Motorcycle- Do All For the Mountains

[Ah Pook]

Probably done this before but...

Live in the mountains. Looking for a "dual sport". Something to ride in the mountains, up fire roads, some light single track, slick rock and back home.

Keep coming back to the KLR650 but it is heavy. Been looking at the Suzuki DRZ 450 and Honda XR 400-500. Both have enough power to get up the canyons but are light enough to throw on the back of a hitch mount rack and travel with.

Suggestions, opinions...? Anyone selling?

Again, I'm a fan of the English bikes (Enfield, Triumph, BSA). That is the base line. I like a straight vertical body line (if that makes sense).

[hurley842002]

The KLR 650 is a great bike, but I can't recommend it for much more than a dirt road. Coming from a motocross background, I thought a KLR 650 would be a good way to get into riding on the street, while still being able to hit the back country. The first time I took it on a "fire road" above Idaho Springs, I was scraping the skid plate left a right. Perhaps my expectations as an off road bike were too high, as it did great everywhere else (even blasting up I70).

ETA: I'd message TFOGGER, he's a wealth of information.

[Fentonite]

I tried hard to find the bike you described. I think the closest I came was the American-made '96 ATK 605. It was amazing off-road, better than reasonable on the highway, crazy power and torque, beautiful balance. I wish I'd never sold it. I also had a KLX 650 - much better off-road than the KLR, but much less impressive on pavement (kind of a reverse proportion of "street-to-dirt" compared to the KLR, if that makes sense). I'd pick the KLX over the KLR for my needs, but neither held a candle to the ATK. Most recently, a Buell Ulysses, which was great on the street, but way too heavy for serious off-road use.

If I was in your shoes again, I'd try to find an old ATK, rebuild it if necessary. They aren't made anymore, but I expect that TFOGGER could take care of it.

[CS1983]

If you aren't an 800 pound gorilla, do some serious looking at the TW200. It's smaller, light, and while it won't win races, it's got good low end and huge (wide) tires.

Seriously, take a good look at it. A solid forum dedicated to it is: http://tw200forum.com/

A lot of guys on there have multiple bikes and will be able to help you determine (along with your own personal research) if the TW200 will serve your purposes.

[SouthPaw]

XR650 would be my vote.

[TFOGGER]

Depending on your budget, maybe look at the Yamaha WR250R, DRZ400, or the KTM520/530 EXC models. All available in street legal form from the factory, all capable off road, and a shit ton (technical term) lighter than a KLR or BMW F650. Other options might be the Honda XR650L, or Suzuki DR650. A lot will depend on your inseam, and your comfort level off road.

[ray1970]

Ducati makes something that looks interesting. I'll see if I can find a link.

[ray1970]

Here it is.

http://scramblerducati.com/en/bike/classic

[colorider]

Ktm 450,520,525,530. Exc model
ducati makes a great bike, but the service intervals and cost is quite hefty

[TFOGGER]

Ktm 450,520,525,530. Exc model
ducati makes a great bike, but the service intervals and cost is quite hefty

Yeah, the KTMs are great bikes, as long as you're not a midget like me (30 inch inseam). Options to lower them are a little limited, where you might have more options on the other bikes I mentioned. Also, KTM seats are famous for being padded with mahogany, so on road comfort is not the best.

[Big E3]

KTM 1190 Adventure R

[Ah Pook]

Thanks for the replies and keep them coming. [Beer]

I was doing this same search last year when some "life changing" events took place. Things have stabilized and I'm back to it.

I was looking at the 200cc sized bikes but was concerned with their ability to keep up with traffic in the canyons. 45-55mph is the norm in Boulder Canyon and I don't want to worry about someone sitting on my arse.

Inseam is 33"-34" and 180lbs. Zero motorbike off-road experience but have been mt. biking for about 20yrs. I can read terrain and accept my abilities.

Mechanically, I'm more comfortable with carburetors and points than FI.

I don't see a Ducati or ATK in the near future but ya never know.

[enthusiast]

I was in your shoes 2+ years ago. I have a lot of experience riding dirt and street bikes but wanted to get a bike to do the same as you do. I had not ridden motorcycles for a while and wanted to make sure it was something I still wanted to do as my son was getting into it. I bought a Honda TLR200 first and outgrew it pretty quickly. I knew that I was going to ride as I got the bug again.

I then bought a DRZ400E that was street legal. The previous owner did a lot to the bike. I really like to ride it. It is like a tractor and does what I want it to do. I have since modified it more (turn signals, better lighting, windscreen, etc). I will probably keep the DRZ as I really like it but if I were to do it again I would put the Yamaha WR450F at the top of the list. My son has one and the thing is a beast and really simple to modify. The only thing you will want to do is usual airbox, jetting, and TPS mods. The other thing you will want to do on the WR450F is have it run full DC not AC and DC if you plan on adding other DC powered items.