Dual Sport Motorcycles... Whatcha got?

[Tommy Gun Images]

For the last few years I've been working with a group that 530RL put me in touch with for their annual road rally called the Copperstate 1000. The 1000 is a rally that travels the back roads of Arizona over the course of 5 days and is limited to Vintage automobiles. Last year the group invited me along to shoot for their overland rally aptly named the Copperstate Overland. The Overland follows a similar schedule to the 1000 but instead of scenic byways, we travel old fire roads and the like to more remote places in Arizona's vast wilderness all while limited to vintage vehicles. Let me just say that both of these events have become favorites of mine. For my work on the rally I need a vehicle that can easily traverse the terrain, but more importantly it needs to be quick and nimble enough to leap-frog past the participants and put some time between them so I can get set up at the next photo opportunity. Last year I used one of the pre-runner RZR's that belong to Mills Motorsports. It's a capable and fun machine and fit the bill nicely...

This year I'm thinking of doing things a little differently. This October we will be headed north from Flagstaff and making our way to Powell and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Since I've done the RZR thing I could think of no better way to get myself down the trail than by motorcycle. The rally has luggage transport to each rally stop (no we aren't roughing it, LOL) so I only need to carry a couple cameras and some snacks and water with me. My CRF 450R could do the trip but I'd rather not go through the trouble of lights and street legal since I enjoy taking it to the track on occasion and don't want to swap everything around. So, I'm thinking of buying a good used Dual Sport of some kind and either selling it after or possibly using it for longer desert rides next winter. My question to you guys is who has one for sale or knows of one? I just missed a really clean CRF450X here in Havasu and something like that would really fit the bill. Whatcha got?

 

[Carlson-jet]

That trip sounds awesome.

 

[TCAL25]

just turned over 150 hours on my KTM 500 EXC, ended my 19 year Honda only relationship for that bike....

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

(Albeit, HARD to beat a well setup used 450x, more desert wins than most others combined)

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

While all the bike flippers are outside taking pics of their vet ridden/never been raced steeds here are some pics from last year's rally. Last year we left from Apache junction and headed up the salt river area and then north.

From there we pointed toward the Rim country and camped at the Cherry Creek Lodge near Young

 

[Your ad here]

I have this for sale. It's been up Saddleback Mountain and been through Death Valley. Both great rides. I would keep it but after moving to Phoenix riding bike here is a death wish. If interested I can get it to Havasu.
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2014-bmw-f800gs.196617/

 

[stokerwhore]

useful links
http://www.district37ama.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?7-For-Sale

https://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoCalDSRiders/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/442857043178525/

 

[stokerwhore]

https://3brosktm.com/Motorcycles/Pre-Owned-Inventory

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

We spent a couple days exploring the trails and dusty bars in the area around Young...

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

I have this for sale. It's been up Saddleback Mountain and been through Death Valley. Both great rides. I would keep it but after moving to Phoenix riding bike here is a death wish. If interested I can get it to Havasu.
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/2014-bmw-f800gs.196617/

That's a sweet ride for sure! I looked at your thread the other day. It's tempting but I'm not sure I want to swing that much money right now.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

useful links
http://www.district37ama.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?7-For-Sale

https://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoCalDSRiders/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/442857043178525/

Thanks!

 

[stokerwhore]

https://advrider.com/f/forums/flea-market.14/

 

[stokerwhore]

that looks like a hell of a fun trip.... on a bike.

 

[LAPII]

Really like my 2015 Husky FE350S

 

[stokerwhore]

scroll down and theres an xt250 for 3k
https://www.facebook.com/groups/164...if_id=1564181496132646&notif_t=group_activity

 

[snowhammer]

That trip looks amazing! Your Pictures, WOW!!
Are you looking for light and nimble, or something you can pack some gear?

