The Best Dual Purpose Bike

Is it the Suzuki DR650SE or the Kawasaki KLR650???

And anybody here own either bike?

Yo doggy give me the KLR 650!!!!!!!!!!!

I've ridden a modified '96 DR650 for two years now and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The KLR is a good bike if your focus is road/highway riding, but I get both worlds on my DR. I rebuilt the seat to make it a bit more cushy, added Rental Bars, IMS big tank, Metzler sahara tires, chase harper bags with Happy trails frames and finished up with heavier springs in the forks. Not a lot of expense in any of it. The bike handles everything well. I don't use it on the tight single track...I have a DRZ250 for that. I think the DR is much more nimble than the Kawasaki, probably due to the fact I don't haul that cooling system around, which is not really needed.

Very true, another one is the KLX400sr that one is a Kawasuki a product from Kawasaki and Suzuki combined efforts!

What about the XT or the KTM 640 LC4 Adventure?

I just bought a drz400s, and I chose it because I thought the 650 was too heavy and big for any real off roading. I know there are people who love those 650's, but for me, it's too big, I am only 5'7"

I agree. I have a 2002 Suzuki DRZ 400-S and my ridding buddy has a KLR 650 and it looks like a bear to handle. I can leave him in my dust anytime I want. That monster 50 gallon gas tank doesn't help him either.

[______]

I second the 2002 DRZ400S as the best dualsport ! /\ mine /\

What happened to yer deecals, Dude?

[two41beers]

The 650 engine is not set up to take off the line as fast and is too heavy to maneuver as easily as the 400. If you look at the cost of the 400 it is more expensive than the 650 as well, wonder why? Cause it is a better bike, all around! The 400 engine is also made of aluminum as opposed to the cast iron engine in the 650. Aluminum is more expensive, handles better under intense heat and is lighter. Don't be fooled by the number "650cc", look at the specs and compare, you will see the difference. The DRZ-400S is the best dual purpose bike on and off the road!

[kawasherpa]

Where I live (The Black Hills) dirt roads are mainly what their is to ride on. So what do you think is the better at power sliding out of the corners, and still be able to run 75 to 80 mph on the freeway? Thanks Rick

[robeych]

I’ve owned and extensively ridden both machines. They are comparable in performance and size. I feel it really depends on what you want to do with the bike and how much you have to spend on the machines. The DR is little more dirt worthy in my opinion, however, both bikes are tanks and should not be mistaken for dirt bikes in any way, shape or form. The DR is air cooled, and it seems to fine with out the luxury of a radiator. The only time I ever had problems was in the heat of aLas Vegas summer in stand still traffic. The KLR is water cooled, with cooling fan assist, however it still struggles to keep the heat down in summer low speed riding. I have never had either bike over heat, or suffered mechanical failure on either machine. I must admit, for my uses of the dual sport machine, and my budget, I have elected to hang on to my 05 KLR. I love both machines, but the KLR is more economical, and accomplishes the same end result for me. I hope you find what you want!