BMW G650 X series input (vs. DR650)

[Rumbo Sur]

The reality would be 90% road, 10% dirt, specifically, getting to the Sierra (or wherever) and then tooling around on the forestry and logging roads. And if I'm honest with myself, I'm a piss poor dirt rider, but I can get to places slowly. The DR has it's appeal because it's simple old tech and I have some experience on it. The G650 only came on my radar because what ads I saw they were cheap, it has some extra hp and sometimes I think I'm done with carbs. I hadn't really considered the XR because this aging body doesn't want a kick start only bike. And I've thought about the F650gs , and rode one of the older funduros which was fine but for some illogical reason, it's not really high on the list nor is the klr.

If you're a "piss poor" dirt rider ... then why not try to get better?
"Aging body"?? If you have physical problems then that is certainly a legitimate concern.

The obvious is to get something much smaller and lighter weight ... maybe not too tall? (depending on your inseam?)

Nothing will put a bigger smile on your face than riding a small, light weight machine off road. That is, IMO, the best way to learn,get better and build confidence.

If you're miserable and fearful riding challenging off road ... you might want to consider a change. But of course a nice 250cc bike is NOT going to be the street bike a Vstrom, DR650 or X Challenge is. It's all about compromises and getting something that puts a smile on your face.

The Hondas in question are different. One is the XR650L, electric start, 36" seat height, air cooled ... still in production.
The other Honda I think you had in mind is the Honda XR650R. An off road only race bike (plated ones are around for sale) liquid cooled, kick start only, 5 time Baja 1000 winner. A great bike with proper mods.

Try a couple 250's. I really like the Yamaha WR250R but Honda's CRF250L is also worth a look. (test ride?) Many more choices out there.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Just buy all the motorcycles.

 

[ScottRNelson]

I hadn't really considered the XR because this aging body doesn't want a kick start only bike.

The XR650R is kick start and not street legal, although there are a few of them around with plates.

The XR650L has been electric start since 1993 and that's why I picked that one when I went back to dual sports. I've had enough kick start bikes to last me a lifetime. It's much nicer starting a big thumper at the push of a button.

 

[Guoseph]

Husqvarna TR650 Terra or Strada

Bmw motor in a better chassis. It’s a niche bike, but then you have a Hawk so you know about those. You should give this one a chance, a DR isn’t that different than your DRZ.

 

[Eric B]

I had a great time on a Funduro for many years & 81k miles. Solid engine. The bmw single is pretty smooth as big singles go. It has 3 counter balancers!
If you are doing occasional dirt roads, but mostly paved, it seems there are multiple brands that will serve you well. They probably all like to cruise the freeway at about the same speed.

 

[matty]

If you're a "piss poor" dirt rider ... then why not try to get better?
"Aging body"?? If you have physical problems then that is certainly a legitimate concern.

The obvious is to get something much smaller and lighter weight ... maybe not too tall? (depending on your inseam?)

Nothing will put a bigger smile on your face than riding a small, light weight machine off road. That is, IMO, the best way to learn,get better and build confidence.

If you're miserable and fearful riding challenging off road ... you might want to consider a change. But of course a nice 250cc bike is NOT going to be the street bike a Vstrom, DR650 or X Challenge is. It's all about compromises and getting something that puts a smile on your face.

The Hondas in question are different. One is the XR650L, electric start, 36" seat height, air cooled ... still in production.
The other Honda I think you had in mind is the Honda XR650R. An off road only race bike (plated ones are around for sale) liquid cooled, kick start only, 5 time Baja 1000 winner. A great bike with proper mods.

Try a couple 250's. I really like the Yamaha WR250R but Honda's CRF250L is also worth a look. (test ride?) Many more choices out there.

The idea is to get better on dirt and that's why I've been looking for a sub 350 lb. dual sport and thus extend my travels further and into more challenging terrain. The goal is really to try to be like SFMCJohn I was telling Guosph that I had narrowed it down to the dr or the wr250r, but then this kooky BMW popped up and I was curious. This thread has been really enlightening though and I thank everyone for their input.

The xr650L is electric start...I'm embarrassed of my ignorance

 

[matty]

Get a VStrom and.put DR650 forks on it. Or put a DL engine in a DR! ( I know, it's been done).

Just don't get a BMW S1000XR. EVER.

Aren't you the guy who embarrassed people on a Hawk gt in the dirt? An old city bike article? Last summer I riding the SV on the forestry roads off of 108, quite a bit and one night after a few beers, I thought, I'll just throw some dirty forks and a shock on the SV and call it a day

 

[Rumbo Sur]

Husqvarna TR650 Terra or Strada
Bmw motor in a better chassis. It’s a niche bike, but then you have a Hawk so you know about those. You should give this one a chance, a DR isn’t that different than your DRZ.

I like the idea of the Terra or Strada Husqvarna. Beautiful bikes and likely decent performers on or off road. Fairly inexpensive too. SEXY BIKES! ... unlike ...