 

[HALLETT BOY]

How about this ! 1330 miles , ready to go ! 2015 Honda XR650L

 

[Willie B]

 

[Wicky]

Had an XR650 with street legal Baja designs brake light kit. Put a mirror and DOT tires. Bad ass , street legal machine except went through tons of rear rubber and not easy to kick start with flip flops on. Ride a DRZ 400E with Baja Design conversion as well. Killer bike. Much better in the Mtns than the XR. In a drag race the XR has only more top end. DRZ pulled it through 4 gear.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

Here's a few more from up on the Mogollon Rim and headed back toward the Valley...

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

That trip looks amazing! Your Pictures, WOW!!
Are you looking for light and nimble, or something you can pack some gear?

Probably more light and nimble. Like I said a 450X or the like would be ideal. There's a DRZ400 here local but it doesn't have a kick start and I don't really want to do the conversion.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

scroll down and theres an xt250 for 3k
https://www.facebook.com/groups/164...if_id=1564181496132646&notif_t=group_activity

Definitely looking for more performance than the XT.

 

[Wolskis]

DL 650

 

[stokerwhore]

Definitely looking for more performance than the XT.

yeah i thought so but for the price....
dual sport market is kinda hot right now so it's kinda get what you pay for performance wise. good luck though.

 

[snowhammer]

My DRZ in a word: reliable. I've been very remote and kickstarter was not a necessity. The bike just works.

By the looks of those pictures, I need to do that trip, well done sir.

 

[mjc]

Check with Wheeler he has my ktm 525mxc with lights and plate. Not sure what he is doing with it.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

Check with Wheeler he has my ktm 525mxc with lights and plate. Not sure what he is doing with it.

I may do that!

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

yeah i thought so but for the price....
dual sport market is kinda hot right now so it's kinda get what you pay for performance wise. good luck though.

Thanks. I knew I should have jumped on that CRF. Oh well. The right thing will come along.

 

[beaverretriever]

Adventure bike or dual sport? I had a 2017 Ducati Multistrada 950 (wish it was the new 1260 which seems bad ass) which is more of an adventure bike. It was one of the first in the US that I got through a buddy who was doing some testing on them. I put around 1100 miles on it and it was a nice bike, but just really didn't do anything well IMHO but it's definitely better than a DS bike on the street and not too far off from a DS on the dirt. DS bikes in general don't seem to do anything really well, but nothing really bad either if you can live with that.

If you are not a hard core dirt biker, or super hard core road racer, they are great! But it seems people who are at one end of the spectrum or the other they don't really like DS bikes. I think an adventure bike is a better way to go possibly for what you are interested in.

I think the new Triumph Tiger 1200 is pretty bad ass for an adventure bike. Sure, there are the big Jap manufactures etc, but there is something about companies that are not as main stream. I checked out a Beta RR-S; bad ass for a DS. Husky and KTM are bikes I like as well.

Good luck.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Check with Wheeler he has my ktm 525mxc with lights and plate. Not sure what he is doing with it.

I may do that!

That's a good idea. That old fart @Wheeler shouldn't be stressing his body that much anymore. Lol!

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[2Driver]

I’ve run a BMW GS1200 adventure - too big. Several KLR 650 x fun but tractor like and by chance a WR450F.

I went to the auction to buy a 450x and there weren’t any so I came home with the Yam. I have to say it was great and I kept it for several years. I never thought of the wr or the x as dual sports but I guess for that ride they would be perfect. If you find a nice used WR buy it.

I’ve ridden and owned a few KTM's and they handle great. My 525 ran hot and liked to barf radiator fluid if it was hot and I stopped. I’ve ridden the KTM 350 with a recluse clutch up at 11,000 ‘ in Colorado and it is nimble and forgiving but buzzy on the roadways.

I would like to do this trip.

 

[sirbob]

 

[Your ad here]

That's a sweet ride for sure! I looked at your thread the other day. It's tempting but I'm not sure I want to swing that much money right now.

