Psssssst! If you want to talk about bikes.....

[scottzilla]

I know, this place has been pretty edgy lately.  Nobody comes down here to dirt lovers.  It's the basement of STN.  The assho's are in OT talking nonesense, they will never even know we're down here.  

My crazy buying pattern may be coming to an end.  The XX isn't going anywhere and I really like the Tuono. It may indeed be the perfect naked for me.  
The KLR opened up a whole new world for me and I give it credit for that.  It's big, heavy and every other negative you heard about though. Wonder if something lighter may be in my future?  

So if you want to talk about bikes, c'mon in.

[DogBoy]

Notice how you enjoy road bikes with good suspension and (relatively) light weight? Those features are even more important off-road. Try something a little more exotic and you will love it. You can still drop it and get it dirty and not feel bad.

[mugwump58]

Now that my KLX 250 SF is a 300 I realize that it's going to become a disturbing trend...

I'd really like to see some of the 450s turn into street bikes with tire sizes that allow for some of the dual purpose tires not really available in the smaller 17" wheel range. Then I can have my cake and eat it too!

A motorcycle forum? What a novel idea!

[scottzilla]

Roadworthiness.  It has to do well on the slab.  The KLR is suprisingly ok on the hwy (knobbies cause some weave and nasty headshake around 75 or so).  If it can't do 200 miles at hwy speeds, it's no good for me.
Also, it really can't be too racy.  Trail riding is ok but racing through the woods may grab the attention of the police, angry hikers and nearby houses.  I don't want my bike impounded.  
This is what keeps me from looking at KTMs  .
Plus, they're expensive.  

[garry]

Ridersville Cycle in Berkeley Springs (WV) was selling 2011 Husky TE630s for $6100 OTD (pay sales tax, etc in your state). That's a crazy good price for a very nice 50/50 dual-sport bike. Might be worth looking around your neck of the woods for a Husky dealer with a leftover.

[Meemuh]

I picked up the boy a little Honda 70 this spring.  After 1 season, it looks like he's a fan.
He's only 9 now, but eventually I'd like to do some trail riding with him.

This isn't anything I know anything about - but I'm going to have to start saving my pennies for something.
Suggestions?

[kurtw]

Notice how you enjoy road bikes with good suspension and (relatively) light weight? Those features are even more important off-road. Try something a little more exotic and you will love it. You can still drop it and get it dirty and not feel bad.

+1

Roadworthiness

Well, you just can't have it all. If a WR250R is as roadworthy as some people say, and still be geared reasonably for offroad, then maybe that (I haven't ridden one).  Otherwise, any of the 650 class machines can be roadworthy in terms of motor and reliability, so it's just a matter of setup and how well they meet your offroad needs.

My KTM690 is a stellar bike offroad and with it's smooth revy motor and a little windscreen installed, it's great on the road too. As long as I am okay with burning up knobbies (it's part of the deal).

I'm know the same could be said of the Husky TE (great deal above). Even an XRL or DR 650 could be set up to be usable on the road and still handle offroad better than the chunky KLR.

----

From the weekend before last: light-weight overnight loop around SE Oregon with lots high-speed desert riding, many technical bits, some slab, silt, etc, plus a couple more day rides from base camp.

Three ways to get the job done -

[Mac]

I would also look at the DRZ 400s. Yes its heavy, but still lighter than the KLR. It is underpowered, but makes more HP than the KLR. It is not the cheapest dp bike out there, but is waaaaay less then a KTM.

I've had it on the hwy at extra legal speeds for hours with no issues. It performed well in an enduro race, but tended to get heavier after the 10th time I dropped it. The seat it pure murder on the behind, but name an offroad bike whos seat isn't.

All in all it is a great all around dual purpose machine.

[Meemuh]

+1



Well, you just can't have it all. If a WR250R is as roadworthy as some people say, and still be geared reasonably for offroad, then maybe that (I haven't ridden one).  Otherwise, any of the 650 class machines can be roadworthy in terms of motor and reliability, so it's just a matter of setup and how well they meet your offroad needs.

My KTM690 is a stellar bike offroad and with it's smooth revy motor and a little windscreen installed, it's great on the road too. As long as I am okay with burning up knobbies (it's part of the deal).

I'm know the same could be said of the Husky TE (great deal above). Even an XRL or DR 650 could be set up to be usable on the road and still handle offroad better than the chunky KLR.

----

From the weekend before last: light-weight overnight loop around SE Oregon with lots high-speed desert riding, many technical bits, some slab, silt, etc, plus a couple more day rides from base camp.

