Dual-sport motorcycles

[jandtjil]

Am thinking about buying a dual-sport cycle, 400 - 650 cc.

Anyone own one? How realistic are they for 40-50 mile (roundtrip) commute?

 

[Todd G]

I have a Honda XR650L that I bought in 1993. As a commuting bike it's terrible unless it's dirt the whole way. You sit up too high and too far forward to be comfortable on the street. The stock tanks are also too small. I upgraded everything including the motor, suspension, and tank and it's OK but still uncomfortable. I used to ride 45 miles each way to work and it was very hot in the summer. The bike is excellent on dirt roads and wide trails and places where the feds frown on bikes without a plate. I have too many bikes now and would part with it if you're interested.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I have a 2002 XR650L also and would have to agree with Todd I drive 60 miles one way from work and even though I get 45-50 MPG with the bike I've only ridden it to work 4 or 5 times in 3 years. If I was less than 25 miles one way and it didn't involve the highway I would drive it all the time.



Like Todd said you sit up too high, so at 70-75 mph you've got to hold on and the single cylinders vibrate. Also once I got stuck in traffic, that puppy gets hot, like burn your leg through your pants hot. I love my XR650L and as a general novice even though I've been riding since I was 5 I think it's an excellent bike for hard packed roads and I actually find it very fun on winding paved roads. If I was going to use a bike for commuting on the highway I would look at something like a Kawasaki ZX-11 or something that sits you kind of upright not hunched over but is comfortable.



Your commute could be very doable but not if it's highway, and also like Todd said, invest in the larger fuel tank. Don't get a 400 for the road, it's too small.

 

[PC12Driver]

It's certainly on the street side of dual sport, but have you checked out the Suzuki V-Strom? The 650 has been getting great reviews.

 

[jandtjil]

Yeah eng heat is an issue, especially here in LV. I did look at a v-strom, but I was/am leaning toward a bike that would have a life (out of city limits) when the weekend rolled around. I am reluctant to consider another bike as I can vouch for having to watch out for the other guy, "been there done that, still have use of all limbs", but dont want to push fate. I'm still not sure if buying a bike, riding gear and insurance will save any money over the cost of pushing the truck getting 19-20 mpg (avg)?

 

[tpuig]

A buddy at work just got a V-strom. Awesome bike, and he loves it.

What do you guys think about a KLR-650? I'm looking at one for an occasional commuter, and something to take to Baja...

TP



Had a '77 Yamaha XS 650D, which was an awesome street bike. For sale, btw, from above mentioned buddy in SF, CA.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The KLR's are useless off-road but have a large fuel tank, they are liquid cooled too.

 

[RAMINSPEED]

Dual sport bikes don't make for a good dirt bike or a good street bike. Their riding position isn't bad but the vibration will get to you soon. I had a KLX-650 that is lighter and has longer legs than the KLR and I thought it was a pig in the dirt. The suspension is too soft on the "dual sport" bikes. I put a lot of dirt miles on mine and miss it. I now have a street only bike. I used my KLX occasionally to commute 18 miles each way to work on mostly 2 lane hwy. They are fun to have because you can go exploring and legally ride "off road" where you cant with a dirt only bike. If I were to do it again, I would buy a Honda XR-650 DIRT BIKE and add the Baja Design dual sport kit to it and have it licenced for the road. If your local Honda dealer is cool he can register it at time of sale as a road bike and save you the hassle of doing it later. By doing this, It gives you the performance of a dirt bike but makes it street legal. I miss my dual sport. Have fun.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Two guys I work with bought Suzuki 400 on/off road bikes about 3 months ago. I've ridden them quite a bit and they are pretty comfortable. They seen to have good power on and off the road. One of the guys road his about 150 miles in one shot and said his butt started to hurt, but other than that, no complaints.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

I have an 05 DR 650. I use it every day for commuting 40 mi/round trip. It is a great bike. Mods I ahve done to it to make it more my style are: heavier fork springs, heavier rate rear spring, FMF-Q silencer, homemade rack, M-60 ammo cans as luggage, Utah Sport skid plate, Farmer john lights up front. I like the Bridgestome trailwings on road, but off road they do not bite. The seat is a little narrow for some, but i have gotten used to it. I get about 45mpg. It used to get 56mpg, but they are set way lean from the factory. I have also filled the handle bars with lead shot to take some of the vibrations down. All in all, I love it as a commuter bike around the Baja-like roads of boston. Now worries about pot holes, man hole covers, curbs, shopping carts... just roll over everything.



For 5k sticker price, it is a tough value to beat.