Dual Sport for me

[007]

You guys and all your dual sport riding have me thinking, maybe I should see what the fun is all about. I am also fighting myself with getting a smaller bike for local rides.

So I was thinking this DRZ-400SM supermoto:
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/4555643526.html

I have also seen guys on the Dragon running the motards with slicks, which also looks like crazy fun. I realize this example has street tires and suspension, but figured I could put some DS tires on it and away I go. Is that a bad idea?

How many miles can these singles take before a rebuild is needed? Are they reliable? Are extended highway jaunts to get to good DS roads a pain with buzzy singles? Should I get the non-supermoto version? Should I just buy a KLR650? Or the NC700X?

Or even sell the K12S and buy an adventure bike like everybody else?

[Bob]

You guys and all your dual sport riding have me thinking, maybe I should see what the fun is all about. I am also fighting myself with getting a smaller bike for local rides.

So I was thinking this DRZ-400SM supermoto:
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/4555643526.html

I have also seen guys on the Dragon running the motards with slicks, which also looks like crazy fun. I realize this example has street tires and suspension, but figured I could put some DS tires on it and away I go. Is that a bad idea?

How many miles can these singles take before a rebuild is needed? Are they reliable? Are extended highway jaunts to get to good DS roads a pain with buzzy singles? Should I get the non-supermoto version? Should I just buy a KLR650? Or the NC700X?

Or even sell the K12S and buy an adventure bike like everybody else?

This-->>

Or even sell the K12S and buy an adventure bike like everybody else?

But only if you would be happy with just ONE bike. And I doubt that would be the case. So get the DRZ400SM. You could take it off road by just airing the 17" tires down a little. It is fun in twisties, the power from that 400 is just amazing. But you'd be hard pressed to drag a knee--turns too easily.

[Bob]

That DRZ on Craigslist looks good but mileage is a little high. If you look around you should be able to find one with 5K or less easily. When you start typing in the search box at Craigs, after you type the letters 'DR' you'll see several suggestions--check them all out---everyone seems to spell it differently and you can miss a lot of bikes if you just type DRZ400SM. (the correct way is DR-Z400SM but the hyphen ends up all over the place)

[Bob]

BTW, you can take a test ride on mine or Broz' next time youre in town.

[007]

I will bring my gear for a test ride next time I visit the Imaginary GF in Charlotte. Have you seen my knee pucks lately? I will certainly try to put them down. But not on your bike, of course. I might have to up the minimum pace if it turns easier - not like pushing my K12S through the turns. Just when B roads thought they were safe from excessive speed...

[Bob]

Have you seen my knee pucks lately? I will certainly try to put them down. But not on your bike, of course. I might have to up the minimum pace if it turns easier - not like pushing my K12S through the turns. Just when B roads thought they were safe from excessive speed...

I dunno--with the DRZ rather tall seat position you may have a problem dragging a knee. Especially with these knobby tires--they aren't THAT sticky. lol

[Bob]

To answer your questons about riding characteristics:

1) Mine doesn't have bar end weights (because of the heated grips) and I still didn't have any buzzy discomfort from my 120 mile loop last Friday. Cruised at 70+ the whole way.

2) Reliable motor--yes. And torquey with a 11.3:1 compression ratio. A slightly de-tuned motocross engine. Weighs only 318 lbs. wet.

3) Excellent suspension--adjustable rebound and compression damping front and rear.

4) The SM version has an overall higher gearing so the rev's are lower in any gear than on the S.

If I had it to do over again, knowing what I now know, I would probably look for an SM that someone also has an extra set of wheels with knobbies for dirt. I saw a couple like that when I was looking.

I had always been skeptical of a 400cc bike as far as riding on the street goes--just didn't sound like enough oomph. I was wrong.

[Brick]

I think you should buy my 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere. That way you could show your imaginary girl friend how beautiful it is back on these National Forest roads! Great price!


Brick

[007]

I think you should buy my 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere. That way you could show your imaginary girl friend how beautiful it is back on these National Forest roads! Great price!


Brick

Pretty sure you are a tad over the expected mileage for the year, hehe. I saw the bidding went up to $10. I will bid $10.50 . Not a penny more. I typically sell the high mileage bikes, not buy them. But if the price is right....

In a couple of years, I am thinking about buying a low mileage 2008 K12S, transferring my farkles, and starting over!

