Maybe a dual sport/SM this spring?

[Fly]

As a former dirt rider, I have to say I really miss off road riding. I quit a few years back for several (mostly ill thought out) reasons.

After two other street bikes...a 1976 Honda CB750 and a '99 Triumph Adventurer...I settled on a 2004 BMW R1150R non-ABS model.

To the point, after considering several bikes, I have come to the conclusion that either a Suzuki DRZ 400S or DRZ 400SM might be a fun 2nd bike.

I wonder, would it be easier/cheaper/more sensible to take the dual sport model and find the 17" wheel and brakes to open up the super motard option or buy the SM model and find the 18"/21" wheels and brake combo that would allow for on and offroad riding.

I tend to think that the "S" model would be be the way to go since my plan is probably 80+% road riding/20% off roading. And then if I really like the bike I can explore the super motard option.

I considered the BMW 650 Dakar model but I didn't really think it would be off road/single track capable. And the Husky's look good...but I'm skeptical of them. Maybe a KTM 640 Adv...but those are hard to find and they're too big for what I'm looking for.

Anyway...wintertime musing...and two months of work related lockdown. I'm really looking forward to spring.

Your thoughts would be welcome.

[Tipstall]

Fly,

Not sure where you live as this may determine the type of offroad riding you do. I'm looking at the new KLX 250. This will be my secondary bike and be used to trail ride with my son, (11 years old), and some minor offroad adventures. I also like the husky but I'm a little worried about it, (it seemed very nice). The bigger bikes are not going to work for the woods riding I'll be doing.

Ken

[arkline]

The KLR650 is a perennial favorite. Used or new...

[R4R&R]

I tried that a few years back - had the streetbike for a long time, looking to get back into dirt. I picked up a Suzuki DR350, dirt only model. The street legal models didn't have the better suspension and pumper carb. There are some companies that sell the needed items to make them street legal (hell, they can make just about anything street legal). Actually registering them for the street is a different story - and varies from state to state. I had plans to make mine street legal and never got around to it. I sold it last fall on ebay and while I miss the 'ability' to ride it, I never really rode it enough to justify keeping it.

Anyway, yes, the DRz400 would make a great light duty dual sport. You mentioned putting street tires on it (motard) - Suzuki sells a factory model just like that! You may be able to pick one up used since it came out a year or two ago.

[Deans BMW]

Fly, pretty please, fill out your profile.

Thanks in advance.

[Promethean]

Dean-O....I dub thee "Profile Hunter" :020:

Fly, pretty please, fill out your profile.

Thanks in advance.

[Bones]

"Supermotard...."

Find a good orthopedic surgeon and keep him on retainer.

I think the dual sport ideal is great, but it requires real compromises that are tough to resolve unless you are really skilled dirt rider and like dirt riding to be a challenge (think ADVrider types of riding with the big and heavy 1150GS's and 1200GS's). Usually, when off road or on limited access/fireroads, you want light and easy to maneuver. The lighter the better. Then on pavement you want more weight and power. The bikes you mention are popular DS bikes but can be a bit more unwieldy than you might want on tight trails and not so great on the street. But, they might be just right as a compromise for both if your street riding on it is mostly to get from trail to trail and not as a primary road rider.

Jeff

[supermotoC]

If you truly are an off-road rider, get a KLR or KTM 640 Adventure or LC4. The BMW isn't really suited for serious off-road work, and everything else is just too damned heavy. The KTM 950 Adventure is an amazing DS sport bike, but a lot to handle in every way. If you just want to ride like you're on a on off road bike, a supermoto bike is a barrel of monkeys. A KTM Duke II or SMC 640 (or Husky 610) will absolutely be the most fun you can have on a bike on-road. The KTM 950 Supermoto is just a bigger version of the same fun. Once you decide which way you want to go.... a smallish (450-650) thumper is a blast. Forget the DRZ400 supermoto thing from Suzuki, way underpowered for it's own weight.

