Dual Sport Recommendations for Beginners? [Archive]

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TACODOC

03-22-2008, 10:07 PM

MuddyMudskipper

03-22-2008, 10:45 PM

What's your budget Doc?

TACODOC

03-22-2008, 11:15 PM

Something new with a small payment OR something used with a small initial investment.

LandCruiserPhil

03-22-2008, 11:19 PM

Based on your post I would recommend a Honda Transalp (62mpg last tank).

I just happen to have one that is slowly becoming officially for sale $3k:sombrero:

PM me if interested

grahamfitter

03-22-2008, 11:34 PM

I'm doing a class next weekend that will hopefully get me a motorcycle license and the same dilemma. I'm not doing this to save money -- the evidence is it probably won't -- but if it does I'll be happy.

I'm a short skinny guy and I think an XT225 or DR200SE would be fine, fun, superbly economical albeit a bit slow. There are a lot more DR650s for sale round here so I might go that route instead.

Everybody I've talked to says pay cash for a gently used bike.

Good luck to you, too!

Cheers,
Graham

LandCruiserPhil

03-22-2008, 11:51 PM

One thing that dualsport newbies should consider is that a light bikes get pushed all over the road in hi-speed traffic and wind. It can be down right scary at times.

MuddyMudskipper

03-22-2008, 11:57 PM

One thing that dualsport newbies should consider is that a light bikes get pushed all over the road in hi-speed traffic and wind. It can be down right scary at times.

Inexplicably tall DS bikes too:exclaim:

HMR

03-23-2008, 12:25 AM

Dave- The 990 is a sweet machine but way beyond what you need. If you're in love with the idea of a KTM (I don't blame you) gently used 950's can be found for "reasonable" prices. However, both the 990 and 950 are 120+ mph dirtbikes- that's rediculously fast for a bike with 8+ inches of suspension travel and their mileage isn't so great for a bike (less than 40mpg). The list price on my 950 was ~$14K. The first time I dropped it I wanted to cry. The KTM "big twins" for all their beauty can also be tempermental and finding a good mechanic in SoCal can be difficult- DAMHIK.

My 950:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/51939395_gLPi9-M.jpg

I HIGHLY recommend the Suzuki VStrom 650. Better road manners than the KTM, plenty powerful for I-15, excellent MPG, Timex reliability, very easy to wrench on and surprisingly capable offroad.

My 650 in Idaho:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/27438950_fJbcH-M.jpg

HMR

03-23-2008, 12:25 AM

grahamfitter- Good choice of bikes. I've been wanting to pickup an XT225 for awhile now.

MuddyMudskipper

03-23-2008, 12:48 AM

My 950:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/51939395_gLPi9-M.jpg

:clapsmile

MuddyMudskipper

03-23-2008, 12:49 AM

The '08 KLR650 might be something to consider as well.

VikingVince

03-23-2008, 12:54 AM

One thing that dualsport newbies should consider is that a light bikes get pushed all over the road in hi-speed traffic and wind. It can be down right scary at times.

X2!!...dave, if you're gonna be taking it on CA freeways, I wouldn't go any smaller than a 550 or 650. I have a KLR 250 and it's great for the way I use it...transport it in a receiver hitch carrier behind my rig and use it to tool around from basecamp...lotta fun. A couple weeks ago I went 5 miles on the freeway, and I knew I shouldn't take a 250 on the 210 freeway but I figured 'oh hell it's just 5 miles'...well, I'll never do that again...I'm staying in the far right lane and a big truck blows by me and I almost lost control...stupid...never again!

nickatnite

03-23-2008, 02:41 AM

Gas prices are out of control and if I could probably pay for most of a new bike with the savings from the first year's commute.

I am considering a dual sport as my primary commuter (40 miles each way, some 45 mph twisties and some I-15) and would like to have a FUN bike that would be able to hit fire roads and such for some sightseeing. 95% of my time will be spent on pavement (unfortunately), but I would like to be able to explore if I wish :)

I am a mountain biker who grew up riding Honda Trail 70's, CR80's and CR125's as well as other bikes in the neighborhood, and I owned a Suzuki GS750E about a lifetime ago... so it's been a while but I am not afraid of bikes.

