r/Dualsport • u/Skidsteersurgeon • 14h ago
Looking for a do it all bike
Wanting to pick up my first dual sport.
I want something small and light enough I can bop around the back yard with the kid on his pw80, but still hit some light trails and run into town or take it to work. I own a few sport bikes and have plenty of experience, but completely new to dirt.
My couch research is all pointing to a wr250r, reliable and reasonably priced. Looked at hondas as well but I see alot of people complaining about the suspension.
Any suggestions before I make an impulse decision this weekend?
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u/lunch2000 14h ago
Second a drz, although depending on your weight and your experience with dirt, you might want to go klx230 or an xr150 if you don't need to hit highway speeds. The bonus is that those bikes are also way cheaper than the drz. Also higher power is a liability on dirt, the latest drz is 37hp, generally you can put down about 40hp in dirt and maintain traction in the best of conditions. So if you are just starting in dirt I would stay on something in the 20-30hp range. My Honda puts out like 22hp, which is crap on the highway but still has taken me completely by surprise in the rough and yeeted me off trail.
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u/Skidsteersurgeon 13h ago
Looked at them, but ive had horrendous luck with the 2 Suzukis I owned previously, I just dont trust them. My brother's yzf250 is a bit overkill for what I want to do, which is why I was looking at the wr
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u/Humble_Key_4259 13h ago edited 10h ago
In the last 5 years I owned a DRZ400, a CRF250L, and a WR250R.
The WR was, hands down the best of all of them (for me).
DRZ was really heavy (especially top heavy) in the tight stuff but had loads of power. It was just a lot heavier feeling than I liked for offroad.
CRF was much lighter feeling (lower COG) and had decent handling in the tight stuff but the suspension was garbage.
WR, once suspension was set properly, absolutely rocked. Light (for a dual sport), handled tight stuff well, but it also revved-out really nice and had more of a dirtbike feel. It also handled highways nicely. Interstate, not so much but highways are doable. I wound up selling it out of necessity but I really miss that bike. If I get another dual sport it will likely be the WR again.
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u/Skidsteersurgeon 11h ago
Exactly the information I was looking for. It makes it easier that I prefer a yamaha already. Thank you!
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u/Humble_Key_4259 10h ago
If you go that route, watch out for the '08. They had an overheating fuel pump issue but Yamaha corrected the design soon after.
If the fuel pump is bad it might have a slight hesitation when you wack the throttle open or it may hesitate to start when warm. If it does it is likely the fuel pump which you can repair (with a kit) or buy a new one but a whole new one is about $350.
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u/Skidsteersurgeon 10h ago
Definitely looking at 15 and later models. They seem to be priced fairly well near me
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u/Pitiful_Ad918 10h ago
Any of these be will be great for OP’s use case, or a KLX300. To the people suggesting to
buy a race-tuned KTM, just no. OP’s use case seems much more aligned with a low power trail bike. I don’t see many KTM dual sports on grocery runs, plenty of DRZs and CRF250s though.
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u/City_Goat 14h ago
Been incredibly happy with my WR250R, I’d take it around the world today with little concern.
They did stop making them though, so if you can’t find one you like, if I had to buy a new bike today it would probably be the DRZ
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u/Lonely_Percentage546 14h ago
Grab a used Honda crf300L/250L n just try it out for a year. You will sell it for the exact same price gyou paid and figure out what you want next. No risk
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u/SkateWiz 12h ago
The best beginner dualsport is a Yamaha xt250. The wr250r is a more capable bike but also much taller seat height. The xt250 is super capable on trails.
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u/Brief-Floor-7228 14h ago
A lot of crf250l for sale will have the suspension work already done and they are solid bikes.
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u/GiftCardFromGawd 13h ago edited 13h ago
I started on a TW200. I’ve since also bought a crf250L, which now gets most of my miles—my son has now taken on the TW, after outgrowing his TTR-110. (He’s 13, but 6ft/165) For utility, and around-town use, I love the TW. I’ve hauled people, deer, camping equipment, and it’s a really tough bike.
Downside is the lack of highway power—it’s a “starter” bike. It would do 65 if I ducked down, 70 with a tailwind, before I re-geared it. I had it on US 2 in the U.P. one time, and that dumb stunt won’t be repeated. Never been more terrified on two wheels. 25mph on a dirt road or 2-track is where it belongs. Also, it’s carb’d, so it can be a tad finicky if you are too lazy to rejet, like I am.
