Best Dual Sport

I may have started a similar thread on the old board, but looking for fresh rider's opinions. I want to get a cycle that I can ride both on-road and off-road. I would probably ride 80% street, and 20% off-road. I want something I can drive down to the local ponds and have no problems getting around some dirt/rock hills etc.. I am a die-hard Honda fanatic, so I think it's pretty obvious the XR650L is for me. Unfortunately, here in the midwest they must not sell more then a handful! I have never found a shop that has one in stock, and the few that were listed on cycletrader were more then I wanted to spend so I haven't bothered looking at them. I know there are quite a few fierce cometitors that claim to have a 'street' advantage, but I think my love for Honda racing would outweigh this advantage.

So the question remains, can anyone recommend a bike that may be better suited for my needs other then the XR650L, and is there a better way to try and locate one other then cycletrader.com? Thanks!

 

I'm 6'3", so I think I should be able to handle the Honda fine. I know it probably has the tallest height compared to its competitors. The BMW is nice, but I'm looking to spend less then 3,000, so a mid to late 90's bike is what I'll probably end up with. I checked out the KTM site and they have so many bikes, I couldn't tell which were street legal! These bikes are probably harder to find used the the XR650L.

Mdstrib, was your DR-Z400S proven a reliable bike? I have added that to the list so now am considering Kawasaki KLX650, Honda XR650L, and the Suzuki DR-Z400S. Any more comments would be appreciated.

 

Other than the ratio of street/dirt, it will make a big difference what type of street/dirt riding you're doing. If you're climbing hills or doing anything other than trails, the big bikes like the XR650L are incredibly heavy (300+ lbs) and will wear you out very quickly. If you plan on riding regularly on the interstate, forget any single-cylinder DP bike, it will vibrate you to death at 80 mph.

What about a used XR400, and put a street-legal kit on it? Lighter, reliable, and probably cheaper.

http://www.xrsonly.com/html/street_legal.html
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One thing I didn't consider was the emissions test if you are in a metro area. It might be harder with an off-road-only bike. As time goes by I get used to living in a smaller town where you could probably get a passing inspection for anything if you know the right people.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. DrTax, that bike is slightly out of what I want to spend. I think I need to stick with an OEM street legal dualsport as, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for the envirionment), I am required to do emmisions testing on my vehicles. I do live somewhat in a country type area though, so my off-road riding will be limited to dirt roads and weak trails. No ruts, jumps, etc.. I also understand the XR650L is a bit heavy compared to 'true' dirtbikes, but wouldn't that make it a bit more stable on-road? I would imagine the fastest I will ever go is 65mph.

My goal is to be able grab a fine cigar, hop on the dirtbike and cruise a couple miles down country roads to the local fishing ponds. The places I fish are 'off the beaten path', so I have to be able to drive on the road to get there, but then drive up the curb and travel a ways back through prairie style land.