Right now, I am lusting over a new KTM 990 Adventure... :drool:

BUT, I don't know enough at this point about these bikes or any other to make an informed decision. I am open to any recommendations and am also considering picking up a used bike as a starter as long as it has the right pedigree (BMW, KTM or even KLR) and has been well maintained.

So, this is a beginners thread for all of us would be dual sport guys who need education.

Let the lessons begin! :roost:

FINALLY!!!!!!!! Woo Hoo.....

Sorry, had to soak in the moment... This is finally a thread I can contribute to, since most of you have answered my posts and pm's.

Here is a little background:
June 23, 1975 for my 5th birthday, I started with this:

http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/169634510_K8Nfm-L.jpg

Now then... Fast forward 32 years and here is June 2007:

http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/160090338_joC5D-L.jpg

That pic is my good friend Ted. He decided to do the Ultimate Coast to Coast , starting in Key West and go to Deadhorse, Al. I had nothing better to do for 4 days, so we meandered from Baton Rouge, La down to Key West so I could see him off!!!

Is my bike an "Expedition Bike"? Yup... Sure is..

Riding down BEAUTIFUL Oak Lanes:
http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/86238384_X7qc3-L.jpg

To water crossings:
http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/86431197_yjLxQ-L.jpg

To Civil War Antebellum ruins:

http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/86238611_47QrU-L.jpg

Even to old churches that time has forgot (even took the town off of the map and you have to ride about 20 miles of gravel road to get there) Rodney, Ms. Check out the cannon ball above the center window!!

http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/86238629_pk56t-L.jpg

Plus it likes mud!!!

http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/185697666_SxaYW-L.jpg

What I am trying to say is that I ABSOLUTELY love my BMW GS. It is a dual sport thru and thru!
Now it's a 500 lb pig, but I can do anything on it I want. Put it like this, I work offshore (I'm gone 180 days a year), I still drive my truck, but still manage to put around 10k miles on the bike every year. I've lived off of my bike for several weeks at a time. Jules and I have even taken trips. With the bike FULLY loaded (me/her and the Jesse luggage) if you keep it under 80mph on the Interstate, I avg 40-45 mpg!

Now since you have bike experience, that helps. The KTM 990 is a super sweet bike. You might want to also consider the KTM 950 or even the 640. BMW has the GS 650 and 650 Dakar and just came out with the F800 GS. I also wouldn't rule out the Kawasaki 650 either. A good friend of mine, just 2 years ago, set out from Mississippi, rode to the West Coast, then up to Canada and did the ALCAN 5000 rally (won his division) then rode over to the East Coast to visit his folks and then home. I think Jay went thru 46 States and 4 Provinces? He still has this bike too!
Here is his ride report, WORTH READING (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157719)

Ok, long story short, come over to ADVrider and check it out. A bunch of stories to be told, several items, bikes to be found for sale in the Flea Market and you can get a plethora of information for any bike.

I hope this sheds some light.

TACODOC

03-23-2008, 03:39 AM

Great replies everyone, thank you! :bowdown:

I love the KTM's and Bimmers BUT, they don't seem to be priced very well in comparison to the new 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 - it's hard to beat with an MSRP of around $5,300 new :)

Lots of refinement for the new model year, strong aftermarket support :bike_rider:

It's my #1 pick right now unless there's something I'm missing.

travel dodge

03-23-2008, 03:52 AM

I think there is alot to be said about having more weight to a bike if you are planing to do any highway. It always amazes me how much a big rig can shake a motorcyle when it passes. I love my KLR 650 and it will be my main transport as soon as the snow melts out a bit more. The other thing I would consider would be a Vstrom. Used for about $5000 you get a comfortable bike that can do it all..

TACODOC

03-23-2008, 04:33 AM

The Suzuki Vstrom 650's I looked at online didnt have skids and looked kinda street-ish... BUT, they have great engine specs!