[DarthRider]

Fly Man -
Should you go the street Super Motard route, consider one of these.
The MZ Baghira "Black Panther". It's made in Germany, built around a Yamaha Raptor 5-valve, 2-carb, 660cc single with WP shock, Paioli forks, Acerbis bodywork, stainless steel brake lines and other good quality components. They have a US distributor and smallish dealer network which will likely grow with the success of the new MV 1000cc sport & naked bikes. Parts are no prob. These bikes have remained "under the radar" and are very underrated.
The engine is bulletproof as you would expect from a Yamaha 660, basically a Raptor Quad engine.
Performance of stock ones is near that of Husky 610's and all but possibly the latest KTM Dukes. Top speed is ~110 but that really doesn't matter...it's what these bikes will do to a curvy, technical road at 40-90 MPH that matters!
A small aftermarket in Germany supports them with performance mods. Mine has a set of "fat" headers, an M4 can, carb kit and modified black box allowing a +1000RPM rev limit, all but the can sold by a young German engineer who works in the BMW M division. He races these bikes and produces Stage 1-II-III conversions. Mine is stage I and was dead nut even with my friend's Duke II. I rode a 610 Husky and the main difference I found was a sexy electronic panel and a touchy front brake. And the seat was even more uncomfortable than the "upholstered 4X4" of the Black Kitty!
New pricing went up to ~$6900 (my 2001 listed for $5900) and a good clean used one with low miles can be had on eBay for $3500 - $4000.
This pic is of my bike. It also has ProTaper bars and some other goodies. It has 5200 miles and I will try for $4500 on eBay or $4000 if I can sell it direct to a lucky new owner.
I agree with Collyers...the Suzuki 400's just don't have enough motor. A 600 class motor doesn't have to work as hard to go faster!
Anyway, take a look...and pardon those unsightly chicken-strips. They didn't last long!

Dave

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/32951202-L.jpg

[R4R&R]

From what Darth said about 400 vs. 600 motor size, he's right. If this bike will live mostly on the street, go for the 600. Back when i bought my DR, it was good for a compromise of size/power. It was a dog over 45~50 MPH on the street.

[Fly]

Fly, pretty please, fill out your profile.

Thanks in advance.

Done.

More on the subject:
As far as my dirt riding background, I trail rode, raced enduros and hare scrambles in the Southeast from the early '90's until about two years ago. I actually won a few "B class" trophies...but my offroad skills are average at best. I actually rode Senior B a few years back at the Loretta Lynn's GNCC race and finished somewhere around 15th out of 30+ riders...the only reason I single this race out is (1) I finished and (2) I still feel the pain! Not that any of the foregoing means much...but it felt good to write it down.

As far as the DRZ 400 dual sport, in years past I would've laughed at the notion of riding one of these off road. Primary reasons being weight and weak clutch. I would generally chose a 200cc or 250cc 2-stroke (KTM) for the dirt. Although I must say a Honda XR250 punched out to 280cc's was much fun on the single tract.

Anyway, after thinking about it more, it does seem that the DRZ 400 dual sport would be a better route for me to go than the DRZ SM. I did see the new Kawasaki 250 that Tipstall refered to...but I think it would be a little slow for much street work.

And thanks for the input.

[supermotoC]

in that case...... best of both worlds....

clicky
http://img25.imagevenue.com/loc156/th_15853_9693_486d80f7ff44b3_o.jpg (http://img25.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc156&image=15853_9693_486d80f7ff44b3_o.jpg)

[Fly]

in that case...... best of both worlds....

clicky
http://img25.imagevenue.com/loc156/th_15853_9693_486d80f7ff44b3_o.jpg (http://img25.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc156&image=15853_9693_486d80f7ff44b3_o.jpg)

I certainly wouldn't dispute that the KTM 640 Adv would be a fun, fun bike to ride. If I lived out west I'd have one for sure.

I'm currenty thinking Suzuki = cheap/plentiful/somewhat reliable/lots of aftermarket parts & accessories/cheap = way to go for me.

We'll see which way the wind is blowing in late April, early May. By then I'll probably want a Ducati Monster S2R1000 or Multistrada 1000s DS.

[Arby]

Fly

I 'm a little late jumping in here, but thought I'd give my two cents worth.

Like you, I'm a dirt rider too. AMA District seven m/x and hare scrambles from 1972 thru 1982. then mostly dropped the dirt riding till 1995. i decided that i missed riding, but not the racing part. I'd already been driven in the ground like a railroad spike too many times. i'd heard about the Suzuki national dual sport series, and decided to try as many as i could.

