ADV Rider Motorcycle Riders

[LabradorGuy]

Any ADV Riders on here? Looking at getting a dual sport / short adventure bike. Have been looking at Suzuki DR650 and the KTM 690. Beemer F800GS would be okay, but I think it is more street than trail. Any suggestions? Have been without a bike for a number of years.

 

[Barman1]

I had the KTM 690 Enduro R and a 950 Super Enduro R (just threw that one in because it was a beast!).
The 690 is going to outperform pretty much everything in its class but if I had to do it again I'd go for something cheaper and simpler to work on, so the DR would be the winner. (Also had a Honda XL650R and I'd still recommend the DR)
The DR is a fan favorite for a reason.
Right now I'm looking for something to just do little day trips on and the new Himalayan is looking interesting but the new Triumph Scrambler 400 has got my eye. Just adding those for something else for you to look at.

 

[Fire King]

Yes, I think it depends on various factors, ride experience, money to spend, etc. Like knives there is always a compromise, 800GS might be better on the highway and the DR650 or 690 might suit you better for grinding down forest roads. Any of the Japanese thumpers are bullet proof and have low cost of entry, KTM 890 or such offer the best of all worlds, but are a handful for inexperienced riders. Good luck with your search.

 

[LabradorGuy]

Yes, the Suzuki DR650 is a good price point. You can buy a new one for $6500 and a KLR 650 for a tad over $5,500 new. Everyone is telling me the KTM has a lot of service intervals that can get expensive.

 

[MolokaiRider]

What sort of riding do you plan on doing?

 

[LabradorGuy]

Back road and mostly state roads in TN and NC.

 

[Barman1]

Yes, the Suzuki DR650 is a good price point. You can buy a new one for $6500 and a KLR 650 for a tad over $5,500 new. Everyone is telling me the KTM has a lot of service intervals that can get expensive.

Mentioning a KLR and the KTM enduro in the same paragraph is akin to posting a jarbenza in the CRK sub.
But yes, you are correct, the KTM is high maintenance and costly.
Did I mention I owned one?

 

[Danke42]

SM 610 and other big supermotos have the ideal handling for back roads but a big enough motor to not blow up with sustained Hwy speed.

But, too big if real live dirt bike trails are part of the loop.

 

[MolokaiRider]

SM 610 and other big supermotos have the ideal handling for back roads but a big enough motor to not blow up with sustained Hwy speed.

But, too big if real live dirt bike trails are part of the loop.

Sweet bike!

This is good info.

Most of my buddies who ride bikes like the XR650L, KLR650, DR400 or 650, etc. always end up getting a dedicated dirt bike later for riding trails.

Dual sports tend to be too heavy for extended dirt riding.

I have a wee little XT250 that is great at slow speed cruising 1-40 mph, but is terrible at higher speeds on any terrain. It's also ok at trail riding due to its small size and low gearing, but only at 1-20 mph.
Perfect as a camp bike, inner city commuter, town bomber, and checking the cows in a pasture.


I would not recommend this model for your intended purposes, but just sharing my current bike experience.

 

[Drop bear]

I own a klr 650.

It is going to depend on the trail riding and road riding.

Most bikes with appropriate tires will handle a dirt road. So if that is kind of all you do then you can lean towards a more comfortable road ride.

Lighter bikes handle dirt a bit better.(Dr 450? A very popular tour rider bike.) Heavier bikes carry more weight.

Expensive bikes have nicer features. Less expensive bikes are nicer if you drop it off the side of a cliff adventure riding.

Lighter bikes are easier to pick up.

Bikes like the royal enfield Himalayan have a lower seat hight.

For me I kind of want the Himalayan scram. Which is not that off road but good enough. And I think just looks sexy.

Otherwise the klr is a nice bike. Solid reliable, huge gas tank. And will just tractor over obstacles. But a bit wind affected and a bit vibratey. And simple no traction control, abs or anything.

 

[Danke42]

Most of my buddies who ride bikes like the XR650L, KLR650, DR400 or 650, etc. always end up getting a dedicated dirt bike later for riding trails.

Dual sports tend to be too heavy for extended dirt riding.

Oh yeah. I've nearly been stranded a few times by wandering around spots way to tight for it.