Newbie looking at Dual Sport...

The last time I was riding consistantly I was riding a Honda CB 100 back an forth to school 15 years ago. I am itching to get back into riding. I will NOT be riding on the freeways. I will be avoiding traffic as much as possible. My wife and I don't have a truck and we are not going to get one so towing a bike to the woods and trails is not an option. That is why I am looking at dual sport models. I would like to know if anyone has any ideas or preferences as to which bike I should get. I am leaning towards new because I am not a mechanic.

Suzuki DRZ 400s. It is a well proven machine, and if you search around sometimes dealers will have leftover models at a discount but are still new.

2nd that. The DRZ400s is great.

FYI there are three versions of the DRZ400 S - Street legal, E - not street legal, and K - no electric start.

Kawasaki also has the exact same bikes but they have different letter codes (that I'm unfamiliar with).

Good luck!

I took a test ride on Kawasaki's 250 bike. I liked it. Is there a reason that you guys think that I would need a 400? I am not planning on riding on the freeway at all and very little on the highways. My commute is only 7 miles and it is all back roads.

Nope, a friend of mine rides a 250 Kaw dual sport. It is lower to the ground and great for putting around on. A lot depends on who your riding with and how fast you want to be able to go. Don't know you, but the 250 Kaw might be a better choice. For me, it wouldn't be fast enought to keep up with my friends on the trails (I'm tall and too heavy for a 250, so for me the DRZ was a good choice).