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Posted: 4/15/2024 4:33:01 PM EDT
I'm thinking really hard about a 300cc or smaller dual sport for my first bike
The new Honda XR150L looks neat, I've heard good things about the KLX300 and CRF300L However I'm 5'10 and weigh about 245 |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 4:40:06 PM EDT
[#1]
If this is your first bike, go take the local motorcycle safety course. That will give you some exposure to the small cc bikes. If this is really your first time on a bike, the dual sports might be a bit tall for a beginner.
At 5'10" and 245, you are gonna want more than a 300. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 4:45:40 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mk4dubbin]
[#2]
Lol no. Get a larger displacement bike. You'll thank yourself by summers end
Eta. I guess it also depends on what your plans are with it. Highways vs putting around the rv park for example |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 4:46:48 PM EDT
[#3]
I've got a 2015 Honda crf250l
It's serves my purpose of running around town and occasionally hitting small trails or county road cruising. |
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USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 4:48:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: miseses]
[#4]
I rode a 300cc dual sport as my only transport for a few years. It's the bare minimum if you're hitting highways. If you live on dirt roads and only going into towns on the odd occasion on surface roads the 150 is perfect.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:04:34 PM EDT
[#5]
It depends on how dual sporty you want to be. What's your dirt riding going to be? Just dirt roads or something more difficult. What's your road riding going to be ? Short distance county 2 lane or interstate?
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:05:38 PM EDT
[#6]
I'm 5'9 250lbs and bought a 2021 DR650. I upgraded the suspension with Cogent Dynamics front and rear springs and it's a pretty decent bike for running around.
Don't think I would want anything smaller for my fat ass. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:07:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Originally Posted By Beamy: I'm thinking really hard about a 300cc or smaller dual sport for my first bike The new Honda XR150L looks neat, I've heard good things about the KLX300 and CRF300L However I'm 5'10 and weigh about 245 I’ve been riding a KLX300 for a couple years, mostly off road. It’s pretty capable depending on what you want to do. What percent pavement Vs off-road? If/when off-road, are you just planning on easy two tracks or wanting to do something more difficult. All that makes a difference. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:09:57 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TN-MadDog: I’ve been riding a KLX300 for a couple years, mostly off road. It’s pretty capable depending on what you want to do. What percent pavement Vs off-road? If/when off-road, are you just planning on easy two tracks or wanting to do something more difficult. All that makes a difference. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TN-MadDog: Originally Posted By Beamy: I'm thinking really hard about a 300cc or smaller dual sport for my first bike The new Honda XR150L looks neat, I've heard good things about the KLX300 and CRF300L However I'm 5'10 and weigh about 245 I’ve been riding a KLX300 for a couple years, mostly off road. It’s pretty capable depending on what you want to do. What percent pavement Vs off-road? If/when off-road, are you just planning on easy two tracks or wanting to do something more difficult. All that makes a difference. Mainly dirt road and paved back roads |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:10:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Bigger_Hammer]
[#9]
250cc to 350 cc is a pretty sweet spot
Enough power & speed to drive in the city or fire roads, but light enough for off road fun. It is not going to be some interstate cruiser, but for trails & town pretty well sized. Bigger_Hammer 
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:11:41 PM EDT
[#10]
This would make a perfect FIRST bike...!  |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:11:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nightstalker]
[#11]
I had a 250 Husqvarna (FI) that I put an Athena kit on for 298cc. Also have a 350cc Beta (carbed)that is pretty ideal for me. Had it over 80 on the highway. Nice 6 spd wide ratio trans. Both bikes around 250#.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:13:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Alacrity]
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By miseses: I rode a 300cc dual sport as my only transport for a few years. It's the bare minimum if you're hitting highways. If you live on dirt roads and only going into towns on the odd occasion on surface roads the 150 is perfect. Holy shit - Which? That's serious Peeps will tell OP sub 500cc is prolly too little. If you're gonna be on Super Slab, I'd prefer something larger than 250 or 300cc. But the current crop of 300cc ain't the old school, XT or DR 200 better XR, TTR, DR/DRZ. They're pretty capable, I'd roll cross country on one. But I wouldn't roll often on urban highways in the States. @Beamy what is your intended use patterns? ETA - for a backroads knock around you'd be fine. Might need to re-spring if you're gonna have any gear on the bike. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:14:04 PM EDT
[#13]
OP, don't make a mistake that will cost you big $$ to correct.
