Looking for a Dual Sport

[matts1050]

My son is going for the MSF course this Spring. He is looking for a dual sport bike, 250cc-400cc. Nothing older then a 2000. Possibly a Yamaha WR or XT, Kawasaki KLX20, KLR 250, Suzuki DRZ 400. If anyone knows about something along these lines...

[JEnfield]

Matt those things are like gold in these parts. Everyone wants one and when they do come up for sale they want as much used as they do new. I had a Honda XL650 but wouldn't want a kid rideing one, thing wheelied in three gears. I thought about getting my Daughter a KLR 250 but she doesn't want a dual sport crotch rocket or nothing for her.

Jimmy

[mark]

Matt, keep an eye on Craigslist. Used dual-sports come up all the time, here in Vermont at least.

Also, don't be afraid to look at slightly older bikes. There are plenty of mid-'90s dual-sports with really low mileage.

My first bike was a 1990 Yamaha XT350. Great learner bike, very reliable. Cost me $500 from a coworker, and when I got my Triumph I sold the XT to a friend for $500.

--mark

[matts1050]

Mark, that's funny you should mention an XT350 as we are going to look at a '99 htis weekend. I'm gonna drag the trailer along just in case...

[mark]

If that XT isn't beat to shit and the price is reasonable, snatch it up. Terrific little bikes. Great on the street, and if your son wants to get into serious dual-sport riding, a few suspension upgrades should make it really good in the dirt too (or if your son doesn't weigh much, it could even be fine as is).

Here's my old XT, although by this point I'd sold it to my best friend:


--mark

[matts1050]

My son bought a 2005 KLR250. Nice bike and in great shape. I just have to adjust the valves. He's going to register for the MSF course this week. I've been giving him a few lessons already. It's going to be a nice day today so maybe I'll take him to the school parking lot for some practise...

[mark]

The KLR250's another great little bike. I'm sure he'll have a blast on it.

--mark