ob269

I'm really looking into getting a dual sport bike and wanted some opinions from the folks on jk forum..
I've been looking at the smaller side, 250-400 and would like some input..

Current thoughts are:
drz400s
Wr250r
Xt250

Any other bikes to look into?

Sent from my iPhone 5s because just like my '14 jk it will soon no longer be the coolest thing out =(

larry0071

Are you planning much on the road? Serious dirt?
The DRZ is able to handle commuting and highway use and pretty dang serious dirt. The WR250, KLX250 are really dirt bikes, just under powered compared to the real thing. They can both hit 70, but don't take well to sustained highway use. They are light and decent suspension.

The KLR650 it's the Jeep wrangler of dual sports. It does everything decently, nothing great. It can be modified to be a dirt bike or a Goldwing like Continent crosser.

If you really want a hard core dirt bike, go with a KTM, they are all titled as a motorcycle, and add a SickAss Racing dual sport kit to it. Not really for road use, but killer in the dirt.

The XT? I've got no use for it. I've been dual sporting for years, owned everything from the 250 class to a V Strom 1000. I own 3 now, and each folks a very different void.

Mschneid

I am also into the dual sports.

I did have a Kaw KLR650 then went to the Suz DRZ400 and now have a KTM EXC450. I also have a BMW F650GS.

Out of your list the DRZ 400 it the best all around bike. Very reliable, parts are cheap and plentiful not a question that is the bike. The only reason I went to the KTM is that I am a motorhead and wanted more power (it's also lighter for in the trails).

Mountain Man Tim

if its not a harley and it isnt chopped these cheeks shall never bless it.

larry0071

Harley suck, I think Hummer H3 poser when I think Harley. Harley Davidson = Hardly-able-son. Yuck.

ob269

Harley Davidson: making noise without the terrible side effect of horse power since 1903! Sent from my iPhone 5s

ob269

I was thinking about a ktm, but they're not really in my price range..

The drz seems like the route I want to go but it's carbed and I ride early in the morning to work(only 1.5miles) so I'm just concerned about cold starts

Sent from my iPhone 5s

TreyJK

I love my Yamaha TW 200. Even though it tops out around 65...

Mschneid

You want carb. I am a Fuel Injection guy but when it comes to the bikes, Husaberg, KTM, Husqvarna all have had fuel pump problems. Perhaps they are fixed now but getting stranded is no fun.

Sounds like DRZ is the way to go for you.

JLsJK

I was thinking of buying the crf250l.