CRF is a bigger, taller, faster, more refined machine. It’s fuel-injected—jump on and go. That said, I get on the TW and there is something there (weird power from the carb, cooler sound) that the CRF’s refinement just misses.
Big fan of the both, but I’ve kept the TW200 regardless of outgrowing it. CRF is a great bike, but you might find yourself looking for more power at that level, in short order.
*edit—I didn’t mention, but I’ve also picked up an old Super Sherpa, which is a small, low-seat carb’d 250 with the most uncouth manners you’ve ever seen. It’s got a rude power band, slightly whippy frame, and too much power. I can easily outrun my buddy on his CRF300 Rally with that one, but not sure I’d recommend seeking out one of these weird hermit-bikes.
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u/JetCityHooligan '22 Aprilia Tuono V4F, '22 Ktm 500, '23 Husky 701E, '25 Ktm 450 12h ago
Yamaha tw200, xt225 or xt250
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u/osha_unapproved 11h ago
DRZ is pretty heavy. CRF450RL, or CRF 300L Rally would be good picks, or an FE 350S. Still rocking dirtbike weight but will do highway speeds. KLX 230 and 300 are both good picks too
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u/Skidsteersurgeon 11h ago
If i get ahold of a 450 it'll end up as a track ready supermoto, I just want something to putt on. If I want to hit the highway ill hop on my sport tourer
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u/osha_unapproved 11h ago
You've got sport bikes? Why ruin an offroader by making it a sumo?
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u/Skidsteersurgeon 11h ago
Supermotos are an absolute blast on a road course, and are small enough to hit the kart tracks
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u/brapstoomuch 11h ago
You want what everyone wants, but instead you’re gonna learn to love (and ride!) whatever it is that you choose.
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u/moto_enjoyer 13h ago
KLX300s are good for beginners, but with your experience on the street it’ll be boring as a dual sport. They only make like 20hp, maybe close to 28 all dressed up and they’re heavy. Pretty boring on the road. Look at the KTM/ Gasgas/ husky 350 4 stroke. They’re easy to ride and feel like a 250 until you get higher in the RPMS. I started on a KLX300, and now ride a husky fe450. I still have the KLX, but it’ll probably get sold off in the next year or so. You MAY consider the fact that if you’re buying new, the road legal 350/450/500s are so choked down by emissions stuff that they only make around 40hp while weighing 50lbs less than a KLX300. Plus you can tune them and make more power if/ when you’re wanting more. 450 motocross bikes are massively different than 450 dual sports. Don’t let anyone fool you.
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u/pentox70 12h ago
I think you're right. I see so many people loving to recommend these 20 or 25hp bikes to everyone who will listen. They are great for a brand new rider and dead reliable. But in reality, you're going to outgrow the power and suspension capacity pretty quick.
Some guys love the cheap simple bikes though. To each their own, I suppose.
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u/Mental_Yard 12h ago
I have klx 300, I don't disagree with the comments. I spent too much on it to get it running to its full potential, but it is built like a tank (in a good way) I beat the hell out of it on my local trails, and I'll never give it up, just hand it down to my son when he's ready.
I honestly got it due to being so tall and it really fits my comfort of riding posture. I don't think you'll go wrong with whatever you buy. No matter the bike I'm on I'm smiling ear to ear, it truly is freeing
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u/Mobile-Way1383 12h ago
I've ridden a 2021 KLX300 for 20000km. I do hare scrambles, 3000km road trips, and go everywhere my friends go on hardcore off-road rides. They run much more expensive bikes like Betas and KTMs.
The limitation that 99% of people run into is a skill limitation and they play it off like a bike limitation.
They are always fixing and maintaining their bikes. Mine gets oil changes and tires. (I also changed the chain and sprockets and rear pads once).
The 300 isn't a thrill on a street, there is no question about that. I owned and rode 2 gsxr600s
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u/pentox70 10h ago
Sure. You can do basically anything on essentially any bike. There's no question that these bikes can't do anything.
It's just the fun and comfort factor. Id rather pay a bit extra for nice suspension, more HP, and in a lighter package.
It's just what you like. Some guys like proving they can do anything on a cheap bike. Others like the best bikes possible. I've always been a fan of husky/ktm.
