Dual Sports / found a new hobby!

[4punksdad]

You heard it right............. I have owned about every type of bike and quad on the planet and now I have gotten back to basics. I got together with a group of guys that ride dual sports and its a friggen blast! Nothing better than feeling like you are riding a dirt bike on the streets. Better yet, the streets never end because they turn to trails at the end...........

anyone else got the dual sport fever?

[4punksdad]

couldnt resist a second pic........

[slightlybent47]

I’ve been doing it since 2006 and I love it. Welcome to the world of the never ending trail. I only wished that I had a place like VA to ride, I have some family that lives in Maryland so maybe I’ll take the two wheeler with me the next time I come up. The best advice I can give you is that knobbies and wet roads don’t mix so be careful.

:D 06 KLX 250s:D

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
I’ve been doing it since 2006 and I love it. Welcome to the world of the never ending trail. I only wished that I had a place like VA to ride, I have some family that lives in Maryland so maybe I’ll take the two wheeler with me the next time I come up. The best advice I can give you is that knobbies and wet roads don’t mix so be careful.

:D 06 KLX 250s:D

This isnt the first dual sport I have owned. I had a KLR650 back in the early 90's, but it wasnt near as fun then as it seems today. If you make it to MD and wanna ride, Im not far away.

[beastlywarrior]

yep sweet ive been trying to get a dr350, maybe trade my cb175 for it

[4punksdad]

Well if I find a good used super moto I will be selling my DRZ400 and I will post it for sale on here.

[01 400EXer]

I just bought an 08' CRF 230L. It is a nice little bike, light and nimble and with a few mods has nice torque. I am still searching the classifieds for a little more powerful, more dirt bikey dual sport. If I find another deal I may buy another bike.

[slightlybent47]

I like the klx, it’s a 250 but it’s on a big frame so it rides great. It is a little short on power but it’s still stock with some light mods it will be fine.

[fastredrider44]

Dual sport is like two hobbies in one. I love it. I have a KTM525 with the sumo and dirt set-ups. Best of both worlds if you ask me.

I'm hoping to hit the Trans-America trail one day! Probably on a different bike though.:devil:

[smr]

I got a drz400s. We have a place about an hour from my house that has endless back roads and trails. I love it.

[Guy400]

Hey Joe, I'm just glad the Quadracer is still in the stable!

[01 400EXer]

I think I would like to find a good used KLX 250 or a WR 250. I think they would be exactly what I am looking for. Of course I am always keeping my eyes open for a nice DRZ 400.

[Guy400]

Does a '77 Suzuki TS 125 count? LOL...this thread got me thinking and my grandmother still has 2 of these in the heated barn that I doubt have been ridden in 20 years. I remember my grandfather riding me around on the back when I was in kindergarten. He died of cancer in '81 and they were parked. Then when I was around 10 - 11 my brother and I could touch the ground and we'd ride them a little bit and I don't think they've been out since.

[fastredrider44]

lol. I used to have a 71 (I think) TS250 that I bought for 50 bucks. I musta put 1000 miles on that thing before selling it for $250, and never getting paid.:mad:

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
Dual sport is like two hobbies in one. I love it. I have a KTM525 with the sumo and dirt set-ups. Best of both worlds if you ask me.

I'm hoping to hit the Trans-America trail one day! Probably on a different bike though.:devil:

Pics dammit!

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by Guy400
Hey Joe, I'm just glad the Quadracer is still in the stable!

guy..........I have been letting my kids ride it a little bit.............they love it. Its all I hear............"dad, can I ride the Quadracer?"......... a pic attached for you.

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by Guy400
Does a '77 Suzuki TS 125 count? LOL...this thread got me thinking and my grandmother still has 2 of these in the heated barn that I doubt have been ridden in 20 years. I remember my grandfather riding me around on the back when I was in kindergarten. He died of cancer in '81 and they were parked. Then when I was around 10 - 11 my brother and I could touch the ground and we'd ride them a little bit and I don't think they've been out since.

you gotta get em out Guy..................too much fun!

[Guy400]

Originally posted by 4punksdad
guy..........I have been letting my kids ride it a little bit.............they love it. Its all I hear............"dad, can I ride the Quadracer?"......... a pic attached for you. That's awesome! I'm just glad it's getting used and appreciated by someone.

[Guy400]

Originally posted by 4punksdad
you gotta get em out Guy..................too much fun! Bikes are in Ohio and I'm in NC. Closest thing I have these days to an offroad vehicle is a garden tractor although my oldest daughter digs driving it herself. Here she is when she was 4 :p

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by 4punksdad
Pics dammit!

