Anybody buy a dual sport bike recently

 

I am looking into a dual sport bike. I test drove a Buell Ulysses, but was
not impressed with the 12 K price tag. I did like the ride however. I also
looked at a BMW GS1200, real cool looking bike the 8 gallon tank is a real
selling point. No one would give me the time of day in the showroom!??
Unfortunately the 16 K price tage is not. I also have been reading about a
KLR 650. It does not look as cool as the Buell or the Beemer, but it is very
reasonably priced.

Can anyone comment on this?

Thanks,
Kyle.

GSRX-1000 2001 (18 K miles, 02 leftover)
V-Star 1100 2003 (4 K miles, purchased used, just the miles I put on since
fall 05')
CB750 1972 (project bike, for winter time)

 

spidermonkey wrote:

How "dual" do you want?

If you haven't looked at a Suzuki V-Strom you might want to.  Very
capable, reasonably priced,  and there's an incredibly enthusiastic
rider community.  A bit scarce (around here anyway) at the moment
though.  I think you'll find that the 650s are a lot happier off-road
than the 1000+ models, but I'm no expert.  Also might want to look at
the Ducati Multistrada.


to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

 


I've ridden the KLR650.  Surprisingly powerful for a thumper of an engine.
LOTS you can do with it too.  Not a bad bike at all considering the price
tag, but no comparison to the higher end bikes if you have the cash.

It's a bit heavy for any serious off-roading, but that's why they call the
dual sports.  Put street tires on unless you want to go for new tires every
4-5,000 miles.

Everyone who puts a better suspension likes the KLR 650 better that way...
It has a very soft and weak suspension unless you are a 120 lb. rider.


Exactly...


I second the V-Strom.  Again, I've ridden one.  VERY smooth - as in just
about as smooth as my Valkyrie.  Powerful enough to play with too.  Not too
much as far as accessories out there, but my friend got 300 miles on a
signle tank of gas so they're pretty efficient if ridden sane.  I'd
personally get the 650 and not the 1000 ...  But I'd put the 1000 seat on
the 650 immediately for long distance comfort.

Something else to consider...  You could buy the V-Strom 650 AND a KLR 250
(which is a GREAT little bike) for the same price as that higher end bike
you *were* considering...

Bonus:  Both of my V-Strom 650 friends have ridden the KLR 650 and went out
and found KLR 250's to own...

Joe in Northern, NJ  -  V#8013-R

Currently Riding The "Mother Ship"
http://yunx.com/valk.htm

Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
http://tinyurl.com/5apkg

 

Joe wrote:

More than you might think from googling.  There are two user communities
online http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/  and
http://11109.rapidforum.com/  that can provide sources.


There's what looks to be an easy seat mod that I haven't tried yet
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Seats.html#Cushions  (scroll down to
the bottom).


to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

 



I have a Buell Ulysses and it's worth every dime....to me.  For a great
source of information on dual sports, I suggest perusing
http://www.advrider.com/forums/index.php

You'll get lots of opinions there.  Some even informed.