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Subject: Info on a Dual Sport

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ForensicUnit User is Offline

Posts:214

05/19/2008 8:48 AM	Alert
I am looking into buying a Dual Sport Motorcycle. Mainly it's for daily commuting to and from Chandler. I'd also like to be able to use it for weekend solo backpacking trips, jaunts through the desert, and for running errands. I have several years experience riding, but no dirt bike experience. I would LOVE a BMW F650 or R1200GS, but they are both a tad out of my price range. I see many bikes on Craigslist marked as dual sport, that look like straight dirt bikes to me. I need something that will be comfortable enough for the daily treck to Chandler. Anyone with experience, advice, or guidance? Thanx!

anewman

Posts:668

05/19/2008 9:25 AM	Alert
I have been looking and debating for a little more than a year. I too would love the F650 since it seems the most ideal size, proven durability, and I like the look even with all the boxes and driving lights. I would suggest going to look at the Kawasaki KLR650. Light enough to take off road as well as enough power to deal with the commute. another benefit to going with a japanese bike is parts and service will never be an issue no matter where you go. I have heard this can be an issue with BMW as they are not as prevelant. Can get on a brand new KLR650 for around $5K and used for as low as $3K. There is a Kawasaki dealership on Chandler Blvd and 48th St. (NE corner). Check out cycletraderonline for used ones. A shop in Tucson seems to offer great deals quite often. good luck

"The jouney of life is as much in oneself' as the roads one travels"

jeeptj02

Posts:142

05/19/2008 11:02 AM	Alert
i would look into the honda xr650r or even the L im a little biased since this is the machine i have. i have a 07 xr650r which is preaty much the bike they race the baja 1000 in and its liquid cooled and will do 100mph easily with a 15tooth front sprocket. Stock there around 85 90mph. only problem is there not street legal from the factory but for around 500 bucks you can buy a dual sport kit and you will have one heck of a dual sport bike in my mind. However it is a kick start but its easy to kick and start and its a good compromise if you want a hard riding trail bike and road machine. the xr650L on the other hand is air cooled electric start fully street legal but not the best set up if you plan on doing alot of off roading but still a great bike. i too loved the bmw but at 14000 it was a little much. the klr is a nice machine but just is to bulky to do any nice trail riding in atleast for me. ktm also has some nice machines out but there a little pricey as well but no were near as expensive as bmw. Theres a kawasaki dealer on chandler blvd and if your looking for a honda dealer to check out the xr650r or L i would try western honda in snobsdale. there msrp on the xr650r is around 6500 or so but you can get that back out the door for around 5000 or so.

ForensicUnit User is Offline

Posts:214

05/19/2008 11:30 AM	Alert
Thanx for the info guys. I started reading up on some of the bikes. I think I've narrowed my choice to the Kawasaki KLR 650 or the Honda XR650L. I like the KTM's, but they seem to have 200 different models, and I can't narrow it down to one. If anyone has any other opionions, good or bad, please do share.

anewman

Posts:668

05/19/2008 11:44 AM	Alert
I think any of the Japanese bikes will be good so might as well look to see what Yamaha and Suzuki have to offer as well. I think the biggest thing you need to consider is what you are going to use it for the most and what you may need it to do on occasion. jeeptjo2 makes great points if you are looking for more offroad capability the Kaw 650 is heavy and bulky. I am looking for one that I can mount boxes on to carry my photo equipment and load it up for long trips like you see guys do with the BMW's. So for me it is more about the capability of that and comfort for long rides rather than single track riding or tearing through the desert. I figure I can always pull the boxes and still hit the single track - just not at the same speed as a lighter one. Ofcourse I go back and forth everytime I really think about it- which is why I have been gun shy on making the purchase. If the longest you are going to ride on road is to Phoenix and back you might even just look at the 400's uinstead of the 650's. They are lighter and obviously cheaper too.

"The jouney of life is as much in oneself' as the roads one travels"

jimbob

Posts:114

06/10/2008 8:31 AM	Alert
Hi Guys, If you're interested in a '99 F650 PM me. I'm looking to sell mine. I was going to post it for sale in the coming days. It's in great condition, about 8k miles and I'm the second owner. Garaged since '99! Perfect bike for a lot of people but we're having a baby and I have no time. 'Tis a sad day. But happy too for other reasons. -j

Our website:http://jamesandchanin.com

ForensicUnit User is Offline

Posts:214

06/10/2008 8:40 AM	Alert
I would love a '99 F650, but I doubt it's going to come in under my $1000 budget But if it does, get ahold of me right away!! -Graham

AzSandSlinger User is Offline

Posts:588

06/10/2008 9:02 AM	Alert
I'm contemplating trading my Willy's for a bike..lol.. Let me know what bike you went with.. -Shane

------------------------------------------------------------- Ultra Super Member Posts: eleventy-billion Joined: 10 Nov 1775 ------------------------------------------------------------- "There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army

jeeptj02

Posts:142

06/10/2008 1:50 PM	Alert
Yes please let us know if you have picked out a bike yet! it would be fun to start a dual sport group in town! Im sick of racing slow harleys and such on my xr! HAHA

ForensicUnit User is Offline

Posts:214

06/10/2008 1:51 PM	Alert
I bought a 84 Suzuki SP250. It has been sitting in a storage unit for 10 years. If anyone wants to show me how to rebuild some carbs over a cold beer, PM me. I'll be in my garage all day

scar

Posts:20

06/11/2008 4:31 PM	Alert
I have the Kawasaki KLR650. Love the bike. Gets 51-55 MPG. Big fuel tank, reliable and not as much/expensive of a maintainence nightmare as the BMWs. Don't get me wrong, I have considered going with the big R1200Gs, or the new F800, but have been advised against it from people "in the know." The KLR has got a huge following, a ton of available parts/accessories and a large support network. The bike is a little light on the highways, and a little heavy off road; however, it is still more capable than I am. I don't know that you will find one for less than $1,000.00 in good condition, but if I was able to find a 2000, with 2500 miles for less than $2,900.00, I'm sure you will find something you're willing to go with. Let me know if you want more information. In the meantime, you can go to KLR650.net, or bigcee.com/klr650faq for a TON of info.

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