Don't go small. Years ago I did and bought a KLR650. It was a gutless pig that I couldn't even keep up with traffic on. I know they are popular and serve a purpose but I now have an Africa Twin and it's a whole different universe. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:16:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Alacrity: Holy shit - Which? That's serious Peeps will tell OP sub 500cc is prolly too little. If you're gonna be on Super Slab, I'd prefer something larger than 250 or 300cc. But the current crop of 300cc ain't the old school, XT or DR 200 better XR, TTR, DR/DRZ. They're pretty capable, I'd roll cross country on one. But I wouldn't roll often on urban highways in the States. @Beamy what is your intended use patterns? ETA - for a backroads knock around you'd be fine. Might need to re-spring if you're gonna have any gear on the bike. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Alacrity: Originally Posted By miseses: I rode a 300cc dual sport as my only transport for a few years. It's the bare minimum if you're hitting highways. If you live on dirt roads and only going into towns on the odd occasion on surface roads the 150 is perfect. Holy shit - Which? That's serious Peeps will tell OP sub 500cc is prolly too little. If you're gonna be on Super Slab, I'd prefer something larger than 250 or 300cc. But the current crop of 300cc ain't the old school, XT or DR 200 better XR, TTR, DR/DRZ. They're pretty capable, I'd roll cross country on one. But I wouldn't roll often on urban highways in the States. @Beamy what is your intended use patterns? ETA - for a backroads knock around you'd be fine. Might need to re-spring if you're gonna have any gear on the bike. @Alacrity I'm mainly looking at back roads and dirt roads |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:16:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: alacop]
[#15]
 Attached FileThank me later. KTM 350 EXC |
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NY, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:19:29 PM EDT
[#16]
The Yamaha XT250s are nice little bikes but you're a big guy and going to want some more HP. The KTM 350 EXC have a decent amount of power but they are a little pricey. They also have very high quality components and the price reflects that.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:20:04 PM EDT
[#17]
drz400 or better.
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:24:15 PM EDT
[#18]
I'll go against the grain here...
Unless this is a commuting tool or long rides will be the norm, I find smaller bikes to be a lot more fun. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:36:54 PM EDT
[#19]
I think the CRF300 is a better bike, the XR150 is trying to hit the budget price point and for better or for worse it shows. The difference between the two of them at the dealership isn't going to be all that much thanks to dealers throwing on all sorts of fees on the budget bikes to get their money out of them.
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:46:58 PM EDT
[#20]
I have a KLX230S now.
The price was right, and I still have a lot of fun on it. I've had 200's, 250's, 450's and yea more power can be more fun if you're ready for it, but it doesn't make a smaller bike useless. |
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AL, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 5:52:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By IchWarrior: I have a KLX230S now. The price was right, and I still have a lot of fun on it. I've had 200's, 250's, 450's and yea more power can be more fun if you're ready for it, but it doesn't make a smaller bike useless. I've been gravitating toward smaller bikes in general since I find them more fun to ride in most cases, touring being the exception. In that case I still value the comfort of a bigger bike, but I'm less interested in long tours these days. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:07:17 PM EDT
[#22]
Let me just throw this out there…my DR650 very lightly modified weighs about the same.
But I think the CRF is likely a fine bike like most every bike nowadays. Do consider the new Himalayan though…it’s looking pretty interesting. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:11:34 PM EDT
[#23]
You are looking for KTM 500 EXC-F. Perfection.
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:11:43 PM EDT
[#24]
Originally Posted By Beamy: I'm thinking really hard about a 300cc or smaller dual sport for my first bike The new Honda XR150L looks neat, I've heard good things about the KLX300 and CRF300L However I'm 5'10 and weigh about 245 At your weight, I’d look at a used DRZ-400 or 650. |
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VA, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:11:59 PM EDT
[#25]
I feel like if I’m going to be primarily on more technical slow speed woods type trails, I want a small, lighter shorter bike.
Mainly because after I pick it up a few times I won’t be smoked. If I was more road biased, with the occasional gravel road I would go towards a larger bike. 10 plus years ago, I had everything from a drz400 to a xr650l and an xr650r as far as dual sports go. Even had a tw200 at one point. I would love to get on one of these newer fuel injected 300s. These options didn’t exist then |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:14:39 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GlutealCleft]
[#26]
Originally Posted By Beamy: I'm thinking really hard about a 300cc or smaller dual sport for my first bike The new Honda XR150L looks neat, I've heard good things about the KLX300 and CRF300L However I'm 5'10 and weigh about 245 On dirt, your weight doesn't matter a ton unless you're really trying to rip it up hard. I've grabbed my kids' 125cc dirt bike and done 50+ miles of trail without any problem other than it's truly sized for kids.  On the roads, a 300cc probably isn't what you want for highway driving, but is fine for regular roads. |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:18:41 PM EDT
[#27]
Honestly with the years I did ride motorcycles, I would recommend sitting on several models including different engine sizes. A good salesman will hold the front wheel so you can get the "feet off of the ground" feeling. At your size a DRZ400 might be a good option. I'm 5'6" 180 and prefer the CB500X (not a true dual sport) for it's size and highway capability.