[007]

To answer your questons about riding characteristics:

1) Mine doesn't have bar end weights (because of the heated grips) and I still didn't have any buzzy discomfort from my 120 mile loop last Friday. Cruised at 70+ the whole way.

2) Reliable motor--yes. And torquey with a 11.3:1 compression ratio. A slightly de-tuned motocross engine. Weighs only 318 lbs. wet.

3) Excellent suspension--adjustable rebound and compression damping front and rear.

4) The SM version has an overall higher gearing so the rev's are lower in any gear than on the S.

If I had it to do over again, knowing what I now know, I would probably look for an SM that someone also has an extra set of wheels with knobbies for dirt. I saw a couple like that when I was looking.

I had always been skeptical of a 400cc bike as far as riding on the street goes--just didn't sound like enough oomph. I was wrong.

Does anybody run them up to 50K miles? 100K?

[Bob]

No. For $3500 its a throw-away bike.

[PirateRiderBen]

Steve, have looked at these as well, most I hear from say the drz really lacks on anything that isn't back road. The KTM 625 SMC as well as a honda xr650l with a motard conversion (or not?) might give you the power you're looking for. The KLR or a Dakar edition f650gs is always an option. And let's not discount the classics like the honda Transalp. Know a guy from VFRD who has 60000 trouble free miles on a 1990 Transalp. And it's a 600cc vtwin, which would be better for highway. Not as motard like though, more true dual sport. Plenty of low priced options though. I chose against a motard because of limited fuel range and comfort issues. The larger 600 something dual sports are more something I'd be interested in.


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[007]

No. For $3500 its a throw-away bike.

I view most bikes as "throw away" bikes to some degree, just depends on how easy it is to throw them away.

[PirateRiderBen]

So I sat on a 2012(?) KLR 650 at MR Motorsports in Asheville. It had a Sargent seat and comfort gel grips, all I can say is wow. That's the most comfortable bike I've ever sat on. If it had better on road performance I might actually consider it.


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[Bob]

So I sat on a 2012(?) KLR 650 at MR Motorsports in Asheville.... If it had better on road performance I might actually consider it.

Have you ridden one?

[PirateRiderBen]

Nope, but I can't imagine the 21" front wheel inspires the same grip and lean angles of my VFR or Tiger.


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[PirateRiderBen]

Was also pleasantly surprised by the CBR1000rr. Fits me well for a sportbike. 600's just ain't for tall guys.


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[007]

What about the Yamaha WR250r (dual sport) or WR250x (supermoto)? These got rave reviews for being ridiculously light weight, easy to turn, excellent suspension components, modern fuel injection, and titanium valves of all things. Some install windscreens and ride them like throw away adventure bikes. A 3 gallon aftermarket tank puts close to 200miles per fill.
Another very mischievous part of me wants to buy a sportbike while I am young enough to run one. Maybe the local CBR 929 on craigslist is calling my name.

On a wild note, I went to the local Leonard shed store and bought a used one for the sole purpose of bike housing (at least my BMW) and tools. It will be delivered next week sometime.

[Bob]

What is "leonard shed"? Need pics!!!

[007]

http://www.leonardusa.com/catimg/hmp595.gif

Styled like this one, except it is 8x12 with a raised ceiling and a double door in the front to make cramming the bikes in much easier. It matches the house fairly well. Should hold 2-3 bikes and some tools quite nicely. It was outfitted with an electrical outlet so I can run an extension cord to the unit and plug in a light / fan / drill / television / etc. It was a used clearance model, so I saved about $1K. Only has a 1 year warranty, but it only needs to last about 3 years to serve its purpose, tops. Delivery and setup is free.

Now I can keep the K12S and dabble around in other bikes here and there without looking like I own a used motorcycle lot.

Although I still won't buy Brick's well used Tenere. Future bikes will be under 500 lbs. Unless I decide to squish a new VFR porker in there. That will be the only exception.

[Bob]

Now I can keep the K12S and dabble around in other bikes here and there without looking like I own a used motorcycle lot.

Sounds like an excellent plan!!!

[Brick]

Don't worry about buying my 2012 Tenere' that both you and IM could have enjoyed gravel roads on... it's sold and you missed out!

[007]

Don't worry about buying my 2012 Tenere' that both you and IM could have enjoyed gravel roads on... it's sold and you missed out!

Glad you got it sold. Your signature needs an update, sir! Says you still own it!