The price tag of $6,699 is quite a bit more than the Kawasaki KLR 650 - I wonder how they match up for real?

travel dodge

03-23-2008, 04:38 AM

there are mods for everything... I think that is why I am so drawn to this site

TACODOC

03-23-2008, 04:43 AM

there are mods for everything... I think that is why I am so drawn to this site

Oh yeah, I can see this will be another sickness... :rockon:

TACODOC

03-23-2008, 05:08 AM

MuddyMudskipper

03-23-2008, 05:39 AM

The WeeStrom is a great bike (my friend has one) but it is skewed a bit more towards the street like the Kawasaki Versys (http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=246), Triumph Tiger (http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/4506.aspx), Ducati Multistrada (http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/en/bikes/family.jhtml?family=842), and Aprillia Caponord (http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/adventure/modello.asp?id=110).

You might want to pop over to ADVrider.com (http://advrider.com) for a wealth of bike info and visit Touratech USA (http://www.touratech-usa.com/) and Twisted Throttle (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/) mod ideas.

MuddyMudskipper

03-23-2008, 05:46 AM

I wish we had the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere (http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/motorcycles/adventure/xt660z.jsp) over here. It would be a great option to consider.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z294/AtomicNumber13/Tenere.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9058/2008xt660ztenereeuracc0xb2.jpg

travel dodge

03-23-2008, 07:14 AM

can we start listing bikes we would want to be able to get... put me in for a Honda African Twin

nickatnite

03-23-2008, 11:59 AM

2008 SUZUKI Vstrom 650
Displacement: 645cc
Four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90 degree V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 62.6mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel injection
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 6-speed
MSRP: $6,699.00
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DL650K8/Default.aspx

2008 Kawasaki KLR 650
Displacement: 651cc
Four-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, four-valve single
Bore x Stroke: 100.0 x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Fuel System: Carburetion, Keihin CVK40 carb
Ignition: Fully transistorized
Transmission: 5-speed
MSRP: $5,300
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=161

Both bikes are good, for their intended purpose.

The Vstrom is a street bike that has been adapted for offroad use. The nekkid version of the 650 Strom is a KILLER track bike!!

The KLR is thru and thru an off-road Dual Sport bike.

Here ya go, some reading.

KLR Stories from ADV (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49825)

The new 2008 threadfest (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168718)

When or if you go look over on advrider.com all of the info you can find for the KLR, KTM or Strom is found under the "Thumper" section.

Plus 50mm ammo cans look wicked cool on the KLR!!!

goodtimes

03-23-2008, 02:36 PM

Doc, as others have eluded to, you'll probably be happier with one of the heavier dual sports. F650GS, KLR, Wee-Strom (650cc V-strom), etc. This summer BMW will have the F650 available with a parallel twin (71hp 800cc). This fall we should see the F800GS.

All are suitable bikes for what you describe as your intended use.

Personally, I'm very happy with my '07 F650GS. For exploring the desert back roads (including the long piece of black top between there my house), it does quite well. As a bonus, I can squeeze 70 mpg out of it while commuting, or I can run down the freeway at 110mph (but not both at the same time), and I don't have to worry about my teeth rattling out (it is a smooth SOB considering it is a single)

If you are looking at singles, I suggest you get whatever you are considering out on the freeway and see how it rides at freeway speeds. Not all singles are built the same. See if the vibration and noise are something you are willing to live with. Again, I'm happy with my BMW, but to each their own. Try before you buy....

Also, pay attention to the peg to bar distance. In the dirt, you will be standing up a lot. If the pegs and bars are to close, you will be hunched over, and not very comfortable. If the pegs are to low, you'll be smacking them on rocks off road and dragging them around all the corners on the street. IF the bars are to high, it can be uncomfortable on the street....to low and you are uncomfortable off road. The bar to peg distance can be adjusted [to a point] with bar risers, different bars, peg relocation, etc.....but it is one piece of the ergonomic puzzle that many people don't consider when looking at bikes.