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:21:04 PM EDT
[#28]
A midsized bike that your don't have to wring out to get moving is going to be easier to ride, more comfortable, less taxing, and last longer as it won't be as stressed. You also are less likely to be tempted to trade up.
JMHO. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:22:10 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By StanGram: I'll go against the grain here... Unless this is a commuting tool or long rides will be the norm, I find smaller bikes to be a lot more fun. +1, Easier to learn on in the rough. Fun & flickable. Big bike you will be too cautious in dirt. |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:25:30 PM EDT
[#30]
I had a KLX250, it was great for bombing around town and back roads. Definitely not a highway cruiser tho
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:28:39 PM EDT
[#31]
What’s your budget? I’m part of the DR650 clan and think it’s a great option. A lot of the Japanese bikes are similar.
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USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:44:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GrimesSU]
[#32]
Unless you plan to do a lot of offroad/dirt where a smaller CC bike makes more sense, get the 650 dual sports.
1.) The Suzuki DR650 is a great option, with TONS of aftermarket and OEM support. Super simple as the design hasn't changed much since 1996. 2.) The Honda XR650L is a good bike, but is like sitting on a skyscraper and unless you are TALL, you will have trouble reaching the ground. 3.) The Kawasaki 650 is nice and has a lot of electronics and fuel injection. Even has an ABS option. Though it is a bit heavy at 100lbs more than the other bikes. 4.) If you want a fancy dual sport, there's the BMW dual sports, but they are EXPENSIVE. |
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OR, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:52:01 PM EDT
[#33]
Gas gas has a 500 dual sport that is basically a cheaper Ktm. Right now you get a free full suspension e bike if you buy a gas gas. Makes it an even sweeter deal.
Gas gas es 500 They also make a 350 and a 700. |
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MT, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:54:45 PM EDT
[#34]
I have owned a lot of bikes over 20 years of riding
I can honestly say at my age the Crf300l is an amazing little bike. |
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IA, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:54:48 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bondryan: Gas gas has a 500 dual sport that is basically a cheaper Ktm. Right now you get a free full suspension e bike if you buy a gas gas. Makes it an even sweeter deal. Gas gas es 500 They also make a 350 and a 700. Kawasaki makes a 230S. The S stands for short. I wouldn't do anything less on a dual sport. kwg |
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USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:56:05 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bondryan: Gas gas has a 500 dual sport that is basically a cheaper Ktm. Right now you get a free full suspension e bike if you buy a gas gas. Makes it an even sweeter deal. Gas gas es 500 They also make a 350 and a 700. GasGas are basically KTM, but with a few high dollar parts replaced with cheaper ones. Parts support isn't that great either if you buy an older model. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:57:30 PM EDT
[Last Edit: linx310]
[#37]
OP, don't make a mistake that will cost you big $$ to correct. Don't go small. Years ago I did and bought a KLR650. It was a gutless pig that I couldn't even keep up with traffic on. I know they are popular and serve a purpose but I now have an Africa Twin and it's a whole different universe Man I put 65,000 miles on my KLR650 and had no issues keeping up with traffic. And you can get decent ones used for less than 3k I currently have a klx300 as well and it does 75-80 mph |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 6:59:54 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jonyng: I'm 5'9 250lbs and bought a 2021 DR650. I upgraded the suspension with Cogent Dynamics front and rear springs and it's a pretty decent bike for running around. Don't think I would want anything smaller for my fat ass. Can you mod the suspension and lower that bike? That would make it a perfect starter bike that you can grow into. Honda 650 would be great lowered also |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:01:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: BikerNut]
[#39]
My son took the MSF Rider Course when he was in college, then bought a Honda CB500X for his first bike.
