DR650SE for beginner?

[blk95gst]

Hi, I have no experience on a bike as of yet, but I am planning on taking the riding course this summer. I am going to purchase my first bike beginning of next year, so right now I am trying to decide on what I want. I’m about 5’11 and 190 lbs. At first I wanted a dual sport, a DR650, I went to a shop and sat on one and really liked it. I could flat foot it, and it felt really comfortable. But I talked to some people about it and they made me think about it. Is this bike good on the highway? I will be riding probably 80% highway ( 24 mile round trip minimum each day ) and 20% off-road. I looked at the DR200’s and they are pretty revved out at highway speeds, so I wouldn’t want anything like that. Also, it seems to be a bit heavy, does this perform ok off-road? Does it have any limitations off-road? Id like to be able to ride up mountain trails, through woods, or maybe make my own trails, and hit an occasional small jump, not going any higher than a couple feet or so, not going for the big air jumps. Will this be able to handle it?

Right now I have been thinking of just getting a street bike because my riding would be primarily on-road, and I have been looking at a Ninja 500R. I’m just looking for something to commute around on, not a drag-racer or anything, but thought being able to take off and hit up some trails would be cool as well.

Do you think that it would be ok to purchase the DR for what I want to do, or just get the ninja and when I get enough money, purchase another bike, perhaps a dual sport, or an off-road only bike for my off-road adventures?

Thanks,

Vance

[jerryhicks]

Yes I think the DR650 would be perfect for what you are looking for in a bike. I own 3 bikes a Honda cruiser, a DR350 and a DR200. You are right on your thoughts about the DR200. Not enough bike for the road commute. My 350 would handle what you are looking for, maybe a little better than the 650 in the dirt, not as good on the road. I'm not so sure about the 2 foot jumps though. I'm sure it could handle it, I'm just not so sure I would want to (-: You would have no trouble learning to ride this bike. Very rider friendly. It really is cool to hit the woods once in a while. Good luck