Posts
3
Joined
1/12/2019
Location
Port Angeles, WA
US
Edited Date/Time
1/13/2019 8:19pm
My job has me moving to the bay area next month. I'm a small town kind of guy and traffic isn't really my thing. Looking at getting a dual sport to make the commute a little more enjoyable. I've been eyeing the ktm 250 exc-f to toy around on. Wanting to know what your guys' opinion is on dual sports and what size is the "best" for the road. I've never ridden anything street legal before so I'm a total squid in this aspect!
The Shop
Great maintenance schedule compared any other options that aren't gutless.
I believe KTM is bringing back the SMC for 2019 and Husky has the supermoto option as well.
Only downside is ~10-11k however very good resell value.
From a recent Dirt Bike test:
"Who makes the best Dual Sport line today? Beta. No asteriks, no subtext, and no double talk" https://www.betausa.com/sites/default/files/Dirt%20Bike%202019%20Beta%2…
"10. Despite not quite being a race bike, Associate Editor Jess McKinley knocked out race-quality times on it. Jess times all his riding and testing, so he has a vast performance database on a wide variety of trails in varying condition. In the dry summer conditions, aboard the 2019 Beta 350 RR-S, he put his fastest times ever on Los Padres National Forest’s epic Whatta Trail. Even he was surprised, especially with the less-than-ideal Michelin Enduro rubber."
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/11/24/2019-beta-350-rr-s-review-1…
If you have a higher budget, look at the KTM 690 or Husky 701. Capable off roaders but much better for on street use than the smaller 450s
Since it does actually rain here on occasion, you might consider getting something you can put a rack and a box on or some type of easily removable saddlebags.
Honda XR650L is a nice bike and has electric start. It weighs only 349 lbs full of gas. $2500.00 - $3500.00 What's not to like?
Below are a few ads.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/search/mca?query=xr650l
I would go KTM/Husky 450 if its mostly city/suburbs and then the occasional open road. If its mostly high speed on open roads then maybe something bigger/heavier.
But for riding on trails, i would still want to have the lightest bike possible. The KTM/Husky crossover bikes are pretty sweet IMO and would be a lot of fun zipping around town on some street tires.
I'm 59 years old, born and raised there. Traffic and accidents, is the worse I've ever seen it there over the last few years.
Also get use to the crowded city life for a bit, as your coming from a small town atmosphere.
Obviously you've been there visiting, living/working will take a bit more acclamation.
Long of the short, I would wait a bit before dual sporting it.
Pit Row
For the guys that say you can't ride something like an XR650 in the trails check this guy's channel out. He races my harescramble series and rides a fast class on a 650.
Post a reply to: Anybody ride a dual sport?