Motorcycle Manufacturers, WTF???????

[MADDOG355]

What happend to the small dual sport bikes?
I am thinking about getting a DR650 to play around on some of the back roads here, and thought it would be good to get my daughter a bike to ride with me some. She is 14 and the state offers a beginner motorcycle permit that is good for a limited area (like 10 miles from home) and bikes 125cc and under. At 14 I had this permit and a KE100, And those were the best days of my life, probly kept me out of alot of trouble becouse I would be on a dirt road somewhere instead of getting in trouble.
The problem is nobody even makes a small dual sport anymore :confused: what gives? I can't beleve nobody makes anything.
Any recomendations on what would be a good used Dual Sport bike 125cc and under?

[ratso]

Just get her a Harley... Sheesh...:D

[SB]

The Honda XL125 was the shit. But they haven't made those in years. There are Chinese copies of it available. I dunno if they are junk. Yes, I have noticed this problem.

[Outnumbered]

Baja Designs....
Dual Sport Kit, TTR125 E-start
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item Code: 121040
Dual Sport Kit, TTR125 E-start
Unit of Measure:
Qty:
1/Each 439.95
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dual Sport Kit, TTR125 E-start
Kit Includes:
Headlight assembly in blue (horn, flasher, front signals & relay premounted & wired inside)
LED taillight assembly (bolts to underside of stock fender)
4 turn signals
Hi/low, turn signal, horn switch assembly
Brakeswitch & mounting bracket
Modular wiring harness
License plate mounting bracket & frame
114db horn
Flasher relay
Headlight relay
All necessary bracketry & wire extensions
Detailed installation instructions.
*Dual sporting off-road motorcycles is not legal in all states - check local laws before purchasing.
*In addition to the dual sport kit, most states require mirror(s), DOT approved tires, & sometimes a speedometer to be fully compliant. Check local laws.

[LhcBrad]

They are on EBAY i just like looking at the bikes i USE to have. My favorite was a 1980 Yamaha XT 250. I still have my first mini bike, a Honda mini trail 50.

[riverracerx]

These two are both nice:
http://www.kawasaki.com/ImagesMain/Products/Preview/75fe16a5-b72c-43ca-930d-ba95e90f2b0a.jpg
THE ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT DUAL PURPOSE MOUNT, THE KAWASAKI KLX™250S
A leaner, meaner and greener lightweight dual-sport machine
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/08_wr250f_blue_1_38f9bd94.jpg
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/products/mcy/general/media_content_unit0168830cc7.jpg

[Trailer Park Casanova]

Federal law prohibits lights on youth ATV and MC's.
Join CORVA with the rest of us and fight.
It's the radical enviros masquerading as Safety Nazis getting these laws passed.
We're getting our 7 year old the Kawi 110 BTW.

[MADDOG355]

I saw a KE100 on ebay in NY.
Outnumbered, Can you post a link to Baja Designs?
Riverracer. The law is 125cc and under, Besides she is pretty small I think a 125 is all she needs.

[maxwedge]

I think that's cool as hell you can ride there at 14. You have to be 18 to get a motorcycle liscence in IL, or at least you did when I was 18. They have restrictions out the ass on car liscences until your 21 now, and I just found out the other day you now have to be 25 to buy spray paint of all things, but I'm sure you can probably still buy weed in jr high.

[riverracerx]

ooh bummer then.

[MADDOG355]

Federal law prohibits lights on youth ATV and MC's..
When did this happen? And how can they claim it is for safety when most OHV areas require you to keep the headlight turned on if you have one?

[MADDOG355]

I think that's cool as hell you can ride there at 14. You have to be 18 to get a motorcycle liscence in IL, or at least you did when I was 18. They have restrictions out the ass on car liscences until your 21 now, and I just found out the other day you now have to be 25 to buy spray paint of all things, but I'm sure you can probably still buy weed in jr high.
We have the graduated drivers licence thing here also, I actually had to call and see if they still offered it, There is no mention of it on the website so I actually thought it had been done away with. I guess it is one of those little known laws that most people don't even know exist.

