Dual purpose motorcycle question ???

Question

Im thinking on getting a dirt bike and have a few questions. I wanted a motocross but with the maintenance they require and im not going to be racing i have changed my mind. Im thinking of a dual purpose bike that i can ride on the street or trail. My questions are

1. Do these bikes need to be rebuilt as much as the motocross bikes?

2. Wich bike is best offroad?

3. Can you put alot of mileage on these bikes before a tear down?

4. Can you carry a passenger on any of them. This is my least inportant question

If you own one give me some insight on the model and brand you ride.

Answer 1

I also have a Kawasaki KLR650 and you don't have to worry about rebuilding very often.  Dual Sport bikes cover a large spectrum of bikes - some are more geared toward offroad, others are mainly street bikes.  If you really want one that is good offroad, I would go a little smaller like the Suzuki DRZ-400.  It's much lighter than the KLR650 or Honda XR650L which makes it more capable on dirt.  Getting the right tires is also key to offroad performance.

I've got 12000 miles on my KLR650 with no significant repairs.  I did replace the exhaust and rejet the carburetor for fun though.

I have carried passengers on pretty long trips without a problem.  You can adjust the suspension to compensate for the extra load with a quick turn of a wrench.

Answer 2

I have a 1999 KLR 650

1. no, I've seen these bikes with 100K miles on them w/o a major rebuild.  (mine only has 25K)

2. depends on where you want to go. I've ridden mine on single track trails in the mountains, through creeks, etc.. It's heavier than a normal dirt bike so crossing over fallen trees and stuff can be a pita, but you can go just about anywhere if you're really determined and skilled enough for it.

3. see answer 1

4. yeah mine has passenger pegs, never carried one though. It's not a goldwing but it can be done.

Answer 3

Sorry, but you must have clicked the wrong section, as this is the motorcycle RACING questions.

The best advice I can give you is you to post this question again.

You would get a better response in....

"Cars & Transportation"> "Motorcycles"

Answer 4

i would look into any of the suzuki bikes like the DR650SE, or  the DR-Z400SM, both r really good bikes, hopw this helps

Answer 5

try the new KTM excr line. they are street legal and  a mean off road bike all rolled into one......