Three ways to get the job done -

Just gotta say - awesome pic.

[scottzilla]

Ridersville Cycle in Berkeley Springs (WV) was selling 2011 Husky TE630s for $6100 OTD (pay sales tax, etc in your state). That's a crazy good price for a very nice 50/50 dual-sport bike. Might be worth looking around your neck of the woods for a Husky dealer with a leftover.

My Honda dealer sells Husky and I missed that sale by a week.  He had already sold the last one he had (Or could get).

[scottzilla]

The WR could be the bike.  It has to be easier to pick up than the KLR.

[Ack535]

I picked up the boy a little Honda 70 this spring.  After 1 season, it looks like he's a fan.
He's only 9 now, but eventually I'd like to do some trail riding with him.

This isn't anything I know anything about - but I'm going to have to start saving my pennies for something.
Suggestions?

I started trail riding this past year with my son, and have been having a total blast. Like it way more than street riding, which is funny because I never would have thought that in a million years.

I started on a Honda XR200 but quickly moved into a XR250 which is a much better bike. Absolutely love the XR250 light, fast, easy to ride, but plenty of power.



You will have tons of fun with your son!

[Cablebandit]

Ridersville Cycle in Berkeley Springs (WV) was selling 2011 Husky TE630s for $6100 OTD (pay sales tax, etc in your state). That's a crazy good price for a very nice 50/50 dual-sport bike. Might be worth looking around your neck of the woods for a Husky dealer with a leftover.

Really!?  I was on their site last week and didn't see any in inventory.  That is a pretty good deal.

[KLRchickie]

The WR could be the bike.  It has to be easier to pick up than the KLR.

Much, much easier to pick up!  I know from experience

I don't *want* to do long stretches of slab on the WR (with either dirt or street wheels on it), but it CAN be done on that bike.  Get a bigger fuel tank & it's good for a substantial amount of mileage.

[scottzilla]

Is the DR650 that much better than the KLR off-road that it could be considered a compromise between the KLR and WR or is that a stretch?  

[sammyseaman]

Is the DR650 that much better than the KLR off-road that it could be considered a compromise between the KLR and WR or is that a stretch?  

It's been a long time since I rode the DR650 but I'd think the DR400 would be right about in between a KLR and a WR250  

I grew up on dirt and really miss it. Me thinks my next bike will be a DP, but which? DR400? WR250? XR250? XR400? DR650? I just can't decide!   I know one thing. It has to be reasonably priced  

[kurtw]

Just gotta say - awesome pic.

Lots more where that came from if you want an RR thread.  

The DRZ is a solid DS bike that is capable of highway miles. It's more of a compromise of course.

IMHO, you really have to decide first if you want to optimize for on-road or off-road (even if it's deciding 60/40 or 40/60) when choosing the bike. Then set it up for whatever compromises you need to make. You'll get nowhere starting from the premise that you want a lightweight offroad bike that is comfortable for long highway miles, and oh it should be cheap too. It doesn't exist. For a reason...trying to build it will be an expensive exercise.

Edit to add: Ack - love those little XRs!

[Meemuh]

Deciding on use is the easy part....
80/20 dirt & trail.  I've got a couple I can play with already on pavement already.  The only street use a DS would see is going from farm to farm around home...

[servicerifle]

 You can still drop it and get it dirty and not feel bad.

Feel bad?  Hell most of the time you can't even tell!  

[Gat]

I have a 2002 XR400 that I street titled earlier this year.  I don't mind doing some single track riding but I found I really love dual sport riding!  There are the few area's about 30 minutes from my place where I can run all the 2-track and gravel I want.  I've hooked up with the local ADV and dual sport guys and we try to ride about once a month.  Dual sport guys are fun as there's quite a variance between machines.  KLR, titled dirt bikes, BMW GS's, Triumphs, even a hacked Goldwing  

[Meemuh]

what - no pic of Reddog down?

[Gat]

what - no pic of Reddog down?

Here's Reddog, he's away's up and ready to go!  

[Windblown]

When it comes to dual sporting I consider it to be broken down into three broad categories:

Adventure class  -   400+ lbs wet weight. Good for fire roads, two-track, and longish distances on pavement.  Their weight is not an issue until you start to get pounded in rocky terrain and the suspension gets overwhelmed,  or the front decides it wants go a different direction than you do in the mud. Not a bike that's easy to dab back up right and not a bike that most enjoy having to pick up off the ground often.