My bad. I don't have any of it in dirt trim on this computer:grr:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/fastredrider44/100_3922-1.jpg

[slightlybent47]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
My bad. I don't have any of it in dirt trim on this computer:grr:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/fastredrider44/100_3922-1.jpg

fastredrider44
How do you like those tires you have in the pic and what are they?
how well do they work in the dirt, and in the mud?
I run the stock 20/80 on the front and a 50/50 on the rear but they kinda suck on the street. I mean they do ok enough when it's dry but if it gets wet you might as well park it.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2qnaxog.jpg

[deathman53]

I have a ktm450exc dual sported. Great bike 14/47 gearing and will run 100mph stringing it out. I used to use a mt44/xcms front and trakmaster 2 rear tire. It cost me a fortune with replacing tires bi-monthly and they became useless off-road. Also, to make them handle right on the street 2 rim locks are needed and true/round the rims. Those were very loud on the street also. I would buy another set of rims, 2 rim locks 180 degrees adapt, true/balance them and put on more street oriented tires. I ride it on the street far more than I did before now. Another thing to think about, the tall gearing you will need for the street will make tight woods kinda hard to ride and gappy gears. Depending on the conversion kit you buy and/or the bike, you can/will add 5-10 pounds to the bike, that will adversely effect the handling.

Factory dual sports are great, but the draw-backs to them can make them miserable to ride off-road. I'd get a plated dirtbike(local enduro club probably has several for sale), minimum street legal stuff and another set of rims fitted/modified for street use. If you don't mind spending a decent amount of money, ktm or husky dual sports are the ticket. Some things need to be done to make them run right and dirt worthy, mini-stalk/flush mount blinkers, fix jetting, remove smog stuff, change gearing and remove restrictors, they are awesome bikes for both uses.

[slightlybent47]

I wish I had tried out the KTM before I got my KLX, I might have liked it better. I did ride the Honda 650 but felt it was a little too big for a fun bike. The Honda 230 seemed a little to small. The klx was the first bike I bought after being retired from riding for 20 years and was just a starter bike, but I must say I have had a lot of fun on that thing.

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
My bad. I don't have any of it in dirt trim on this computer:grr:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc281/fastredrider44/100_3922-1.jpg

thats a good lookin bike...........let me know if u ever wanna sell it.

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by deathman53
I have a ktm450exc dual sported. Great bike 14/47 gearing and will run 100mph stringing it out. I used to use a mt44/xcms front and trakmaster 2 rear tire. It cost me a fortune with replacing tires bi-monthly and they became useless off-road. Also, to make them handle right on the street 2 rim locks are needed and true/round the rims. Those were very loud on the street also. I would buy another set of rims, 2 rim locks 180 degrees adapt, true/balance them and put on more street oriented tires. I ride it on the street far more than I did before now. Another thing to think about, the tall gearing you will need for the street will make tight woods kinda hard to ride and gappy gears. Depending on the conversion kit you buy and/or the bike, you can/will add 5-10 pounds to the bike, that will adversely effect the handling.

Factory dual sports are great, but the draw-backs to them can make them miserable to ride off-road. I'd get a plated dirtbike(local enduro club probably has several for sale), minimum street legal stuff and another set of rims fitted/modified for street use. If you don't mind spending a decent amount of money, ktm or husky dual sports are the ticket. Some things need to be done to make them run right and dirt worthy, mini-stalk/flush mount blinkers, fix jetting, remove smog stuff, change gearing and remove restrictors, they are awesome bikes for both uses.

d-man, I was gonna street my CRF450X but decided against it. I like to ride it in the dirt too much and knew I would be sacraficing that, so I simply got the DRZ400, which I found used. After getting back into the dual sports I C I am hooked. So when a better dual sport/ Super motard comes along I will make a change. For now, the DRZ400 is serving my purpose.....

[SilverBomb]

This is what I like to ride to the trails and around town. It's an 01' XR650R. I bought it a couple months ago and I've been loving it!

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by slightlybent47
fastredrider44
How do you like those tires you have in the pic and what are they?
how well do they work in the dirt, and in the mud?
I run the stock 20/80 on the front and a 50/50 on the rear but they kinda suck on the street. I mean they do ok enough when it's dry but if it gets wet you might as well park it.



They are track slicks. They don't work on any kind of moisture. lol.

I have just always ran straight up dirtbike tires on my factory wheels. I get them for free from local racers, and can get around 600-800 miles out of them, riding hard, pavement the whole time.

[slightlybent47]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
They are track slicks. They don't work on any kind of moisture. lol.

I have just always ran straight up dirtbike tires on my factory wheels. I get them for free from local racers, and can get around 600-800 miles out of them, riding hard, pavement the whole time.

Ok I see now i didn't have my glasses on earlier. lol :eek2: :eek2:

[MX MaNiAc 06]

Hmm.. this looks like a good MX retirement plan. :D So you guys need to get the same permit as a street bike to ride roads?

[SilverBomb]

Originally posted by MX MaNiAc 06
Hmm.. this looks like a good MX retirement plan. :D So you guys need to get the same permit as a street bike to ride roads?

