Replacement dual sport bike

 After picking up the 650L a couple of times recently, I've come to desire a
lighter bike.

What a dearth of acceptable bikes out there.  I need someone to build me the
perfect machine.

I want something that is reasonably comfortable for a long day, with
adequate power for the highway.  Since the 650L is (optimistically) 350#, I
would want to drop at least 50# to make the switch worthwhile.  It also
needs to be durable, requiring little in the way of routine maintenance.
The "happy-fun-button" is pretty much a must.

It looks like a DRZ is one of the only bikes that fits this bill.   DRZs can
be found at really good prices.  I suppose the Husky TE610 would also work,
but it's still kind of heavy.  A WR450 could be fun, but titanium valves
with a short service interval is a problem.

The XR650R looks perfect, except for the lack of E-start.  For 13#, and
~$1k, I could add estart.   It would also be desirable to have a radiator
fan.

KTM 5xx:  probably the closest thing to what I'm after.  With modifications,
it could be just what I'm after.   I haven't heard too much about engine
durability.  Any data?  On the down-side, with another KTM in the garage, I
would be forced into buying the orange underwear.

Thoughts?  Any leads on a good bike?

-Jeff-

 wrote:

Sounds like you're getting old.


In terms of bang for the buck, I think the DRZ has the edge over your
other choices. Should be plenty reliable too. Probably gives up a
little in overall performance to the others, but should be better than
the XRL.


I only have anecdotes and no real data. I have two friends with KTM
dual sports. One a 640 and the other a 525. Both have had bottom end
issues at very low mileage. The 640 guy now rides a DRZ that has been
trouble free.

The 525 is fun to ride, but I can't see doing a lot of highway on it
in stockish form. Did I mention that it's fun?


XR250R. I did a bunch of dual sporting yesterday and I'm still
pleasantly surprised at how much I like this thing. Highway is out
though, at least with the stock gearing.

Oh, BTW, with minor tweaking your kid bars fit the 250. Used 'em
yesterday.

Craig

 


"Do it for the children".

Many thanks for the 650 carb.  I'll fiddle with it this weekend.

 wrote:


Happy Birthday!

I've had that carb for a long time (8-10 years maybe) and done nothing
with it. A couple of days after I dropped it in the mail to you
another friend had a need for a good 650L carb. Very odd timing. He
ended up getting his carb sorted out, I think.

Craig

 
wrote:


At the Honda shop on Tuesday, I checked on the XRL needle and needle jet I
ordered a year ago.

"Discontinued"

How weird for Honda to do that.  On a model that was mfgr'd less than 10
years ago.  No clue as to where you would find these parts.

-Jeff-