Prospective ADV rider, off-roading in CT?

[Richklr650]

imo those 3 bikes will doo single track but not as well in the tight nasty stuff ... i take my 08 xr650l on single track and do ok with it you might find yourself enjoying the larger d/s riding .. i know that when i go out im always looking for some new stuff dirt roads and single track

[Tiz]

I'm in milford ct. The only legal places for single-track type riding are Thomaston Dam and Patchaug State Forest. Bike needs street registration for Patchaug and ct-atv reg for thomaston. Others may have secret areas or private land but those I listed are public. Those two areas are 1 hr and 2 hrs from you. Join Netra or Pathfinders and ride turkey runs to get more areas to ride. They get the trail set, provide parking, provide sweep riders and often feed you at the end of the day. Well worth it to open up other areas and ride with other folks. The hammer run in souther NJ is a good 2-day ride. Search this site for more info.

I had an xr400 which was too heavy for me to enjoy much single track. If I got another bike for that it would be something like a ktm200. I'm 56 and in very average shape. If you're young and strong you can moose around a bigger bike. It's not fun.

For DS with emphasis on dirt, a KLR650 or other mid-weight bike is fine. And there are miles of roads as have been explained (TMT, PDR, etc.)

I have a r1200gs now and stick to asphalt and dirt roads in good shape. No baby-head rocks for this bike.

--Kevin

[bmwpowere36m3]

Well, I got the chance to ride 2 DRZs, a DR650 and sit on a KLR650. I think the KLR650 is not the bike for me right now... The DRZs were fun and light. The DR650 had a lower seat than the DRZs and had more torque down low and felt just as nimble on the road.

I'm leaning towards the DRZ.

[bomber1965]

choose wisely.....It wouldn't hurt to throw your leg over a few more rides, bikes you woudn't even consider just to see for yourself the range of what's available.

[Richklr650]

well get on it what are you waiting for

[bmwpowere36m3]

Originally Posted by bomber1965

choose wisely.....It wouldn't hurt to throw your leg over a few more rides, bikes you woudn't even consider just to see for yourself the range of what's available.

I know what you’re saying... but if you can name some that would be helpful. I was thinking about maybe a KTM/Husky but those are really just dirt bikes with lights and $$. I think for an entry level, starter DS bike the DRZ will work, but who knows... maybe I'll find in 6 months that it’s not for me. The good thing is they sell well, so I won't get stuck with it or lose much on it.

I was going to also look at a XR650L, but I've read its similar to the DR650. I would say, just riding around on paved roads the DR650 was more refined and had better road manners (though it did have DS tires, i.e. not very knobby). The DRZ was a little more raw... needed to be revved more, taller seat, noisier, and a little rough on the road (both examples had knobbies).

[bobnoxious67]

Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3

I know what you’re saying... but if you can name some that would be helpful. I was thinking about maybe a KTM/Husky but those are really just dirt bikes with lights and $$. I think for an entry level, starter DS bike the DRZ will work, but who knows... maybe I'll find in 6 months that it’s not for me. The good thing is they sell well, so I won't get stuck with it or lose much on it.

I was going to also look at a XR650L, but I've read its similar to the DR650. I would say, just riding around on paved roads the DR650 was more refined and had better road manners (though it did have DS tires, i.e. not very knobby). The DRZ was a little more raw... needed to be revved more, taller seat, noisier, and a little rough on the road (both examples had knobbies).

KTM and Husky both make 50/50 dual sports also...they are certainly way higher performance that their Japanese counterparts, but not "dirt bikes with lights" (they sell those also ).

Example: I purchased a 2006 Husqvarna TE610 (in 2008) with 4000 miles on it for $4000. 3000 mile oil changes and 6000 mile valve lash inspections, weighed 310 lbs, had a foot of suspension travel at each end, a wide ratio 6 speed transmission (allowing for low speed off roading and 75 mph highway cruising), 50 hp with pumper carb and free flowing exhaust (from factory), outstanding brakes, passenger pegs, was reliable, etc...there are options.

That said, it's hard to go wrong with a DRZ or DR650...but honestly I like a 98-99 DR350 better than either one of those ( especially with a 441 kit and pumper carb).

[bomber1965]

Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3

I know what you’re saying... but if you can name some that would be helpful.

[bmwpowere36m3]

Originally Posted by bomber1965

??? Am I missing something?

[bomber1965]

Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3

??? Am I missing something?

Humor......






....as far as choosing wisely, i'm referring to not getting a hiway bike to run nimble trails. or getting a woods weapon to run the interstate. it's easy to do when you get overwhelmed with info, and you just give up and buy what's in front of you at the time.

I've got this burning desire to do some off-roading and adventure riding (kind of fulfill that childhood dream of riding in the dirt).

this is a great quote, but if you could define the type of terrain you want to bias toward, it would help inmates offer more specific models to check into. maybe some physical description also: such as over 60 and 3 packs a day Harry or 25 yr old ex-marine blah blah blah.....

[bmwpowere36m3]

Well, I got my first dual-sport... after a washing to rid it of a ton of salt (from hauling).

[V8]

DRZ's Rock

[bomber1965]

Woohoo....a woods weapon.......someone's going to Pachaug!

[blitchfield]

Nice choice.. that'll be great for some dirt experience and still be good for the roads

BTW, nice shop.. wish I could keep my stuff half as clean...

[V8]

keep that NWC tor going blitchfield