Binkie
Member
Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
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« on: March 04, 2018, 04:24:54 AM » |
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I’ve been thinking of getting a Suzuki DR650S bike so I can ride the forest service roads and dirt roads. Since I’m a bit on the small size height wise everything I’ve read says the DR650 is the bike to have. Anyone have any experience with this bike?
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firemedic309
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« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2018, 05:06:00 AM » |
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Yes. It is a great bike been around for ever. It is the smallest of the 650 thumpers. You cant go wrong with it. There are some very good 250 s out also but they are not much smaller just lighter. Id say buy a used one and see if you use it as much as you are hoping to.
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Remember, if they can't find you handsome at least they can find you handy!
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RudyF6
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« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2018, 06:02:43 AM » |
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I have a 2001 model, bought in '03. Wanted it for the same thing as you - I'm surrounded with dirt roads and state land. I've only put about 6500 mi. on it, trouble free. Chose it for simplicity and seat height. Kind of a slug, but a couple cheap and easy mods to carb/airbox/header pipe wake it up quite a bit. Heavy damn thing too, tried single-track a little bit - wouldn't advise it.  If I was to do it all over now? I'd buy a Honda CRF250L unless you really want the big motor. |
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You can never be lost if you don't care where you're going!
98 "Tourerstate" (Std. with I/S bags/trunk)
98 Tourer solo ride
81 CBX
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cookiedough
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« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2018, 06:49:12 AM » |
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how much dirt road/rougher riding vs. pure street riding?
only 2 things I think on more dirt road is the heaviness of a 650cc is the seat height and heaviness as drawbacks. Then again, I have seen several 250cc more dirt bikes having such a tall seat height you have to be near 6 foot to drive the darn thing and the seats of most 250cc on/off road (more dirt roads) are made for someone with a very skinny behind not very comfy on the toosh.
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Misfit
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« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2018, 07:19:50 AM » |
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The reason the bikes are tall is the suspension travel. You can't have 10" of travel and a 27" seat height. If you take the travel out of the suspension you may as well ride your street bike. As far as the seat size is concerned you are supposed to be standing on the pegs not sitting on the seat. I say go for it. Off road, dual sport, adventure, riding is where it's at. Only about 10% of the roads in North America are paved. That means those that don't leave the asphalt are missing out on 90% of the scenery. Do it in the dirt.  |
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If you're lucky enough to ride a Valkyrie, you're lucky enough.  |
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rocketray
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« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2018, 10:44:22 AM » |
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I have a Suzuki DRZ 400s...at 300# you can ..if young and stout.. throw it uphill out of any monstrous rut..it will go nearly 100...just get a lowered front fender...Arkansas is your heaven..the after market cams aren't worth it
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2018, 11:44:19 AM » |
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Give a look to the KTM 690 Enduro R? Solid thumper.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9SVWXYtIbADo I own one? No. Would I like to? Yes. Here's a brand new one in Kingman, AZ for $8400. That is a steal of a deal anywhere.  https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-KTM-690-Enduro-R-5001805819 |
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« Last Edit: March 04, 2018, 01:20:42 PM by Jmencalice »
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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shape
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« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2018, 01:40:51 PM » |
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Hi Binkie, If you didn’t know it already, Thumper talk is a great site for learning about on-offroad bikes. BTW, I had a 01 drz400s that was a great bike. A little more dirt oriented than the 650. Thinking about getting another 400 if a deal comes around on Craigslist. Good luck! https://thumpertalk.com/forums/forum/221-dirt-bike/ |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12764
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2018, 04:30:26 PM » |
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I learned to ride on a 350 dual sport on a friends land, kick start, fun bike.
Wish I learned when I was a kid and not a 40 something man
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #9 on: March 04, 2018, 04:36:16 PM » |
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I learned to ride on a 350 dual sport on a friends land, kick start, fun bike.
Wish I learned when I was a kid and not a 40 something man
There are probably advantages to learning at 40. I still bare many scars from my ill advised youth. |
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #10 on: March 04, 2018, 04:37:11 PM » |
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My buddy has 2 bikes
The dr 650 is one of them. He is a bit short
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Raider
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« Reply #11 on: March 04, 2018, 05:45:01 PM » |
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A bit more expensive and heavy, but the VStron 650s are cool bikes, too. The XT is set up for a bit more aggressive offroad (spoked wheels, increased travel, etc.).
