Guide me towards a great enduro

[CaptGoodvibes]

I don't think I want a big adventure bike. I also don't think I want a little 250 Yamaha. I do know I want lights and turn signals. I need a suspension that can be tuned to my ample weight plus gear that will be north of 250lbs.

I'm thinking about the DR-Z400 as a perfect choice but I sure would like another couple choices to consider.

Uses would (potentially) include tooling around like an idiot, multi-day cross country rides, playing in a dirt park, all the fireroads that can be accessed around P2P, and single-track without too many whoop dee doos.

[httc84]

How much you looking to spend.
Low End - DR650 - Great bike, a little buzzy at speed on the interstate.
High End - BMW F800GS or similar from BMW.

KTM is considered by many to be the king of the class - I don't have a dog in the hunt :-)

[Bashed]

I don't think I want a big adventure bike. I also don't think I want a little 250 Yamaha. I do know I want lights and turn signals. I need a suspension that can be tuned to my ample weight plus gear that will be north of 250lbs.

I'm thinking about the DR-Z400 as a perfect choice but I sure would like another couple choices to consider.

Uses would (potentially) include tooling around like an idiot, multi-day cross country rides, playing in a dirt park, all the fireroads that can be accessed around P2P, and single-track without too many whoop dee doos.

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/mcd/2844826790.html

For Sale one 1998 Honda Xr600r dual sport motorcycle. all stock save a Supertrapp Exhaust and a couple Acerbis brake rotor gaurds.
Trail ridden by an older guy all over the state. This bike has a Colorado Title, so no inspection needed to get a registration and a plate.
Ready to tackle anything from tight singletrack, 4x4 type roads, to the occasional pavement to get you to the good stuff in the mountians.


I just posted this on Craigslist a few days ago.
I'll knock 10% off the price for you or any other CSC member.

http://images.craigslist.org/5Lb5I45Je3L93Mb3N5c2abec3d28a6b681fba.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/5Le5M95Jf3Ge3Md3Hcc2a2046077c469312c7.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/5N25W65H13F23J23Hcc2afd570be2e1b81e8e.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/5L85K75H83K83F53Mbc2aa10dd81c3258138b.jpg

[willb003]

^ that or

I have lots o drz parts for sale if you decide to go that route.

[TFOGGuys]

Kind of depends on how much street you're looking at, and how much off road. DRZ or WR250 for less expensive off road(and lighter). KTM530EXC in the midrange, a bit futher up the price scale. KTM690 Super Enduro for covering a crapload of miles on and off road, heaviest and most expensive.

[CaptGoodvibes]

I love the idea of a light weight KTM. Price wise, they are a lot. This bike will be in addition to my FZ1 so street wouldn't be more than getting to and from dirt or for multi-day rides, getting gas and or food, and traversing asphalt to get to the next section of dirt.

Really, I love camping and would use this bike for lightweight (similar to backpacking) camping.

I'd like the ability to go 75 or 80 in case there is a highway section I can't avoid.

Planned purchase date sometime in May or June and as late as August...

[salsashark]

Been looking for something similar. Unless a magical perfect KTM shows up, I'm looking seriously at the dr650 or xr650(L or R).

[dirkterrell]

Uses would (potentially) include tooling around like an idiot, multi-day cross country rides, playing in a dirt park, all the fireroads that can be accessed around P2P, and single-track without too many whoop dee doos.

I got my XR650L for that kind of riding. Plenty of oomph for the highway (I've done 75 and there was plenty of motor left) and it pulls like a tractor off idle. It's a little heavy so it's not the best for really rough single track but for just about everything else, I love it. Give Mike's XR600R some serious consideration.

[Sean]

Ahhhh, the eternal question....what's the best bike. Good luck. Sounds like you want your cake and eat it too? Here are some thoughts from my own personal world.


I do know I want lights and turn signals. I need a suspension that can be tuned to my ample weight plus gear that will be north of 250lbs.If you aren't going for a full ADV bike, you may need to respring what ever you get based on the weight you want it to carry.