D/S class   -    300-399  lbs wet weight. Good for most off-road conditions up through moderate single track. Not a bike that's enjoyable to ride across multiple state lines as a rule (stick to shorter on pavement travels).  You don't want to have to pick it up multiple times in a day but an occasional drop doesn't make you cry.

Plated dirt bike Class  -   Less than 300 lbs wet. Up to any off-road task the rider can handle. Pavement usually viewed only as a necessary evil.  Gas range sucks as a rule unless you buy a big after market tank, which takes away from the point of buying  a sub 300lb bike. You don't really care if have to pick it up multiple times during the day, after all that's why you bought a dirt bike, to challenge yourself and your abilities and falling down is viewed as part of the normal day to day experience.

There are those who will point out that they can ride adventure class bikes to the depths of hell and return unscathed. Let me just say right up front I don't doubt that one minute. My view point is just an average riders viewpoint and as such is probably valid for the majority here.

My opinion on tires next.....  Hahahahahaha.

[R Doug]

Great summary Wind.  

Is the DR650 that much better than the KLR off-road that it could be considered a compromise between the KLR and WR or is that a stretch?  

I had a KLR for a few months UNTIL I tested a DR650.  I made the switch right away.  The DRZ400 and WR250R are even better off road.  But,   If you ever ride a Plated dirt bike, you'll do everything you can to make that your choice of bike.  Of course, the trade off is a bike which is not very friendly for long periods on road.  

As a friend of mine once said, you need the right horse for the course.  

[sammyseaman]

When it comes to dual sporting I consider it to be broken down into three broad categories:

Adventure class  -   400+ lbs wet weight. Good for fire roads, two-track, and longish distances on pavement.  Their weight is not an issue until you start to get pounded in rocky terrain and the suspension gets overwhelmed,  or the front decides it wants go a different direction than you do in the mud. Not a bike that's easy to dab back up right and not a bike that most enjoy having to pick up off the ground often.

D/S class   -    300-399  lbs wet weight. Good for most off-road conditions up through moderate single track. Not a bike that's enjoyable to ride across multiple state lines as a rule (stick to shorter on pavement travels).  You don't want to have to pick it up multiple times in a day but an occasional drop doesn't make you cry.

Plated dirt bike Class  -   Less than 300 lbs wet. Up to any off-road task the rider can handle. Pavement usually viewed only as a necessary evil.  Gas range sucks as a rule unless you buy a big after market tank, which takes away from the point of buying  a sub 300lb bike. You don't really care if have to pick it up multiple times during the day, after all that's why you bought a dirt bike, to challenge yourself and your abilities and falling down is viewed as part of the normal day to day experience.

There are those who will point out that they can ride adventure class bikes to the depths of hell and return unscathed. Let me just say right up front I don't doubt that one minute. My view point is just an average riders viewpoint and as such is probably valid for the majority here.

My opinion on tires next.....  Hahahahahaha.

Excellent post and I concur totally. Is that a Wiki quote on DP bikes? LOL

[scottzilla]

I welcome his opinion on tires.  

[Meemuh]

or pretty much anything else...it's learnin time.

[buls4evr]

 The DR650 is an excellent OR/ADV bike and is surprisingly capable of road speeds....much better than my DRZ400 for instance. We ride a big variety of OR terrain each year and my 2 friends do a great job even in those rock gardens on their DRs. The KLR is capable as an off roader but it is tall. We also ride with some of those out West. All the guys I have ever seen on 1 were 6-2 or bigger. Of course tire selection to match terrain is everything. The KLRs seem to need more suspension work than some also...but all bikes in the ADV class do in my opinion. This is especially true if you tend to ride in rocky areas.

 Thanks for opening a thread that actually talks about bikes and impressions instead of senseless personal bashing.

[DogBoy]

Lots of good options discussed in this thread. Give them all plenty of consideration before you eventually by a KTM.  

[R Doug]

Lots of good options discussed in this thread. Give them all plenty of consideration before you eventually by a KTM.  

 

[scottzilla]

Nobody goes from a KLR straight to a KTM.  Nobody.

[DogBoy]

Until now. You're a rebel. swim upstream. Push back at the incrowd. Mix some metaphors.

[scottzilla]

Get on the trolley.  Or, get off the trolley.

[phoenix]

Aprilia RXV 450 or 550

light weight, big enough to ride the highway and not a thumper (which might be sacrilegious).

but personally I will be shopping for a YZ250F soon.
highway riding and dirtbikes ain't a combination for me. Take it out there in the truck.

