Topic: What is the best Dual Sport Bike? (Read 2145 times)

SBB · « **on:** January 16, 2012, 10:38:53 AM »

Guys and ladies.
I'm looking for opinions on dual sport bikes.
What do you think is the best all around dual sport bike made?
But I throw in a few restrictions to suit my needs.
Weight, do we really want to be taking a 600+ bike down a fireroad? It's hard enough for me to push a 940 lb SEUC up on the lift.
Do we want to try riding a single cylinder down the highway at 70 to 75 mph? (for hours to the next destination)
A one off specialty bike is fine till your in the middle of nowhere and it breaks down.
Do we need a 130 mph bike riding on 90 mph dual sport tires?
Lastly, let's not break the bank.
We can stop in the BMW shop and drop 20+ big ones on a new GS and that's fine till we drop it and can't pick it up.
Give me your thoughts, a KLR, a KTM Adventurer, A GS, what's your opinion on the best all around bike for a 50+ crowd?

SBB

porthole · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2012, 12:03:32 PM »

Did you talk to Jock yet?

erniezap · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2012, 12:08:42 PM »

Or Roger (Trapperdog)?

porthole · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2012, 12:11:32 PM »

Quote from: erniezap on January 16, 2012, 12:08:42 PM

Or Roger (Trapperdog)?

Yeah him too.

Dick went from home in the Carolin's to Alaska on his KLR

Trapperdog · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2012, 01:07:02 PM »

That's actually a big can o worms. It sounds like you have started narrowing down your needs which will help greatly. For us having to buy two, cost was a big factor. While the BMW's are generally high on the list, they are high in cost also. The Honda's, Yamaha's and KTM's are a great mid priced DS (dual sport) coming in the $15K range. The Triumph Tiger is also in that range and a great DS but dealers are few and far between if you plan on much cross country travel. Personally, I'd love the Ducati Multistrata with 150HP but again, the high cost and dealership frequency is an issue. We did choose the Suzuki VStrom DL1000 and DL650 due to their low cost and versatility. However we have had to add additional parts to make it more off road worthy. They both proved quite reliable and comfortable on our last 5K + mile trip. As far as size, the more off road you plan to do, the smaller the bike you should get. I've seen the thumpers like the KL do cross country runs, but for long distance runs I personally prefer a larger bike. For me I choose to have my 215lb CR250 for the dirt, the DL's for fire roads and long twisty country roads and the Ultra for long distance runs. I just sold my plated XR400 as it was just too small for the road for me. Make sure to check out the ADV forum at http://advrider.com/forums/ for all the info you will need on DS's. Roger

dayne66 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2012, 01:26:27 PM »

Not sure how the Buells are in comparison...but, you'd have reason to stop at all your favorite HD dealers along the way.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Buell-/300649336486?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item460018cea6

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:33:13 PM »

If I were looking, the Suzuki V Strom 650 Adventure ABS would be on the list, or the 1000 version. 1000= 555lbs and the 650 is 519lbs. Seat height is 33.3 and 32.9 respectively. V-Twin.

I know a guy in California who just bought one and is planning a trip to Alaska on it this May/June. He loves it. Looks like a great bike for the money.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2012/DL650AADV.aspx?category=dualsport#Specs

The Kaw is also nice, but to me, has some disadvantages...it's a single cylinder 650 instead of a Vtwin, the seat height is a whopping 35". But, it is lighter...by the time you added bags and such, it would probably be about 40lbs lighter.

IMO, in the 650 class, the Suzuki would be the nicer ride, and in the 1000cc class, there's no contest for the money.

But, the BMW sets the standard, and it's shaft drive, has a HUGE 8.7 gal tank. Dry weight (without luggage) is 495lbs for the 1200. And you can get a lowered version. But, it'd be 20K or so, with options.

dlaws01 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:03:41 PM »

I kinda like a used Ducati ST4s, has the removable saddlebags, decent two up riding, lightweight in comparison to the CVO and has great power. Used prices seem reasonable too.

faceracer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:11:35 PM »

I am a little out of my area of knowledge but: Wasn't the Yamaha FJR voted best dual sport several years in a row, A friend of mine had one and told me about it once. Its been awhile and he has pasted away since. Maybe I am thinking sport tour? Never mind!!!

erniezap · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:14:08 PM »

Quote from: dlaws01 on January 16, 2012, 09:03:41 PM

I kinda like a used Ducati ST4s, has the removable saddlebags, decent two up riding, lightweight in comparison to the CVO and has great power. Used prices seem reasonable too.

The issue with the Ducati is if you need work done in the middle of nowhere. There are a lot more BMW, Suzuki, etc, shops around

Supershooter · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:42:55 PM »

Has anyone had any experience with the Yamaha Super Tenere? It seems to be another 1200 that wants to compete with the Ducati and BMW's. The BMW may have good resale if your looking for short term ownership a GS Adventure.
Supershooter

PS I'm interested in this subject also, I plan to add a DS to out stable at some point.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:43:34 PM »

Quote from: erniezap on January 16, 2012, 09:14:08 PM

The issue with the Ducati is if you need work done in the middle of nowhere. There are a lot more BMW, Suzuki, etc, shops around

Sadly that's even an issue with the Buells. I actually really liked the Ulysses. Almost got an XB12XT (think that's right) when Buells were being blown out at the end. But they are so thoroughly orphaned that Harley shops don't know Buells. No parts are stocked in the dealerships and the shops have no familiarity. Might as well ride in on any other foreign model.