I started with new electric start DR 350 and had a local guy redo the suspension and i added a few enduro tpye mods.

It was just what I was looking for. I rode Kentucky, Tennesee,
No. Georgia mtns, etc., just the kind of riding terrain I liked, plus hanging out with a bunch of dirt bike guys.

When the DRZ-S came out in 2000, I picked up one right away.
As much as i liked my DR 350, the DRZ-S is better in every way.
It's been almost six years now, and it has been stone-ax reliable. I've done every thing from adventure touring in Colorado with soft luggage(Yes, it is a dog above 8000, plus requires rejetting) to riding the Alligator enduro(Don't ask).

It's been a great all around fun bike. I'd buy one tomorrow if anything happened to it.

Go for it.

Arby
(Bob)

[Fly]

Fly

I 'm a little late jumping in here, but thought I'd give my two cents worth.

Like you, I'm a dirt rider too. AMA District seven m/x and hare scrambles from 1972 thru 1982. then mostly dropped the dirt riding till 1995. i decided that i missed riding, but not the racing part. I'd already been driven in the ground like a railroad spike too many times. i'd heard about the Suzuki national dual sport series, and decided to try as many as i could.

I started with new electric start DR 350 and had a local guy redo the suspension and i added a few enduro tpye mods.

It was just what I was looking for. I rode Kentucky, Tennesee,
No. Georgia mtns, etc., just the kind of riding terrain I liked, plus hanging out with a bunch of dirt bike guys.

When the DRZ-S came out in 2000, I picked up one right away.
As much as i liked my DR 350, the DRZ-S is better in every way.
It's been almost six years now, and it has been stone-ax reliable. I've done every thing from adventure touring in Colorado with soft luggage(Yes, it is a dog above 8000, plus requires rejetting) to riding the Alligator enduro(Don't ask).

It's been a great all around fun bike. I'd buy one tomorrow if anything happened to it.

Go for it.

Arby
(Bob)


Arby,

Never too late for good comments. I'm 99.49% sure the Suzuki DRZ400S will be in the garage come this April or May...I'm very busy until mid-April...guess what dismal profession I chose.

One thing that might change my mind on the DRZ is a better model offering by another manufacturer. Doubtful there. I like the looks of the Kawa KLX250S but I'm certain it would be underpowered for any reasonable street riding.

Good to hear yours has been reilable. Do you think the DRZ will stay in the 400cc range for years to come or will they up it the 450cc motor alay the motocrosser?

I might actually go to enduro this summer and sign up on the back row...just for the heck of it.

Regards,

Fly

[Arby]

Fly

I have no idea how long the DRZ motor will be around. It'd be nice if they bumped it to 450cc. But who knows?

One things for sure, competition improves the breed, as the saying goes. They've got to do something sooner or later.

BTW, my nephew just bought a DRZ-SM and loves it. But he not a dirt guy, his other bike is a 749. So the more pavement oriented SM was better for him.

Also, I need a good tax guy. Do you know one?
Just kidding.

Arby
(Bob)

[Arby]

Fly

One more thing. I see you live in Franklin Tenn. I've got a second home in No Carolina, in Macon County, not far from Deal's Gap. Is Franklin near the mountains, or farther west?

Arby
(Bob)

[Tipstall]

I agree the 250 would not work out west or if it was your only bike. I'm looking at riding with my son and daughter, some ds group rides and running to the store.

I will regear it and also do a mild uncork. I may seal a deal on the KLX tomorrow, anyone want a XL250 cheap?

Ken

[Fly]

Fly

One more thing. I see you live in Franklin Tenn. I've got a second home in No Carolina, in Macon County, not far from Deal's Gap. Is Franklin near the mountains, or farther west?

Arby
(Bob)

Franklin is just south of Nashville...very close to the middle of Mid-TN.

[Tipstall]

Picked up my new KLX 250 yesterday. The break in is going to kill me, below 4000 rpm for 500 miles, (10,500 redline). It's like riding a moped. I plan to regear it, modify the airbox, carb and add a new exhaust. Than I plan to ride it hard. My son and I will visit a couple of local motorcross tracks during off days to have some fun and I will try some local dual sport rides this summer.

Ken

[Arby]

Sounds like you've got some fun times ahead. Especially the part about doing it with your son.
That bike will do great on the dual sport rides, not so sure about the m/x track.
But I believe you were planing to do any heel clickers.

