Dual sport or stick with sport-touring?

[Yankee Dog]

Yes, dual sporting is fun.  




And as long as you keep the missus out of the mud puddles you should be fine.

[Mike-H]

Dirt is good

[Windblown]

Yes, dual sporting is fun.  

Nice!

[napper]

I bought a 2012 XR650L this week & have been enjoying it greatly.  My first thought when I rode it was that it was the slowest thing on two wheels I'd ever been on, but riding such a slow bike fast definitely is much more fun than my zx14 was.  Since it is slow (on the road), I don't have the urge to ride it aggressively.  I took it offroad for a few minutes today riding a pipeline, & it was the most fun I have had on two wheels since I was a kid riding dirt bikes.  It was much more peaceful, yet very challenging, as my dirt skills are a bit rusty after 30 years.  The bike had plenty of power for the steep hills I climbed, & it cruised without any trouble at 65 mph on the highway.  It needs higher bars for offroad work, though, & I've got some on the way.  Thanks again to those who suggested I give dual sporting a try.  It was definitely worth it.

Congratulations on the XRL and welcome to the BRP Club.

The XRL's come from the factory running very lean.  There is a lot more power in that motor within easy reach.  Poke around on 4strokes.com.  If you're at all comfortable with a screwdriver in your hand, Dave's Mods (c) are quick, easy and cheap way to get some oomph and improved thorttle response.

I know you were looking for lower power but what are the XRL's stock, 40 bhp?

My first bike when I got back into riding in '07 was a '93 XRL.  When that was stolen I had a replacement (2000 XRL) within two months.  A few other bikes have come and gone through my garage, but they have all had share space an XRL.  They are great bikes that are easily adaptable to what you want to do.  A change of tires can the whole attitude of the ride.  I replaced the stock seat cover and foam with a Saddleman replacement kit.  I've done 400 mile days several times.  I was ready to get off by the end of the day but it was bearable.  I'm hoping to ride mine to Cabo (on road) in December.  

[JonS]

This week, I finally got a plate for my DRZ. Now that I can dual sport, after riding it on the highway Wednesday, I don't think I will. At least not any distance. My Multi is so much better to ride any distance, and the Suzuki isn't fun at all, on the road, but it great off.  Guess I'm not too big on compromises.

[Yankee Dog]

This week, I finally got a plate for my DRZ. Now that I can dual sport, after riding it on the highway Wednesday, I don't think I will. At least not any distance. My Multi is so much better to ride any distance, and the Suzuki isn't fun at all, on the road, but it great off.  Guess I'm not too big on compromises.

It all about using the right tool for the right job.

[buls4evr]

This week, I finally got a plate for my DRZ. Now that I can dual sport, after riding it on the highway Wednesday, I don't think I will. At least not any distance. My Multi is so much better to ride any distance, and the Suzuki isn't fun at all, on the road, but it great off.  Guess I'm not too big on compromises.

  When you do get to a good dirt road or trail though that MultiS is no match for that Dizzer. The key is to decide where to ride each bike and live with their merits and shortcomings too. The world slows down a lot on the street with a Dizzer.Enjoy them both.

[klrken]

I've been riding dualsports all my riding life starting with a Yamaha DT 100. I'm now on my second klr 650 and still love it! I also have a v-strom 1000 but nothing beats a dualsport for getting away from it all. I would suggest starting on a smaller ds though.

[X1Glider]

this could be an issue. Because if you ride hard on a street bike, what makes you think you will change your habits while riding in the woods. It can be a long hike out by yourself with injuries.

This.

My first dirt bike was an '85 Honda XL600R that weighed 325 lbs and was kickstart only.  I didn't have people to ride with at the time so I was always alone.  One afternoon I hit a patch of wet red clay and slid into a tree.  I made impact with my shin, just above the boot.  I immediately knew what just happened.  So I lay there for a while, letting the pain subside, then testing if I had ankle movement.  Yes, reluctantly.

Now, the XL was difficult to get started all the time, but when layed down, it was worse.  I always had to take off the tank and pull the spark plug, then a bunch of hard kicks would get it turned over.  By this time, my bad heart was usually pounding away hard..moreso when it's 100 degrees out.  Well, my kickstart leg was toast.  Worse yet, I was in a part of the woods where some of the loops intermingle and the sun was starting to get low and the Camelback was close to empty.  I was considering crawling out without the bike, but knew that would be real slow.  A main road might have been 2 miles away provided I didn't double back on a loop in the dark.  So I set to work, getting the bike upright against a tree and disassembled to try and start it.  Took about 30 minutes to get it it turned over and knew I had to be careful to not fall over again or stall it.  A slow 1st gear ride out and I was back at the trail head.  Even got the bike on the back of the vehicle.

Leg wasn't broken, just a small fracture and a hematoma that lasted 5 weeks.  Thing is, the wife really didn't know where I go riding and there are 70 miles worth of trails I could be on even if she did know where it was.  Cell phone signals are very spotty...1 bar when you're  lucky.  This made me realize that if I had a worse injury, I may not have made it back.

When I got better, I cleaned up the bike, sold it and bought a CRF450X with e-start!!!

I wasn't a fast rider but I would crash at least 4 times every time I'd go for a ride.  Just the nature of a surface that moves out from underneath you and 60% of the trails are sand strewn.  Plus to beat the heat, 90% of my rides turned into night rides on the CRF.  I had the same pace day or night.  But that's because I sucked.

Not much point to this post really.  Just use your head and you'll be fine.

[X1Glider]

I would like to have another DS.  I can't say I'm too happy with what is offered in the US.  I wish the XT 660 was available.

[Yankee Dog]

I would like to have another DS.  I can't say I'm too happy with what is offered in the US.  I wish the XT 660 was available.

seems to me they offer the gamut.  However if you are chasing the grail.....    

[black hills]

seems to me they offer the gamut.  However if you are chasing the grail.....    

Exactly.... KTM or Yamaha offer anything from 250 to 1000cc