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What should I get?


Casper

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I haven't really ridden dirt bikes since I was a kid. I had a 100 back then. I've been shopping around. What should I get? 125? 250? 400? 450? I'm just looking to go trail riding and screwing around. Maybe strap a tent and a sleeping bag to the back and go camping. I really like the idea of a dual sport, but I keep hearing they suck for trail riding. Is this true? I really like the Suzuki DR650SE and the Kawasaki KLR650. But I want to make sure it'll handle trails and screwing around offroad. Or should I just get an all out dirtbike, throw it in the back of the truck and roll that way? Angrish? Scuba-Steve? Austin? Anybody else?

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I have ridden both types, and if you want to really trial ride, get the all out dirt bike. Ive actually been going with a couple buddies a lot lately and its a blast. Get a 250 4 stroke, Better for trials. More constant power. Im gonna try to save up for one too. I rode on a motocross track for the first time last sunday... its a hoooot! YZ250F... get a newer one with the aluminum frame and you will be ready to rock!! :D

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Enduro Porn!

Yamaha WR250R

10MS_WR250R_blu_S3_86cdb083.jpg

What about something like the 2009 Kawasaki KLX250?

2009_KLX250S.jpg

Meef had the klx and bought a wr250r

I've got the 250r and I LOVE it.

You gotta ask yourself how much you'll be doing the "serious" trails. Because if it isn't 50% or more of your riding, you're better off on a bike that makes a couple compromises to give you better street manners.

Mine's free for a test ride any time.

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I honestly think dual sport is the way I want to go. So then the next question (or first question), what size? I've heard 250's kinda suck on the road. Most of the guys I've talked to that do the serious adventure rides say to get the DR650. I just want to strap camping gear on the back, head out into the woods, and have fun. And I should add, I'm 6'3" and 200 - 220lbs.

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I honestly think dual sport is the way I want to go. So then the next question (or first question), what size? I've heard 250's kinda suck on the road. Most of the guys I've talked to that do the serious adventure rides say to get the DR650. I just want to strap camping gear on the back, head out into the woods, and have fun. And I should add, I'm 6'3" and 200 - 220lbs.

Say the word man. I think the 2 fiddy would impress you. I'm 6' and about 200, so not much difference there. I've seen a 'true' 85mph and it'll run with traffic ALL day long. The bike doesn't really feel small either. I can't flat foot it with both feet.

Meef can offer a better direct comparison as he owns both right now, but the DR will offer better road manners just by virtue of HP alone but will suffer in the gnarlier stuff.

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im no expert but i favor the honda 250, 4cylinder if you are just messing around. its has peaky response time, reliable, and my personal opinion, best in retaining value. I'd do anything to swap my 100 for the 250....

the XR is a good woods bike but has NOTHING on the WR. It's way down on technology and amenities.

(don't bite my head off, I've got 3 honda dirtbikes too!)

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im no expert but i favor the honda 250, 4cylinder if you are just messing around. its has peaky response time, reliable, and my personal opinion, best in retaining value. I'd do anything to swap my 100 for the 250....

WOW, Honda is bringing back to life the 1964 RC 164 4 cylinder 250 and dropping it in a dirtbike frame, where do I sign up? :D

Casper, you might consider the Suzuki DR400 if you really want a dual sport, it is a much better off road performer than the 650. You didn't say if you were looking for new or used and if you looking for used try and find 1 that has already had the suspension modified. If you are in the 220# range now then strap another 30# of camping gear to the back you won't have much range left in the travel, most dirtbikes are sprung for a 175# max. It's pretty easy to change springs though so don't let that be a deciding factor.

If you already have a pickup truck I would get a real dirtbike and haul it to the place you want to ride it. You can put real dirt tires on then and won't wreck them by riding pavement. Another good thing about hauling is when you crash ( & you will crash riding in the dirt) you still got a way home if you crush a radiator or get a flat.

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WOW, Honda is bringing back to life the 1964 RC 164 4 cylinder 250 and dropping it in a dirtbike frame, where do I sign up? :D

Casper, you might consider the Suzuki DR400 if you really want a dual sport, it is a much better off road performer than the 650. You didn't say if you were looking for new or used and if you looking for used try and find 1 that has already had the suspension modified. If you are in the 220# range now then strap another 30# of camping gear to the back you won't have much range left in the travel, most dirtbikes are sprung for a 175# max. It's pretty easy to change springs though so don't let that be a deciding factor.

If you already have a pickup truck I would get a real dirtbike and haul it to the place you want to ride it. You can put real dirt tires on then and won't wreck them by riding pavement. Another good thing about hauling is when you crash ( & you will crash riding in the dirt) you still got a way home if you crush a radiator or get a flat.

I'll see your DRZ and raise you: a sixth gear, an aluminum frame, -50 lbs, 350 Watt stator, REAL suspension.... :D

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for what its worth... I had a DRZ400S with an Athena 440 kit and FCR race carb and gutted exhaust and It wouldnt do 85 mph on flat ground, and I know it was reading high. On the other hand, 85mph on the freeway on a dirtbike is scary...add wind... never again.

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DR650 is a great DS bike, it's very capable and versatile and can do it all. It won't be a superb woods bike, but it'll do it.

The thing is, all dirt bikes are compromises - every last one of them. It all depends on where you ride the most, and what your expectations are. The DR650 is rugged as hell, simple, and has a great aftermarket. I don't think you can go wrong there.

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