[PinkTaco]

The new Yamaha WR250R. Is a really nice little bike. Not as big as the WR250F and not as much power but a great begining dual sport mount. And its fuel injected ;)
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelimagelib/595/1/1/0/image.aspx

[MADDOG355]

The new Yamaha WR250R. Is a really nice little bike. Not as big as the WR250F and not as much power but a great begining dual sport mount. And its fuel injected ;)
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelimagelib/595/1/1/0/image.aspx
Sorry but the law is 125cc. Not to mention it is $800 more than the Suzuki DR650 :eek:
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DR650SEK8/Default.aspx

[SHOCKtheMONKEY]

New from Honda for '08 is the puppy-like CRF230L....:)

[SHOCKtheMONKEY]

My bad....missed the 125cc part....

[RiverRatMike]

Sorry but the law is 125cc. Not to mention it is $800 more than the Suzuki DR650 :eek:
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DR650SEK8/Default.aspx
and much more reliable than the DR650

[MADDOG355]

and much more reliable than the DR650
What is the problems with the DR? I have read alot of good stuff about it, What am I missing? Aside from the fact it is not a Yamaha :D .
I am looking at the TTR 125 E and the kit from BAJA.

[Outnumbered]

I saw a KE100 on ebay in NY.
Outnumbered, Can you post a link to Baja Designs?
Riverracer. The law is 125cc and under, Besides she is pretty small I think a 125 is all she needs.
https://www.bajadesigns.com/net/mainframe2.aspx?login=YES&category=MCYCLE

[OCMerrill]

What is the problems with the DR? I have read alot of good stuff about it, What am I missing? Aside from the fact it is not a Yamaha :D .
I am looking at the TTR 125 E and the kit from BAJA.
Don't rely solely on the Baja Kit to get registration. Take the serial number down and make sure it can be registered for street use. Here in CA they are all wise to this deal. Pretty much impossible to get anything new Dirt registered for street. All this in the last fat year or so.

[2Driver]

Yam and kawi make a 125 and 250 dual sports. I mean full dual sports, not an MX with lights. I think the Yam is a TTR 125.

[PinkTaco]

Sorry but the law is 125cc. Not to mention it is $800 more than the Suzuki DR650 :eek:
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DR650SEK8/Default.aspx
Ah. Missed that part sorry...

[Pete454]

G/f's Daughter got a DR 125L when she was 12, she has had it for 2 years now and will be getting a CRF150E for Christmas. Everyone thought her mom was nuts for getting her a bike, but she loves riding. we go every chance we can. The biggest thing I would look at is how tall there are and the the type riding they may eventually do. The DR125 is a good little bike for starters but can quickly be out grown by a aggresive rider. And most important buy the right protective equipment.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/SKA%20Racing/ska4-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/SKA%20Racing/ska5-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/SKA%20Racing/ska3-1.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/SKA%20Racing/ska9-1.jpg

[MADDOG355]

Yam and kawi make a 125 and 250 dual sports. I mean full dual sports, not an MX with lights. I think the Yam is a TTR 125.
Check agian, nothing under 200cc available as a streetable. Unless you want a scooter, Or the Kaw Eliminator (street cruiser style 125).
Went to all the local dealers today and she actually liked the TTR125, But the dealer went kinda nuts when I started talking about making it street legal :rolleyes: .
However The Honda dealer even knew who made the kit. Then he advised me to look into the rules for a 15 year old, She will be 15 in April. And sugested the CRF230L.
Turns out at 15 she can have up to 650cc. So next month when They get the 230 in stock we will be going back to try it on for size. :D :) :)
Stil looking for input on the DR650 ???????? Good bad or otherwise.

[Outnumbered]

Check agian, nothing under 200cc available as a streetable. Unless you want a scooter, Or the Kaw Eliminator (street cruiser style 125).
Went to all the local dealers today and she actually liked the TTR125, But the dealer went kinda nuts when I started talking about making it street legal :rolleyes: .
However The Honda dealer even knew who made the kit. Then he advised me to look into the rules for a 15 year old, She will be 15 in April. And sugested the CRF230L.
Turns out at 15 she can have up to 650cc. So next month when They get the 230 in stock we will be going back to try it on for size. :D :) :)
Stil looking for input on the DR650 ???????? Good bad or otherwise.
A good suspension shop should be able to lower the seat-height on that 230 if she likes it.
Cool pix. I wish my 12 y/o was into riding like that.
You are joking about the 650?

