OK here is the deal. I have ridden bikes before dirt only when I was a kid but that was a long time ago. I want to get back into riding a bike.

Here is what I want:
1. Bike must be an "enduro" or dual sport.
2. Would like to stay around 250cc cause I haven't ridden in a long time but I'm not afraid of a bigger bike.
3. Want brand new.

Here is what I have found looking at the manufacturer sites and the MSRP I found on those sites. I should be able to get better prices at a dealer but I am not there yet.

Honda
XR650L $5499 (I think this the only street legal one they make now) I could be wrong let me know.

Yamaha
XT225 $3999 only one listed other than a fat tired thing they recommend for strapping to a motor home.

Kawasaki
KLR650 $4999
KLR250 $4149

Suzuki
DR650SE $5449
DR400S $5449 (strange you can get 250 more cc for the same price am I missing something)
DR200E $3899

I have always been partial to Honda but brand don't matter much to me they all burn rice. Give me what you think is my best bet for a reliable ride. I will occasionaly commute with this thing 42 miles one way on the Washington DC beltway so it must handle easy and have some power for dogging idiots.

Also if I missing any other options for a bike let me know.

TIA

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: MD91Yj ]

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: MD91Yj ]

My roomate has a KTM 400 that he got a plate when he bought it <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> BITCHIN motorcycle...I think it beats the hell out of the XR650! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Here are some things to think about.
Your height and weight?
Do you want it more for street or dirt?
More comfortable or more nimble machine?
My two choices out of those listed would be the honda xr650 or the suzuki dr400.

im with joedog on this one

The reason the DR650 is the same price as the DRZ400S is the 400 is WAY more dirt worthy than the 650 and the 400 is also a brand new model. It's also water cooled..

The Honda XRL650 is a very big bike, that can do very well off rode IF your a good ridder or your 6' 5" and 300lb. It also makes a good street bike for the comute you said...

Another thing to look at is a XR250 with a street legal kit. It will not have electric start button, like the others, but they start easy enough <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> and will have enough power on the comute (unless you are 6'5" and 300lb). The XR250 will make the best dirt bike out of the bikes listed by far!!

KTM does make stock street legal dual sport bikes, but the replacment part prices and avalibelty make them hard to recomend to a "newbie" (unless I stand a chance to buy the bike from him <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> for real cheap!! )

Or just get a CR250 and a street bike <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

you might be able to find a non current xrl 250 honda that would be a good one also

Thanks for all the input. You guys rock.

Originally posted by MD91Yj:
<STRONG>OK here is the deal. I have ridden bikes before dirt only when I was a kid but that was a long time ago. I want to get back into riding a bike.

Here is what I want:
1. Bike must be an "enduro" or dual sport.
2. Would like to stay around 250cc cause I haven't ridden in a long time but I'm not afraid of a bigger bike.
3. Want brand new.

Here is what I have found looking at the manufacturer sites and the MSRP I found on those sites. I should be able to get better prices at a dealer but I am not there yet.

Honda
XR650L $5499 (I think this the only street legal one they make now) I could be wrong let me know.

Yamaha
XT225 $3999 only one listed other than a fat tired thing they recommend for strapping to a motor home.

Kawasaki
KLR650 $4999
KLR250 $4149

Suzuki
DR650SE $5449
DR400S $5449 (strange you can get 250 more cc for the same price am I missing something)
DR200E $3899

I have always been partial to Honda but brand don't matter much to me they all burn rice. Give me what you think is my best bet for a reliable ride. I will occasionaly commute with this thing 42 miles one way on the Washington DC beltway so it must handle easy and have some power for dogging idiots.

Also if I missing any other options for a bike let me know.

TIA

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: MD91Yj ]

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: MD91Yj ]</STRONG>

Sounds like me here rode alot when , I was younger and now I want to get back into it.
I'm looking at a older XT600 is that it is in good shape, Has a little carb problem but thanks to the great help off this board I willl fix that.
Also I'm 6'0 ,275lbs,so it takes a little more to get my ass around.