[64638]

Im 32, and very big,6'1 315 lbs. Im looking for a good DS bike for riding to the woods , and all over the rugged backcountry. Any suggestions on what to buy? I have no preferance to newer or older bikes. Reliability is the most important thing to me,I go 20+ miles from main hiways regularly, and do not want to have to leave a broken down bike in the woods and walk out. Second it has to be able to still handle my weight. obviously a larger bike is probably my best bet. Any ideas would greatly help , ive ridden dirt bikes plenty, im no novice, a little power doesnt intimidate me. Thanks for any info.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Suzuki DL1000. 100hp, big and roomy, brick reliability, and a gazzillion aftermarket upgrades. What more do you need?

 

[The_AirHawk]

Suzuki DL1000. 100hp, big and roomy, brick reliability, and a gazzillion aftermarket upgrades. What more do you need?

Stop angling for a Sale! He's not gonna buy your bike..............

 

[acecycleins]

The Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650 work great and are cheap.
The Husky TE610, KTM makes a 690 that you can get DOT approved lighting for, and Husaberg is re-entering the US market with a FE650 Enduro you can convert like the KTM.

All in all- I would pick the Husky TE610. They are built like tanks.

If it's used go KTM or Suzuki.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

The Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650 work great and are cheap.
The Husky TE610, KTM makes a 690 that you can get DOT approved lighting for, and Husaberg is re-entering the US market with a FE650 Enduro you can convert like the KTM.

All in all- I would pick the Husky TE610. They are built like tanks.

If it's used go KTM or Suzuki.

He don't want no steekin 650! He needs 1000cc or more!

 

[mscuddy]

Get the big Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki dual sports, reliable as bricks, handle decent and parts are everywhere. Do not heed the siren song to buy a Husqavarna, or other esoteric uripeein dual sport. When the shine wears off you're stuck with something that needs a $600.00 piston, and has the resale value of an '81 Yugo.

 

[acecycleins]

Get the big Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki dual sports, reliable as bricks, handle decent and parts are everywhere. Do not heed the siren song to buy a Husqavarna, or other esoteric uripeein dual sport. When the shine wears off you're stuck with something that needs a $600.00 piston, and has the resale value of an '81 Yugo.

Brutal- Don't like KTM?

 

[The_AirHawk]

When the shine wears off you're stuck with something that needs a $600.00 piston, and has the resale value of an '81 Yugo.

My cousin had one of those - when he went to trade it in, the Dealer offered him $600 NOT to.........

 

[seruzawa]

My younger brother is 6'3" weighs about 250 and rides a street legalized Honda XR650. Seems to fit him fine. I'm 6' even and I can barely get my heels on the ground when sitting on it. One of those should be fine, much as it pains me to recommend a Honda.

If you are doing actual for-real off road riding I would stick with the 2 air-cooled 650s... the Suzuki and the Honda. They are the lightest and least complex of the possibilities.

Remember - any bike that will get you there on the highway in comfort will really really suck off road.

 

[bbtowns]

We need some more info. I have a ton of DS bikes. Ken's recommendation of the DL1000 isn't bad if you're an experienced rider. But we need to know what kind of dirt you want to ride. Are you talking about knarly single track with whoops, logs, and sand? Are you talking about graded forest roads? Hare scrambles? You might find the 650 thumpers like the KLR, DR or XR will meet your needs with some suspension upgrades.

 

[63955]

I have a KTM 640 Adventure and a BMW G650 Xchallenge... Both would work but are a bit pricey... If you're really looking to tackle fire roads and some rougher stuff I think you'd be unhappy with the vstrom.

One of my favorites is a drz but thats only a 400... Like the previous poster said more info.

Honda XR650L is pretty cool too. You may want to check out Adventure Rider Motorcycle Forum and look in the thumpers section... this has all been discussed ad nauseum over there.

 

[52944]

I know these aren't the most common DP bikes but my friend and I really like them and found them way better for off road than we though. Here's a pick from a 12 mile fire road ride in the Malibu hills -

http://racing.barrettmeeker.com/photos/PhotoArchive/2007_Malibu_Fire/IMG_0249_1.JPG
http://racing.barrettmeeker.com/photos/PhotoArchive/2007_Malibu_Fire/IMG_0258_1.JPG
http://racing.barrettmeeker.com/photos/PhotoArchive/2007_Malibu_Fire/IMG_0262_1.JPG

 

[The_AirHawk]

I know these aren't the most common DP bikes but my friend and I really like them and found them way better for off road than we though. Here's a pick from a 12 mile fire road ride in the Malibu hills -

http://racing.barrettmeeker.com/photos/PhotoArchive/2007_Malibu_Fire/IMG_0249_1.JPG

That pic there, REALLY illustrates the size-difference between the bikes. The Gixxer isn't exactly this huge-arse hulk of plastic and metal, either..........

 

[52944]

That pic there, REALLY illustrates the size-difference between the bikes. The Gixxer isn't exactly this huge-arse hulk of plastic and metal, either..........

Yea after that trip I'm thinking the ZX-14 would be the perfect Dual Sport.

heh actually in all seriousness the aprilia 250 wasn't half bad, mainly the tires and now wanting to scrape it up especially with the low body work that held it back.

with the 2-stroke motor it instantly reminded me of dirt biking, standing up on the pegs wasn't quite as comfy though heh.