Anyone go from a Big 650 dualsport to a 250 and regret it?

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by ntm1973

Thanks for the responses guys.

I picked up a 2006 klx250s cheap to see if I would miss the 650's power and I have to say that I don't miss the power all that much. I've had the klx on some super slab and it had no problem keeping up with traffic but passing is an issue. I imagine that it would have been worst if I was loaded down but as it stands, 1.5 hr on the highway is not a problem for the bike. In fact, it was pretty smooth. A little more horsepower would make the bike just about perfect, maybe I'll do an overbore when the 250 wears out but I can't really complain how it rides now.

The bike is head and shoulders better offroad than the klr650 or dr650. It's almost like riding a mtn bike offroad. I'm sure the better suspension helps alot.

I think when we (or at least I) buy a dual sport for the first time, there is an expectation of doing long epic travels. The reality for me is that I am lucky to do 1 or 2 multiday trips a year between family and work obligations. Most of my "adventures" are close to home and the 250 is a great fit. All I need is a bigger tank so I'm not stopping for gas a couple of times a ride!

I don't have enough experience to give anyone advice but I will say this to anyone contemplating a smaller bike: Give a lot of thought to how many long trips you really need a packmule of a bike for. Chances are you will be happier loading up your lighter more responsive bike for couple of trips and traveling at a more relaxed pace than wrestling a heavier bike on your day to day "adventures."

You guys need to stop talking about all your good experiences with these 250s. Every single time I get to feeling content with my 650 someone comes along and reminds me that im just fooling myself.

[bobnoxious67]

Originally Posted by GSF1200S

You guys need to stop talking about all your good experiences with these 250s. Every single time I get to feeling content with my 650 someone comes along and reminds me that im just fooling myself.

Meh, it's all in perspective...maybe the 250 guys are the ones fooling themselves

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by bobnoxious67

Meh, it's all in perspective...maybe the 250 guys are the ones fooling themselves

ah-ha! Noted

[Fishenough]

Very interesting, a commonly repeated statement is that the KLX is smoother on highway than the KLR. That's a nail in the coffin for buying a new KLR early next year.

Previously in coastal BC had ridden nothing but DR and XR 650's for a dozen plus years, but in the last 4 years put 85,000 km's on a KLX250sm and it was grrrreat. But as it's often said, it's where you ride and how you ride; and it doesn't help if like me you change your bike choice every other day. It's more of problem when I intend to have only one bike, yet 4 or so would fit all the riding I wanna do.

Anyone in Northern BC selling a Versys?

[doogiepooch]

Originally Posted by Fishenough

Very interesting, a commonly repeated statement is that the KLX is smoother on highway than the KLR. That's a nail in the coffin for buying a new KLR early next year.

Seriously? My KLR is pretty much commited to 70-72 mph, even with a 16 toother anything over that and it plays hide the oil. It does have power to pass at those speeds but I never do because I get out in the fast lane and can't really run over there. You telling me a KLX will cruise comfortably (at least more so than a KLR) at those speeds? I'd love to have less of a pig bike, it would inspire me to do some trails that I don't do now because I don't feel like dropping my KLR 87 times. And I'm pretty much a diehard Kawi fan so the KLX is about the only other bike I'd consider.

[Grreatdog]

I almost fell into the downsizing trap after getting beat up from riding mostly tough single track for a couple of years on an XL600R and then my 640E. Thank God I didn't. I just had a great weekend of dual sporting on winding mountain pavement, forest service roads, two track dirt roads and a few trails that reminded me again of how much more fun I have with big power on any kind of road whether it is paved or not.

The small bikes were always right there on trails and not working as hard. But that was really the only place they did better. Everywhere else we had to wait for them to catch up at every stop. We are all pretty good riders and do not ride at a relaxed pace. We turn it up when the pavement ends. The smaller bikes just didn't have the power to hang with a continuous 75 to 80 mph pace or hard acceleration out of every turn and curve.

So, except for trails, the 250's were basically WFO for that whole ride from trying to keep pace with much more powerful bikes. Granted there was one trail I didn't even try despite having ridden it many times on my smaller bikes. I watched my bro-in-law crash a 350 trying it and just didn't want to wrestle with my 640 on that trail even though I would not have even hesitated on my MXC200 or even the TTR250 in our group.

I know my 640E is a handful on tough single track from its physical size, high power and tall gearing even though it isn't really much heavier than Japanese 250's. I have crashed it enough on goat trails to have no illusions about that. But I have owned large and small bikes and, to me, big bikes more than make up for the trail handicap whenever I get to twist the right drip. I just can't imagine giving up the big power.

Which is why I got the MXC200 for whenever I get the urge to play GNCC rider. Owning two bikes is the only real answer to the dual sport size delimma.

[cjbiker]

Originally Posted by doogiepooch

Seriously? My KLR is pretty much commited to 70-72 mph, even with a 16 toother anything over that and it plays hide the oil. It does have power to pass at those speeds but I never do because I get out in the fast lane and can't really run over there. You telling me a KLX will cruise comfortably (at least more so than a KLR) at those speeds? I'd love to have less of a pig bike, it would inspire me to do some trails that I don't do now because I don't feel like dropping my KLR 87 times. And I'm pretty much a diehard Kawi fan so the KLX is about the only other bike I'd consider.

