Dual Sport Bikes

[He Man]

I've been looking at picking up a dual sport while i figure out what I'm going to do with the monster (trying to get rid of the motor/ecu first). I know some of you guys have dual sports so speak up with what you prefer!

I'm looking for something that can cross the country and is easy to service. Everything seems to point to a DR-650 for me but id like to get some other ideas. I'm a big fan of huskys (they are sooooooo perrrrrtyyyyy) but ive heard they are a NIGHTMARE in terms of service intervals. Id like it to be a little on the shorter side (ive got a 32" in inseam and dont mind riding something thats taller than me, but i have to atleast be able to single leg one side and have my foot dangling on the other) for the sake of comfort. Those 37+ inch Hondas are ridiculously tall so they are out of the question.

Any preferences? I know there arent many dirt roads around here, but the bike im intending to get is going to replace the monster completely i think. I can't seem to find the right multi right now, the market is DRY!, and even if I do, i dont think i can live with having the older DS1000 motor or even DS1100 motor again.... and the new multi....well. $$BLING BLING$$ that i dont have!

[MendoDave]

What do you mean cross the country? If you plan on going long distance down a highway don't get a single. Look at some parallel twins or something. We went on a trip to Idaho last summer with a KLR 650 and it didn't really want to slab at much more than 60 which was a pain in the rear for the rest of us on twins and fours.

It did just great off the pavement though.

Check out The Honda NC700

http://powersports.honda.com/2014/nc700x.aspx 

The gas tank is a big trunk large enough for a whole helmet.

[Dirty Duc]

And of course the Stroms.

The Wee is better if you are going "off-road" because is is lighter, while I prefer the Vee if slab is involved (I also ride two-up a lot).  The Vee doesn't have much more top end (if any) than a 2v Duc, but the torque is satisfactory.

I find it less engaging than a Duc, but it doesn't do too bad when the need to hoon arises. 

Choose your tires wisely if going for a big DS/ADV bike, though.

[koko64]

Gran Canyon?

[ungeheuer]

Love my DR650.  They do need some help to make the most of 'em though.  But cheap, honest reliable, basic DS fun 

Some more stuff here  >>  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=46656.0

[duc996]

Hyperstrada maybe?

[Ducatamount]

... didn't someone say that Ducati makes a Hypermotard? 

[the_Journeyman]

If you're going to see a lot of pavement but want a some off-road capability, have you considered the Tiger?  I've heard a lot of good about it, and depending on what rubber you fit it with, it can be pretty capable off road.  I would consider it in the same category as a V-Strom or Versys, but with more motor.  Don't forget the BMW F-series bikes either.  They also had a nice 650 single BUT it's crazy tall.  I've got the same inseam as you and I just don't think I would want to ride it off road.

For me (my area is quite different than yours for getting to trails and off-pavement paths etc) I would wind up getting more of a street legal dirt bike for a dual sport.  I would actually be happy on an plated XR650R (not to be confused with the L model) a Husky 610 or similar.  Granted, I'm talking a 10-15 minute ride to some nice dirt, forestry service areas, rough gravel, pig trails etc.

JM

[MendoDave]

... didn't someone say that Ducati makes a Hypermotard? 

I never heard that. Probably just a rumor.

[zooom]

Gran Canyon?

that has some teeth to that idea...you could put the Monster power plant in a Gran Canyon and have a beast of a bike....and I happen to wanting to part ways with my Gran Canyon....

[He Man]

Love my DR650.  They do need some help to make the most of 'em though.  But cheap, honest reliable, basic DS fun 

Some more stuff here  >>  http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=46656.0

Good link! Should of used the search!

I'm more prone to a bike that is bias towards street but will handle offroad. People have mentioned the versys but thats too street to me.

THe super Tenere would be a DREAM bike on paper, but that thing weighs a ton! I wouldnt even be able to ditch my pack and ride it up a hill.

Does anyone own a husky here? Whats the maintenance like on that thing and would you pout 10k+ miles with only an oil change?

Gran Canyon...defintely not. I'm not trusting my duc motor to go away for an extended amount of time without a whole slew of tools!

[He Man]

I was just looking up the XR650. Man! that thing looks like a beast! though its way too tall  . I cant imagine the fuel in frame being that durable though! what if you crack the frame or go down on the frame???

[MendoDave]

I was just looking up the XR650. Man! that thing looks like a beast! though its way too tall  . I cant imagine the fuel in frame being that durable though! what if you crack the frame or go down on the frame???

Frames are hollow anyway, wether there is fuel in them or not. (look at your monster frame) The frame should be tougher than most gas tanks. And if you go down hard enough to compromise the fuel holding ability of the frame, you might have bigger problems than having enough gas to get home.

What if you crack the frame on a regular bike? Is it safe to ride?

[minnesotamonster]

The oil is in the frame, not the gas on an xr650. I have not heard of it being a problem, but I'm sure there's always a chance. A good skid plate would probably be good insurance.

An xr650r would be a good choice IMO. With a supermoto set up for track days  

[zooom]

what about the KTM...a 950 or 990 Adventure ?!?!?!