But in the end, even if you don't end up with the "perfect" bike (and you never will...which is why you should have 3 or 4 bikes...), they are all just plain fun.

:bike_rider:

Spicy McHaggis

03-23-2008, 05:17 PM

For reliability, idiot-proof simplicity of maintenance, and pure fun, I say go for a KLR650...if you can swing it, score a "new model" '08. I know there are PLENTY of used pre-08's out there - many hardly ridden, lots ridden only on pavement - for a song.

Mods for the KLR, are endless. After market support is endless as well.

grahamfitter

03-23-2008, 10:07 PM

One thing that dualsport newbies should consider is that a light bikes get pushed all over the road in hi-speed traffic and wind. It can be down right scary at times.

Does that mean for somebody buying their first (and for the time being only) bike to get at least a 650 if its going to go anywhere near an interstate?

Try before you buy....

When I went into a local dealer they said they don't allow test rides which was a bit surprising but they said that's the norm. It sounds like the only way to try out a bunch of bikes is to go to a bunch of private sellers? Nobody I know has a motorcycle that isn't a Harley.

grahamfitter- Good choice of bikes. I've been wanting to pickup an XT225 for awhile now.

Thanks! This whole bike choice thing is rather overwhelming because I don't know what I don't know. Hopefully I'll feel way more confident about what kind of bike is right when I've taken the class.

Cheers,
Graham

goodtimes

03-23-2008, 10:21 PM

When I went into a local dealer they said they don't allow test rides which was a bit surprising but they said that's the norm. It sounds like the only way to try out a bunch of bikes is to go to a bunch of private sellers?

Unfortunately, many places don't allow test rides. I guess they are scared that if you actually rode one before you bought it, you wouldn't like it enough to buy it. Fortunately, when I was looking at the BMW's, I discovered that Iron Horse BMW (tucson) actually encourages test rides, and were more than willing to put plates on anything I wanted.

MuddyMudskipper

03-23-2008, 11:49 PM

Unfortunately, many places don't allow test rides. I guess they are scared that if you actually rode one before you bought it, you wouldn't like it enough to buy it. Fortunately, when I was looking at the BMW's, I discovered that Iron Horse BMW (tucson) actually encourages test rides, and were more than willing to put plates on anything I wanted.

Same with the Bimmer bike dealers around SoCal. All you need is a proper bike license and they'll turn you loose. You might also want to see if/when the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show (http://www.motorcycleshows.com/) is going to blow through your town. You get to ride a lot of different machines. Even ones you don't even want to buy.;)

HMR

03-24-2008, 12:13 AM

Every BMW and Harley dealer I've dealt with, coast to coast throughout the U.S., will gladly let you demo bikes. In contrast, I don't think I've ever seen a Honda/Yamaha/Kawi/Suzuki dealer that allows test rides.

I've never been able to figure it out. I live down the street from a BIG Japanese bike dealership and they say it's an "insurance issue" while a few miles away, the local BMW dealer will toss you the keys to a brand new $22,000 K1200LT and say "have fun". :rolleyes:

goodtimes

03-24-2008, 01:17 AM

In contrast, I don't think I've ever seen a Honda/Yamaha/Kawi/Suzuki dealer that allows test rides.

Arizona Honda (tucson) actually has a short dirt track that they demo their dirt bikes on. I'm not sure if they demo their street bikes or not.

I'd have a hard time buying a bike without test riding it first.

Boston Mangler

03-24-2008, 01:33 AM

I'd have a hard time buying a bike without test riding it first.

Ditto!

We can give you our advice and such, but its really going to boil down to what fits you best and what you are most comfortable on.

Your a BIG dude and will probably not fit well on 1/2 the bikes you try out! :D

I have a Honda XR650L that i love and IMHO is the BEST bike for what i use it for (75% trails, usually at a higher speed), but more importantly it FITS me and i enjoy riding it.

Now, if i was using it for a commute and rode it on the freeway often, i would go with the BMW. We have some guys on Dakars in the club that can ride the bajesus out of those things and hang with anyone! Most impressive machine and most likely my next bike!

