Tim A
Adventurer
Bottom line up front: Got the itch for a dual sport bike. Initial research has me leaning towards a 650cc.
Background: My experience is limited to dirt bikes on trails (about 10 years ago) but I have never ridden in traffic on the street. I am moving to Montana in about a month. After we get settled in with work, house, etc I will be ready to purchase a bike. I would buy a bike to mostly commute on but also to access forest roads/trails on the weekends. I think a 650cc would be small enough for me to handle, yet big enough for me to enjoy a couple of years from now, or perhaps forever. I have sat on the Honda 650cc dual sport and was not able to touch the floor with my heels, but it still felt comfortable. Look forward to sitting on the KLR, DR, etc. Probably don't want to sit on a KTM or BMW as I would hate to fall in love only see something that nice get beat up quickly. I don't plan to ride like a maniac, but stuff happens, especially off road. That said, Bimmers are very sexy to me. I am open to new or used bikes, but used is preferred. Budget is flexible.
Question: Anyone have advice contrary to my reasoning? Just looking for a sanity check. I should not buy a 2012 G650GS Sertao as my first bike, should I? :sombrero: Good news is that I am forced to wait a month until I get to Montana, so impulse buying is not an option...been down that road, only leads to regret :ylsmoke:
-Tim
Background: My experience is limited to dirt bikes on trails (about 10 years ago) but I have never ridden in traffic on the street. I am moving to Montana in about a month. After we get settled in with work, house, etc I will be ready to purchase a bike. I would buy a bike to mostly commute on but also to access forest roads/trails on the weekends. I think a 650cc would be small enough for me to handle, yet big enough for me to enjoy a couple of years from now, or perhaps forever. I have sat on the Honda 650cc dual sport and was not able to touch the floor with my heels, but it still felt comfortable. Look forward to sitting on the KLR, DR, etc. Probably don't want to sit on a KTM or BMW as I would hate to fall in love only see something that nice get beat up quickly. I don't plan to ride like a maniac, but stuff happens, especially off road. That said, Bimmers are very sexy to me. I am open to new or used bikes, but used is preferred. Budget is flexible.
Question: Anyone have advice contrary to my reasoning? Just looking for a sanity check. I should not buy a 2012 G650GS Sertao as my first bike, should I? :sombrero: Good news is that I am forced to wait a month until I get to Montana, so impulse buying is not an option...been down that road, only leads to regret :ylsmoke:
-Tim