I'm looking at getting a dual sport bike, something that is a little easier on the bank for riding on a daily basis. I went and test road a KLR650 today, and coming from riding a 12R, the 650 was a complete dog, and it is one of the larger dual sport bikes. I couldn't even get it to wheelie in first gear without using the clutch. I really want to go off road, but it has to be streetable also or I just can't justify buying it. I was told the vstrom 1000 was a good bike, but it didn't look like it was up to par with the off road capabilities. Anyone have any suggestions on what would make a good on/off road bike. I really just want loads of torque, something that will cruise down the highway at 80mph without straining, and something that can cross a small creek(in the air would work too).

Big Ron - Several guys have them here and I used to have one. I would seriously look at a KTM 625. Will do everything you mentioned above plus some. I loved mine and wish I still had it but other priorities at the time forced me to sell it. I also rode the Kawasaki 650 and a Suzuki 450 DRZ, absolutely no comparison on power. The KTM would lay the smack down on both those bikes but it's NEVER going to be a 12R either. Good luck in your search.

Curt

I'm very close to picking up a 2008 KLR650.
I've been researching them for a few weeks now.
No comparison to the ZX12 in the horsepower dept,
but HP is pretty low on my list of needs with the economy as bad as it is.

Good luck with your decision...

I'll let you know what I do 8)

If you want 12r power in a dual sport, there is only one choice---> KTM 950 Super Enduro.

But I'm not overly sure anything that says KTM on the side is easier on the bank that your 12r is.............

Big Ron
I tried posting new pics of my KTM 950 SE but the gallery is down right now. If you recall, I started a thread on it when I picked it up in 2007 and you checked out the pictures. Miklos is right, the 950 SE is the most powerful "Dual Sport" that can also be used seriously off road. I had a 1999 KLR 650 and loved it, but there is no comparison to the Katoom. I also had one of the earlier KTM LC4's, a 1995 620. The 95 Katoom had the suspension and chassis over the KLR, but not a huge amount more motor. But you can't judge the new large bore single KTM's off an old 1995 model.

The KLR lists at something like 42hp if I recall correctly from the MSR (I don't work at the bike shop anymore so I am going from memory). They claim a tuned 950 SE will put out just under 100hp. I used the KLR quite a bit to commute to work back then and I had to use highways. It just ran out of breath at 80mph and that was what morning get to work traffic cruises at around here. I sold it and swore if any manufacturer ever came out with a V-Twin dual sport, I would be one of the first in line.

The KLR's suspension isn't up for any serious off road work, on the soft side. It rocks on dirt and gravel roads though. I have taken my 950 out on one of our local SuperMoto tracks and jumped a small 15 foot or so table top. I would never have even thought of trying that on my KLR. The 950 has serious suspension components.

Don't get me wrong, the KLR is a really great bike. If you don't plan going on highways or want to jump the thing, bang for the buck and 55mpg, the KLR or a DR 650 is hard to beat.

Price is where the Katoom is going to fall short on your list of criteria, they are expensive, not to mention hard to find.

Thanks for the input guys. I must say buying the 12 was a no brainer, I never thought it would be so hard to choose a motorcycle before. I think I'm going to need a v-twin dual sport to really get what I want. I just don't know what bike yet. The only good thing about not knowing what you want, is test riding lots of bikes :D

I've tried a zillion different ones... my fav is a Suzuki Vstrom 1000...
STUPID strong power, yet you sit upright, super comfy, trail ready...
List price is like $8900!!!

Define trail ready, I have heard good things about these bikes.

Trail ready in that they have high ground clearance under the belly,
ya sit upright, lots of options for bags etc... and yet they can cruise on
the interstate at 120mph all day long. They come with a dual sport
tire, and ride pretty sweet on hard packed stone/dirt roads and trails.
But if you want something that is 90% dirt bike, then take an XR650R and
convert it to street...

Plenty of power for a big guy, good wind blockage...optional bags for
carrying shit to work etc. Several on ebay... 5-6k

BMW F800GS is on sale in the uk now, don't know if they are on sale in the US yet, getting good reviews.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bi...-2008-current/

Nice... but I think they look like a vstrom for twice the price...

I've heard they will be $17k...!!!! but I could be wrong

Actually looks like you may not get it until 2009 and the price isn't set.
Going roughly by the price here and the exchange rate between you and us they should be around $13,500, but i have seen $20,000 mentioned. Maybe not so good at that price.

Here's mine. Picked her up late Saturday hence the crappy photo. Only managed 135 miles on her so far but this thing is soooo comfy compared to the 12. My back and shoulder pain is almost gone and its a pleasure to ride through the city traffic..well almost

MPG is pretty good too. I reckon I'm averaging an extra 12-15 to the gallon and at $2.15 per litre its got to make sense.

Just waiting for the centre stand and colour coded luggage (all part the price) and I'm away 8)

wow that is sweet!!!! I've never seen that before, what do they call it?

I wonder if the states get that....

It's a Varadero
http://www.motorbikestoday.com/revie...n_varadero.htm

Not sure if you get the bike in the States but it is available in the Canadian market for 2008-9

Thanks Connman... yep, it like it... and as usual, nope, we don't get it...

Here's the one I may go get ...
2007 KLR650, 5,000 mi, new michelin tires, tailbag included, service manual included, doohickey already fixed, vibe free mirrors.