Uses would (potentially) include tooling around like an idiot, multi-day cross country rides, playing in a dirt park, all the fireroads that can be accessed around P2P, and single-track without too many whoop dee doos. That's a tall order. Multi-day rides and single track are challenging to do with one bike. Not impossible, but challenging. For example, the DRZ can do it, but unless you get a Renazco seat or something, multi-day trips could be painful. Plus, if you are loaded up with gear, you need enough ponies in the engine to get you where you want to go.


KTM is considered by many to be the king of the classCouldn't have said it better myself. (Yes, I am biased)


KTM530EXC in the midrange, a bit futher up the price scale. KTM690 Super Enduro for covering a crapload of miles on and off road, heaviest and most expensive.The 690 is a sweet bike. The only downside is that it gets pretty vibey at interstate speeds. You can get a really cool rally kit for it too.

http://www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/images/products/adventurekit.jpg


I love the idea of a light weight KTM. Price wise, they are a lot. This bike will be in addition to my FZ1 so street wouldn't be more than getting to and from dirt or for multi-day rides, getting gas and or food, and traversing asphalt to get to the next section of dirt.

Really, I love camping and would use this bike for lightweight (similar to backpacking) camping.
You can do a lot of camping on a big bike. I've never had a problem on my KTM950Adv. The KTM's are high priced, and they require a bit of work, but IMHO they are worth it.

I might suggest riding a few bikes in the 650cc range. Check out the Honda XR650, DR650 and any KTM in that range. I'm not a fan of the KLR and Yamaha doesn't make a good mid range DS bike (that's available in the US). Most of the 650 range is not going to be very comfy at speeds over 65 (dooable, but not like your FZ1). The BMW F800GS is a really nice bike, but pricy. You can look at a V-Strom or Versys, but they are much more on-road oriented. Bash's bike doesn't look to bad, if you don't mind something that's a little older?

Good Luck!

[TFOGGuys]

The XR600 is a great bike, but I'm too friggin old and fat to be kick starting anything but a camp stove...

[TinkerinWstuff]

the vibe you guys complain about has more to do with the tires than anything.

I have 90/10 tires on my DR650 and she's smooth as silk.

[Wrider]

Look for a WR450. They'll handle anything you'll throw at it, are still fairly light weight, and will do right around 75 or 80 even geared.

[FZRguy]

I want more of a dirt oriented DS. The Husky TE310 is what I want. Pricey at $8200. They also make a 449 ($8699) and a 511 ($8999).

http://www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com/

[CaptGoodvibes]

Oh yeah. I forgot about Husqvarna! Nice bikes! The first speech I ever did, in 4th grade, was on Husqvarna and Bultaco Motorcycles. That would have been 1975 I guess...

[Frankie675]

I'm looking for the same. I almost opted out of the 450 scene because my crf450 sumo just couldn't handle the highway speeds and seemed like it always needed maintenance.
Lately I've look at the pros and cons of everything from triumph scramblers to klr650s and decided that the wr450f is probably the way to go. I want dirt/sumo/adventure fun.
-Already set up with lights
-Easily get the setup for dirt and sumo
-Cheap and reliable
I just don't know how far you could go. I'm guessing a 300 mile camping trip wouldnt be bad but anything out of state might be pushing it.

[Bueller]

KTM 510-525-530

[bodhizafa]

I have both a F800GS and a DRZ. The GS is a big bike, it will get you wherever you want but it's a pig offroad. The DRZ is underpowered for adventure riding, I would not want to do any long distance with it either, the vibes would drive me nuts.

[Sean]

Here's a really nice bike! It's a 600ish, so it'll be vibey at high speeds, but a really solid bike.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17999008&postcount=7968

(It's in the regional area of ADV. We aren't really supposed to advertise to non-ADV members as far as I know, but....I'm a rule breaker.)