[MADDOG355]

The DR650 is for me :D. That way we can ride together. But some Yamaha guy :rolleyes: :D implied the DR is not a reliable bike.
Will go back and look at a DR200 for her also. The Suzuki dealer did not have a DR650 so I am going to go back when they get one and will let her check out the 200 then.
Great pics Pete, My daughter is getting stoked about the idea. She originally wanted another 4wheeler but after sitting on the 125 and thinking about being able to ride to school next year, (about 1 mile away) She has decided she wants the bike instead. :) :) :) :)

[Outnumbered]

The DR650 is for me :D. That way we can ride together. But some Yamaha guy :rolleyes: :D implied the DR is not a reliable bike.
Will go back and look at a DR200 for her also. The Suzuki dealer did not have a DR650 so I am going to go back when they get one and will let her check out the 200 then.
Great pics Pete, My daughter is getting stoked about the idea. She originally wanted another 4wheeler but after sitting on the 125 and thinking about being able to ride to school next year, (about 1 mile away) She has decided she wants the bike instead. :) :) :) :)
I'm not a big fan of the DR's and the 650 seems like it would be a pig. Stick with a 450 unless you are a real big guy. I ride a KTM450EXC @230lbs 6'1". They can be DS's (street-legal) here in AZ. Bike is light, fast, relaible, and fun as hell. I guess you have some limitations depending on your local laws. Go test ride a few bikes before you buy one.

[Pete454]

Well I assured her mom that all would be fine, she has taken a few tumbles, but gets right back on it, of course unless we break a clutch lever ( have gone thru a few of those). WE have a ton of fun, and when I am not riding I am shooting pics and coaching her, while I'm not her DAD, I do pay attention to the things that intrest her and she loves riding dirt bikes. Anything with speed or has a big cool factor, had a Mustang Shelby Hertz edition, and let her do some burn outs in front of the house.
AS for the dr 650?? the dr 450 looks like a good bike, me I perfer a honda,
I have a XR 250 but next year am getting a new CRF250X.

[MADDOG355]

At 6'2" and 260 I think a 650 would be more my size, And have heard good things about the motor. With a bad back I don't think I will push it hard enough off road for the extra weight of the 650 to be a issue.
Mom will be the big issue, the 4wheeler made her a little nervous, this should be quite interesting. Better not mention it just yet, May be best to get the bike first :D .

[Boa1277]

Heres the deal the DR650 is a heavy big ole log. Pick up a KXF450 or a CRF450X or even the WR450 and buy the street legal kit from Baja Designs any of these bikes will eat the DR for lunch on the street or the dirt you can also easily take them out on a track if you want. They are light more powerful and you can buy way more after market stuff for them. For your Daughter buy the TTR125L Big Wheel it is a great starter bike and you can buy the street legal kit for it also. All of the above bikes already have a stator so they can be converted realitively cheap to street legal machines..Good Luck
The Kawasaki got Dual Sport of the year last year..

[Outnumbered]

Heres the deal the DR650 is a heavy big ole log. Pick up a KXF450 or a CRF450X or even the WR450 and buy the street legal kit from Baja Designs any of these bikes will eat the DR for lunch on the street or the dirt you can also easily take them out on a track if you want. They are light more powerful and you can buy way more after market stuff for them. For your Daughter buy the TTR125L Big Wheel it is a great starter bike and you can buy the street legal kit for it also. All of the above bikes already have a stator so they can be converted realitively cheap to street legal machines..Good Luck
The Kawasaki got Dual Sport of the year last year..
I totally agree except I would vote for the 450EXC:D 260# is not too big for the 450. Even better pick up a 525EXC it is the EXACT same bike as the 450EXC with more cc's. Any one of these 450's would walk a DR650.