He is wanting to go all dirt, that's why he's selling.

$3,750 ... sounds like a good deal to me!

I may do a few dirt roads, nothing seriously off road.

Looks neat u using it for work :?:

Yeah...just a commuter...they get 50-55 mpg.
I may play around on some fire roads, and light off-road,
plus there's lots of twisty roads around here 8)

Pretty hard to argue against the KLR as a commuter. 8) Indistructable.

Just turned 33k on mine...runs like a top. One bike I couldn't live without. 8) 50 MPH no matter how I ride it.

Had an 04 come into the shop today and it sat for 1 1/2 hrs....new owner.

Once you ride one of those, you'll wonder why you ever bought a sportbike...

Dual sports are a blast to ride, and comfortable as all get out... 8)

They lack one thing... the cool factor... :shock:

As a subjective opinion from MY point of view..... .....I think they are way cooler than any of the sportbikes, cruisers, customs, etc.

Once you start wearing a skirt, I'll listen to what you have to say about what's "cool"

Ron,

The DL1000 is a nice ride. I've only had an opportunity to log about 200 miles on mine. Bought it semi wrecked, bought parts, failed to install cosmetic parts as of yet. Wheelies are easy in first, Rev, let off, Rev - (front wheel comes off the ground) shift, shift, scared, let out.

When yer able to land yerself a woman, then I'll consider the fact you know WTF yer talkin about. :twisted:

Hey Ron,How much of a "Of road " bike are you looking for?If you just want to do some fire road exploring ,may i suggest 1 of these beasts,this is my BMW r1150 GS Adventure & its 1 of the best Bikes i have ever owned :D :D .If you want a Full blown off road bike,go elsewhere,But,this can be taken off road,as you can see..Plus its the fisrt bike that fits me,When i purchased it in 05 i was weighing in @ 250 :shock: :shock: lbsAnd 6'4", now down to 210 lbs,most bikes i owned i looked like a Trained Bear act even the 12 looked small,but this bike fits me like a glove..And as i am guessing "Big Ron"
You aint no little guy :wink: :wink: So go to a dealership and see if you cant take 1 out for a spin.If you are ever in central Fla.stop by & take mine for a spin

The part I'm battling with right now is, whether I want to just replace the 12 with a more expensive dual sport 10-14k range. Or do I just want to by a cheap dual sport to do mostly off road and commute to work on.

That BMW looks like a fun machine and I'm sure it would be up for any of the off road tasks that I would attempt to throw at it.

If you're looking to do any real offroad or trail riding, the KLR isn't really that good of an option. It looks the part of being a dirt bike more than it actually does it. A DRZ400 would be a far better option IMO - lighter and better power (with a few simple mods) if you want something that can realistically do road and dirt. If you REALLY want a badass dual sport that is nice and lightweight but streetlegal, check out the Husky TE610. Aprillia has a new V-twin 650 dual sport that is supposed to put out 75 rwhp with a weight of only 200-something pounds(!!!). :shock:

The VStrom is way too big for challenging trail work in my estimation. Some light dirt work, gravel roads, etc., but if you expect to ride stuff where you figure to fall off once in a while, the Strom isn't the one you want to have to try and pick up on a trail (to say nothing of the fairings).

I'm pretty new to the dual-sport thing myself (have a KTM), but the above is what I've observed from riding and riding with the above bikes (as well as lots of reading, etc.).

If you are replacing the 12 and want the ultimate dual sport (ultimate as in off road, being able to jump etc.) go for the KTM 950 SE if you can find one. If you are keeping the 12 and want something with great gas mileage, commute, fire roads, dirt roads, moderate dual sport, go with a Honda, Suzuki or Kawi 650 dual sport.

The Beemers and KTM 950 SM are ok on dirt roads, but I would not want to catch too much air on them or tackle rough off road with the low exhaust.

The limitations on the KTM SE are fuel range and numb but factor (dirt bike seat). For a little more street set up, some go with a 19" front wheel and more street oriented rubber. With that set up, the SE is the Swiss Arm knife of motorcycles, just still limited by fuel range.

You have to be honest with yourself on how you are going to use it and if the extra money for an Beemer or Katoom are worth it. Bang for the buck, the Japanese 650's are hard to beat. All out performance, the KTM 950 SE is one hell of a machine.

STATUS ?

I still enjoy my 9 year old DR650. I have beat it,abused it, wrung its little neck for thousands of miles and It has never complained or let me down. It is till the most used bike in my stable. I also have a V-strom 1000 which is a great bike,but it is in no way a dirt bike.

I went out Sunday a.m. and met the owner
He lives way up in the mountains, beautiful home...and a HUGE shop 8)
About 100 miles from me.
I went with an empty trailer, and cash in my pocket.
And for some reason I backed out at the last second,
I don't even know why.
There was no mechanical issues with the bike, just a little
cosmetic stuff from a 30 mph spill on a dirt road.
He let me take it for a ride.
It shifted great, and handled very nicely ( this was the first one I rode ).
I ALWAYS follow my gut instinct, and I just decided to think about it.

BTW ..he had his brothers bike in his garage, a DRZ400SM!
First one of those I had seen too. Very nice 8)

Three other bikes present, WR450....YZ 250 ... and a GSXR600.
Everything there was spotless!

As Bogus Dave would say .... more later :wink:

Yep, trust yer gut! Thanks for the update.