There was a good comparison a while back between one of these and the ubiquitous KLR-650. The riders felt like they were going slower and working harder on the VStrom, but then saw that the rode the same course much quicker. All were surprised that yeah, they were working harder as the bike enabled them to ride much quicker.
I doubt that you'll be doing timed laps of tough terrain, but this speaks to its capability despite a bit more weight. You'd also enjoy a much more road worthy bike if you decide to use it on the road a bit, too.
I own a Triumph Tiger 800. Even bigger and heavier than the VStrom. Love it.
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Romeo
Member
Posts: 1612
J.A.B.O.A.
Romeo, Michigan
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« Reply #12 on: March 04, 2018, 05:57:47 PM » |
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Wait Bink! I can’t believe what I’m reading. I thought that’s what the Wing was for.
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Leathel
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« Reply #13 on: March 04, 2018, 06:15:27 PM » |
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I had an XR650 and that was great DRZ400 tricked a little, also great and plenty of grunt, goes OK at higher speed with the right gearing and does pretty well in the mud/hills, heavier than the serious dirt machines but easier to maintain. Not tried the DR650 but cheap bikes for what you get I would love a Honda Africa twin! But the next dirt bike might be the DR650, not as serious as some dirt bikes but I ride off road at a gentlemans pace now.....with the odd wheel stand thrown in  If you are just doing dirt roads and not mud the Vstrom is pretty good But the 400 isn't low..  |
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« Last Edit: March 04, 2018, 06:17:17 PM by Leathel »
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #14 on: March 04, 2018, 06:22:08 PM » |
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For whatever it’s worth I saw more vstroms in Alaska than any other bike
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Leathel
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« Reply #15 on: March 04, 2018, 07:05:16 PM » |
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Put a knobly on a road bike and you might be surprised where it will go, nice and low too  but a little harder to handle  |
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Leathel
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« Reply #17 on: March 04, 2018, 09:11:13 PM » |
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Is that standard Kiwi off road apparel ?  Be thankful he had that much cloths on...the one before him was on a GN250cc (little cheap road bike) with a hospital gown on.......and nothing else..... NO PICS TAKEN! You never know what you will see at the Cold Kiwi   more adventure bikes   |
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« Last Edit: March 04, 2018, 09:14:29 PM by Leathel »
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #18 on: March 04, 2018, 10:54:33 PM » |
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What I remember of my dirt bike days (1971-) was that the suspensions were nothing like today. This is why you stood up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUZN3Pn6fXwI had the street legal Yami DT360. That 2-stroke one banger would climb walls. (78mph top speed)  The 450 Metzler knobby I ran was not the safest tire on the street though. (something like this)  |
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« Last Edit: March 04, 2018, 11:11:02 PM by Jess from VA »
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Hook#3287
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« Reply #19 on: March 05, 2018, 02:20:48 AM » |
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What I remember of my dirt bike days (1971-) was that the suspensions were nothing like today. This is why you stood up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUZN3Pn6fXwI had the street legal Yami DT360. That 2-stroke one banger would climb walls. (78mph top speed) The 450 Metzler knobby I ran was not the safest tire on the street though.o (something like this) Jess, that motor in a frame of today,would kick serious butt. |
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8742
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #20 on: March 05, 2018, 05:05:59 AM » |
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Hey Binkie, If I buy one can I keep it down at the ranch?
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 Troy, MI |
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sheets
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« Reply #21 on: March 05, 2018, 07:04:39 AM » |
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My kid put 26k trouble free (not counting flat tire fixes in the field) miles on a 2011 year DR650. A notable percentage of those miles were off road or back road in Colorado & New Mexico. He put a smaller sprocket on the front to gear it down a little. Has done the BDR routes in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. He recently procured a 250 Yamaha for off-road in the desert, with his kid on a 125. The desert is out his back door. The DR is equipped with tube tires. If you do much off-highway riding a patch kit and pump, with knowledge and tools to remove the wheel is advisable. He sent the DR to me. I've put 500 miles on it putt'n around town. It will do highway speed all day long. Folks have used them on RTW adventure rides.
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« Last Edit: March 05, 2018, 07:16:50 AM by sheets »
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #22 on: March 05, 2018, 07:17:18 AM » |
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Jess, that motor in a frame of today, would kick serious butt. cooldudeBill, that bike (motor)(and me) beat a new Cuda 440 6-pack, in a eighth mile launch, twice. While he was burning rubber, I was gone (though he was reeling me in quickly, and I'da lost a quarter mile). He insisted on a 2d chance, then was mad after I gave him one. Do they even still make 2-strokes? Same car, but the guy I raced had giant back tires (not slicks). 