Bob

[Arby]

That is, I don't believe you were planing to do heel clickers.

Bob

[Tipstall]

I was thinking about trying a Superman. No hard racing for me, just having fun on a slow day at the track.

[Wild Will]

OK, my 2 cents. I live in an area where straight roads are almost 100 miles away. There are several DR and XR 650 bikes in our local group of aging hoons. The DR 650 and XR 650 L with 21" front wheels are always hanging with the liter class motard-esque bikes, like the BMW GS, Suzi V Strom, etc. The 400 DRZ is underpowered. I know a guy spending scads of loot building a 17" wheeled SM from a new DR 650. Beautiful bike. The ultimate SM here in N. Ca. still seems to be the Honda XR 650 R with 17" wheels. Nothing goes like that single in the tight twisties. They're not street legal but can be made so or bought used set up thus. A lot of bang for your buck. I love Darth's MZ, and would hhave bought it if I could have registered it here in Lalaland. I saw the Husky 610 at the bike show and fell in love, but didn't want to part for $10K for a playbike. So, I use my XR 650 L with the magic button which motards really nicely and does the dirt well too, but not single track. Singles seem to be the way to go, but I'm in love with the torquey promise of the soon to be available KTM 950 SM. That's the one for me. The KTM singles all shake like the paint mixer at the local hardware store. I've ridden the three that are in our group. One guy jujst traded his for a KTM 950 Adventure. Now that's the most do it all bike I've seen thus far. We ride the asphalt snake to the forest service roads around the Trinity Alps and these real big torque dual sports just rule. I'm awaiting the new 990 with ABS and fool injection, in black please.

[DarthRider]

Tell ya what Wild Will - you get homesick for some straight roads, I'll show you a few!!
Too bad it didn't work out with the MZ Black Kitty...I'd loved to have read your tales of spanking faster bikes, especially S-M's that cost damn near twice as much.

Dave

[Tipstall]

56

57

Went for a ride today. Great bike. It feels so light compared to the R. It would not work on an interstate, at 60 gust in 6th would slow me down.

Ken

[DarthRider]

Now *that* looks like fun!

Dave

[Tipstall]

Another guy came up with this idea. This is a Pelican case that is waterproof. Not huge but enough for a couple of things.

Ken

60

[DarthRider]

Ken, tell us about that case, I like it!
Sizes?
Colors?
Source?

Dave

[Tipstall]

Dave,

It's a pelican case. Very rugged and matches the bike perfect. You can't put much weight on the back of the bike so that is why it's not very large. Also it's a dirt bike that is going to see more off road than on. The attachment method allows it to be removed in 1 minute.

http://www.pelican.com/

I have a 13 tooth counter sprocket on order as the bike needs to be regeared. My source for the skid plate fell through so back to the drawing board. I'm going over to the local dealer that just changed hands and see if the parts guy is helpful.

Ken

[geechie]

We use Pelican cases a lot down here in the marine environment. Cameras, O2 sensors, salinometers, you name it. Very solid little cases which come in a nice variety of styles. Absolutely waterproof and reasonably priced.

George

[Road Dog]

Here is a couple of links that should get you to some impressive pictures of the pelican case setup. I would have gone this way but a Givi case came with my KLR650.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102759&highlight=pelican

www.cariboucases.com

BTY the F650 can go anywhere a KLR can go - It just cost more. One of the guys on our GDR ride had his KLR run over and totaled by a cell phone talking pickup driver. He had to bail in a right hander to avoid injury when he saw the bumper coming. He repaired the KLR, frame, forks, radiator and all other bent parts (the truck ran over the front wheel and over the engine) for $600. Try that with a KTM or BMW. Because of the value of a KLR you don't mind bashing the crap out of them.

[supermotoC]

Because of the value of a KLR you don't mind bashing the crap out of them.

I read a lot of KLR bashing on AdvRider.com:072:

That KLX250S looks like a really good idea - too bad they don't put the 450 engine in it & tune it for torque - I'd jump on that as a serious adventure/trail bike. Enough HP to get in/out of trouble, light enough to keep you out of the ditch, or at least light enough for you to PULL it out of the ditch.

[Tipstall]

My old bike is for sale

http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=816