[scotteroni]

I have an 87 Honda XLl250R dual sport that is perfect for what i use it for.  That is exploring around my local area going out an hr or two in any direction, getting around on public roads to find the random trails, dirt back roads and power lines  from where I live. Even though it's not an XR it's still light and torquey with plenty of grunt with stock gearing.  I don't plan on taking it on the highway much and I don't plan on going on highly technical trails where I'd risk doing damage to my body and limbs. I don't race it, jump it or plan on going thru two foot deep mud bogs. It didn't cost me much and it's very easy to work on and it's not too pretty that I'm afraid to put another scratch in the fender or dent in the tank. The only thing I wish it had was electric start.  If I want to go for a long day trip on pavement to chew up scenery I have my 82 CB900C to turn to.

[Mike-H]

I have a ktm 530 exc (black) with a fan kit, acerbis 13 liter tank & an auxiliary oil cooler (adds 1/2 liter of oil)...it's super light weight (you do get what you pay for) & the 6 day knobbies (more like 6 mins) which still give no traction, lower gearing for single track work (& it will still do 80mph)....I started in the dirt 49 years ago & went back in 08 (on the ktm) best money I ever spent, it's a blast to ride in all conditions off road or on.....though I do confess  I usually transport it  in my pickup (to save the knobbies) ....buy one & you won't regret it.

[buls4evr]

  Just put a 3.9 gal Clarke tank on the DRZ which should extend my range to about 230 miles. The WeeStrom just keeps getting more dirt oriented looking all the time. Hmmmm....looks like I prefer to ride dirt roads more than asphalt it seems! Did you know that there is "another America" back down those dirt roads that many will never experience with their street only bikes? And the ability to also travel dirt roads will open up many more miles of riding that is not on maps. We are back to the original "scrambler" idea of the 60s and 70s only now we just call it "adventure" biking. I love this.

[Kraz]

Aprilia RXV 450 or 550

light weight, big enough to ride the highway and not a thumper (which might be sacrilegious).

The thing that gets me about some of these yupee'in medium sized singles is that they're based off a race motor that calls for lots of maintenance.  I think about longevity and maintenance requirements a lot when I'm bike shopping.

[DogBoy]

Agreed. The Aprilias are really pure race bikes. You have to pull the engine for the frequent valve checks and service intervals include piston replacement. Not practical for any real road use. Most are for sale as soon as the first major service is due. The bikes are awesome and may be the best sounding v-twin on earth    but they stand out as very maintenance intensive even among the other race bikes.

[buls4evr]

  Everyone but buls4evr and Scottzilla must be in hibernation mode. I  did a dualsport ride in NM last weekend that went well. There was a guy on a Husky 510 that rode with us and the bike ran great....except it only got 28 mpg! Man my old 2 strokes were better than that. How do guys with Huskys live with that? A 3 gal tank that does not go 90 miles is useless out here in the desert. He was always worried about where the next gas was. I could not live with that.

[Windblown]

Been outta action for awhile working on some mid-winter upgrades and missing some great riding weather here.  

The good news is my suspension should be back from the rebuilder sometime this coming week so I should be ready to ride the following weekend if I decide to hold off stripping the bike all the way down so I can get the frame powder coated.

[sammyseaman]

 Did you know that there is "another America" back down those dirt roads that many will never experience with their street only bikes?

I take the Thrux down them all the time. Although I probably shouldn't. As a matter of fact, I should probably pick up an enduro....or sell the Thrux and buy a Scrambler, strip off everything that isn't necessary and ride the piss out of it.
I miss the dirt

[buls4evr]

I take the Thrux down them all the time. Although I probably shouldn't. As a matter of fact, I should probably pick up an enduro....or sell the Thrux and buy a Scrambler, strip off everything that isn't necessary and ride the piss out of it.
I miss the dirt

  Just make the Thrux into a scrambler! The engine is mild enough. Just need MX bars. Shinko 705 tires and the scrambler seat and some fork gaiters. Bet you can even get some cool retro old round # plates like the Mc Queen-Baird ISDT replica has. Oh and a skidplate for your trip to WV or TN or NM or AZ with it! Those bikes are mellow and nicely balanced. Actually the "scrambler version" needs more engine anyway so you have the good engine already.

[sprintrock]

Does anybody here have any experience with the Shinko 705.  I just bought a pair for the KLR and haven't put them on yet.  