You are more then welcome to make the trek down to SD and take it for a ride if you'd like.

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT A BRAND BASHING, ACTUALLY OBSERVATIONS!!

I ride alot and i ride often. Usually with large groups of dual sports in my club. Usually a well mixed bunch ranging from TW200 to the big daddy BMWers

I will say this as a fact, not an opinion or comment to cause a brand vs brand debate, that the Hondas and BMWs are by FAR the most trouble free bikes out there!

deserteagle56

03-26-2008, 03:33 AM

I've owned an XT225 for many years and over 10,000 miles (it's a 1992 model) now. I love it. It is completely dependable - it has never had anything but routine maintenance in all those years. Geared way down it makes an excellent trail bike to explore those rough trails that a bigger bike just can't handle (try following a horse trail across the side of a mountain on an XR650 - you'll soon wish you hadn't). It is darn near as good as a trials bike.

But on the freeway? No way! The 225 runs out of steam above 60 mph and you know freeway traffic moves much faster than that. You run the risk of becoming a hood ornament for some inattentive SUV driver. If the balance of your riding will be on dirt roads and pavement get something at least 500cc or bigger, something that can outmaneuver and outaccelerate most of the other vehicles on the road.

Just my 2 cents worth!

Hltoppr

03-26-2008, 03:55 AM

Deserteagle makes a good point. For a bike that you'll use above 50mph, it's nice to have a bit of extra power to stay out of the way of others...it was tough for me on my XR650L to be on the highway and not have it pinned at full throttle. My GS, on the other hand....well...let's just say that not too much actually passes me....

All around, I have to once again say the Honda XRL...if you have the inseam for it....good all around compromise, and you can buy 4 for the price of a new 1200GS Adventure....

I love my BMW...that being said...for the next Mexico trip...we're building up XRLs..the track we have in mind is just too rough for a 600+ lb. bike...

-H-

LandCruiserPhil

03-26-2008, 04:05 AM

Dual sport bikes are like off road vehicle, if you really get into the sport and want to do it all you need to own more then one.

ntsqd

03-26-2008, 03:56 PM

Had a customer once in the gun shop I worked in while in college that said "the more you have, the more you need."

I'm finding that to be true in a lot of things.

Boston Mangler

03-27-2008, 02:14 AM

Dual sport bikes are like off road vehicle, if you really get into the sport and want to do it all you need to own more then one.

I agree!

maximumrob

03-28-2008, 10:34 PM

Had a customer once in the gun shop I worked in while in college that said "the more you have, the more you need."

I'm finding that to be true in a lot of things.

Yup, and you can go as fast as your wallet will allow!

I owned motorcycles for several years, and at one point, commuted for 2 years straight on a Shadow (35 miles of freeway, each way). Nobody here is going to say a bike saves you money, because there's more to it than just the bike and gas.

Before long after I bought my first bike, I had a $1,000 in riding gear for all seasons (and needed it, too), multiple windshield and seat combinations, and mods to the bike to make it a safer commuter. Every dollar I saved on gas I put somewhere else, and that didn't even count maintenance or insurance!

Biking can be done on the cheap, but most of us men simply don't have the self control to do it. Most of all, motorcycles are for entertainment even if it's a commuter. Keep that perspective and you'll be happy no matter what!

Good luck! Be safe.

.

reconbyfire

03-29-2008, 06:17 AM

Boston Mangler

03-29-2008, 03:16 PM

I have decided not to get a bike after all.

I dont think YOU were the one that decided not to get a bike! :ylsmoke:

Marriage is a series of compromises and this issue is one that my wife feels very strongly about so I must seek my entertainment elsewhere :o

Yeah, i hear ya. I went with the "Bring it home and ask for forgiveness" method rather then the discussion method. Had a few heated discussions and now all is well and i am :roost:

On another note, if i had children and others that depend on me i honestly wouldnt even consider COMMUTING on a bike in So Cal surrounded by the worst most rushed drivers in the country! :ylsmoke:

TACODOC

03-29-2008, 03:44 PM

On another note, if i had children and others that depend on me i honestly wouldnt even consider COMMUTING on a bike in So Cal surrounded by the worst most rushed drivers in the country! :ylsmoke:

That was her argument... no winning that one :smilies27

Boston Mangler

03-29-2008, 03:48 PM

That was her argument... no winning that one :smilies27

She has a valid one! Sorry!

