- This topic has 7 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 8 months ago by TrialsRider.
Best bike dualsport bike for travelling 30 miles on the highway??
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August 9, 2010 at 4:34 am #4160carloscorreaParticipant
Im a beginner! i’ve only had a Yamaha 125cc TTR
I’m in love with the supermotards ( CRF 230m, WRX 250X, DR-Z400) and im thinking to buy one! however, I need to know if these bikes will handle a 30 mile daily commute on the highway??? are they safe and smooth to ride at highways speeds? I have little knowledge of this subject but my growing passion for bikes will make up for it soon! thank you for this awesome web page!
I would like to know everything that the manufactures won’t tell you!
Are these good daily rides?Thank you very much guys!
PURA VIDA!August 9, 2010 at 2:40 pm #28004WeaponZeroParticipantMost dual sports experience a mildly annoying vibration when traveling at highway speeds, but it’s no big deal. Most 250cc and up ones can do in excess of 90mph so they don’t struggle keeping up with traffic either. The only real issue they struggle with is the vibration which is just an annoyance and the fact that those styles of seats aren’t comfortable for long rides. But if you aren’t bothered by these things then by all means the WR250X and DR-Z400SM will do GREAT for you. The CRF230M however is another story as it is significantly down on power compared to the others and WILL struggle at highway speeds. It’s more of an around-town commuter than anything else.
August 9, 2010 at 2:49 pm #28005CBBaronParticipantAlso the KLX250SF. It has a little less power than the WR or DRZ but still considerably more capable than the CRF.
I really think the WR250X is a great ride. Six speed transmission, fuel injection, fairly modern suspension and a great look. Should get 60+mpg if you go light on the throttle so range won’t be horrible.
However the DRZ has been around longer and the KLX has a lower list price, so you will likely have an easier time fitting either into a budget.Craig
August 11, 2010 at 6:44 am #28023carloscorreaParticipantMy search has narrowed to 3 picks!
the Kawasaki KLX 250 SF
Yamaha WR250X
Suzuki DR-Z400 SMWhich one would you pick?
Based on the previous circumstances? (30 miles daily on highway)August 11, 2010 at 12:58 pm #28028CBBaronParticipantThey are all great bikes.
However I think the WR250X is probably the best. It is fuel injected, has nearly as much power as the DRZ but a 6-speed instead of 5 speed transmission. And probably has the best suspension.
However all are good choices and there are good arguments for each.
The DRZ has more usable power due to its larger displacement and has good aftermarket support, though the WR is catching up. The KLX is $1000 cheaper MSRP and doesn’t give up much to the other 2. The DRZ has been around longer so you may find better deals on an older model. The KLX and WR were introduced in ’08 so there are not any older models available like there are for the DRZ.
All are good choices, hunt craigslist and various others and find the best deal you can.
CraigAugust 11, 2010 at 2:15 pm #28029AParticipantSame response as in the other thread:
Depending on the rider’s stature, environment & traffic pattern of the beginner rider’s location, more importantly, what does the rider want?
If you are 5’0″ or over 240 lb., I wouldn’t think any of your choices are the “best”, cough up some basic info.
August 12, 2010 at 12:26 am #28030Gary856ParticipantI’ve never heard anybody say that they love their small dual sport or supermotos for freeway commute.
I love riding my DRZ400sm on twisty, bumpy hilly roads – the worse the road, the more fun it is. It’s great for everything but the freeway. Steady-steady high speed cruising feels like the worst use scenario for a bike like the DRZ. Just about any other type of “regular” motorcycle works better (more high speed stability, better high speed power, more cruising distance, etc.) as a commuter on the freeway than a DRZ or a small dual sport.
For a beginner freeway commute bike, you’ll be much, much happier on a GS500 or a Ninja 500. They’re very good in the hills too, but it’s hard to beat a DRZ400sm in the hills for it’s light weight, super sharp handling, and great suspension. If you really want to get a dual sport for freeway commute, I’d check out a KLR650 or a DR650, but freeway commute is not why people buy dual sports for.
August 12, 2010 at 1:34 pm #28032TrialsRiderParticipantInclined to agree with Gary on best use of a dual sport, OP you make no mention of where the bike will be ridden the rest of the time and dual sport is after all a design compromise. Addressing the ‘smooth’ ride question specifically, any motorcycle with a single cylinder and chain drive will inherently vibrate a little more than a shaft or belt drive multi, performance is the bastion of chain drives, not sustained cruising speeds. Far from intolerable vibration or dangerous anything, small displacement dual sports are just not ideal for the freeway or off road, Motards are right at home in the city, on a tight race track or twisty mountain road.
If I had one motorcycle as my only vehicle, it would be a large displacement, dual sport single, more dirt equipped than pavement. For versatility my preference by far is to have a pure dirt bike plus a pure street bike, or better yet, a competition dirt bike in the back of a little pick-up truck.
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