New too and interested in Dual-Sport, looking for advice.

[Coolhand]

I think these guys are right, if you can trailer and plan on riding trails, look at a 250 or a 400 class bike. Heck, BigDog over on ADV rides his WR 250 for thousands of miles, so you're not necessarily limited even then, you just have to pack appropriately. I have a DR 650 because I expect a lot of street before hitting dirt here in Austin. I really like it but it wears me out on long, high speed street (trying to chase my roadie friends) and it's still pretty hefty for rough trail. It's great for everything in between. It's all compromise with these things. That said, if I was looking for a 6-fitty and 6' plus as you are, I'd look at the XR before the DR... the DR cockpit would take some work for a bigger guy.

[09GraySilverBusa]

Looked around the net and found a few XR400R's that look like they may be a good solution. Noticed Honda no longer makes this model?

[poser]

Originally Posted by 09GraySilverBusa

Looked around the net and found a few XR400R's that look like they may be a good solution. Noticed Honda no longer makes this model?

the XR400 is a great bike, keep in mind if you have to have the magic button, the XR4 is kick start only. So far it hasn't been an issue for me, and I was able to get mine plated fairly easily.

They're easy to ride, and you can be lazy, and tractor them around in 2nd gear.

If you're ever in this area, shoot me a PM and you can take my XR400 for a spin.

[09GraySilverBusa]

Originally Posted by poser

the XR400 is a great bike, keep in mind if you have to have the magic button, the XR4 is kick start only. So far it hasn't been an issue for me, and I was able to get mine plated fairly easily.

They're easy to ride, and you can be lazy, and tractor them around in 2nd gear.

If you're ever in this area, shoot me a PM and you can take my XR400 for a spin.

Kick start isn't a problem for me. Thanks for pointing that out thought.

I appreciate the offer but the Houston area is a bit far for me being north of Dallas. What year is yours and anything should be looking for when I take a look at then?

[poser]

Mine is a '98, and they stopped making them in '04 I think. AFAIK, from 98 - 04 there's not much difference other than color and stickers. The earlier ones (96 - 97) had different forks.
The only issue I know of, is the swing arm bolt has been a problem on some. They apparently didn't get grease from the factory and have a tendency to seize up. I was lucky and mine looked just fine.
I've updated the look of mine with a MX style rear fender from Poli Sport (with the Baja Designs LED tail light) and a modern CRF front fender.
And kick starting these is really easy once you get the hang of it, and I've heard getting the pump carb makes it even easier. The only time I've had troubl;e starting it after a fall, was because I was just exhausted and needed a rest before kicking it

check out the xr400 section on thumpertalk.com, there's some guys who have done a ton of mods to theirs.

[PigTrail]

A 525exc with a bigger tank, a new husqavarna from the te series (pick your engine size and go), or a ktm 690 enduro will all be REALLy nice, but will cost you. These are all plated from the factory and the power will knock your socks off.

Granted, I own an xr400 and an xr600 (both plated) and I used to have a klr. For now that's what my budget allows. If I had the coin I'd be looking at one of the bikes mentioned above or a new husaberg. $$

For stone cold reliability and fun factor you can't go wrong with a 650L. However, I suggest you buy a used one because in six months you'll be wanting fuel injection, more power, or a suspension designed in this decade.

Either way, the smiles will be just as big!

This looks enticing...and near Dallas... http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/1431512474.html

[jsb223]

If you have good skills to draw on from your CR days, the XRL might seem lame after a couple months...

If you have impressive offroad skills look at KTM...

[Tourmeister]

If I had the bucks, the KTM 525 or 640 street legal bikes would be in the running for the kind of riding you mention. Both will rock for fun riding on twisty pavement, but I would not want to have to ride them to my play area if it were very far away. For example, I would trailer to most places then ride that area (including pavement). I like to ride forest/county roads and the occasional ATV trail (rough two track). I usually avoid single track stuff on the KLR. If you were planning to head out on a multiday trip with everything packed on the bike, I would lean more towards the KLR 650, DR 650, XR 650R/L, etc... Of course, you can do it on anything if you are motivated

[Coolhand]

Originally Posted by poser

Mine is a '98, and they stopped making them in '04 I think. AFAIK, from 98 - 04 there's not much difference other than color and stickers. The earlier ones (96 - 97) had different forks.
The only issue I know of, is the swing arm bolt has been a problem on some. They apparently didn't get grease from the factory and have a tendency to seize up. I was lucky and mine looked just fine.
I've updated the look of mine with a MX style rear fender from Poli Sport (with the Baja Designs LED tail light) and a modern CRF front fender.
And kick starting these is really easy once you get the hang of it, and I've heard getting the pump carb makes it even easier. The only time I've had troubl;e starting it after a fall, was because I was just exhausted and needed a rest before kicking it

check out the xr400 section on thumpertalk.com, there's some guys who have done a ton of mods to theirs.

Poser show us some pics of your XR man... I'd love to have the dirt available to make the 400 a possibility.

[PigTrail]

Here is my xr400 from last weekend...and it's plated!