Banana man · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:57:16 PM »

I think the Suzuki V-strom is the way to go. Very reliable, good dealer network, not
to big for fire roads, V-twin engine for longer highway use and they handle really
well. Crap now I want one!!

SilveRT8 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:07:24 PM »

I used to ride a Kawa KLR 650, great bike for riding in the cities with lots of potholes, but Dual Sport bike ?
Too heavy in the dirt and unstable on a windy highway.

Trapperdog · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:48:25 PM »

Just a few corrections for the record:
Suzuki Vstrom (DL650) weighs in at 472 dry
DL1000 is 525 dry
DL1000 ADV is 555 dry (Comes with side and top bags)
The Ducati ST4s is not a dual sport bike
The BMW GS ADV has the 8.7gal tank (with 35"+ seat height)
The BMW GS has a 5.3 gal tank (with a 33.5" seat height)

The Yamaha Super Tenere is a great bike and would link it price wise with the KTM 990 ADV and the Triumph Tiger

The VStoms are definitely a heavier bike and until the 2012 DL650 came out only minor changes have been made to the bike over the years. (Other than an ABS option since 2009) Out of all the bikes listed, they are the least equipped for off road travel. That's not to say they are not great fire trail/gravel road bikes, but as their price has been lower than other DS's, they are not as well equipped. However...The 2012 DL650 has undergone many changes and looks to be a comperable bike to some of the others. But the price has risen as well.
Lest us not forget the other BMW models as there is an 800GS as well as a 650GS. Neither has the opposing cylinders like the 1200.

Trapperdog · « **Reply #15 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:54:32 PM »

Quote from: erniezap on January 16, 2012, 09:14:08 PM

The issue with the Ducati is if you need work done in the middle of nowhere. There are a lot more BMW, Suzuki, etc, shops around

Ernie's right. If you live/ride close to a dealership that's not a problem. But if you are headed for Prudohe Bay AK., it's a different story. (Even though Ducati's reliability has vastly improved)

erniezap · « **Reply #16 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:22:08 PM »

Quote from: trapperdog on January 16, 2012, 10:54:32 PM

Ernie's right. If you live/ride close to a dealership that's not a problem. But if you are headed for Prudohe Bay AK., it's a different story. (Even though Ducati's reliability has vastly improved)

Holy crap! Never thought that I would see the day!

Trapperdog · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2012, 02:04:49 PM »

Quote from: erniezap on January 16, 2012, 11:22:08 PM

Holy crap! Never thought that I would see the day!

Enjoy it while you can, that's the last time for the rest of the year

RayG · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2012, 04:24:36 PM »

Like many that belong to this site I have cut my teeth riding in the dirt. Motocross and Flat Track racing was my all time favorite, even though I wasn't very good I still enjoyed it. Back when I raced I could touch the ground on my bikes, today's bike with their superior travel keeps my feet far from coming close to the ground. Even a Sports Tourer bike like the Concours 14 is difficult to touch the ground for me. Being vertically challenged has its drawbacks in our sport which can eliminate some great machines. With that said and also hoping to be in the same position to add a dual purpose bike I'm leaning towards the V-Strom 650 with some aftermarket options, as was previously mentioned. For whats its worth last fall I talked at length with the owner of a successfull mail order company called Whitehorse Gear in Conway NH about the same thing. He told me he could drive what ever he wanted, and his stable consisted of a V-Strom 650 and the Suzuki 400 street legal dirt bike (not sure on the model) His knowledge and experience from talking to riders from all over gave him the pros and cons of just about everything available.

I have to agree with the knowledgable statements made in reference to the V-Strom. There is a good write up on the new model in Rider Magazine, I happened to find the test on the internet.

Very interesting topic, hope you find what you are looking for.

Good Luck

mark z · « **Reply #19 on:** January 17, 2012, 06:49:42 PM »

My personal preference would be the 2012 Yamaha Super Ténéré.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/651/0/home.aspx

CVOMOE!! · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2012, 01:01:41 AM »

Without question the best bike you are looking for is the Triumph Tiger 800 XC. Awesome motor, fast, reliable, good on and off road, and not too expensive. A close second would be the Yamaha Super Tenere but it is a little on the heavy side. They both are getting great reviews and the Tiger 800 has just been selected as the best dual sport by one of the magazines for 2011.

I have a KLR but am currently looking at the Triumph and the Yamaha. I would keep the KLR though as it serves a different purpose.

If you are leaning towards a BMW look at the 800GS or wait for the new water cooled 1250GS,

Cheers, Chris

murphy · « **Reply #21 on:** January 18, 2012, 01:54:10 AM »

I have a buddy that I used to race MX with who bought a KLR a couple of years ago and swears by it... he even has a little following now with his buddies buying same.

He has only ever had two complaints... both in relation to hwy riding... bad vibes at high speed and the wind.

Author Topic: What is the best Dual Sport Bike? (Read 2145 times)