I feel safer doing 70mph through trees offroad then i feel doing 30mph on the streets of So Cal! :roost:

goodtimes

03-29-2008, 05:41 PM

She has a valid one! Sorry!

I feel safer doing 70mph through trees offroad then i feel doing 30mph on the streets of So Cal! :roost:

Well duh!

Going 30mph on the streets in SoCal is a sure fire way to get run over by granny who is late for the bingo game! You need to be moving at least 85 to avoid being run over.

Doc, so commuting on a moto is out. Fine. Don't commute on one....just take it out for the weekend rides. :D

Boston Mangler

03-29-2008, 05:59 PM

Don't commute on one....just take it out for the weekend rides. :D

That is the decision i made and absolutely love it!

I ride with the local SD Dual Sport club about once a month.

Basically the only time i ride the bike, but its well worth it to me! :D

:punk03:

TACODOC

05-25-2008, 07:13 PM

My wife is warming up to the idea of a DS... so, I may be getting it this summer after all!

Still leaning towards the new KLR, but I have a copy of the Recycler here and I see lots of good deals on anything you can name so I am still researching.

Richard, I hope you still have that ADV decal! :punk03:

Stay tuned, I may need some riding buddies! :roost:

MuddyMudskipper

05-25-2008, 08:07 PM

Richard, I hope you still have that ADV decal! :punk03:

Stay tuned, I may need some riding buddies! :roost:

That's good to hear Doc, and yes I still have the ADV sticker handy for you.

TACODOC

05-25-2008, 09:23 PM

That's good to hear Doc, and yes I still have the ADV sticker handy for you.

Sweet!

Anyone know if the new KLR is decent for for 2 up?

Boston Mangler

05-26-2008, 01:49 AM

My wife is warming up to the idea of a DS... so, I may be getting it this summer after all!

Still leaning towards the new KLR, but I have a copy of the Recycler here and I see lots of good deals on anything you can name so I am still researching.

Stay tuned, I may need some riding buddies! :roost:

That Great News Dave! We usually go riding 2x a month when its not "Africa Hot" :D

Also, i STRONGLY suggest you ride as many bikes as possible, for as long as possible before making a decision!

DO NOT buy a bike based on magazine reviews only, make sure it "Fits" you and that you will be comfortable and happy with it!

I got a lot of friends in the club with lots of different bikes and can probably get ya some "Real World" seat time provided you get your motorcyle endorsement on your license!

Also, you mention wanting to 2up, you are a BIG guy, MOST dual sports are setup for 170lb +/- riders, i am GUESSING you around 220-240+ (no offense meant), but factor that in as well.

My XR650L is in DESPERATE need of suspension work/upgrade just to haul ME around, ME plus a rider would be out of the question!

My .02

big sky trapper

05-26-2008, 04:17 AM

This has been some good reading as also on AD rider as well, i think ive just about read scanned every post over there, and am also very heavily considering a bike as well. My commute to work is almost a 100 miles a day (round trip with close to 30 of that wash board gravel), now and with rising cost of fuel if i can get a little relief at least for the few months of summer we have here would help out a lot.

Ive been looking at several 200-300 size bikes, why so small, heck Im almost 40 and never been on one. so figure If / when I decide Ill start small and work my way up.

TACODOC

06-05-2008, 04:02 AM

I found a 2008 KLR650 in the much sought after Kawasaki Green ... :peepwall:

... and bought it! :roost: :hehe:

Boston Mangler

06-05-2008, 05:05 AM

Very Cool Man!

Next question, when we riding?

If you havent already, please check out: http://www.dualsport-sd.com/

Great group of folks and we usually ride at least twice a month!