[TinkerinWstuff]

Here's a really nice bike! It's a 600ish, so it'll be vibey at high speeds, but a really solid bike.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17999008&postcount=7968


Are you saying a 600+ is more vibe at speed than, say, a 450?

[Sean]

Are you saying a 600+ is more vibe at speed than, say, a 450?No, probably the same. I'm saying that anything that's a thumper is vibey at higher speed.

[TinkerinWstuff]

ok - I'm with ya then

[asp_125]

My F650GS was ok for longer distance adventure rides, but it (and those like it) are more like 75% road 25% dirt in stock form. I once saw a TransAlp going over the pass to St Mary's Glacier, it was having a tough time in the boulders. Mostly their weight hurts them in the gnarly stuff. One time I rode the beemer out with Matty and others, we got into single track and the WR250s & DRZs left us beemers behind.

[Bueller]

Does anyone actually know what single track is?




Hint: Quads don't fit.

[Sean]

Does anyone actually know what single track is? It's like an 8-track...only smaller, right? :dunno:
http://media.brainz.org/uploads/2011/03/12-8track.jpg

[salsashark]

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/singletrack_copper_ale.jpg

[bodhizafa]

Does anyone actually know what single track is?




Hint: Quads don't fit.

Wow

[dirkterrell]

This is what happened the last time a quad rider pissed Dave off:

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/%7Eterrell/bikes/2010Oct01Burn/quad.jpg

[CaptGoodvibes]

Here's a really nice bike! It's a 600ish, so it'll be vibey at high speeds, but a really solid bike.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17999008&postcount=7968

(It's in the regional area of ADV. We aren't really supposed to advertise to non-ADV members as far as I know, but....I'm a rule breaker.)

I have an account there. Different nickname, same idiot. ;)

[CaptGoodvibes]

Does anyone actually know what single track is?




Hint: Quads don't fit.

I know singletrack well. But that was in my much fitter youth and under pedal power. I imagine this be will similar and easier than before to go uphill.

[mathman1000]

Just bought a new 2011 KTM Enduro R with a supermoto wheel set to swap out..... It is one of the coolest bikes I've ever owned....slipper clutch, massive power, will go 120mph, and ride off road like a raped ape.

[modette99]

Build your own Beta
http://www.americanbeta.com

[modette99]

The XR600 is a great bike, but I'm too friggin old and fat to be kick starting anything but a camp stove...

If you have everything set right its a one kick wonder. True if you drop the XRR starting sometimes can be a pain.

Subframe on XRR is weak, mine has broke one, welded and broke again. I bought a used one off of ebay and I am on that. If this breaks I'll be buying a steal one a guy makes. Might buy it anyways at the end of this summer.

So for camping, not much gear can be hauled. For that I stick to the XR650L, still a very capable machine. I've had guys follow me on various hardcore trails...so not a huge issue really.

Like I posted, Beta...they are said to be some of the BEST handling Enduro bikes. The 450 will hit 110mph still but yeah capable of single track. Well any bike is capable its more the rider but an easier bike is always helpful. I've seen/ridden with guys on KTM's 950's and 990's on Single track...all about rider skill level. I'm looking at Beta for next year (2013) or 2014. It set you back new $10,000 with some nice option on it from the factory.

DR650
XR600R
XR650L
XR650R
KLR650
DRZ400

[modette99]

Here's a really nice bike! It's a 600ish, so it'll be vibey at high speeds, but a really solid bike.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17999008&postcount=7968

(It's in the regional area of ADV. We aren't really supposed to advertise to non-ADV members as far as I know, but....I'm a rule breaker.)


That is also a cult bike, meaning it will not go down much in price. People seek those out.

[modette99]

Or go all out and build a US Highland
http://www.highland.se

They built it, to YOU and your needs, and weight.

[Lomax]

The DR350 or 400's and 650's are great bikes and will do most of what you want. However they are more towards dirt roads and trails than highway.

The 640ADV on Advrider is also a great bike and will run down the road at good speeds. I have ridden them and my only gripe is that they are TALL.