[pw_Tony]

I have ridden a DR650, very comfortable BIG bike. Very fast too. I loved it myself, 6' 2" 180lbs.
I owned a DR350, I loved that bike, wing it up to 9000 and just haul ass. Very comfortable also, and had plenty of top end and low end power.
Both bikes are great IMO, even though I'm a Yami guy ;)

[Cheap Thrills]

I've owned a lot of dual sport bikes over the years inc. a Suckzooky DR650, KTM 504, and most recently a Yammy hammy XT350.
The KTM 504 was heavy but it was an old 80s bike. The torque from the Rotax 4 stroke was incredible and would climb anything I pointed it at. Of all the dual sports I've had it was the beefiest bike I ever owned. The in-frame oil tank was a little odd but never had any problems with it unless the oil was overfilled, that would cause the dipstick plug just forward of the tank to blow out like old faithful. Finding the plug in the woods after it sailed 30 feet in the air proved to be difficult on a few occasions. other than that I would buy another if the opportunity ever presented itself again!
The DR650 was a pig in the woods heavy as hell hard to handle and geared way too high for the riding I did but was stupid fast so that kinda made up for the off road clumsiness. I quickly got bored/tired of wrestling it and got rid of it. Two good things about the DR. Stupid Fast & Electric Start.
The Yammy XT 350 Though a little small was my overall favorite of the three.
It had enough power to do what I wanted it to do off road and was very light & nimble. The street performance was quite good for the displacement.
It would keep up with interstate traffic @ 70 ~ 80+ mph. more if you stayed in it long enough. Peoples faces when you pass them with a 350cc dirt bike on the interstate is priceless :D
Now I ride in the Blue Ridge/Great Smokey Mountains with lots of steep hills, Tons of mud and plenty of trees to dodge.
My opinion may not apply to other types of riding conditions and are only my opinion and my experience.
Good Luck with your choice be safe and have fun.
T's out

[PinkTaco]

Heres the deal the DR650 is a heavy big ole log. Pick up a KXF450 or a CRF450X or even the WR450 and buy the street legal kit from Baja Designs any of these bikes will eat the DR for lunch on the street or the dirt you can also easily take them out on a track if you want. They are light more powerful and you can buy way more after market stuff for them. For your Daughter buy the TTR125L Big Wheel it is a great starter bike and you can buy the street legal kit for it also. All of the above bikes already have a stator so they can be converted realitively cheap to street legal machines..Good Luck
The Kawasaki got Dual Sport of the year last year..
This guy is pretty much right. But on the TTR definitely get the LE model. Electric start is NIIICE!;)

[Boa1277]

This guy is pretty much right. But on the TTR definitely get the LE model. Electric start is NIIICE!;)
KTM stands for KEEP THE MOTOR because the suspension is crap...I hate the direct link stuff. Thanks Pink Taco obivously you know your stuff. Probably work in the industry or something.:jawdrop:

[HP350SC]

Search in spam section, there was a nice XT350 for sale a while back.
I ride an '08 KLR650, 80% road bike,20% off road. The '08's are much improved and a very good bang for buck. Fun to ride, but not a powerhouse. MUCH better than a DR for street use. DR would be better off road IMO.

[Cheap Thrills]

KTM stands for KEEP THE MOTOR because the suspension is crap..
I thought it stood for "Kick The Monkey" cause the bastards are so hard to start ! :D
T.

[HP350SC]

here's the XT link...http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137381&highlight=yamaha
some other good one's came up just searching Yamaha

[Cheap Thrills]

here's the XT link...http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137381&highlight=yamaha
some other good one's came up just searching Yamaha
I knew I should have held out for more than $1800 on my 98 with 1200mi. on the od. :notam:
T.

[MADDOG355]

I am not real concerned with the bike being a little heavy, (Ever ride a Harley Davidson SX250 off road?). I kinda got a thing for the bigger heaver stuff, I really miss the old 250 Harley not to mention the 350X and LT500 :( .
I always liked the suspension on Suzuki even when alot of people thought they were a little too soft.
Suzuki normally seems to have a lower seat hight in relation to the bars, Which I like alot.
I am still looking at other bikes, Looked at a XR650 today. Agian the bars felt low in relation to the seat, Atleast IMHO.