My KLX is not capable of those speeds. It's pretty much done around 70mph on flat ground (true speed, not indicated speed). It does feel smoother than the KLR at top speed, though. Less vibration and no buffeting. I find that it is very squirrelly feeling at higher speeds, too. It takes some getting used to. That's the price you pay for better handling in the woods.

[ntm1973]

Originally Posted by cjbiker

My KLX is not capable of those speeds. It's pretty much done around 70mph on flat ground (true speed, not indicated speed). It does feel smoother than the KLR at top speed, though. Less vibration and no buffeting. I find that it is very squirrelly feeling at higher speeds, too. It takes some getting used to. That's the price you pay for better handling in the woods.

cjbiker...how is your klx geared? What year? Mine is a 06 pretty much stock with a 13t front sprocket it will cruise an indicated 65 to 70 without a problem. That has been the pleasant surprise of this bike. I expected a much harder time on the highway.

Indicated vs actual speed is a good point. I am talking indicated speeds and more importantly, keeping up with traffic speed. I will put the gps on it for my next ride and see how far off the speedo is. But so far, keeping up with traffic on 4 lane highways in PA hasn't been a problem, although you do have to plan your passes more carefully. On the 650, I just stay in the left lane and go for the most part. I have to say that my 98 klr650 would wiggle a lot more at speed than the 06 klx.

I think the bike you pick has a lot to do with your geographic location/mindset while riding. I don't push hard on the road. I don't want to have something bad happen at 75 mph. I also don't mind shifting the 250 to stay on top of it, it's just part of the trade off in my mind. I'm also not a big guy (around 175lbs with gear) so that is also a factor. Another 6 or 7 hp (for riding loaded up) and the klx would probably be close to dual sport nirvana.....for me.

[cjbiker]

I'm geared 14/42 with knobbies and 15/42 when I put the supermoto wheels on. Seventy-something is about the most I can do on the GPS full throttle in 6th gear on the flat with no head/tail wind. It might pull more in 5th, but it's screaming. Stock speedo is way off, about 12% IIRC. Oddly, the odometer is perfect.

I've only pushed it up that far a few times, just to see what it would do. I'm much happier to run prudent speeds.

[Pantah]

A big single is perfect for AK. I did the 2006 and 2010 Alcan5000 TSD rally on a KTM950. I am entered in the 2014 version aboard a Yam WR250R, but I may ride my 690 instead. The Great White North has a lot of open space. Hours on end on lonely roads of all kinds of surfaces. Not really technical riding unless you are in mud. Your DR is perfect for it.

Originally Posted by GSF1200S

Argh. The back and forth of these threads just has my brain hurting. I did not know about the KLX or the WR when I bought my DR650. I am not a harescrambler but a slow trail explorer who wants to go places. Problem is, I have no experience, and im going to Alaska next May. I have read so many of these threads it makes my head spin.

Around here, the offroad is nothing like some of the places I will be going. I WILL be woefully unprepared. Im young and strong and all that, but I kind of wish I had gotten a KLX351 or WR- Id prolly be less apt to break something going with a lighter bike.

Im considering swapping out my DR for something lighter even though the DR will probably be infinitely more fun when im back from the trip. Thing is, I will have to carry lots of crap with me (about 60lbs), and considering im riding at a slow pace, I wonder if a big thumper isnt better for me anyways. My biggest mistake was assuming the 250s wouldnt be enough on the roads..

[jckid]

I recently downsized from a Husky SM610 to a Yamaha WR250X. When I had the Husky, I also had a KLX351. When I first got the KLX, I got to thinking that maybe it could be my do it all bike. That's when I bought a big bore kit and started outfitting it for traveling. But I decided not to sell the Husky right away. Over the course of a year I started taking the KLX on short trips, really just overnighters, instead of the Husky. I still used the Husky for longer trips. I enjoyed traveling on the KLX, but it just wasn't as good as the Husky.

Over time I decided that the KLX wasn't going to replace the Husky, yet I still had the urge to downsize. But here's where I probably differ from most of you. I'm short and very light, and with the Husky weighing in at quite a bit over 3X my weight, and having a tall seat height with a fairly high center of gravity, I always felt like it was a bit much bike for me. I only liked to ride it if my husband was riding with me. If I went alone, I rode the KLX. I just felt more confident on it. So finally a nearly new 2011 Yamaha WR250X became available locally. I had been researching the WR's since they first came out, and had always thought the 250X might eventually replace my Husky.

I bought the 250X, and I did almost reget it. I was like, what was I thinking?!!! The power seemed so anemic compared to the 610. I even thought about just turning the 250 into a dirt machine, keeping the Husky, and then selling the KLX instead. At one point my husband said I could just keep all three. That's probably because I was literally over the Husky being for sale.

