsport runs: great bike.

[scarecrow]

Honda's 650 is a no show for 2010? So sad.

[R.Markus]

Honda's 650 is a no show for 2010? So sad.

It was an old design that was well behind the times. It's about time they pulled it. Maybe they'll bring something worth while to the table in the next year or two.

I don't think most manufacturers are importing much for 2010. If there are a lot of leftover 2008-2009 models of the same machine, you won't see any 2010s for them.

[birdrunner]

You forgot one...

You'd buy a Honda if you wanted a POWER GENERATOR
 

There,  fixed it for ya.  

[GraniteGray]

There,  fixed it for ya.

Nah...Hondas definitely blow!

 

[Dano]

So, did the Husky 610  win this thread?      

 It is a tall bike but for those of us 6ft +  it ain't so bad.  What I like is it will do 80mph all day and still hit single track.  

[SWriverstone]

WR250R.



This is a friggin' amazing bike, period. Light. CRAZY-powerful for a 250. Smooth. Street-legal. Can cruise all day at 70mph on the interstate—WITH a boatload of gear.

I want one!
Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Dan wants one too  

[R Doug]

My 530exc with larger fuel tank & htr oil cooler, 262 lbs "ready to race" as KTM likes to say

+1 !  

Now that I've ridden one (and, ahem... acquired one), I have to toss the 450/530 EXC into the ring for dual sport of the decade.  When KTM says it's "Ready to Race," they mean it.  Of course, it depends what you're looking for in a Dual Sport.  I have come to accept the fact that a dual sport can take on the dirt well and take on the road enough to be legal.  If I have to travel more than 35-50% of my miles on pavement, I'll ride an adventure bike.  If I plan to be in dirt most of the time, I'll take a lightweight bike like the WR250R, Husky 630TE, and the KTM 530 EXC.  

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2010-ktm-530-exc-review-89007.html

This is a dirt bike, a serious dirt bike, with just enough street stuff to satisfy the authorities. Being dirt bikers, those limitations as a street bike are fine with us. Anything more would be unnecessary, and dare we say it…dorky. The KTM 530 EXC is most assuredly not dorky.

If you want an honest, hardcore dirt bike with lights the KTM 530 EXC is the answer. If you want a squishy, comfortable dual-sport bike to ride to the corner store or for endless adventure rides, look elsewhere. The 530 EXC is what it is – a serious dirt bike with turn signals – and what it is we like!

Displacement: 510.4 cc
Transmission: 6 gears / 6 gears wide-ratio
Weight (no fuel):  113.9 kg (251 lbs)

[Nevada]

WR250R.



This is a friggin' amazing bike, period. Light. CRAZY-powerful for a 250. Smooth. Street-legal. Can cruise all day at 70mph on the interstate—WITH a boatload of gear.

I want one!
Scott

You, Sir Scott, are a baaaaad, baaaaad man.  I had just about gotten over jumbo jonesing for one of them, and you go and post all the reasons I want one.  grrrr...

[marc11]

So much wish this bike was available when I purchased my KLX250s, not that I don't love the klx, but man that WR is just amazing.  Oh well, here is hoping for a street legal KLX450s soon.  

[R Doug]

So much wish this bike was available when I purchased my KLX250s, not that I don't love the klx, but man that WR is just amazing.  Oh well, here is hoping for a street legal KLX450s soon.  

I would love to see 450 version of Yamaha's WR250R.  

[marc11]

I would love to see 450 version of Yamaha's WR250R.  

Oh yeah that would be amazing.

[SWriverstone]

I would love to see 450 version of Yamaha's WR250R.  

Agreed—a WR450R would be THE GREATEST MOTORCYCLE OF ALL TIME!!!     I would buy one in a heartbeat—even if it meant getting rid of my beloved Wee-Strom to do it.

Scott

[Cablebandit]

Of course it would cost MORE than a more capable KTM.

[R Doug]

Of course it would cost MORE than a more capable KTM.

I dunno.  What's a WR250R go for these days?  Isn't it about $7,500?  If so, I would estimate a WR450R to be no more than $8,500.

The KTM 450 EXC is around $9,000 and the 530 EXC is around $9,500 MSRP*.  

Most likely, a hypothetical 450 Yam would cost less than the 450 KTM.  



* I purchased my 09 530 EXC as a used bike for much less.  

[bpg]

WR250R.



This is a friggin' amazing bike, period. Light. CRAZY-powerful for a 250. Smooth. Street-legal. Can cruise all day at 70mph on the interstate—WITH a boatload of gear.

I want one!
Scott

8K miles later, still loving mine.    

It's just so ridiculously good at transitioning from interstate to singletrack and everything in between, with very little maintenance.  Plus it's so fun I always feel like I'm doing something illegal when I ride it, lol!  

[Mike-H]

I dunno.  What's a WR250R go for these days?  Isn't it about $7,500?  If so, I would estimate a WR450R to be no more than $8,500.

The KTM 450 EXC is around $9,000 and the 530 EXC is around $9,500 MSRP*.  

Most likely, a hypothetical 450 Yam would cost less than the 450 KTM.  



* I purchased my 09 530 EXC as a used bike for much less.  

But.....you get what you pay for.....that's why I love my EXC 530....light, nimble & very quick (if you can get traction)  

[swingset]

But.....you get what you pay for.....that's why I love my EXC 530....light, nimble & very quick (if you can get traction)  

The EXC is a great bike, but it's a race bike with a plate. Not everyone wants that kind of bike, the WRR fills a different niche. It's a true small dual sport with an insanely long maintenance interval, cheap cost of ownership, with an engine that's very overbuilt.

