Any suggestions for dual sport choice

#1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 09:14 PM

I have been road racing for several years now and finally come to the realization and suggestion from Eric Wood that I need to spend some time in the dirt to hone my skills. I'm embarrassed to say I have never ridden in the dirt and took up road racing after being bored with the street after 5 years. I am 6 feet and around 210 lbs. In decent shape. I want something that isn't too intimidating but I don't want to grow out of it too fast either. Mostly weekend warrior. Would a 250 4 stroke be underpowered for me or would a 400 be too much to handle starting out. Or is a 2 stroke a better choice? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

#2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 03:45 PM

By dirt, do you mean trail riding or motocross tracks, and how much do you want to spend.

#3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 09:24 PM

I mean trail or enduro. I was hoping to drop 3k on a descent used bike.

#4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 10:37 PM

A used Kawasaki KDX might be a good choice. They're readily available, and are a really good enduro bike.

My 220 is a lot of fun, without the typical "motocross" bike powerband that's either full on or full off.

#5 (**permalink**) 02-24-2005, 05:16 PM

The Kaw 220 is good

For that money you could also pickup a used DR400E. For your size it would also be a good choice.

#6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 06:10 PM

A DRZ 400 would be perfect for your size. Might be out of the 3k range though. You can even put a plate on it. Dirt riding will help on the track.

#7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 07:33 PM

A YZ250F would be a great bike, they have the most durable engines in thier class also. Search the classifieds at http://www.thumpertalk.com as there are always good deals to be found there, that's where I found the great deal on my YZ426.

I got my '02 426 for under 3K.

#8 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 02:14 AM

DRZ400 Suzuki in any flavor "s" "e" or "k" they rock I've owned two!

I also roadraced for 3 years and the 1st bike helped me alot.

Me on my latest DRZ, a "s" model this month at Big Bend Texas National park. It was a hoot!
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RgAeA!wTlKgbTcdYRuAfG7KVYjWPIm2Mu*TndM0Y2JCWRBsQt *kDEeLuX0Vnxy5d0kWqsl9AqOcfpw610A6n2Q1cpHeTLRpEJHT qox3VaSQ/Roy%202.JPG?dc=4675513168955846042[/img]

The DRZ is unbeatable off-road as a Dual Sport the others are either a Pig or just to heavy or both. I ripped across the Texas desert high country at 75 mph plus! the DRZ is a very good motorcycle with a huge aftermarket following. Very reliable ride.

They can be had cheap also.

#9 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 07:35 PM

I don't think you should have any worries about getting something that is going to be over your head.. I have been riding street bikes for about 2 years, the past year was all track days... I figured buying a dirt bike would be a cheap / fun way to hone my skills when I cant make it to the track.. I ended up picking out a Honda CRF450R rather impulsively, but have rode it numerous times @ a really challenging ORV park here in Southern California. If you know how to ride, and have a good basic knowledge of throttle control, clutch usage.. which it sounds like you do, I think you would do just fine (I haven't killed myself yet, at least

) .. Braking on the other hand, way different!

Anyway, back to the point. If money wasn't an option I would pick up a Honda CRF450X, I don't know how the laws are in RI, but in California its ridiculously difficult to get off-road bike registered for highway use.. I for one, would love to ride my little 200+ lb. dirt bike on the street, would be a blast.