It's perfect for him. I took it out for a long ride, including highway riding at 70-80mph. It's a superb motorcycle. It will be a long time before he outgrows it. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:03:38 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gspointer: Can you mod the suspension and lower that bike? That would make it a perfect starter bike that you can grow into. Honda 650 would be great lowered also The DR can be easily lowered and actually comes ready to do so very easily. But at 5’10” the OP won’t need to. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:04:19 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BikerNut: My son took the MSF Rider Course when he was in college, then bought a Honda CB500X for his first. It's perfect for him. I took it out for a long ride, including highway riding at 70-80mph. It's a superb motorcycle. It will be a long time before he outgrows it. The CB500x is likely the most overlooked bike out there and should be much more popular. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:08:33 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Beamy: Mainly dirt road and paved back roads Yamaha XT 250. Fits your small CC and it's reliable. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:11:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: JDennis]
[#43]
I have a KLX300.
It is the most fun street legal motorcycle I have ever had. I put a rack on it with soft bags. If I want to go fish, I put my travel pole case and tackle box on it. If I want to go shoot, I carry ammo and rifle cases. If I want to cruise to work or the store I can, and if I want to go to the riding park, I do and pound the trails and come home. Also the thing is bombproof.... I do not regret getting rid of my Harley at all. In fact, I have been getting the itch to add a adventure bike to the compliment the dual sport. ETA: I am 6' and 250. The KLX has great suspension and power for our weight. I can cruise 55-60 no problem and 70-75 if needed. I considered a Honda crf300 till I road it. The suspension sucks. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:14:07 PM EDT
[#44]
I've extensively rode a family member's XT250 and it never felt underpowered to me. The size was really useful on the trail and it was light enough to fit a hitch mounted carrier.
I'm in the market for one now to putt around town and replace my old Trail 90 as a hunting bike. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:21:49 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Canoeguy: The CB500x is likely the most overlooked bike out there and should be much more popular. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Canoeguy: Originally Posted By BikerNut: My son took the MSF Rider Course when he was in college, then bought a Honda CB500X for his first. It's perfect for him. I took it out for a long ride, including highway riding at 70-80mph. It's a superb motorcycle. It will be a long time before he outgrows it. The CB500x is likely the most overlooked bike out there and should be much more popular. I got back into motorcycles at 55 years old. The 500x was my pick, and it's been perfect for my needs. Running around farm country with some gravel roads mixed in. I can travel the speed limit easy on any local highways, and I don't have to worry about getting any 100+ mph tickets either. Also, at 7k new, the price is right.  
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NV, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:24:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Phil_Billy]
[#46]
Husqvarna 701 Enduro or the KTM 690 equivalent.
Buy once, cry once. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:27:10 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By alacop: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/276816/KTM_knobs_jpg-3188798.JPG Thank me later. KTM 350 EXC I love my KTM 500, but it’s way better as a second bike. The maintenance schedule on a KTM is not ideal for an everyday bike. |
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OR, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:27:50 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GrimesSU: GasGas are basically KTM, but with a few high dollar parts replaced with cheaper ones. Parts support isn't that great either if you buy an older model. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GrimesSU: Originally Posted By bondryan: Gas gas has a 500 dual sport that is basically a cheaper Ktm. Right now you get a free full suspension e bike if you buy a gas gas. Makes it an even sweeter deal. Gas gas es 500 They also make a 350 and a 700. GasGas are basically KTM, but with a few high dollar parts replaced with cheaper ones. Parts support isn't that great either if you buy an older model. If you buy a pre Ktm gas gas yes parts are harder to get but rejiu is making the old gas gas models or at least some of them still. Post Ktm gas gas will be easy for motor and most other things. |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:28:53 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Dboy11: I feel like if I’m going to be primarily on more technical slow speed woods type trails, I want a small, lighter shorter bike. Mainly because after I pick it up a few times I won’t be smoked. If I was more road biased, with the occasional gravel road I would go towards a larger bike. 10 plus years ago, I had everything from a drz400 to a xr650l and an xr650r as far as dual sports go. Even had a tw200 at one point. I would love to get on one of these newer fuel injected 300s. These options didn’t exist then I have an irrational desire for a TW-200! |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 4/15/2024 7:31:54 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gspointer: I love my KTM 500, but it’s way better as a second bike. The maintenance schedule on a KTM is not ideal for an everyday bike. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Gspointer: Originally Posted By alacop: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/276816/KTM_knobs_jpg-3188798.JPG Thank me later. KTM 350 EXC I love my KTM 500, but it’s way better as a second bike. The maintenance schedule on a KTM is not ideal for an everyday bike. If you buy the 690 it's pretty reasonable. |
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