It's Time to Move On

[Alberta Patriot]

The past 4 months I have been mulling over the decision to sell my Interstate.
My wife and I enjoyed the long distance touring on this bike, but a ski mishap and resulting knee injury some years back is now limiting my wife's seat time to a couple hours. It is the main reason we decided to buy the 350Z Convertible. I will be polishing up the Interstate and putting it up for sale in February. I have been looking at different options and have decided to go the dual purpose route as my grandchildren are just beginning to ride dirt/trail bikes, and that allows me to spend more time with them, as well as explore the mountain  roads that are so close to where I live. Not sure which bike yet, but there are a lot of choices to consider. I want something that can keep up with traffic on secondary highways though.

[..]

I was told the V Strom 1000 was too heavy. 650 is capable for forest roads.

I enjoyed my KLR 650 for a couple of years but it was too tall for  me. 5' 10" with a 32 inseam.

[Pappy!]

Also had a KLR 650 and have to agree. Gotta' have some long legs for that rascal. Got bored with it pretty quick.
Lots of Scramblers out there though that have the power and abilities though. Don't have to go the pure Dual Sport route.

[Alberta Patriot]

Ya...lots of options, but I would like to keep it light for the tight steep trails around here. Not only that, my 32" stubby inseam limits my choices a bit. as well.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I have a Vstrom 1000, and while it's no dirtbike, it is pretty capable when equipped with decent tires. That said, if you want to ride the roads and be capable of decent off roading with the young-uns, look at a Suzuki DRZ400S. No dual sport bike will ever match a true dirt bike in the rough stuff, but the DRZ will get you through most places without too much trouble. LOTS of upgrades available, too, if you want to farkle it out. It's a popular bike.

[Firefight100]

I went with a Husqvarna 610 te.  Now I think they are upto 700's.  326 lbs and will do most any trail you can fit it in.  And you better have some long legs.  It will also hold its own on the pavement.

[Alberta Patriot]

I have a Vstrom 1000, and while it's no dirtbike, it is pretty capable when equipped with decent tires. That said, if you want to ride the roads and be capable of decent off roading with the young-uns, look at a Suzuki DRZ400S. No dual sport bike will ever match a true dirt bike in the rough stuff, but the DRZ will get you through most places without too much trouble. LOTS of upgrades available, too, if you want to farkle it out. It's a popular bike.

Yep, leaning more towards the dirt/trail bike...that's where my two sons are with the 5 grand kids. The youngest will be turning 3 in December and is already a fearless little demon on his bicycle...his dad is already looking for his first electric motorized trials bike!! Probably the 12.5 Oset. The good thing about these high quality e-trials bikes is they are allowed on our cycle/pedestrian paths here in Calgary so the kids get lots of seat time when not out trail riding in the mountains.

[Alberta Patriot]

If I find something that is good for a steady reliable 70-80 mph, that's all I need. That will get me into the mountains from here no problem.

Twenty Five minutes from my front door!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIrV4GUEKnw

[Leathel]

I looked at the DRZ400, DR650, an older XR650 but ended up with a KTM 525 EXC...Its tall though, more ground clearance but light and easily dirt rideable in the harder trails...... I am running on 90% dirt tires but it is  little low geared atm to comfortably stay at the speeds you mention but it will do them in dirt gearing. Higher maintenance but for me I still have other bikes so it only get used for play

My brother has the DL1000 and while its OK it doesn't come close to the Africa twin or KTM1050 or his favorite all rounder KTM790 (sells bikes so tests plenty)...but his DL was cheap and that's why he owns that

I want to try the 790R....but just for a play as its out of my price range

In Road mode (Safari tank on rear plastics with Number plate etc, put the std tank etc for trailering to hardcore dirt)

[Alberta Patriot]

My sons ride...KTM300, Yamaha YZ450F dedicated dirt bikes...not a choice for me. I want to explore a little without having to trailer the bike.

[98valk]

suzuki DR650.   huge aftermarket support and following. larger fuel tanks (largest avail 30 liter or 7.9 gallons), suspension, reliability fixes  even big bore kits are available.  valve adjust same as valkyrie.  great used ones low miles and lots of farkles can be found for low cost.
of course u can find failures from people who ride them like pro motocross motorcycles.

https://procycle.us/model/suzuki/dr650

https://advrider.com/f/threads/the-myth-of-dr650-reliability.1215021/

https://advrider.com/f/threads/the-dr650-thread.135295/page-10641

[hubcapsc]

of course u can find failures from people who ride them like pro motocross motorcycles.

After you put gas in a stock one it weighs 366 pounds... I'd like to see someone
hit the triples on one 

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

Anything 400cc or larger can keep up at highway speeds, although you will have to plan your passing like you would with a small 4-cylinder car.  My first bike, a 400 twin, got me to Indiana and back, and got me and my girlfriend (now wife) to Kalispell and back.

You might find a buyer in February, but you'll have more people interested a month or two later.

[cookiedough]

no matter what we say you personally would have to go test drive them all to find what YOU feel comfy on.

My top 2 picks to at least test drive to see if fits me would be kawi versys and vstrom 650, both mid sized sort of dual purpose I guess?    Just this year I bought a suzuki burgman 650 and put on near 6K miles on it in little over 4 months now vs. my valk I/S little over 1K miles is all sitting mostly in shame.  Yah, I know, shoot me now, but the scoot is much lighter tons more flickable,  just as much storage, plenty fast enough at 54 hp and around 46 lbs. torque Vtwin 638cc, better wind protection and comfy enough for me getting 50 vs. 35 mpg but suspension especially in front forks is not even close to our Valks.  I thought I would NEVER drive a scoot more than my Valk in 1 year, but this was the year. 

[..]

if you thrash a 650 single cylinder at highway speeds don't be surprised if it eventuality rolls over, kicks up its tires and dies.

[Binkie]

I have a 2013 Suzuki DR650 that I ride the forest service roads and dirt roads here in East Tn. It is by far the best dual sport for short inseam riders. I’m 5’6” with a 30 inch inseam and with the rear shock mount being adjustable you can lower the bike another inch. The DR650 has been made forever and parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive. But be warned....it has the worse seat ever made to be put on a bike. It also has a small 3 gallon gas tank but it gets 60mpg so you have decent range.

[Jeepster09]

I have had KLR, VSTROM 650, DR650, XT's and I now have a Yamaha TW200. It will do 60 mph without issue, but is best on trails and where there are no roads. Lite enough to pick up if you drop it and a whole lot of fun.