What is a good 'dual purpose' bike?

**Ruralman** · 24th January 2007, 15:45

There is a road legal XR400 on Trademe at the moment.

**eastlight** · 24th January 2007, 19:58

Thanks for that, I saw it a couple of days ago, no idea if that price is realistic or not (knowing dealers, most proberly not), anyway, I've asked for more details about it.

**eastlight** · 24th January 2007, 20:06

...............and, i would hate to think what it would cost to VIN and get a bike road legal.........................

**rok-the-boat** · 29th January 2007, 11:34

I have a DR250 I use on the roads. It is perfect around town but on the motorway it sucks. My mate has a DR650 and while it is better on the motorway, it sucks too as it is just not meant for that. On gravel roads my DR is ace - even with road/trial tyres - as it is just so light. The motor is pretty tame though. The DR650 - he daren't go fast for some reason - maybe it is just him, doesn't want to drop his new bike, but it is noticably heavier. Maybe the DR400 would be a good compromise but I'm not keen on all that water cooling hassle for a small bike.

**Wolf** · 29th January 2007, 23:41

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

The colour is different.

That's it...

Different sticker kit, too.

**Wolf** · 29th January 2007, 23:44

Originally Posted by ZeroIndex

PM Wolf about his Yamaha XT225, apparantly that's a really good little bike...

I doubt the XT225 would have the "balls" he desires - it's not much of a one for power wheelies and its top speed is only 125-ish.

Great fun bike, though, well pleased with it. It fits my modest requirements.

**Indiana_Jones** · 30th January 2007, 13:44

Been thinknig about a dual bike myself. Might just keep reading around this sub-forum for a while

-Indy

**eastlight** · 2nd February 2007, 18:59

Hey PERVERT, found a bike yet????

**pervert** · 2nd February 2007, 19:08

Originally Posted by eastlight

Hey PERVERT, found a bike yet????

The idea is on hold at the moment, I sold my road bike but decided to use that money to take a break from working instead...

I am getting a CRF50 in a couple of weeks...does that count?

**Skunk** · 3rd February 2007, 15:20

I've just sold my KLX250 road legal. Too dirt, only used on road.

Thinking of a KLE400/500 or something. I've got $3k to spend so I'm looking older. It'll be used on gravel roads (Molesworth/Rainbow type stuff) and the open roads (120kph cruise). Any others I should consider?

**Lance** · 3rd February 2007, 19:51

I recon you should consider a 650 V strom. Great on the road and can still make it off road. The best bang for your bucks Suzuki has done yet.

**Ruralman** · 3rd February 2007, 20:31

Originally Posted by Skunk

I've just sold my KLX250 road legal. Too dirt, only used on road.

Thinking of a KLE400/500 or something. I've got $3k to spend so I'm looking older. It'll be used on gravel roads (Molesworth/Rainbow type stuff) and the open roads (120kph cruise). Any others I should consider?

With $3K to spend you certainly won't get a V Strom. I have a mate with a KLE400 and it seems to get along alright and easily cruises at 100-110kph and I'm sure would cruise faster if conditions (cops) allowed. We have done quite a few back country road trips and it handles these really well. I'm pretty sure his was a used import and while I think he paid about $5.5K for it about 2 years ago you might pick up one someone is trading up from for around your limit.
They seem to be a tidy reliable bike and pretty cheap to run. I doubt you'll pick up a 500 for that money though.

**Ixion** · 3rd February 2007, 20:35

$3k will get you a decent XT600.

**terbang** · 3rd February 2007, 21:21

Dual purpose..? Try cruiser because you can also use it as a boat mooring..

Seriously though I have often looked at the Cagiva Navigator as a viable option.