XT350 as first dual sport?

[Grainbelt]

May have finally found a dual sport to explore the 'unfinished' parts of Saskatchewan with. Anyone here have experience on an XT350? I'm ok with it being a bit underpowered compared to the 650 thumpers, because it is also significantly lighter. any real highway activity will still happen on the kwak.

Thoughts? I have a 33" inseam so expect I'll be able to flat-foot it and comfortably expand my riding ability to the world of dirt.

Also, the guy is asking 2600 CAD for a 98. I'm thinking its a bit high but not out of line considering it is spring. Reality checks appreciated.

--Mike

[Huron52]

 
My son had one for a while... Nice and quiet but old tech... That is not always a bad thing!

[R.Markus]

I don't see a problem with that bike. Like stated above it will be older technology...but sometimes simple is better.

Being down on power is not a bad thing in the dirt. I had a WR426 that I found (as a dirt noob) to be a bit much while trying to navigate in the woods. It was a hoot in the wide open, though.

Bottom line is...I don't think you could go wrong with the XT. It looks like a fun all around bike.

[techieguy]

I really can't comment on the price but the old XTs are about as bullet proof as you can get.  If you feel the bike was kept is pretty good shape, then go for it.

Techieguy

[Global Rider]

I had a 1986 XT 350. A great bike with no high tech and that is a big plus.

Its got good suspension travel for a DP of that generation.
The seat is a bit narrow and hard. I found 500 mile days long. I only took it on one 2000 mile/4 day tour.
The small gas tank limits its range.

[Grainbelt]

By the time the seller got back to me he was in the process of trading it in. I saw it at the dealer - its in fairly good shape, but they wouldn't give me a price on it is they were in the process of cleaning it up and I don't think they've completed the deal with the seller.

I have no delusions of 500 mile days or long trips. My Ninja 650R has that covered. This bike will be for learning dirt, and may occasionally join me on camping trips via a hitch rack on my pathfinder, which seems like a very painless (read: lazy) way to get into adventure touring and dirt riding in faraway places. Now I just need a hitch, and a hitch rack/ramp thingy, and the bike itself, and a rack for the bike... continue ad nauseum.

Thanks for the input, folks. I'll keep you posted.

[R.Markus]

Now I just need a hitch, and a hitch rack/ramp thingy, and the bike itself, and a rack for the bike... continue ad nauseum.

I feel your pain...it seems the crap you need to acquire after purchasing a different bike is endless...and I am researching a hitch mouted rack for the KLX myself.