[squiggy]

2008 650 Dual-Sport Challenge from MotorcycleUSA.com. They review & compare a Suzuki DR650SE & a Kawasaki KLR650.

[newride]

thanks for this. I used to really want a KLR, but they are big and heavy. The DR has shortcommings, but I just like it better. I also looked at an XR650 L. it was cool, but basically a dirt bike with lights.

[newride]

Bought one a few days ago. 2006 DR 650! pictures to follow this week.
Wow, this thing is a fun monster! needs to be modded a bit to make it the ulimate urban assault vehicle.

[squiggy]

whoohooo

Yes, need pics.

[squiggy]

Are you still busy riding it? Or did you get lost in the back woods and someone did a Ned Beatty on you?

No pics yet.

[Helmet_Hair]

Congrats on the purchase! That's a great machine (you've probably been too busy riding to post). Please post up a couple of pics.

[newride]

Have not had a chance to take pics. Hopefully this weekend. The bike is a ton of fun though. Takes me back to being 14 and learning on a "dual sport." Stock tires are rough in the dirt and the seat is tough, but I will fix that.

[newride]

finally, A pic or two.
Bike is so much fun!

[squiggy]

That's the same color I would get.

I seen you busy posting over at Adventure Rider. Have fun over there and on the bike.

[Kapp555]

They are heavy bikes even for dual sporting IMO. If you can spend a little get a KTM. Lighter, faster, better suspension, brakes or a Husqvarna 610.

I had a KTm 620 for a long time and am going to be getting a 690 as soon as they are out used another year.

[squiggy]

Both the Husky 610 and the KTM 690 are a superior vehicle to the 15+ year old Suzuki. But the DR has an advantage in aftermarket accessories for Suzuki. And it's also its oil cooled and it has lock-nut valve adjustments like the Katana. Simple to do.

If either manufacture, or even aftermarket, offered the same kind of accessories then I would get one of the other two in favor over the DR650.

[Kapp555]

Both the Husky 610 and the KTM 690 are a superior vehicle to the 15+ year old Suzuki. But the DR has an advantage in aftermarket accessories for Suzuki. And it's also its oil cooled and it has lock-nut valve adjustments like the Katana. Simple to do.

If either manufacture, or even aftermarket, offered the same kind of accessories then I would get one of the other two in favor over the DR650.

I think aftermarket is much less of an issue for a KTM or husqvarna as really the only things that need upgraded are the seat and the tank size and exhaust. Other then that everything is tops component wise. These items are available aftermarket from numerous vendors.

I seen a lot of guys, some who i ride with who spend a lot of money to upgrade their DR to make them more of a dirt worthy machine. In the end they never can reach the quality of a KTM or a Husq.

If your just going to put around trails the DR or KLR or the honda XRL/XR are great machines. The XR650R is fantastic power wise and for ease of maintenance as well and is just an offraod machine that is usable onroad as well for shorter rides. I just dont like to kickstart anymore=)

Also dont rule out the kawasaki KLX250, very light 6 speed gearbox and electric start. Very usable power and easy to handle, i rode my friends and I just loved it!

All the above are great bikes and you really cant go worng with any of em. If i was riding mostly road i would get a KLR, which is the heaviest and a good road bike. If i was riding light trails and some commuting I would get a DR or an XR/L. The only drawback to the XRL is the seat height.

If I was seriously dual sporting and spent most of my time on trails and double/single track Id get a KTM or Husqvarna 610 for sure.

[scottynoface]

If I got a dualsport, my license would be gone in a week. Wheelies for 40 miles...

[squiggy]

If I was seriously dual sporting and spent most of my time on trails and double/single track Id get a KTM or Husqvarna 610 for sure.

I see these two bikes as a "trailer it to the trails then ride it". In my case I would want a bike I can load up from home, ride the 100, 200, 300 miles to the location. Make camp for a couple days, then ride the trails or back country.

Then ride back home.

If I got a dualsport, my license would be gone in a week. Wheelies for 40 miles...

That's like a supermotard bike. Very light weight, high power.

A hooligan bike.

[scottynoface]

That's like a supermotard bike. Very light weight, high power.

A hooligan bike.

It's too easy, hell my old RM would wheelie for at least a mile.