It's all about the type of riding you do. I've owned KTM big bores, and they're a gas, but now I'm on a TTR250 and can't say enough good about it. It's perfect for what I do, so to get what you pay for might just mean I could have paid $8k for a KTM and it wouldn't have been worth what a $1400 used Yamaha is.

[Lon]

I had just about gotten over jumbo jonesing for one of them, and you go and post all the reasons I want one.  grrrr...

I picked one up  

They're rare on the used market, but I found one for a decent price.  Just waiting on a couple accessories and I'll be good to go.

[axelwik]

I don't know about dual sport of the decade, but I like my XR650L. It does what I tell it. On the rough stuff I rode circles around my buddy on his DRZ400 and kept right up with another buddy on his 690 Enduro last weekend. (Can't just be the bikes.)

The XRL is old tractor technology - big, heavy, and lots of torque, but it works well for me.

[Uncle Leo]

You all fail.

The greatest DUAL SPORT of ALL TIME is.......

[kurtw]

An entry in this year's Baja1k:

[Indefatigable]

Me want bad, very bad.  

[kurtw]

Me too  

Spendy though. For me, whether it would be worth the cost will depend on long-term reliability.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

You guys do realize that half of the bikes posted here - while sexy - are not "dual sports". I see very little evidence of turn signals, a key factor in allowing a bike to be in this category.  

[kurtw]

You guys do realize that half of the bikes posted here - while sexy - are not "dual sports". I see very little evidence of turn signals, a key factor in allowing a bike to be in this category.  

See all that junk hanging off the tail of the 'Berg?  
True, this one is customized, some factory street equipment removed/replaced, but it's a factory dualsport model.

(edit, so are all the others on this page... KLR doesn't have exclusive claim to the term.. .   ).

[Mrs. DantesDame]

True, this one is customized, some factory street equipment removed/replaced, but it's a factory dualsport model.

That I didn't know. Ok - I just look at the pics and ass-u-me that's how the bike comes.  

[arr2]

You all fail.

The greatest DUAL SPORT of ALL TIME is.......

Now that brings back memories. Had a 3 of those, different years, back in the day.
 
It boils down to this. On a budget get the Yamaha WR250. (Maybe substitute a DRZ400).
Not on a budget, Get a KTM EXC.

A KLR is not a Dual Sport bike. Maybe call it a cheap adventure bike. Maybe.
I know all you KLR riders like to defend this bike, but as a offroad bike it SUCKS.
I know I've owned one and hated it. You could give me another, but I would sell it immediately.

[birdrunner]

Next time I start a thread on Dual Sport of the Decade, I should be more specific about which decade.

[kurtw]

Next time I start a thread on Dual Sport of the Decade, I should be more specific about which decade.

No need...this thread will still be going strong a decade from now...

[fastdadio]

You guys do realize that half of the bikes posted here - while sexy - are not "dual sports". I see very little evidence of turn signals, a key factor in allowing a bike to be in this category.  

Turn signals are optional and not required in Michigan. Good thing since they usually end up being trail litter anyway.

The dual sport of the decade is the one your riding. But, to pass the test, you got to keep it running for 10 years.

Run whatcha brung baby!

[Mike-H]

You guys do realize that half of the bikes posted here - while sexy - are not "dual sports". I see very little evidence of turn signals, a key factor in allowing a bike to be in this category.  

Turn signals are optional and not required in Michigan. Good thing since they usually end up being trail litter anyway.

The dual sport of the decade is the one your riding. But, to pass the test, you got to keep it running for 10 years.

Run whatcha brung baby!

 

[SoCal STrider]

Wow,, looks like everyone is wrong   I rode my indestructible XR650L for years on everything from MX (ouch) to single track (it actually rocked) but NO dual sport compares(imho) to the 2009 and later Aprilia RXV 450 except for maybe the 550... top of the line everything right from the manufacturer ... does everything incredibly well!!!!!!

[fastdadio]

A friend of mine bought the 450 prilla. Spending more time in the shop than on the trail. Beautiful bike though. Goes like stink when it runs right. I want one, but, being a po boy I gotta vote with my wallet.

[Lon]

Wow,, looks like everyone is wrong   I rode my indestructible XR650L for years on everything from MX (ouch) to single track (it actually rocked) but NO dual sport compares(imho) to the 2009 and later Aprilia RXV 450 except for maybe the 550... top of the line everything right from the manufacturer ... does everything incredibly well!!!!!!

Performance wise, you may be right.

Unfortunately, when "piston and rings" become wear items that need to be replaced every 5600 miles, it's just not the bike for me.

[hobie1dog]

I went in the back room of the Aprilla/Yamaha dealership recently and there were 4 Aprillia's laying on their sides, all supermoto style/dirt bikes, and the tech said that they all had electrical problems and that Aprillia keeps their service dept. profitable.

[Poustman]

'Dualsport' means different things to different people, of course, but for me it means a killer woods bike that I can legally ride on the street to connect trail networks.

As you point out, your meaning is extremely different than a killer street bike that can handle gravel and dirt roads comfortably.  The Versys and the V-Strom are, I think, on the far end of the continuum.

[919]

I rode through some dirt on my 919 this past weekend.

can I vote for that?  get me some 180/55 x 17 knobbies then we'll see.........

[black hills]

Depends. What you want to do. More technical or more road? Either way the bike of choice orange