[poser]

the only thing i have left to do is get the tank back to white

[09GraySilverBusa]

XR400's looking better and better the more I read here and on other sites. I think I would be disappointed with the off road capabilities of a 650 or perhaps I should say worn out. I'm getting the vibe that the 650 is better for trail ridding and rode with the occasional rough stuff.

I really wish I had spent some time ridding Big Bend and some similar places in Arkansas so I would know what the predominate terrain is like.

Currently still leaning toward the XR400R and trying to buy right so if I decide to move up I can sell without loosing any $$$'s

Thanks everybody for the insite!

[SilverBullet]

Originally Posted by poser

the only thing i have left to do is get the tank back to white

What is your plan to do that? New tank? Will Krylon Plastic rattle can spray paint be durable on a plastic tank. I bought a XR100R for my son that needs "yellow be gone" on the tank also. Makes an otherwise nice bike so ragged out and old looking.

_

[SilverBullet]

Originally Posted by 09GraySilverBusa

XR400's looking better and better the more I read here and on other sites. I think I would be disappointed with the off road capabilities of a 650 or perhaps I should say worn out. I'm getting the vibe that the 650 is better for trail ridding and rode with the occasional rough stuff.

I'm sure the XR400 is a better off road trails bike than a XR650 but how much better? I don't have the answer just saying this to get you inquiring some more. How much lighter is a XR400 than a XR650?

Last month when I was researching which dual sport Suzuki to buy I was surprised that the DRZ400S was only 50lbs. lighter than the DR650S. Granted 50lbs. is good chunk of weight but remember these bikes are over 300 lbs. already. So the 650 was only 15% heavier than a 400.

_

[poser]

Originally Posted by SilverBullet

What is your plan to do that? New tank? Will Krylon Plastic rattle can spray paint be durable on a plastic tank. I bought a XR100R for my son that needs "yellow be gone" on the tank also. Makes an otherwise nice bike so ragged out and old looking.

_

I'm going to sand it down (maybe wet sand) with increasinly finer grit until its only white, and then get some plastic polish and polish it smooth

Originally Posted by SilverBullet

I'm sure the XR400 is a better off road trails bike than a XR650 but how much better? I don't have the answer just saying this to get you inquiring some more. How much lighter is a XR400 than a XR650?

Last month when I was researching which dual sport Suzuki to buy I was surprised that the DRZ400S was only 50lbs. lighter than the DR650S. Granted 50lbs. is good chunk of weight but remember these bikes are over 300 lbs. already. So the 650 was only 15% heavier than a 400.

_

My XR4 is in the 250 - 280 lbs range IIRC, another 50 lbs would make "feel" 100 lbs heavier on tight trails

[WoodButcher]

Depends on where the weight is. I found that a xr650l felt similar to my DRZ400S because it had it's weight lower. I'd buy the bike based on what sort of riding you are going to do. If your offroad is going to include a lot of tight single track, then go smaller and lighter. If the offroad is going to be more open for longer stretches and you want lots of power then you can't beat the xr650r for that. Plus it will do the pavement sections better than a lighter bike. But it's a kick only. It's all a matter of picking what fits your riding style and environment the best and you will find you still have to compromise in some part of it. Then you will find after a while that you aren't riding what you used to from a terrain aspect and you will change bikes. Trust me, you won't get the perfect bike the first time. That would take the fun out of it.

[poser]

Originally Posted by WoodButcher

Then you will find after a while that you aren't riding what you used to from a terrain aspect and you will change bikes. Trust me, you won't get the perfect bike the first time. That would take the fun out of it.

or if you're new like me you'll find you don't ride what you thought you would, or don't ride on pavement as much as you thought you would, or like me, will just want to try something different in a few months

[09GraySilverBusa]

Originally Posted by SilverBullet

I'm sure the XR400 is a better off road trails bike than a XR650 but how much better? I don't have the answer just saying this to get you inquiring some more. How much lighter is a XR400 than a XR650?

Last month when I was researching which dual sport Suzuki to buy I was surprised that the DRZ400S was only 50lbs. lighter than the DR650S. Granted 50lbs. is good chunk of weight but remember these bikes are over 300 lbs. already. So the 650 was only 15% heavier than a 400. _

I show 257lbs for the XR400r vs 349lbs for the XR650L so we are talking more like 100 lbs which is whats got my attention. Me being interested in more off road then on.

Originally Posted by WoodButcher

Then you will find after a while that you aren't riding what you used to from a terrain aspect and you will change bikes. Trust me, you won't get the perfect bike the first time. That would take the fun out of it.

Yes, I figure this is what will probably happen. At least I can go into it knowing just about everyone else has done the same thing

[Westbay]

You guys are lucky. Being 5'6" and 150 pds selecting a light weight DS is limited!

Bob

[Rubi Red]

My $.02 - I picked up the CRF230L - got to chase my son on his CRF70. Of course, I will pick up a DR650 later and let the wife ride the 230L - the few times that she will be going riding with us.

Yes, I asked questions before buying and I got several answers, but we are having a blast.