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pplassm · 04-02-2006, 03:41 PM

I have a KLX300, which is very similar to the new KLX250S, but unless it is "geared to the moon", it will not give the highway performance you need.

I just geared mine up to the max on the CS sprocket, and it it only tolerable at about 60 MPH. You really need a bigger bike for highway use.

It is GREAT off-road, however, and that's why I bought it!

BlueDuck · 04-02-2006, 03:45 PM

I used Norm Kouba's lowering links to address my inseam-challenged stature (29", not to brag . . .) and moved the forks tubes up 4/5 inch in the triple trees on my VStrom 1000 ('05). Handling is great and you have to wonder why Suzuki doesn't do this at the factory.

sfcdjevans · 04-02-2006, 04:27 PM

I too wonder. I've been looking at the 650, the 1000 is even taller. How well are your feet on the ground? Kouba is the way I planned to go. How did you decide on 4/5"? Is that the max?

Neal · 04-03-2006, 02:29 AM

Agreed,thats why I recommended the KLR for his applications. If i was to buy a 250 dual purpose,the KLX would be on my short list since I would ride it on the street just to get to the dirt.

dug · 04-03-2006, 04:10 AM

DRZ400S. It's a good middle ground between the 250s and the 650s. It'll easily attain highway speeds. Not sure about lowering, though.

tomk2 · 04-03-2006, 12:16 PM

Reliable, lots of aftermarket parts available.. a good choice for an all-around bike, maybe a great choice if you won't need to commute via freeway.

pplassm · 04-03-2006, 04:21 PM

Good article comparing large dual-sports in May issue of Cycle World.

They bring up some other options:

Honda XR650L: Cheap, good performance off-road, lacks range, but fixable with $200 aftermarket tank.

Husqvarna TE610: Great off-road performance, but some electrical gremlins.

KTM 950 Adventure: They loved it. Lotta bike, though.

BMW 1200MX (?): Great performance, high price, and cylinders STICK OUT!!!!

04-02-2006, 03:41 PM	#11
pplassm Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,875	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? I have a KLX300, which is very similar to the new KLX250S, but unless it is "geared to the moon", it will not give the highway performance you need. I just geared mine up to the max on the CS sprocket, and it it only tolerable at about 60 MPH. You really need a bigger bike for highway use. It is GREAT off-road, however, and that's why I bought it! __________________ Mongo just pawn in game of life.

04-02-2006, 03:45 PM	#12
BlueDuck Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 16	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? I used Norm Kouba's lowering links to address my inseam-challenged stature (29", not to brag . . .) and moved the forks tubes up 4/5 inch in the triple trees on my VStrom 1000 ('05). Handling is great and you have to wonder why Suzuki doesn't do this at the factory.

04-02-2006, 04:27 PM	#13
sfcdjevans Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 43.47N-76.48W Posts: 956	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? I too wonder. I've been looking at the 650, the 1000 is even taller. How well are your feet on the ground? Kouba is the way I planned to go. How did you decide on 4/5"? Is that the max? __________________ 3425 miles from Reading, UK Why their heads on a pike of course. If I thought it would do any good.

04-03-2006, 02:29 AM	#14
Neal Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 731	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? Agreed,thats why I recommended the KLR for his applications. If i was to buy a 250 dual purpose,the KLX would be on my short list since I would ride it on the street just to get to the dirt.

04-03-2006, 04:10 AM	#15
dug Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 25	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? DRZ400S. It's a good middle ground between the 250s and the 650s. It'll easily attain highway speeds. Not sure about lowering, though.

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04-03-2006, 12:16 PM	#16
tomk2 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 514	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? Reliable, lots of aftermarket parts available.. a good choice for an all-around bike, maybe a great choice if you won't need to commute via freeway.

04-03-2006, 04:21 PM	#17
pplassm Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,875	Re: Advice for First Dual Sport? Good article comparing large dual-sports in May issue of Cycle World. They bring up some other options: Honda XR650L: Cheap, good performance off-road, lacks range, but fixable with $200 aftermarket tank. Husqvarna TE610: Great off-road performance, but some electrical gremlins. KTM 950 Adventure: They loved it. Lotta bike, though. BMW 1200MX (?): Great performance, high price, and cylinders STICK OUT!!!! __________________ Mongo just pawn in game of life.