Dual Sport bug....

[scoprire]

The bug hit me big last year.  And then I realized that I was not riding the monster much because I was taking the V-strom on gravel roads all the time.  But then I wanted true dual-sport riding.  Don't tell, but I traded the monster for this...

Yamaha WR250R

[Punx Clever]

Just realized that KTM makes a dirt-biased 900-something CC dual sport.  KTM wins.  BAM!

[ollie]

See? That's what I'm talkin' about .  Tell me about your suspension mods....

The stock DR suspension is really soft and by the time you strap another 60kg of fuel water and gear to the bike it really doesn't handle at all.
I got the rear shock revalved and replaced the spring with a much stiffer number, at the front end I put in stiffer springs, heavier oil and emulators (all race tech stuff). I spent about $800 including labour and it has completely transformed the bike, I have no hesitation at all at throwing at the roughest, shittiest peace of corrugated track even when fully loaded, just stand on the pegs, open the throttle and point it in the right direction


The key is working out what sort of riding you have in mind, If I was just after a weekend trail bike just to ride tracks and firetrails with maybe the occasional couple of nights away I wouldn't hesitate in looking at a KTM or big Husqvarna

Indeed the KTM's and BM's and other europeans are sexy (and marketed well!), but I really cant justify the extra $$'s for the type of riding that I do, that is -  extended trips on remote, rough tracks.Last trip I did 7000 km's on predominately dirt tracks I had zero issues with the bike, with the exception of using a bit of oil when i was sitting on 130 -140 for a couple of hours on long straight bitumen sections in western QLD. Doing solo trips in the middle of nowhere reliability is the main concern, not HP, comfort, electronic gizmos or sexiness. The only downfall of the DR is that it gets does get a bit viby at high revs on long bitumen sections, but that's the best part of having a bike like this you're being able to avoid those sections!

[ollie]

just another gratuitous shot of my DR 

[the_Journeyman]

I've thought about getting one to explore all of the dirt/gravel roads off the Blue Ridge Parkway ~

JM

[mitt]

I've thought about getting one to explore all of the dirt/gravel roads off the Blue Ridge Parkway ~

JM

+1 here in Iowa.  We have more miles of gravel roads than any other state, and a lot of them are more scenic than our paved slabs.


mitt

[ollie]

Recent Ride report I posted over on advrider,

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=663490

[mitt]

Recent Ride report I posted over on advrider,

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=663490

nice job.   


mitt

[rockaduc]

Recent Ride report I posted over on advrider,

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=663490

Great report and pictures!!!!

[akmnstr]

A few pics of our Dual Sports.  My wife's DR has been lowered, has a lower custom seat, homemade
skid plate and windshield, large plastic tank, and a few more farkles.  Mine is a 1999 BMW F650.  A better road bike but not as capable on the dirt.  Got these
bikes to do long distance tours in Alaska and now that we are in TX we have ridden them in the desert.  The desert pushes the limits of the BMW and my skills.  The beemer works as the mule as it is set up to carry more gear.  Power has never been an issue with these bikes.  Both can cruise on the highway at 75 plus. 

[GLantern]

I went with a DRZ400 since I have an exotic that costs a shitload to maintain and keep around already.  I don't want to do valve checks on two bikes and I don't want to pay a ton for parts on 2 bikes not to mention I would like to commute on the DRZ regularly and not worry about putting so many miles on it I need another valve check.

I wanted reliability and cheap parts so I got a DRZ.  I do love the Husky TEs but I can't justify the price with a 1098 in the garage.

[the_Journeyman]

It's really hard to beat a properly set up DRZ.

JM

[zooom]

It's really easy to beat on a properly set up DRZ.

JM

fixed it for ya! 
  [moto]

[GLantern]

fixed it for ya! 
  [moto]

And really hard to break one too 

[DRKWNG]

Just realized that KTM makes a dirt-biased 900-something CC dual sport.  KTM wins.  BAM!

Yep.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154019