What are some recommended dual sports for the beginner rider?

**ADVGD** · 7th October 2011, 14:45

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

I'd go for one now!

To be perfectly honest, a while back I made my mind up I wanted a WR250R, I rang Trevor Peirce to jack up one for a demo ride, I went in expecting to ride out a new owner of it but I didn't, I wasn't completely sold on the bike. I am impressed with nearly every aspect of the WR250R but the main reason I didn't buy it was lack of bottom end power. When ridden high in the rev range it is surprisingly well handling and powerful machine for 250cc, a seriously fun bike to ride, but down low there is very little and the choice between the DRZ400E and the WR250R resulted in the DRZ winning

If a learner license limited me to a 250cc though I'd buy the WR250R in a flash

**NordieBoy** · 7th October 2011, 15:52

Originally Posted by ADVGD

but down low there is very little

That's OK. I thought the DRZ400 had very little down low too

**Matariki** · 7th October 2011, 19:32

Yikes! The WR is an expensive bike and way beyond my budget. I've got $3000 spend at tops.

Being a student sucks, but at the moment I'm looking for something that will get me on the road and that I can confidently ride on gravel and sand. I only intend to use it as a temporary bike. Probably until I get my full license.

Ok, so I've got the message - Avoid Farm Bikes.

**Transalper** · 7th October 2011, 22:44

I wouldn't say stay away from farm bikes but do have a good look out for rust and any other signs that they may have had too much of a hard and weathered life.

I'd tend to go for a 200cc or 250cc machine.
Even a 200 will probably be a world of difference over the 125 on a hill or highway.
Something like the Honda XLR200 here for $2500. Has REG on hold and no WOF. The least they should have done is get a new WOF to make it more saleable.
Others may be worth looking at might be the XR250

Not too much about that doesn't look worn out for under $3k online at this time it seems.

**warewolf** · 8th October 2011, 20:03

Originally Posted by ADVGD

I am impressed with nearly every aspect of the WR250R but the main reason I didn't buy it was lack of bottom end power. When ridden high in the rev range it is surprisingly well handling and powerful machine for 250cc, a seriously fun bike to ride, but down low there is very little

You can't really have both from a small capacity machine. However being the new hotness on the road/trail scene, the WR-R probably does have more bottom end than a lot of 250s. It might feel asthmatic compared to the top end, but it's hard to really compare standalone. And besides, there's no reason not to rev them and use the gearbox.

Originally Posted by Transalper

Even a 200 will probably be a world of difference over the 125 on a hill or highway.

Yep, a 200 has 60% more cubes than a 125. Will's XLR125 runs out of puff in Hira - my DR200 never did.

Originally Posted by Transalper

Something like the Honda XLR200 here for $2500. Has REG on hold and no WOF. The least they should have done is get a new WOF to make it more saleable.

Yeah, in one breath they're saying "roadworthy" yet they say "as is where is" which I understand is legalese for "this thing is not roadworthy - caveat emptor". One or t'other, never both.

Originally Posted by Transalper

Not too much about that doesn't look worn out for under $3k online at this time it seems.

That's usually the way. A while ago I struggled to find anything under $5K that was ride away, looking at 225-450ish road legal. Lots of mutton dressed up as lamb.

LAMS should improve things when it removes the learner demand for 250cc.

**DR650gary** · 9th October 2011, 08:20

We may have (we, as in the family

) may have a 2008 DR200 for sale soon for very close to the $3k mark.

If you are interested, send me a PM or email and I will speak with my son. He is Wellington based.

I bought the DR for my wife to get into adventure riding, but she didn't take to it but liked riding the bike as an alternative to her Cagiva. My son then bought it as a commuter while he was doing up his FZ1's. His current girlfriend has indicated she wants to learn to ride, but they all say that at the start don't they?

Anyway, drop me a note if the $3k mark is doable.

**Transalper** · 9th October 2011, 08:55

DR200 would be perfect IMO.

**DR650gary** · 9th October 2011, 16:36

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...DT230-for-sale

**Matariki** · 11th October 2011, 18:04

Any opinions on the Hyosung dual sport models?

**Ender EnZed** · 11th October 2011, 18:31

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

Any opinions on the Hyosung dual sport models?

They're very rare. Anything's worth having a look at if you get the chance but I wouldn't expect the quality to be as high as their road bikes.

**Matariki** · 11th October 2011, 18:32

Here's a Hyosung Dual Sport

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-413888678.htm

**Padmei** · 11th October 2011, 18:53

I asked the same question a long time ago re the hyosung. Apparently they are nothing like the road ones - ie not that good - from what I've heard only tho...

**Ender EnZed** · 11th October 2011, 18:59

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

Here's a Hyosung Dual Sport

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-413888678.htm

Yeah I saw that, it is the only one though. Unless you count this as well.

Hyosung may well have a crack at building an Adventure bike for Western markets in the future but those two above just look like cheap Chinese-esque replicas of something not much good. As far as I'm aware, Hyosung dealers don't stock any dirt bikes. Ask one why not, I'm sure there's a good reason.

**pete-blen** · 11th October 2011, 19:07

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

Yeah I saw that, it is the only one though. Unless you count this as well.

Hyosung may well have a crack at building an Adventure bike for Western markets in the future but those two above just look like cheap Chinese-esque replicas of something not much good. As far as I'm aware, Hyosung dealers don't stock any dirt bikes. Ask one why not, I'm sure there's a good reason.

its a Shinray.... rebranded... The 200 version is only $2500 new