I'll spend it on something as cool. Since you're in Az it's not that hard to street legal the 450r. About $500 in parts, a couple weeks to get them, and about a day to install. Az. doesn't require turn signals. All you'll need are 450x triple clamps and headlight assembly/number plate, rear light, 1 brake light switch, horn, stator, headlight switch, horn button, and mirror. Sounds like a lot but not really. Did this to my CR250 and is insured for $12 a month for 100/300 coverage. Its added maybe 4lbs. to the bike. Rode it at Ocotillo setup like this and handled the same as it did minus the lights. Only downside is no storage for your cameras unlike that sweet F800GS BMW with the big panniers. Just took it out to get an 18 pack. Lol

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

I’ve run a BMW GS1200 adventure - too big. Several KLR 650 x fun but tractor like and by chance a WR450F.

I went to the auction to buy a 450x and there weren’t any so I came home with the Yam. I have to say it was great and I kept it for several years. I never thought of the wr or the x as dual sports but I guess for that ride they would be perfect. If you find a nice used WR buy it.

I’ve ridden and owned a few KTM's and they handle great. My 525 ran hot and liked to barf radiator fluid if it was hot and I stopped. I’ve ridden the KTM 350 with a recluse clutch up at 11,000 ‘ in Colorado and it is nimble and forgiving but buzzy on the roadways.

I would like to do this trip.

I’m really looking for something closer to a MX bike. Adventure bikes are cool but overkill for this job. I used to desert race a WR450. Did the 24 of Glen Helen on one as well. Something like that or a 450x or husky/KTM would work great.
Having said that I’d love to to a proper adventure bike one day to go explore with.


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[DLC]

I think your going to need some help on this ride and well.... I could take one for the team and go with, you know to help out!

This looks like a fabulous trip/ ride. Do you get the routes mapping? RDP May need to do a few more annual rides. Last year looks sweet!
What an adventure

I have a 2007 Wr 450 w/ DS kit, it’s been sitting for 3 or 4 years, you’ll have to adjust the suspension because, well.... I’m large and in charge!
About 250lb. It’s currently Ca green sticker. 2 brothers pipe, Scott’s, upper clamp, radiator guards, black powder coat wheels polished hubs, I added the DS kit, it’s a clean bike. I have ridden it maybe 10 times in Borrego /Ocotillo Wells. I’m 2nd owner and have had it since maybe 2010, haven’t touched it since 2015. It’s got a lot of goodies on it....
Need to find some picks.. thinking $2500-3000

I was thinking about a KTM /husky 350 for Havasu fuel injected, something a little lighter easier, maybe even a 2 stroke 300 but it needs a button.

I’m getting lazy

 

[BamBam]

Tom,
This belongs to a buddy of mine that I ride with.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0PSOZ2AwpM/

If you want his contact info PM me.

I personally love my CRF450X, but I don't ride the track at all. I have it plated in AZ so it's a dual sport.

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

I think your going to need some help on this ride and well.... I could take one for the team and go with, you know to help out!

This looks like a fabulous trip/ ride. Do you get the routes mapping? RDP May need to do a few more annual rides. Last year looks sweet!
What an adventure

I have a 2007 Wr 450 w/ DS kit, it’s been sitting for 3 or 4 years, you’ll have to adjust the suspension because, well.... I’m large and in charge!
About 250lb. It’s currently Ca green sticker. 2 brothers pipe, Scott’s, upper clamp, radiator guards, black powder coat wheels polished hubs, I added the DS kit, it’s a clean bike. I have ridden it maybe 10 times in Borrego /Ocotillo Wells. I’m 2nd owner and have had it since maybe 2010, haven’t touched it since 2015. It’s got a lot of goodies on it....
Need to find some picks.. thinking $2500-3000

I was thinking about a KTM /husky 350 for Havasu fuel injected, something a little lighter easier, maybe even a 2 stroke 300 but it needs a button.

I’m getting lazy

I might be interested in that. PM me some pics if you get a chance.