:bike_rider:

goodtimes

06-05-2008, 05:34 AM

Nice. They are decent bikes as long as you don't try to get crazy off road with them (kinda like all the other heavy dual sports....).

Now, go take the MSF course, and get that sexy "road guard" vest...:bike_rider:

FourByLand

06-05-2008, 03:52 PM

... and bought it! :roost: :hehe:

That'a baby!

Congtrat's, was she able to drag you out of the garage last night!?!?!

:D

goodtimes

06-05-2008, 09:13 PM

Have you noticed there has been a lot more of those vest on the road lately? I see a heck of alot of scooters now.

I don't know about the Air Farce, but the Navy used to require that all active duty riders wear the "road kill" vests.

Maybe DM implimented a similar policy.

TACODOC

06-05-2008, 09:27 PM

Now, go take the MSF course, and get that sexy "road guard" vest...:bike_rider:

Yes, the Navy and USMC both require the stylish vest :D

And, if you ride without one on or off base and are injured or worse... you will NOT be covered by SGLI...

So, I will be wearing ALL personal safety gear.

Mlachica

06-07-2008, 05:43 AM

Congratulations Dave! Post up some pics. :jumping:

If all goes well I'll be joining the dual sport bunch very soon :Astrologist:

TACODOC

06-07-2008, 04:56 PM

Congratulations Dave! Post up some pics. :jumping:

If all goes well I'll be joining the dual sport bunch very soon :Astrologist:

Thanks Mark! That would rock if you got one too! :rockon: :costumed-smiley-007

24HOURSOFNEVADA

06-07-2008, 05:20 PM

Congratulations Doc. Welcome to the club.

Boston Mangler

06-08-2008, 03:04 PM

Glad to see more folks in So Cal getting bikes!

Picking up one of these bad boys greatly increases your riding range: http://www.joehauler.com/

I use this one and love it: http://www.joehauler.com/camloc/camloc.shtml

So...... Whens the first "Expo So Cal Dual Sport Run"?

TACODOC

06-08-2008, 03:52 PM

So...... Whens the first "Expo So Cal Dual Sport Run"?

I would like to do one just as soon as I get my MSC taken care of... they are all booked up until late July though. Heck, I'm still waiting for my XXL riding gear to arrive!

I just want to be licensed and educated before I set off into the hills :roost:

TACODOC

06-08-2008, 04:05 PM

Kids, dont try this at home!
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii269/dizzydesir/loading_the_bike.gif

Ya think THIS was easily avoidable with proper braking/downshifting?
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/Quatsch1/motorcyclecrash.gif

calamaridog

06-08-2008, 10:16 PM

What kind of mileage/range can you get on one of those?

Boston Mangler

06-08-2008, 10:24 PM

What kind of mileage/range can you get on one of those?

My XR650L was getting 45-55mpg when i first got it, now with the pipe, new carb, instake, bla bla bla, i am down to 35-38mpg :(

calamaridog

06-08-2008, 10:26 PM

My XR650L was getting 45-55mpg when i first got it, now with the pipe, new carb, instake, bla bla bla, i am down to 35-38mpg :(

What kind of range can you get with your size tank?

Just thinking about all the good riding near Vegas and wondering what I could hit in a day...

TACODOC

06-09-2008, 12:09 AM

I did the math on mine :punk03:

There are guys over on ADV Rider that claim 50-55 mpg with the new KLR650.

A conservative estimate is that a 4.7 gallon tank averaging 45 mpg= 211 mile cruising range :victory:

blupaddler

06-09-2008, 04:42 AM

So... Forgive the newbie questions. The only bikes I have owned are BMX and mountain bikes. I have been contemplating entering the dual sport world...

Well, more commuting and the occassional off-highway venture. Probably 80-20 or 70-30.

What is the "MSF"?
What is this "road guard"?

Also, I hear all the great things about BMW's. But I have also heard that ANY basic service is going to set you back some major $$$. Is this true? Or would one be able to service their bike on their own? How are parts to source? Can two people comfortable ride (on road) a 650?

