Duel purpose starter

[DArchers53]

<div>Im looking to get my 2nd bike next year an iv really been looking at getting a duel purpose bike since my best freind just got a honda dirt bike. Iv been loking at the Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki v-storm 650, and the Buell Ulysses but iv heard the arnt good for trails because there so heavy. Im not looking for something like a dirt bike to do jumps and really hard trails just something i could ride on street and when i wanted, go on some dirt trails through woods or something like that. What would you sugest i get?</div>

[Fireballsocal]

<div>Those 3 bikes you listed are not dirtbikes at all and while I've seen some people take them on some pretty hard core trails, I wouldn't advise it unless you know what your doing. The Suzuki DR650, kawasaki KLX650, and Honda XL650 make outstanding dual sports but they are also a bit on the porky side for serious trail work. They are the best bet though if your doing say 85% street and 15% trails. If you have lots of money to spend and you like power, go directly to the KTM 525's. Fast mothers but these are race type dirtbikes with plates. Really only for those that want the best/fastest.</div><div> </div><div> BMW has it's 650 dual sport, the F650 I think? Nice machine but also spendy. I would go with 1 of the Japanese bikes I mentioned if I was in your shoes.</div>

[UncleErnie]

<div>IMO, the Beemer F650 is STILL too top heavy and bulky. BMW just doesn't seem to get it.</div><div>Suzuki makes the 450 that is sort of motard-like and the V-Srtom 650 that is one of the best all-round bikes ever made. The Kawasaki leans more to the dirt side than the V-Strom, and is not all that comfortable on longish street/highway rides (without a modified seat, anyway). I don't know anythng about the Honda...</div><div> </div><div>Amother good place to research that is www.advriders.com</div>

[millman]

<div>Kawasaki KLX 250 S is the perfect dual pupose bike.Light weight,plenty of power(after you put a good exhaust ,jet kit ,and do the airbox mods).It will run on the hiway at 70 miles per hour and handle the trails.</div>

[iyaoyas98]

<div>Didn't BMW drop the F650's for the Xchallenges? As far as the Kawasaki's, the KLX is a great bike for a more dirt driven rider. The KLX650 WAS a great bike, too bad they quit them 10 years ago. The '08 KLR's are nice. A good balance of street ability and &quot;offroad&quot; (read gravel) capabilities. The DRZ is available in both motard and dual sport trim, and are excellent bikes, right up to 68 mph. The new Yamaha WR's look nice, just down on power a little for me. For a beginner they might be just right. It seems we have more dual sports available now then ever before :)</div>

[pplassm]

<div>???? My DRZ goes faster than that. I regularly use it on the interstate around here. Cruising at 75, no problem.</div>

[iyaoyas98]

<div>All I've ridden is my buddies SM version. It was a nice long twisties section, but held wide open, I only got an indicated 72. I automatically deduct for manufacturer optimism ;) Anyway, it may be a gearing change he did or something, but it sure didn't have much left. Holding the throttle wide open on that particular stretch of road is one of my favorite memories though, I thought I was Rossi for a brief moment... :)</div>

[pplassm]

<div>With stock gearing on my DRZ400S, tops speed is about 85. The DRZ400SM is geared even taller. Sounds like there's a problem here.</div>

[850-Combat]

<div>My DR 400S is surprizingly capable on twisty roads with the stock tires. Off road, it could use something knobbier. You might consider the DR 650 too. Its a bit cheaper, and more street oriented. It is way more capable off road then those bikes you listed at first.</div>