dual sport opinions

[catimann]

I own a 93 KLR 250 and am looking for a second bike for my wife. At first I thought to keep the same type of bike as all the knowledge is transferable. Why learn how to fix two bikes? Finding a KLR or a newer KLX is not that eazy so I am now thinking about other bikes.

So I'd like to here opinions on 250 - 400 Enduros up to 10 years old. Sort of a Good, bad and ugly so I and anyone else looking later can decide.

Thanks

[koots_roots]

dont by a DRZ 400 if you are looking for a maintenance challenge. you'll prob end up only changing tires and chain if you go this route which suits me fine as it leaves more time for riding.

[oldguy]

Kawasaki 250 Sherpa is a nice woman's bike. Low seat height. Very light. Low maintenance.

They have dual overhead cams with decent compression giving them fair power. Stainless exhaust and some stainless nuts and bolts are a plus compared to other brands. They will do a highway trip at constant 100 kph although they are low geared. In low gear these things will idle up a very steep hill. Six speeds are nice.

They tend to run very lean until warmed up. Opening up the idle jet and shimming the needle helps. Suspension is no hell. They are expensive to buy new. They are not very rugged. Things break easily and everything is lightweight. Not much range on a tank of gas although they do get 70 miles to the gallon.

[JavaJude]

Hi Catimann

The question you ask has been asked a couple oftimes before. The following is a cut and pastefrom a previous threadthat I replied to:

"I've owned a number of dualsport bikes in the past and I remember being in your position and not knowing which bike to get. I was at the mercy of the dealers because DSBC was not around at that time. I learned a lot from the various bikes that I went thru and I now know what I like and what I don't like.

If you are interested in a smaller, lighter bike there are a couple of options: Suzuki DR 200, Yamaha XT 225, Kawasawki Sherpa. These are all great small bikes. Easy to ride and they will get you to where you want to go. On the highway their speed is limited to around 100-120km/h. But for back roads, city roads, gravel roads and trails they are great. Their power is limited but if you are just going to trail ride and use forest service roads then these bikes are adequate. Another smaller bike (but hard to find) would be a Suzuki DR 350. There is more power, a better suspension (can load more gear on the bike) and taller than the others.

There is a Kawasawki KLX 250 but this is a tall bike and is more moto-x oriented.

Then you take a step up to the Suzuki DRZ 400. This bike has been around for awhile. It will go anywhere and do anything. It's heavier than some of the newer bikes of the same cc (Husky 450, KLX 400, WRF, CRF, etc) but it is a dependble bike and there are a number of used bikesaround that are available for sale.

After that you jump into the bigger bike, KLR 650, XL 650, DR 650, etc etc.

I've had a Yamaha XT225. I used it for camping and general off road riding. I could load lots of stuff on it and ride it to where ever I was going. It was fine but it lacked power. I then had a Suzuki DR 350. It was a step up and it was a great bike. But after riding it for 2 years I wanted more power. I then went to a Suzuki DRZ 400. I found that it did everything (mostly)that I wanted.I stillhave this bike and am pleased with it's performance. I wish it was lighter though.It's also a tall bike but you get use to that.

If I had torecommend a bike to you I wouldsay a used Suzuki DR 200 or a used Yamaha XT 225. They will get you into the back country and allow you to explore logging roads andeasy trails. These bikes also hold their resale value. So if you discover that you really do want a more powerful bike the DR200 or XT225 will be easy to sell. Parts are easily available from your local dealers and there are lots of farkles (add ons and accessories)you can add to both bikes.

Check outthe "For Sale" section of the forum or post up a want ad."

As an aside - twice this year, the guys on this forum that asked the same question as you both bought new Suzuki DR 200s for their wives. Both stated that the difference between the cost of a used bike versus a new bike was not that significant (if you take into account the warranty on the new bikes and how much that is worth to you).

Those are just my $0.02.

-Judy-

[leadsled]

XT 350



Nice height for the vertically challenged, low maintenance, Fairly lightweight with a low center of gravity, and you won't be starved for power as i guarrenty you will be in 6 months if you buy a 200/250.



Just my 2 Cents.