I have been eyeing the Vstrom. This seems like it would be a good commuter and allow the ever so often jaunt off-pavement.

Finally, any other courses/books/materials you recommend? I am presently looking into the CHP approved/sponsored moto class which takes the place of your road test.

Thanks in advance!
:peepwall:

TACODOC

06-09-2008, 05:13 AM

What is the "MSF"?
What is this "road guard"?

Also, I hear all the great things about BMW's. But I have also heard that ANY basic service is going to set you back some major $$$. Is this true? Or would one be able to service their bike on their own? How are parts to source? Can two people comfortable ride (on road) a 650?

I have been eyeing the Vstrom. This seems like it would be a good commuter and allow the ever so often jaunt off-pavement.

Finally, any other courses/books/materials you recommend? I am presently looking into the CHP approved/sponsored moto class which takes the place of your road test.

Thanks in advance!
:peepwall:

MSC is the Motorcycle Safety Course (same as the CHP approved course you referred to)- money well spent IMO.

Road Guard is a reference to the blaze orange vests that you see bikers wearing for hi-viz.

BMW=$$$
KTM=$$$

2 up on a 650? Depends on the bike, and the rider, but I'm a total DS newb so somebody else chime in here!

The Wee Strom is an awesome bike BUT there were none available when I was shopping for my KLR so I didnt get to see one up close for a real comparo...

goodtimes

06-09-2008, 06:02 AM

MSF = Motorcycle Safety Foundation

They offer a variety of courses intended to teach people how to be safer riders. Their BRC (Basic Riders Course - a 2.5 day course) is often considered the industry standard new rider course. They teach you *how* to ride (both on paper and on a bike), as well as a lot of the safety awareness issues that cause riders problems. Many states subsidize these courses (AZ does not). Usually, the last thing you do in this course is take your states licensing exam and rider test...essentially you get your motorcycle endorsement....you just gotta go to the DMV (or MVD for the AZ folks), give them your certificate, and get the new license printed. No riding test at the MVD.

Some insurance companies also offer discounts for people who have taken the BRC (state farm does not :mad:)

"road guard" is a reference to USN boot camp. Every time the company crosses a road (there has GOT to be a joke coming out of that....), the short guys from the back of the line run out in front and stop traffic...and of course they have to wear those flourescent orange vests. They became known as "road guard vests", or, if you didn't like the guy, "road kill vests".

BTW, the BRC is usually taken on a "rental" bike (bike provided by the group giving the class). So it is a great way to see if you will even like riding, without having to go get a bike first. Some places also offer "women only" classes (not for you...for your better half, should she be interested)

2 up on a 650? IMO, they are a bit small for freeway work....but I guess that depends on what you get. The 650GS puts out 52 hp (IIRC). I hear the KLR is closer to 38 (can someone confirm/deny this?). Wee-Strom....not sure.

The 650GS 6000 mile service is pricy if the valves need adjustment (couple hundred bucks). I hear (from the local BMW dealer) that the new 800GS/ST/S 6000 mile service is around $150...plus it is 84hp, and hooked up to a damn nice 6 speed trans.....:roost:

blupaddler

06-09-2008, 06:37 AM

What I tell people who are just starting out, go buy a beater bike, learn on that (and crash). Then move up when you are comfortable. Don't haul passeggers until you are REALLY comfortable, remember you are responsable for their life. View pavement as a giant cheese grater....your skin is the cheese.

That's a good idea... Thanks!!! Especially since the main purpose would be commuting.

So... squid=stupid new guy all over the place? Just like a "kook" for surfing?

There is a Wee strom down the street from me at House of Motorcycles, which is ironically two doors down from the BMW dealer.
:p

goodtimes

06-09-2008, 06:41 AM

That's a good idea... Thanks!!! Especially since the main purpose would be commuting.

So... squid=stupid new guy all over the place? Just like a "kook" for surfing?

:p

Something like that.....squid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squid_%28motorcycle%29)