Yep, I had to put a street legal lighting kit, pass safety, and get it plated. And now I'm in the middle of getting my motorcycle endorsement for my drivers license. All well worth it. :D

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by MX MaNiAc 06
Hmm.. this looks like a good MX retirement plan. :D So you guys need to get the same permit as a street bike to ride roads?


You bet. I've had the bike two years, and everytime I go through town, its a bit of a rush because I know I'm on a dirtbike, in town, and don't have to run.:D Everything is just the same as any other streetbike, as far as insurance, licensing, permits, etc.

[161xchonda]

I bought a left over 2009 DRZ400S about two months ago. The bike is so much fun, and it's awesome to ride with your buddies. Three of my other buddies recently bought daul sports, and it is a blast to go ride the back roads every night, then hop on a random trail. In September, me and dad are gonna do a National Dualpsort ride or two. It outta be a good time.

[trick450r]

I had an 03' KTM 525 for about a year. Never registered or insured it but I sure did a TON of street riding on it lol. What a blast.

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by SilverBomb
This is what I like to ride to the trails and around town. It's an 01' XR650R. I bought it a couple months ago and I've been loving it!

I bet thats an awesome ride...........

[4punksdad]

Originally posted by 161xchonda
I bought a left over 2009 DRZ400S about two months ago. The bike is so much fun, and it's awesome to ride with your buddies. Three of my other buddies recently bought daul sports, and it is a blast to go ride the back roads every night, then hop on a random trail. In September, me and dad are gonna do a National Dualpsort ride or two. It outta be a good time.

I once heard there is a big dual sport ride every year at Blackwater.........Wonder if they still do it?

[fastredrider44]

The Trans-America trail is what's on my Bucket list. Check it out on advrider.com or if you're wanting to go more towards the tard, check out supermotojunkie.com. I'm a bit far from you to sell you my bike. lol

[4punksdad]

have traveled some great distances to get what I want..........LOL

[Full Throttle00]

Anybody seen one of these 250 dual sports yet?
Test rode one a few months back and WOW:eek2:
Having one shipped back to my cousin who changed his mind on the $6500k KTM after wrecking his bike.
After seeing what all you get for less than $3k, very impressive

[slightlybent47]

I wish I could fine some duel sport riders in my area. Out of all my riding buddies, none of them have a duel sport.

[danthrop]

Originally posted by Full Throttle00
Anybody seen one of these 250 dual sports yet?
Test rode one a few months back and WOW:eek2:
Having one shipped back to my cousin who changed his mind on the $6500k KTM after wrecking his bike.
After seeing what all you get for less than $3k, very impressive


little more info on those please? i like that......

[skyeryder]

I'd like to sell this torque monster 1993 KLX650 this bike will run highway speeds easy.
$1600 in central indiana 765-301-6172

[rbgnwa45]

Punks, "owned one of each" - it looks like you still do! LOL

I love dual-sports and I plan to get one. I'm considering an XR400, DRZ400, or CRF450X.

What's a comfortable cruising speed on those? I'd like to cruise at 90-100km/h and have a 120km/h over-take speed for highways.

Are they better lowered?

Can you street legalize in Ontario, Canada?

What's the range for a stock and aftermarket tank?

At a shop I saw a non-street legal black & chromed out lowered CR500 with slicks, right then I knew I wanted one!

A 250 4-stroke dual-sport seems like a waste.

[Full Throttle00]

The 249cc liquid cooled four stroke engine (B 70mm x S 64.8mm)
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Engine: Four stroke 249.4cc SOHC Water cooled
Gearing: 528/ 14T x 38T
Ignition: Stator/ CDI with lighting coil
Starter: Electric / Kick
Transmission: 5 Speed Manuel Clutch
Color: White
Curb Weight: 248.9lbs
Frame: Chromoly full cradle
Fuel Capacity: 8.60 L
Ground Clearance: 11"
Overall Width: 31"
Seat Height: 37" (34.5" on Lower Link) adjustable
Subframe: Removable
Swingarm: CAM Link Suspension w/ Preload, Comp., and rebound adjustable DNM Shock dual link
Wheelbase: 59" Axle to Axle
Front Brake: 250mm Wave Rotor W/ Floating Dual Piston Caliper
Rear Brake: 245mm Wave Rotor W/ Floating Calipe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-YPeoDdkMI

[Full Throttle00]

another

[backwoodsracer]

Originally posted by 4punksdad
You heard it right............. I have owned about every type of bike and quad on the planet and now I have gotten back to basics. I got together with a group of guys that ride dual sports and its a friggen blast! Nothing better than feeling like you are riding a dirt bike on the streets. Better yet, the streets never end because they turn to trails at the end...........

anyone else got the dual sport fever?

if thats your garage .... please adopt me!