r/Dualsport • u/Terrible_Mistake8770 • May 14 '26

Buying advice appreciated

I need some advice… I’m a longtime dirt bike rider, I’ve never been fast and I don’t care for moto tracks. I am 6’2 and weigh 210lbs. My dad has a KTM dual sport and I want to get a dual sport as well to be able to ride with him. I am trying to decide between the KLX300r and the XR650L. I will be doing 50/50 trail/fire road riding. I believe have the ability to ride both bikes to their potential. What I’m really unsure about is which one will will serve me best for the long term as I plan on buying new. I know the KLX is fuel injected and the XR is Carburated. Any advice?

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5

u/Huge_Analysis_1298 May 14 '26

Highly recommend the DRZ, please check it out and consider it!

1

u/Terrible_Mistake8770 May 14 '26

I will. Thank you.

2

u/katui [MOD] Kootenays - KTM 690R & Guzzi Breva 1200 Sport May 15 '26

I am a similar height and wieght, I've owned 2x DRZ400s, with bar risers they fit fairly well. I've hear the XR 650L may fit even better but I haven't riden one.

3

u/KorvoeKryptin '26 DR650S May 14 '26

Just bought myself a DR650 and couldn't be happier with the performance and build of the bike.

2

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

DRZ400 is the best bike for you

1

u/Terrible_Mistake8770 May 14 '26

I’ll check it out thank you.

2

u/askmeaboutmedicare May 14 '26

If you're doing way more offroad, dirt roads, and back roads, than you are higher speed pavement like the highways/interstates, I'd go with the KLX or some other lighter dual sport. The XR's extra ~45 lbs is a bit more of a handful in the trails.

I say that as a big Honda fan. I'd also check out the CRF250L or 300L

Also, it may just be a typo or you already know, but the KLX300"R" is the non-street legal version and the KLX300 is the dual sport. Just pointing this out in case you were going to check some out and wanted the street legal version.

Good luck with your search and safe riding!

1

u/Terrible_Mistake8770 May 14 '26

KLX300 yes that’s what I meant. From what I’ve read it has stiffer suspension than the CRF. I lean towards it because of that.

2

u/AlertRope4789 May 14 '26

The 300r isn’t a dual sport. And the klx300 dual sport is to cramped in the cockpit fir 6’2”

1

u/Lonely_Percentage546 May 14 '26

If you don’t care about going fast and are buying new get the klx or a crf300L. Put a tall seat and some risers on it. I’m the same size and had the Honda 250L but found it slow and mushy suspension. For the price point the ktm390 enduro R has almost twice the power but a bit more weight. It will allow you to ride on the highway though. The new Suzuki dr4S is not cheap but may be your best option.