New Guy saying Hi... Need input quick

[DT1]

Hi, this looks like a great forum. I'm from the California desert and have ridden/raced bikes for many years now.
I'm considering the purchase of a dual purpose machine and
hope to get some useful info on a few that I have my eye on.
It boils down to the Honda XR650L, Kawasaki 650KLR or Suzuki DR650. They all look like great bikes but I'm kind of leaning toward the Honda. I'm plan on commuting and off road riding. I'd like to get some input from others that own or have owned any of these machines as to reliability, handling etc. I'm a bit compulsive and plan to purchase within the next few days.
Thanks

[325rocket]

cant help with the bikes, but welcome to the site

[portokiwi]

Hi mate and welcome to the site. We used the XR250s in the Army and were great, I have heard good things about the XR very nice bikes.
The off roaders will help you more. They were fun to ride.

[Wannabike]

I went through the same process about 4 months ago. Took several dual sport bikes in the 600cc range for a ride. I went for the DR650, it felt right when I rode it. It also offered a good compromise between off road and on road use. The 08 KLR felt a bit big and heavy and for me would have been more of a handfull off road, those that have them really like them. I didn't try the XR but they look pretty capable. Best advise is to test drive them all and buy the one that spins your wheels. They are all good bikes.

[homer]

having a dr myself the answers easy .
but consider that there a big bike for off road
and the rear suspension is very soft, and a lot of off road use will make it go mushy in the back end.

[warewolf]

Hi, this looks like a great forum. I'm from the California desert and have ridden/raced bikes for many years now.
I'm considering the purchase of a dual purpose machine and
hope to get some useful info on a few that I have my eye on.
It boils down to the Honda XR650L, Kawasaki 650KLR or Suzuki DR650.

You should have a read at advrider.com, particularly the thumpers forum. The fellahs on there will know about the US market. The XR-L is pretty rare here, and might even be a different bike to the US model.

[Oscar]

I had an XR650L, it was pretty cool, similar to the DR.
In fact all three do the same job and gave similar specs, it's a matter of personal preference, cause none of 'ems a dud.