[sprintrock]

I just read some nasty stuff on ADV about this tire.  Hope it goes well.

[JonS]

Recently, I have been checking out dual sports and have come to the conclusion that 400s are the ones for me. The Honda XR400, Suzuki DRZ 400, and the Yamaha WR400. The Yamaha is the lightest.  With the DRZ, the 2002 and 3 have the best stock suspension. It's same as their "E" bikes, which are full Enduro. Actually, it seems like a lot of people have managed to get their DZR400E bikes registered for the street. The E is also lighter and faster.
These guys know everything. http://www.thumpertalk.com/index

[Mike-H]

Recently, I have been checking out dual sports and have come to the conclusion that 400s are the ones for me. The Honda XR400, Suzuki DRZ 400, and the Yamaha WR400. The Yamaha is the lightest.  With the DRZ, the 2002 and 3 have the best stock suspension. It's same as their "E" bikes, which are full Enduro. Actually, it seems like a lot of people have managed to get their DZR400E bikes registered for the street. The E is also lighter and faster.
These guys know everything. http://www.thumpertalk.com/index

But it's still only a 400

[JonS]

 

But it's still only a 400

 

[buls4evr]

I just read some nasty stuff on ADV about this tire.  Hope it goes well.

  I have good experience with them. The radial one is the one you want not the bias ply. Guys that have trouble with them usually... 1. overinflate or underinflate them, 2. run them faster than you are supposed to go with them on heavy bikes/loaded down. Under normal use they are great tires. I use mine on a WeeStrom.

[Mastros2]

So Scott, what are you thinking?  I have zero experience with dual sport bikes but the logical progression looks like the Dr-z or the kawi version (klx400, only made it for a few years).

[sammyseaman]

Recently, I have been checking out dual sports and have come to the conclusion that 400s are the ones for me. The Honda XR400, Suzuki DRZ 400, and the Yamaha WR400. The Yamaha is the lightest.  With the DRZ, the 2002 and 3 have the best stock suspension. It's same as their "E" bikes, which are full Enduro. Actually, it seems like a lot of people have managed to get their DZR400E bikes registered for the street. The E is also lighter and faster.
These guys know everything. http://www.thumpertalk.com/index

The zook is prolly what ill end up buying if/when I get back into dirt. Damn I miss dirtbiking!

[scottzilla]

So Scott, what are you thinking?  I have zero experience with dual sport bikes but the logical progression looks like the Dr-z or the kawi version (klx400, only made it for a few years).

So far.....nothing.  
The KLR is the trail bike and the Tuono is the fun bike.  I think I can go one more year on the current stable.  At least until I have to pick up the big ass KLR after a spill again.  

[1Arm]

  I have good experience with them. The radial one is the one you want not the bias ply. Guys that have trouble with them usually... 1. overinflate or underinflate them, 2. run them faster than you are supposed to go with them on heavy bikes/loaded down. Under normal use they are great tires. I use mine on a WeeStrom.

What he said.  I have one on the rear of my Versys, it has worked well on everything from gravel to freeway for over 5k miles, I'm going to get another one when this one is gone.

[sprintrock]

Thanks for the info on the shinkos!

[JonS]

Recently, I have been checking out dual sports and have come to the conclusion that 400s are the ones for me. The Honda XR400, Suzuki DRZ 400, and the Yamaha WR400. The Yamaha is the lightest.  With the DRZ, the 2002 and 3 have the best stock suspension. It's same as their "E" bikes, which are full Enduro. Actually, it seems like a lot of people have managed to get their DZR400E bikes registered for the street. The E is also lighter and faster.
These guys know everything. http://www.thumpertalk.com/index

This weekend, I put my money where my mouth was.


It was a 9 hour drive to Yuma, AZ to buy it. The bike is a 2002 DRZ 400E and to my surprise, it came with a title and AZ plate. It rides very nice. I haven't ridden a bike with knobies in 30 years, so I will be relearning for a while. I'll have to buy the  parts to make it street legal here, as they have a safety inspection to get a Utah plate.
It sat for the last 3 years. It was on Craigs list there and I found it  Googling the model and used Bike finds.
http://www.bikefinds.com/suzuki-drz400-for-sale

[buls4evr]

This weekend, I put my money where my mouth was.


