Dual purpose bike?

doctordave

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Jul 7, 2008, 2:22:33 PM7/7/08

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Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the western
U.S. I need a bike that will be large enough to haul backpacking gear,
clothes etc. and be able to go cross country when the need arises.
Good gas mileage is very important. I have owned many dirt bikes and
currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.

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David T. Ashley

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Jul 7, 2008, 2:29:43 PM7/7/08

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"doctordave" <no...@000.com> wrote in message
news:7807215_cb9f773bb6b6...@motorcycleforumz.com...

> Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
> distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the western
> U.S. I need a bike that will be large enough to haul backpacking gear,
> clothes etc. and be able to go cross country when the need arises.
> Good gas mileage is very important. I have owned many dirt bikes and
> currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.

If one is to believe the manufacturer's information, Suzuki has some models
on their website listed as "dual sport". That might be a good starting
point.

Bob Myers

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Jul 7, 2008, 2:44:21 PM7/7/08

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"doctordave" <no...@000.com> wrote in message
news:7807215_cb9f773bb6b6...@motorcycleforumz.com...

> Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
> distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the western
> U.S. I need a bike that will be large enough to haul backpacking gear,
> clothes etc. and be able to go cross country when the need arises.
> Good gas mileage is very important. I have owned many dirt bikes and
> currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.

The classic answer here would have to be the KLR-650...

Bob M.

Ed Cregger

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Jul 7, 2008, 4:21:31 PM7/7/08

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"Bob Myers" <nospam...@address.invalid> wrote in message
news:g4to66$n9$1...@usenet01.boi.hp.com...

-----------

That's the one that I would choose.

Ed Cregger

Rob Kleinschmidt

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Jul 7, 2008, 4:49:05 PM7/7/08

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On Jul 7, 11:22 am, doctordave <n...@000.com> wrote:
> Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
> distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the western
> U.S. I need a bike that will be large enough to haul backpacking gear,
> clothes etc. and be able to go cross country when the need arises.
> Good gas mileage is very important. I have owned many dirt bikes and
> currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.

Depending on the mix of touring/dirt that you want, probably
something 650 CCs or better. The main factors that you're
trying to balance are

Dirtworthiness (dualsport/adventure bikes tend to be a mite porky)

Sustained highway speeds (650s or smaller may be a bit challenged)

Weight (350-400 lbs is probably the lightest you'll find and big 'uns
can hit 600 lbs.)

seat height (Not a problem if you're tall. Serious issue if you're
not)

tires (Full out knobbys wear fast and don't handle that well on
pavement.
90/10 or 80/20 tires wear find but handle like crap in serious powder,
mud, etc).

Cost. (what's available depends a lot on your budget).

Candidates: BMW F650/800/ R80/100/1100/1150/1200 GS,
KTM twins, KLR 650, XR650/ DR650

Also other stuff like VSTROM, Ulysses, Multistrada.

Whatever you buy, figure you're likely to beat the crap
out of it, so looks are not an issue.

http://www.advrider.com

TroytheTroll

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Jul 7, 2008, 6:48:25 PM7/7/08

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"doctordave" <no...@000.com> wrote in message
news:7807215_cb9f773bb6b6...@motorcycleforumz.com...

> Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
> distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the
> western
> U.S.

Here in Colorado KLR's work pretty good.

Vito

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Jul 7, 2008, 7:07:24 PM7/7/08

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"doctordave" <no...@000.com> wrote ...

> Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
> distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the western
> U.S. I need a bike that will be large enough to haul backpacking gear,
> clothes etc. and be able to go cross country when the need arises.
> Good gas mileage is very important. I have owned many dirt bikes and
> currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.
>

If you are 7 feet tall ....
Go to http://www.mortonsbmw.com/
Click on New Bikes then R1200GS.

Bob Nixon

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Jul 7, 2008, 7:15:48 PM7/7/08

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On Jul 7, 11:22 am, doctordave <n...@000.com> wrote:

The simplest and cheapest answer would be the Suzuki DL1000 or DL650,
"Vstrom & Wee-Strom" respectively. There are many,, many more but you
might want to start here.

Bob Nixon..

ajh

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Jul 7, 2008, 9:42:28 PM7/7/08

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In article <g4ttsl$up1$1...@registered.motzarella.org>,
ecre...@bellsouff.net says...

I wish I still owned mine:
http://www.ajh.ca/klr4sale/

.

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Jul 7, 2008, 10:38:21 PM7/7/08

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On Jul 7, 11:22�am, doctordave <n...@000.com> wrote:

> I have owned many dirt bikes and
> currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.

Hey Doc, if you can afford a late model Harley, you can probably
afford a BMW, or a KTM for your Wednesday adventures.

Claude Hopper

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Jul 8, 2008, 8:16:12 AM7/8/08

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doctordave wrote:
> Does anyone know of a bike that is capable of highway use over long
> distances and also capable of off road use? I am exploring the western
> U.S. I need a bike that will be large enough to haul backpacking gear,
> clothes etc. and be able to go cross country when the need arises.
> Good gas mileage is very important. I have owned many dirt bikes and
> currently ride a Harley. Thanks for any info.
>

Suzuki V-Storm is your bike. Either a 650 or 1000cc is dual sport.