Dare I Ask?

[Stoneman]

A KLR is flat-out...out. I tried a newer one out this summer and was incredibly disappointed. Just a big let down. I never would've believed a 650 could be so under powered. An XR650*R* is starting to interest me though...

[Chippertheripper]

The 650r is kick only. I don't know if that's a deal breaker or not...

[Stoneman]

The 650r is kick only. I don't know if that's a deal breaker or not...

Not really. Unless I was recently run over by a Range Rover, I have full use of my legs...

[Chippertheripper]

Lulz. Make sure you get the cold start and hot start and most importantly the hot STALL lessons from said bikes PO.

[Paul_E_D]

Yeah, Jay, I've seen your legs. You don't want a kick only dirtbike! LOL. Once you are on uneven ground and a little tired, the bike is hot, and has sat upside down for a few minutes, you will understand why.

[nt650hawk]

A KLR is flat-out...out. I tried a newer one out this summer and was incredibly disappointed. Just a big let down. I never would've believed a 650 could be so under powered. An XR650*R* is starting to interest me though...

Want to try a Hawk and be even more let down!

[Paul_E_D]

Want to try a Hawk and be even more let down!

I tried one, and was impressed, actually. For a 20 year old bike it's not far off an SV motorwise, and handles waaay better. ( ithink it was a 700, but still)

[nhbubba]

What is this I read about the WR450's needing oil changes every 600-1000 miles? Is that normal for these machines?

[lopycam]

What is this I read about the WR450's needing oil changes every 600-1000 miles? Is that normal for these machines?

It holds just over a quart of oil. I replace my oil more often than that. Again, it is just over a quart.

Nathan

[gregp]

I also change the oil in my 4-strokes way more often than recommended. My KTM350 EXC-F is a dynamite bike, but the gearbox is relatively narrow in overall spread. Geared to be a decent trail bike, it sucks on any pavement, and vise-versa. The milder Japanese dual sport bikes seem to have a wider overall ratio range. A lot of people really like XR400's. I had one (2000) and it was really comfy, although it was not a power-house (stock). I know an "A" Enduro rider who swears by them, though. They too, like the DRZ, have a 5 speed transmission, but the spread from 1st to 5th is pretty wide - at least it feels wider than the 1st to 6th spread on my 350.
Stoneman should probably be considering a Japanese 2/350-400. That leaves out any WR450, CRF450, etc., but includes the DR250/350, the DRZ400 (try for a titled non-"S" model on both the DR and the DRZ), the XR250/400 (the 250 is a very underrated bike, IMO), and the KLX250/300 (Excellent woods manners, with a wide 6 speed tranny). A WR250R is a great bike as well, if you can find a good deal on one.
Personally, I have owned a "hopped up" KLX250(R), a DR350 (non-"S"), a DRZ400-s, an XR400. The KLX was the best in the woods. The DR350 was the best "Dual-Sport" in true 50/50 terms. The XR400 was incredibly difficult to start sometimes. I even gave up once (I hear that re-jetting can make this a non-issue, but I did not own mine long enough). The DRZ was just too heavy and tall for me. I kept falling over in the nasty stuff. The WR-R may have offer the same problem, seeing that it just as heavy, and just as tall.

[KB]

Buy a drz 400 and have fun. Done.

[Manny]

Wirelessly posted

My drz 470. Look no further.

[nhbubba]

I think a DRZ400SM with a 2nd set of wheels from a compatible non-SM model and the necessary hub adapters would be the right ticket for me. Street bias. Already setup for being a 'tard (brakes, suspension, etc). Theoretically capable of doing mild off-road duty with some mild modifications.

Option 2 would be an older, much cheaper, more off-road biased mild DS like the DR350 or something with street-ish tires mounted on the stock, non-street sized wheels. I hear tire options are pretty good these days. Although I think I'd dislike the brakes. I think.

That's for me, anyway.

[Chippertheripper]

I think you could live with the brakes. There's been a few adv types doing fishtail days with the dr350 and streety rubber.
The 6 speed is the seller there.

Jay, I'm anxious to see what you end up with. Giddee up.

[ZX-12R]

Yeah, see...Even Bill's KTM 500EXC was too much for me.

I think you needed a little more time on the bike to get used to it instead of the pretty short jaunt you took. I was a little intimidated by it at first while trying to get used to its height and power but that went away once I had some miles under my belt. I'll admit to laughing when you were off in the woods somewhere and I heard a BRAAAAPPPP followed by a Holy Fuck!

Jay, I'm anxious to see what you end up with. Giddee up.

Me too! I just went through this process and now I'm reliving it through Jay.

[Stoneman]

I NEED to test more before I make my decision me thinks...

[black]

if you get down to wilmington, ma... you're more than welcome to take my xr650r SM set up for a spin..