Opinion - Which DS to buy?

[shrubitup]

Originally Posted by yondering

don't buy one and expect to put 40,000 miles on it before a rebuild.

Who does that anymore? People always buying and selling I tell ya.

If you want a lightweight dual sport (around 250 lbs. ready to ride) you either buy European or get a Japanese dirt model and get it plated. The factory dual sports from Japan (XT225 being the exception) are not trail bike light unless you find one with plate or seek plate later.

[yondering]

Agreed. Seems like transmission ratios are too narrow on some dirt bikes though for DS use. The wide ratio 6 speed is one of the biggest selling points of the KTM EXC four strokes, IMO. And the biggest downside of the DRZ400...

Edit: this thread in thumpers has data on transmission ratios for a lot of bikes. Looks like the XR250 or a WR250 would do pretty well for the OP.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...281742&page=16

[turnsleft]

Tight ratios[CR] are cool for a race bike~suck off road. Some times a loow gear is handy. Werner had a WR~R and rode it ever where we took him. He used the clutch for a compound low. Dual sport Huskys are CR[whats with that]. I never put them on a scale but the WR~R is heavier than the KLX. None of them are fun to pick up.

I change counter shaft sprockets on my KLX to match what I plan on riding. Also have 13, 14 and 15 for the DRZ. The KTM EXC will go slow and faster than I want to go. Like I said I have them right here if you want to take them for a short putt.

[DireWolf]

Originally Posted by wsdbikes

requesting opinions:

Ok, i am seriously considering a new ds. i am not real interested in street riding anymore other than little short work commute in nice weather. So, i am thinking about a smaller ds that i could through on the back rack or trailer longer distances to ride.

Criteria is.
Light weight
adequate power
reliable
field servicable
good range
some height adjustment
comfortable seat for more than 15 min.
I have about 40+ year riding/racing and i have decent skill and not enough restraint sometimes. I have a 30" inseam so tall bikes are a bit iffy. My old bmw gs was a real handful in the dirt.

Appreciate your thoughts

r1200gsa

[wsdbikes]

Originally Posted by DireWolf

r1200gsa

heh heh, better than a R1100Gs with full knobs why?

I am old and weak. i recall a 30 min rest on mainline at the bottom of a big rocky trail because it was so damn heavy. i got through that day with a lot of help. I owe KMDL a nice dinner for helping pick that beast up so many times.

tested a 1200 GS and it was pretty nice, felt 'tighter' than the 1100 but too pricey for me.

[wsdbikes]

the KTMs seem to have some real nice points. I'm looking at those too. I did love that 950 SM

Originally Posted by yondering

Agreed. Seems like transmission ratios are too narrow on some dirt bikes though for DS use. The wide ratio 6 speed is one of the biggest selling points of the KTM EXC four strokes, IMO. And the biggest downside of the DRZ400...

Edit: this thread in thumpers has data on transmission ratios for a lot of bikes. Looks like the XR250 or a WR250 would do pretty well for the OP.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...281742&page=16

[n16ht5]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mcy/2814214449.html
xr250

[wsdbikes]

Originally Posted by n16ht5

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/mcy/2814214449.html
xr250

the XR is a great choice for an all arounder. I have had a few over the years. it may come to that but, I am thinking that along with all my criteria i want to go with something new or nearly new.

e start is high on the list as well as being light. the KTM and the WR are sub 300 i think.

I need to get up to SW and take turnsleft up on his offer.

[bensgone]

I am intending to get away from my Drz and move to a Ktm 530. The drz is ten year old technology, weighs as much as a 640 adventure, and has a basic resale value is at $3k no matter what year. To the credit of the Drz it is hearty and solid with proper upkeep you can expect 30k miles out of it.

[DireWolf]

Originally Posted by wsdbikes

heh heh, better than a R1100Gs with full knobs why?

I am old and weak. i recall a 30 min rest on mainline at the bottom of a big rocky trail because it was so damn heavy. i got through that day with a lot of help. I owe KMDL a nice dinner for helping pick that beast up so many times.

tested a 1200 GS and it was pretty nice, felt 'tighter' than the 1100 but too pricey for me.

OK.

Super 10

[Almost There]

I've had a couple DRZs, a KLR600, a XR600, a KLX650, and a TTR225. Out of them all the TTR was probably my favorite as an all around bike. I think the newer small displacement bikes are the way to go unless you need race power. They will get you anywhere your abilities can take them.

[yondering]

Which DS to buy?

In all honesty: Get whatever you like that's a good deal. Ride it for a while, sell it, and get something else. Repeat as necessary. Unless you feel compelled to buy new, you don't have to lose money when you buy and sell bikes, if you're savvy, so there's no reason to choose just one. (Ask Woodlief about that. )

Besides, you're own experience is a whole lot more valuable than what anybody else here can tell you.

[wsdbikes]

Originally Posted by yondering

Which DS to buy?

In all honesty: Get whatever you like that's a good deal. Ride it for a while, sell it, and get something else. Repeat as necessary. Unless you feel compelled to buy new, you don't have to lose money when you buy and sell bikes, if you're savvy, so there's no reason to choose just one. (Ask Woodlief about that. )

Besides, you're own experience is a whole lot more valuable than what anybody else here can tell you.

Mark has gone through a lot of bikes. I think I may have him beat but, from years ago when i had a shop.

I have found that opinions of other folks are very helpful in nearly every question that arises. Many times I hear an aspect of the subject that i had not even considered.

I really do appreciate everyone that took time to reply

[markwoodlief]

Originally Posted by wsdbikes

Mark has gone through a lot of bikes. I think I may have him beat but, from years ago when i had a shop.

heres the last few years of rides.. .. any questions about those just ask..

http://marxbrain.smugmug.com/Motorcycles

[GlennR]

I'm not sure about how tall they are, but I'm really attracted to the KTM300 XCW 2-stroke. The newer ones have 6 speeds and e-start. You'd have to get it plated, but that isn't too much trouble in some states. If you want a light, powerful, mostly off road dual sport it seems perfect to me.