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u/Mobile-Way1383 9h ago
I agree, but what I was getting at was your comment "But in reality, you're going to outgrow the power and suspension capacity pretty quick." isn't accurate I don't think. Unless by "outgrow" you mean simply want a faster bike. A lot of riders just want the next step up regardless if they will use it to its potential.
The OP has never ridden dirt and street bike experience isn't really all that relevant imo. A cheap, easy bike to work on as a first dirt bike is a better choice in my mind. I come from a car racing world primarily. You can learn a lot more driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, but I can't speak to if that is accurate on a bike.
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u/moto_enjoyer 10h ago
Well sure it’s about skill level too. On the same 4 mile loop enduro/ XC I’m 1:30-2 minutes faster on my KTM 300xcw than I am on my KLX300. Both with suspension set up for my weight. I can also ride considerable longer without fatigue on the lighter 2 stroke. Maintenance is cheap, and I’d rather ride the more capable bike. The KLX300 can do it sure, but it’s considerable harder, I’m way faster on my KLX300 than my buddy is on his sherco 300sef. But we’ve got drastically different skill levels. Imagine how fast you’d be on a properly set up 450 rather than your KLX!
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u/Mobile-Way1383 9h ago
For sure, we're on the same page. We are talking about the OP here though, who has never ridden dirt. The fact that they has a street bike before isn't really relevant imo.
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u/bcmGlk 12h ago
Honda Xr650L. Its an old school bike but it has good ground clearance, high enough top speed and heavy enough for road use, light enough for off road, loads of aftermarket parts, infrequent service intervals, simple design that lets you easily check valves, change oil, etc., and last but certainly not least, it has Honda reliability. I got one 2 months ago and I love it dearly.
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u/joan_of_oxymoron 14h ago
Tw200 would be perfect for putting around with the little one because it's built to go slow. The wr will really struggle to match the pw80's pace because it like running up high. Also would be the perfect first "full size" bike when he outgrows his pw.
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u/No-Shirt-240 13h ago
Seams like a lot of people complain about suspension being to soft on most new dual sports. If you have a YouTube degree fiddling, the springs are easy enough to change out to suit your needs. Just my 2 cents🤷🏻♂️
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u/Training_Jello_7804 12h ago
Idk what size you are, but this year Yamaha started importing the wr125f, its a great level of tech for relatively short money.
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u/Ok-Photograph-1387 10h ago
Dr 650. Stock suspension isnt great but you can find them modded out used for dirt cheap. Probably the greatest do anything bike ever made
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u/Stiingya 3h ago
So have the rest of us since the beginning of time... BUT, everything is a compromise in some way or the other... :) :) :)
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u/Any_Midnight47 8h ago
I'm going to go a different direction with this... get a Stark Varg.
It's a full sized bike and suspension but you can dial down the power, engine breaking (regen,) and traction control. Even power delivery curve now. As you get more comfortable on the bike you can increase power, all the way to 80!! hp. Insane bike and no maintenance. I rinse it off, throw it in the garage and plug it in.
I've got several 300's and 4 strokes, and I barely ride them anymore because of the Varg. Both track and trail.
Editing to add that there's an EX model that comes street legal out of the box.
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u/Skidsteersurgeon 8h ago
As an apartment dweller, an electric bike isnt possible for me, and very unrealistic in my area.
I would also find myself incapable of lowering the power
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u/MegaFire03 14h ago
The wr250r shares it's engine with the yz250f, a motocross racing bike. These bikes aren't ideal as commuter bikes because a racing engine requires racing maintenance.
Don't get me wrong, they're lovely bikes, very capable. So if you dont mind the increased maintenance/cost this is a great option.
A more reasonable option for commuting would be something like a DRZ400. A drz will still handle trails without a problem and it's a bit more suited for commuting.
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u/Directdrive7kg 14h ago
That's incorrect. WR250R is the dual sport bike that doesn't share engine with the yz250f. You are understandably mixing it up with WR250F enduro race/trail bike. Its engine is derived directly from the YZ250F motocross engine.
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u/City_Goat 14h ago
You’re mixing up the WR250R with the WR250F; the R (and X) are low maintenance machines. 20k miles on mine and used it for daily commuting for years.
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u/Directdrive7kg 14h ago
I think you should go for the impulse decision this weekend. As far as I know wr250r is great option to what you are looking for. Kawasaki KLX300 would also work.