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« Last Edit: March 05, 2018, 07:20:09 AM by Jess from VA »
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #23 on: March 05, 2018, 07:20:07 AM » |
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Jess, that motor in a frame of today, would kick serious butt. cooldudeBill, that bike (motor)(and me) beat a new Cuda 440 6-pack, in a eighth mile launch, twice. While he was burning rubber, I was gone (though he was reeling me in quickly, and I'da lost a quarter mile). He insisted on a 2d chance, then was mad after I gave him one. Do they even still make 2-strokes? Not many. KTM is, or they were. I haven’t looked for a while. |
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northernvalk
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« Reply #24 on: March 05, 2018, 07:21:24 AM » |
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The new VFR1200X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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98valk
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« Reply #26 on: March 05, 2018, 09:37:21 AM » |
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I’ve been thinking of getting a Suzuki DR650S bike so I can ride the forest service roads and dirt roads. Since I’m a bit on the small size height wise everything I’ve read says the DR650 is the bike to have. Anyone have any experience with this bike?
I have a DR200se. 70+ mpg, 3.4 gal tank, weighs 278lbs wet. much lower cost than the Dr650. the newest sport model has 3.3 gal tank. for maintenance locknut rocker arms like the 650. 400 is shims http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/the-dr200-thread.229927/ |
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C 10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp
"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
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« Reply #27 on: March 05, 2018, 01:53:53 PM » |
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Do it Binkie. You're right in the right location for a dual sport.
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rocketray
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« Reply #28 on: March 05, 2018, 04:43:18 PM » |
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they do sell lowering links for the DRZ-400es...getting your feet flat is helpful sometimes
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Binkie
Member
Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
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« Reply #29 on: March 07, 2018, 06:23:35 AM » |
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Hey Binkie, If I buy one can I keep it down at the ranch?
Of course you could Joe. We would have a blast riding the back roads. You really need to move down here.
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« Reply #31 on: March 07, 2018, 06:29:12 AM » |
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« Reply #32 on: March 07, 2018, 06:33:51 AM » |
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northernvalk
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« Reply #33 on: March 07, 2018, 06:57:43 AM » |
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VFR!!https://motorcycle.honda.ca/model/adventure/vfr1200x
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« Reply #34 on: March 07, 2018, 07:01:49 AM » |
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VFR!!https://motorcycle.honda.ca/model/adventure/vfr1200x
Only made for 2 years. I wonder why? 635 pound wet. Seat height 33.5 inches.  |
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Oldfishguy
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« Reply #35 on: March 07, 2018, 07:26:48 AM » |
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Binkie
Member
Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
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« Reply #37 on: March 07, 2018, 06:05:50 PM » |
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Thanks Britman. I bought a map at the ranger station that shows all the FS roads, horse trails, mountain bike and motorcycle trails in the Cherokee National Forrest.
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Binkie
Member
Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
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« Reply #38 on: March 07, 2018, 06:12:22 PM » |
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I’m pretty set on the DR650. The 2018 models sell for $6599 but I’ve got the dealer to come down to $5649.i hope to go there tomorrow and see if they will take my wife’s 2011 VStar 650 as a trade in at a decent price. Hopefully I can come out with the bike for $3500 plus the trade.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #39 on: March 07, 2018, 06:39:32 PM » |
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I’m pretty set on the DR650. The 2018 models sell for $6599 but I’ve got the dealer to come down to $5649.i hope to go there tomorrow and see if they will take my wife’s 2011 VStar 650 as a trade in at a decent price. Hopefully I can come out with the bike for $3500 plus the trade.
best of luck on the trade in although close to 3K for a trade in seems highly unlikely. Dealers do not give much on most trade ins since that is where they make their bread and butter on used bikes. I have been searching for dual sports and most used are (to me anyways) insane high at 4-5K in price being used as well. I did just find this one although over 1000cc seems a bit excessive to me, but if the weight is good hard to beat this will never have to worry about not enough power. https://madison.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2015-ktm-adventure-1190/6517538500.htmlFrom pics, does not look too heavy or too high seat height, but do not know much on KTM cycles. |
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