But then a buyer came along, and I decided to go forward with the sale of the Husky. Now that I've had some time on the 250X and done an overnight trial run, I feel that the bike is going to work out great for me. We only do trips up to a week in length, don't ride over 300 miles a day, and we only cruise around 60 most of the time, so the 250 will be more than enough. I'm enjoying the lighter weight, and I've found that I had just had to learn to ride it different to get the power out of it. Rev it up and it does pretty darn good for a 250. It will never be a 610, but I can always ride my better half's BMW 650 if I feel the need for more power. He like the 250X, and will happily switch with me when I want. He's even thinking of downsizing now.

So...I thought I might have major regrets, but in the end it worked out great downsizing from a 610 to a 250.

And since everyone like pics, and I like to post them...

The Husky on it's final trip with me:



The KLX:



The WR on it's first trip:

[Davidc83]

My 2009 klx250sf, stock, will run between 70-75 mph (gps) for many, many miles. Top end is about 80mph.
It runs smoother than my g650gs.

[Rufjeep]

Originally Posted by doogiepooch

Seriously? My KLR is pretty much commited to 70-72 mph, even with a 16 toother anything over that and it plays hide the oil. It does have power to pass at those speeds but I never do because I get out in the fast lane and can't really run over there. You telling me a KLX will cruise comfortably (at least more so than a KLR) at those speeds? I'd love to have less of a pig bike, it would inspire me to do some trails that I don't do now because I don't feel like dropping my KLR 87 times. And I'm pretty much a diehard Kawi fan so the KLX is about the only other bike I'd consider.

If someone is saying the KLX will do it, I'm calling BS. Same goes with the WRR. I had a WRR with the common mods, and while it would run run 75+, the throttle was on the stops and that was all it had. Some folks may not mind riding like that, but I found it extremely tiring. Don't get me wrong, I think the KLX and WRR are fabulous bike for back roads, commuting, etc...but they are no where near as good as a 650 for gobbling up miles on the slab.

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by Pantah

A big single is perfect for AK. I did the 2006 and 2010 Alcan5000 TSD rally on a KTM950. I am entered in the 2014 version aboard a Yam WR250R, but I may ride my 690 instead. The Great White North has a lot of open space. Hours on end on lonely roads of all kinds of surfaces. Not really technical riding unless you are in mud. Your DR is perfect for it.

Yeah. Again, its really hard to know what tool is good for the job when you dont know the job- Ive never been to Colorado or up north, so I am literally flying by what I see in ride reports. I guess the main reason I started thinking I should get a 250 is for the tight technical stuff in colorado and some places out west, but a lot of DR owners have mentioned since then that it should be fine if taking it slow. I love the DR- at this point im not really sure I could give up the nice chunk of torque. Also, I can imagine long roads in the west would be better on a big thumper- carry a 15 and 14 tooth sprocket and youve got dirt explorer or highway cruiser in 15 minutes.

I do think I will pick up a 250 for closer rides after my trip- this seems to be something a lot of people like to do.

[ntm1973]

Originally Posted by Rufjeep

If someone is saying the KLX will do it, I'm calling BS. Same goes with the WRR. I had a WRR with the common mods, and while it would run run 75+, the throttle was on the stops and that was all it had. Some folks may not mind riding like that, but I found it extremely tiring. Don't get me wrong, I think the KLX and WRR are fabulous bike for back roads, commuting, etc...but they are no where near as good as a 650 for gobbling up miles on the slab.

Rufjeep,
If I was on the slab for hours on end, then a bigger bike would be better but I (and probably most people) have a lot of great riding areas close to home where slab time is minimal. The furthest I typically travel on the road is 1.5 hours away, the 250 has no problems with it. I am keeping the dr because it is a great bike, I don't have a lot of money in it and because I sometimes ride 2 up. That said, if I had to choose just one, I would make do with the 250 for occasional camping trip and accept the fact that I can't ride it 2 up. I'm surprised you didn't like the wrr on the road, some guy (Mark at bigdogadventures) even took his to Alaska!

Originally Posted by GSF1200S

Yeah. Again, its really hard to know what tool is good for the job when you dont know the job- Ive never been to Colorado or up north, so I am literally flying by what I see in ride reports. I guess the main reason I started thinking I should get a 250 is for the tight technical stuff in colorado and some places out west, but a lot of DR owners have mentioned since then that it should be fine if taking it slow. I love the DR- at this point im not really sure I could give up the nice chunk of torque. Also, I can imagine long roads in the west would be better on a big thumper- carry a 15 and 14 tooth sprocket and youve got dirt explorer or highway cruiser in 15 minutes.

I do think I will pick up a 250 for closer rides after my trip- this seems to be something a lot of people like to do.

GSF1200S,
You shouldn't have any issues with the DR in Colorado. A hard trail is a hard trail, if anything, I thought riding out west was a little easier because it was typically dry and rocky vs muddy with rocks and tree roots everywhere like we have on the east coast. The Dr's power will also be welcome if you are riding on the roads over any passes, people do drive faster out there.