It was a 9 hour drive to Yuma, AZ to buy it. The bike is a 2002 DRZ 400E and to my surprise, it came with a title and AZ plate. It rides very nice. I haven't ridden a bike with knobies in 30 years, so I will be relearning for a while. I'll have to buy the  parts to make it street legal here, as they have a safety inspection to get a Utah plate.
It sat for the last 3 years. It was on Craigs list there and I found it  Googling the model and used Bike finds.
http://www.bikefinds.com/suzuki-drz400-for-sale

  JonS ... For Utah rocks you want a good skid plate on that right away. I use a Thumper Talk one. You want to protect that lower frame drain really well and that stock plastic thing is junk. Look at Edge prods lights in LED and you will also need the LED flasher. The E headlight also is not DOT legal. For tires look at Dunlop 606s for rear and Pirelli pro-scorpion FIM enduro front. Both street legal, work very well in your part of the world and last quite well. Have fun on that....

[JonS]

  JonS ... For Utah rocks you want a good skid plate on that right away. I use a Thumper Talk one. You want to protect that lower frame drain really well and that stock plastic thing is junk. Look at Edge prods lights in LED and you will also need the LED flasher. The E headlight also is not DOT legal. For tires look at Dunlop 606s for rear and  front. Both street legal, Pirelli pro-scorpion FIM enduro work very well in your part of the world and last quite well. Have fun on that....

Thanks for the tips! I already saw the Thumper skid plate and the price is great.

[Mac]

Don't forget the engine side case protectors and to file down the edges of the shift lever. I had my drz fall over in the garage and even with the side protector the shifter punched through the case.

[JonS]

Don't forget the engine side case protectors and to file down the edges of the shift lever. I had my drz fall over in the garage and even with the side protector the shifter punched through the case.

  Thanks

[buls4evr]

Don't forget the engine side case protectors and to file down the edges of the shift lever. I had my drz fall over in the garage and even with the side protector the shifter punched through the case.

  What mac says is completely true. You can get the side case protectors from TT also same as the skid plate. While you are at it put their manual cam chain tensioner on your list of must haves.

 do not trust the stock air cleaner if it is more than a year old. In your dust there I would use a Twin-Air foam filter.

[scottzilla]

Nice.

[JonS]

  What mac says is completely true. You can get the side case protectors from TT also same as the skid plate. While you are at it put their manual cam chain tensioner on your list of must haves.

 do not trust the stock air cleaner if it is more than a year old. In your dust there I would use a Twin-Air foam filter.

Thanks again! Both seem like a good idea.

[buls4evr]

 Such is the weird thinking of Suzuki.... Put a 20 lb exhaust high up on the bike where you don't want it. THEN put magnesium flimsy,thin side cases on the engine to LIGHTEN UP the bike!!!!  Should be the other end up. And you know they can build a great aluminum silencer like the one on an RMFZ450. Sometimes the thinking is just strange.

[scottzilla]

 Such is the weird thinking of Suzuki.... Put a 20 lb exhaust high up on the bike where you don't want it. THEN put magnesium flimsy,thin side cases on the engine to LIGHTEN UP the bike!!!!  Should be the other end up. And you know they can build a great aluminum silencer like the one on an RMFZ450. Sometimes the thinking is just strange.

Marketing gimmick, nothing more.

[JonS]

 Such is the weird thinking of Suzuki.... Put a 20 lb exhaust high up on the bike where you don't want it. THEN put magnesium flimsy,thin side cases on the engine to LIGHTEN UP the bike!!!!  Should be the other end up. And you know they can build a great aluminum silencer like the one on an RMFZ450. Sometimes the thinking is just strange.

Yes, I totally agree with you! Who puts  fragile engine parts for a dirt bike. :headscratch:On the other hand, I found today that the 400E is a very good ride, even with the stock exhaust. A 50 mile ride on a BLM road and I'm in love.
No, it isn't a KTM, but mine only cost $1600 used.

[Windblown]

Yes, I totally agree with you! Who puts  fragile engine parts for a dirt bike.

KTM (as well as others) uses magnesium case covers as well and trust me they are easy to break...  

DR-Z is a great bike. Put a good skid plate and TT side covers on it and enjoy.

[buls4evr]

KTM (as well as others) uses magnesium case covers as well and trust me they are easy to break...  

DR-Z is a great bike. Put a good skid plate and TT side covers on it and enjoy.

   Is this where we ask you how you know those covers are fragile Windblown?  Yikes...

[Windblown]

   Is this where we ask you how you know those covers are fragile Windblown?  Yikes...

Let's just say I have a bright new shiney stator cover on the 525. LOL

[Mike-H]

Hence the handle Windblown?