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[H20 Toie]

I have ridden the BMW 1200GS which is bad ass
my next option would be a old Honda XL600R

 

[green250]

Nothing better than the dirt couch!! I love this bike. Its for sale and I really dont know why...

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[Terry G]

 

[Terry G]

KTM 500 EXC

 

[H20 Toie]

Nothing better than the dirt couch!! I love this bike. Its for sale and I really dont know why... View attachment 779995

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That is sick

 

[jetur]

In this category of bikes, I have owned a ktm 300 exc, a YZ 450, an xr 650. For this situation I would try to find a used XR 650 with inverted forks. It's not as nimble as the smaller bikes but for long distances the extra weight makes for a way smoother ride. You're not as beat up after 100 miles as you would be on a lighter bike. Its also better if you have pavement sections.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I'd get the big Honda thumper...

 

[JDKRXW]

I have ridden the BMW 1200GS which is bad ass
my next option would be a old Honda XL600R

Curious why?
There's lots of newer (lighter)stuff out there

Here's mine

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Since you said you don't have to carry luggage I would look at nothing bigger than a 450 or 500. Like you said, a clean plated 450 would be great. I wouldn't bother with anything heavy like a DRZ or XRL. You want to be able to go though some sand sections with some confidence, and a 350,450,500 is perfect for that.

 

[floatn turd]

My 2cents.

If your a youthful young buck.
And going to get into some really hairy shit off road, then the KTM route.
But
If your off road business is on the lighter side and or very long rides.
Then I would do the Honda XR650.
(Maybe get the suspension tuned)
It's a bulletproof tank that will be comfortable to ride all day long.

 

[530RL]

With respect to some of the questions, we get about 50 applications a year for 15 - 20 spots. The cost for 2019 is $12,000 for the trip and we are taking 20 vehicles.

We try to keep the routes under seal. Some go through private ranches where we get permission to access, some go through restricted public lands where we have to get state or federal permission for motorized vehicles, some go across reservations where we have to get permission and some go through fully publicly accessible lands. The whole point is to take people where they don’t normally or can not go.

The biggest job is scouting a new route each year and acquiring access .

It is a fundraiser put on by the Men’s Arts Council.

Link here.

https://www.mensartscouncil.com/csol/about/

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

With respect to some of the questions, we get about 50 applications a year for 15 - 20 spots. The cost for 2019 is $12,000 for the trip and we are taking 20 vehicles.

We try to keep the routes under seal. Some go through private ranches where we get permission to access, some go through restricted public lands where we have to get state or federal permission for motorized vehicles, some go across reservations where we have to get permission and some go through fully publicly accessible lands. The whole point is to take people where they don’t normally or can not go.

The biggest job is scouting a new route each year and acquiring access .

It is a fundraiser put on by the Men’s Arts Council.

Link here.

https://www.mensartscouncil.com/csol/about/

Thanks Dan. I was just going to post a link so people could learn more. [emoji1303]


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[Flying_Lavey]

I'll spend it on something as cool. Since you're in Az it's not that hard to street legal the 450r. About $500 in parts, a couple weeks to get them, and about a day to install. Az. doesn't require turn signals. All you'll need are 450x triple clamps and headlight assembly/number plate, rear light, 1 brake light switch, horn, stator, headlight switch, horn button, and mirror. Sounds like a lot but not really. Did this to my CR250 and is insured for $12 a month for 100/300 coverage. Its added maybe 4lbs. to the bike. Rode it at Ocotillo setup like this and handled the same as it did minus the lights. Only downside is no storage for your cameras unlike that sweet F800GS BMW with the big panniers. Just took it out to get an 18 pack. Lol
View attachment 779898
View attachment 779900

Dude..... That's what I want to do to my KX500. I didn't know you didn't need turn signals here in the land of the free

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[Your ad here]

Dude..... That's what I want to do to my KX500. I didn't know you didn't need turn signals here in the land of the free

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The way I read the rules, if it's not listed, it's not required. Doesn't mention anything about turn signals. Doesn't mention DOT tires are required.