Dual Sport as First Bike

[ay33]

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I am new to the sport and this forum. I did the M2 course and now I'm looking for my first bike.
The instructors said I would do best on a "standard" bike.
On my hunt for beginner bikes, I have come across Suzuki GZ250, Yamaha Vstar 250, and Honda Rebel. These unfortunately are more of a cruiser style.
I'd like to hone my skills and become very proficient before I go for the M2 exit.
I'm having a hard time finding a standard style bike, and
I'm now thinking of going for a dual sport because of the riding position, but am worried the power from most (like to 225XT) will not be enough to do the exit test on the highway.

Looking for some guidance please.

My parents have property and live around dirt roads where a dirt style bike could be utilized.

 

[MNSTR]

Dual sports are excellent starter bikes. Upright riding position, manageable power, cheap to maintain and insure. My KLX 250 is easily highway capable. Most 250cc + bikes will easily hit 100+ km/h without issue.
Not to mention a ton of fun when the roads dissappear!!

 

[gsxr guy]

Id be more worried a 250 cruiser wont pull hwy speeds, my klx 250sf cruises at 120, and will pull to 146 at 9000rpm however you need to get out of the wind to get past 130

 

[Brian P]

A smaller dual sport is not only a great choice as a first bike but also as a Nth bike. Tip over - No problem. Get it dirty - you've been having fun!

Highway driving is the main down side, but who wants to do that.

 

[boyoboy]

dual sport is a good first bike. 150cc + bikes are 400 series hwy legal. a dual sport is a good tool for learning (or keeping and enjoying). In the dirt you can get a feel for how a bike feels when you lose traction and start to slide, how it feels and what to do when you lock the front or rear wheel when braking hard . learning this in forgiving dirt will prepare you with control skills for an emergency situation on pavement - you'll have the reflexes, instinct and confidence to better control your bike.

and the riding position and agility is something you will not get with a cruiser.

 

[inreb]

"Dual Sport" is a bit of a misnomer as it suggests two sports rolled into one motorbike. At a minimum I would consider these bikes a triple threat. People ride them around the world and beyond. You could try to dual sport a Rebel but off road they're not sport. That's trailer park hijinks. A small cc dualsport is the ONLY small motorcycle that can achieve any semblance of street cred save if the rider is either wearing full coveralls or 300+lbs. Hiway is the least of your worries.

 

[LePhillou]

+1 vote for dual sport

 

[MacDoc]

Yeah - excellent choice and also take a dirt riding course...make you a way better rider. You can get a brand new CSC TT250 for about $3k We have two coming in for fun and it's road certified.

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-bikes/csc-tt-250-dual-sport/

If you drop it...no biggie...this is a full sized bike, braided steel brake lines, inverted forks and other nifty features including power outlet.

What is your inseam OP?

 

[LePhillou]

Btw to get basics in dirt, trailtours is pretty awesome and fun. Go with some friends and you've got yourself an outing

 

[MacDoc]

Excellent idea.
Motopark in Chatsworth has weeklong courses as well. Get dirty, have fun, learn how to ride - their gear

 

[ay33]

Thanks for the reassuring input and info.
My inseam is about 30".
I'm looking at a Yamaha XT225 or something in the 250 cc range, preferably $3500 or less used, seeing as it's my first bike.

 

[LoneRonin]

Ninja 250/300 and the smaller CBRs have a very standard seating position despite the looks. Dual sports are cool too though.

 

[MacDoc]

My inseam is about 30".

same as mine. You need to try bikes as off pavement bikes are tall.

For your budget you should seriously consider the CSC bikes. You have full warranty and excellent support.

This is the more expensive one...it's been in the field for a while ( aside from elsewhere in the world )

http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/12/3...-bike-motorcycle-review-photos-specifications

that said - a road certified Honda 230 etc are very good bikes and lots of fun.

 

[Koval_68]

dual sport is a good first bike. 150cc + bikes are 400 series hwy legal. a dual sport is a good tool for learning (or keeping and enjoying). In the dirt you can get a feel for how a bike feels when you lose traction and start to slide, how it feels and what to do when you lock the front or rear wheel when braking hard . learning this in forgiving dirt will prepare you with control skills for an emergency situation on pavement - you'll have the reflexes, instinct and confidence to better control your bike.

and the riding position and agility is something you will not get with a cruiser.

^^^ What he said!!! We would have less fatalities involving new riders, if off-road riding was mandatory and not an option, before you can obtain your M2, IMO.

 

[ay33]

I'm 5'7", 130lbs, inseam 30". Would bikes with seat heights of 35" be too tall for me (like the DRZ400, XT350, KLR650)?
Also, would a KLR650 be too powerful and/or expensive on insurance for a noob?

 

[inreb]

I'm 5'7", 130lbs, inseam 30". Would bikes with seat heights of 35" be too tall for me (like the DRZ400, XT350, KLR650)?
Also, would a KLR650 be too powerful and/or expensive on insurance for a noob?

That would depend on your physical prowess and general take charge demeanor. Secondly, the seat height changes when you weight the saddle. So that's number one. Number two, straddle the bike in such a fashion as to have one leg per side. Leave the stunt positions for later. Employing these three modalities should see you to success. Fourthly, I've never seen KLR650 and too powerful in the same sentence before. Well done.

 

[ay33]

That would depend on your physical prowess and general take charge demeanor. Secondly, the seat height changes when you weight the saddle. So that's number one. Number two, straddle the bike in such a fashion as to have one leg per side. Leave the stunt positions for later. Employing these three modalities should see you to success. Fourthly, I've never seen KLR650 and too powerful in the same sentence before. Well done.

When you say straddle, must both feet touch the ground flat-footed?

 

[inreb]

When you say straddle, must both feet touch the ground flat-footed?

No. You should have such command of the bike where this is not vital, within reason of course.

 

[RickT]

I first started on a Dual Sport and have no regrets. Not only was it a fun bike to ride but it gave me the opportunity to explore off-road riding which I loved. I'd still own a Dual Sport today if any of my friends had them, that and having some good off road places to ride nearby

Dual Sport or Street, already sounds like you are looking for the correct starter bike.

 

[MacDoc]

I'm 5'7", 130lbs, inseam 30". Would bikes with seat heights of 35" be too tall for me (like the DRZ400, XT350, KLR650)?
Also, would a KLR650 be too powerful and/or expensive on insurance for a noob?

A lowered KLR650 would be fine and allow you to do some distance as well to better roads. ( I'm 30" as well but I have LOTS of sag. )
The lighter dual sports are excellent off plavement but may be a drag to get to decent riding ( Ganaraska for instance ).

Why not spend a bit and try an off road day or weekend ( there are several guided rides ) and/or rent a bike and gear at Motopark.

This is a brilliant deal for someone ....

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-sport-tourin...le/1165087300?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

If you can get over the mileage...I bought my Vstrom with over 100k km on it and this sounds like it's been well cared for and certainly nice farkles.

BWM has good lower seat options.

This is also a good deal for a unique machine $3k and certified

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-motorcycle-o...gs/1163824055?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

designed for height challenged riders.

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