It is going to be VERY hard to find something that is highway capable AND a good single track bike.

I have a KTM 450EXC that is a great dirt bike and will run down the road with no issues. WELL maybe not No issues. It is not comfortable on the old Butt after many miles on the highway. Even with a comfort seat. It does not have a cush drive which would be a good thing on the pavement. My XR650L fits the bill much better but is a lot heavier for the technical stuff.

One bike that no one has mentioned would be a KLR650. Good highway bike and good dirt road and trail bike. A bit to large and heavy for real single track however. They are cheap to buy and are very reliable with little maintenance.

So the perfect bike that you want does not exist. LOL: You will need to decide what bias you want to be towards and then get the best bike for that side and suffer somewhat with the other side.

Let us know what you get. :headbang:

Marc

[Sean]

So the perfect bike that you want does not exist. LOL: You will need to decide what bias you want to be towards and then get the best bike for that side and suffer somewhat with the other side.
:imwithstupid:
This.

[TinkerinWstuff]

One bike that no one has mentioned would be a KLR650.

cuz it sucks


So the perfect bike that you want does not exist. LOL: You will need to decide what bias you want to be towards and then get the best bike for that side and suffer somewhat with the other side.


Amen

[CaptGoodvibes]

I'd let highway suffer. So, take highway out of the equation. I'll take secondary roads to Panama. ;)

[modette99]

Not sure what the big deal with highway....depending on gearing I can do 110mph on the XR650R...LOL I got a set of Super Motard Rims that I can toss on. Again your kicking the bike to start it. Tuned right not an issue, just dropping it, but once you learn a procedure to clear the carb its not too bad.

I've taken my XR650R through Up and Down Capt Jacks, and up Pipeline. Have done all of 717 trail system, did some hard stuff at RMAR as for Single track last year. I have a tradition to have my 6.3 Gallon tank full...LOL

For suspension you will probably need to tune it on any bike you get for ample weight at 250 lbs. I'm just being honest here. I'm slightly more then Honda set the XR650R up as, but only slightly.

KLR650 is a good bike, but its on the big side.

In the latest MCN's here is the wet weights:
BMW G650GS Sertao @ 435.5 lbs
Honda XR650L @ 349 lbs
Suzuki DR650SE @ 368 lbs
Kawasaki KLR650 @ 428 lbs

I think I am around 300 lbs on the XR650R with the 6.3 Gal tank (of course I don't need to fill it up. Note: KLR650 comes with a 6.1 gal tank.

[CaptGoodvibes]

The only real issue is, I don't know squat about dirt bikes. Frankly, I don't know much about street bikes either but I'm happy with my choice there.

Anyway, I'd rather have the lightest bike possible given the choice. But, I also want my cake yadda yadda yadda. I want a singletrack monster that can rip CO-149 in an hour. :p

[modette99]

So is that you on ADVRider username 'Bonker'?

[CaptGoodvibes]

Yep. That's my usual username.

It means, "can't get to the top of a hill on my mtb" ;)

Edit: wow. Urban dictionary does not agree with me. Mine is 15 years old though so...

[FZRguy]

DRZ + highway = long ride

Just sayin'.

[CaptGoodvibes]

This. With lights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx7v6AA47vI

[Bueller]

Oh yea that'll do well as a commuter :lol:

[CaptGoodvibes]

Oh yea that'll do well as a commuter :lol:

Hahaha!!! :up:

But seriously, I have a bike. I just need the enduro to get me to the trails without needing a trailer.

I know, I want too much.

[asp_125]

This. With lights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx7v6AA47vI

Sweet!! Then there's the E version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7IkFRaGJ28&feature=related But it would suck if the battery dies way out in the middle of nowhere.

[FZRguy]

Sweet!! Then there's the E version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7IkFRaGJ28&feature=related But it would suck if the battery dies way out in the middle of nowhere.

want

[CaptGoodvibes]

Yeah, that E is awesome!

Here's another video that wets my noodle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1MFkE-xWi8