Dual Sport?

[Dave S]

With the ever increasing fuel prices, I'm thinking of purchasing a dual sport to use as a commuter.

I'm thinking either the Suzuki DR650 or Kawasaki KLR650. I like the Kawi since it's a little more refined than the Suzuki.

What can a guy expect for range on a tank of gas with either of these?

Thanks for any input.

[mjhowe]

You cant go wrong with either. The Suzuki is decidedly OLD school, especially compared to the totally redone for 2008 Kwaker. The Suzuki offers the lowest seat height, if thats a concern. The KLR is liqiud cooled and more civilized. The new 2008 Kawi is more refined for the street, where it spends 80% of the time. It is one of the best selling, bar none, bikes in the WORLD and are used in countries where breakdowns are not an option, and easy fixes a must. You can probable find a good deal on a leftover 2007 and that would be my recomendation if "Green" you must go.

There are some hardcore groups dedicated to this bike the world over, a web search will expose them!

I would say you can reasonable expect 40-50 miles per gallon if you keep the tires aired up, the gas tank half full and ride like a respectable citizen. However, these bikes inspire hooliganism as you can cut thru parking lots, wheelie over curbs, take the shoulders etc, and while they are NOT powerhouses, you have to wring thier necks a bit to up the grin factor. On my 6000 mile dual sport ride, HEAVILY loaded, I averaged over 45 MPG for the entire trip. Just buzzing around town and commuting, you will get more.

I ride a 1984 Honda XR 650 L that I modified quite a bit (see my story about it here). The basic XR is essentially unchanged from the 2007 model and all in-between. It is as reliable as a rock, capable off road, VERRY competent on the street, with the right mods and skills, you will humble 600cc sport bikes.

Find the right used XR and you will have a friend for life. Any of the current crop of big bore dual sports will do well on a freeway, State Road, or fire road/trail. Good on gas, easy on tires (4k-6k on a rear, 12-14k on a front) and parts are cheap.

I say find one in the right price range and brand is not important

[Dave S]

Thanks for the info MJ. I stopped at a local Honda shop and they had an XR650 on the floor. Not sure on the year. I wouldn't rule out the Honda other than it's air cooled. But they do have a proven track record.

I can handle the gas prices ok where their at right now. It's when they hit the $4-5 range that I will be looking. I may have to trade off my 4 wheels for 2 if it hits that point.

I read your story a few days ago. Sounds like it was a great time.

Thanks again.