DRZ is a very different bike from the DR650. I owned the "E" model and have ridden buddies "S" models A LOT. The DRZ400E model (electric start, off road only), FCR pumper carb, very few electrics, no real sub frame. Fairly good trail or enduro bike. I rode mine mostly in the Desert (Mojave and Baja)
DRZ IS lighter than the DR650 by about 60 lbs or so.


The "S" is the better street/dual sport, got more elec. output, MUCH heavier than the E model. Bit stressed riding highway at 70 mph. But many have done it. Several riders have ridden DRZ's RTW ... but way more have done it on the DR650.
Including these two:
http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...it-takes-on-as-much-dirt-as-possible.1111160/

I prefer the DR650 as a Adventure/Dual Sport travel bike. It's fine for most of the off road you will find traveling. It's cheap and easy to set up, it responds well to modifications.

It's not a single track bike or motocross bike, but many Australians DO race the DR650.

But you CAN cross Mongolia on it ... or ride to Tierra Del Fuego.

The DR is stone simple and reliable. "brain washed" ??? Tell that to the 25 million riders who regularly post up on the long running and HUGE DR650 thread on ADV Rider Thumpers forum. Highest post count of any bike on that site. "Brainwashed"? Please explain!

Since I bought a new XR650L in 1993 ... and hated it, I have some legit perspective on that bike. Also did at least 3 LONG baja rides where XR650L's had problems. (over heating, run out of oil, bent and broken sub frame, broken battery box, frozen wheel bearings.

The XR650L does not handle well, IMO. I have never crashed more than on that bike. (off road). I rode AMA Enduro for 8 years (B Rider) ... so have a fairly broad perspective.

Also owned XL600R, XR600R, XR400R ... and my fav ... XR250R.
Only the XR650L did not suit me. Also owned TWO KLR's ... and 3 DR650's since 1997.

I've had current DR650 10 years/ 60,000 miles. Been all over on this bike. Very tough and versatile dual sport bike, IMHO. (not fast, ugly ... but unstoppable)

 

[SFMCjohn]

The idea is to get better on dirt and that's why I've been looking for a sub 350 lb. dual sport and thus extend my travels further and into more challenging terrain.

BARF Sierra Grandstand/Dodge Ridge Tour
on inappropriate motos, now!

(... The Sierra Grandstand Tour
is an example of why the DL650 may not
work too well for your neck of the woods ...)

... and you’ve already established you have
more sense/better moto-taste than I’ll ever have ...

... my theory is motos are like mammals ...
they share 99% of the same DNA ... arty

 

[Guoseph]

The idea is to get better on dirt and that's why I've been looking for a sub 350 lb. dual sport and thus extend my travels further and into more challenging terrain. The goal is really to try to be like SFMCJohn I was telling Guosph that I had narrowed it down to the dr or the wr250r, but then this kooky BMW popped up and I was curious. This thread has been really enlightening though and I thank everyone for their input.

The xr650L is electric start...I'm embarrassed of my ignorance

If you wanna do more dirt just get a WR and come ride Metcalf with me, fun times. When you wanna upgrade your skills you can come practice on the trials bike as well.

 

[ScottRNelson]

The XR650L does not handle well, IMO. I have never crashed more than on that bike. (off road). I rode AMA Enduro for 8 years (B Rider) ... so have a fairly broad perspective.

Also owned XL600R, XR600R, XR400R ... and my fav ... XR250R.
Only the XR650L did not suit me. Also owned TWO KLR's ... and 3 DR650's since 1997.

Thanks for letting us know where you're coming from. But please accept the possibility that there are a few of us that like the way the XR650L handles both on the street and in the dirt. I'm one of those.

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

Aren't you the guy who embarrassed people on a Hawk gt in the dirt? An old city bike article? Last summer I riding the SV on the forestry roads off of 108, quite a bit and one night after a few beers, I thought, I'll just throw some dirty forks and a shock on the SV and call it a day

I make poor life decisions, it's true. I followed that up with going 2up on a Buell Ulysses in the dirt. Having done both of those things, I bought a CRF 250 Rally. I'm currently farkliing the shit out of it, and I use it for more dirt than you seem to plan to.

If you care for my actual input, I'd take the DR over the BMW for your purpose. It's definitely hammer simple, and reasonable in stock form. You can also sell it for reasonable money to one of the brainwashed zombies that worship them if you decide it's not for you. You may have a harder time selling the BMW..

 

[Jalopyshoppe]

The DR is stone simple and reliable. "brain washed" ??? Tell that to the 25 million riders who regularly post up on the long running and HUGE DR650 thread on ADV Rider Thumpers forum. Highest post count of any bike on that site. "Brainwashed"? Please explain!

If DR riders are typically like you, that explains the high post count. You are worse than a KTM fanboy...

 

[OaklandF4i]

Husqvarna TR650 Terra or Strada

Bmw motor in a better chassis. It’s a niche bike, but then you have a Hawk so you know about those. You should give this one a chance, a DR isn’t that different than your DRZ.

Terra is still non adjustable budget suspension. I put it into that BWM 650 category as far as performance (which is good fit for many) TE610 was a far better bike IMO for dirt oriented riders.

I think there is a big difference between the DR and DRZ (I've owned both.) DR is far more comfortable droning along at 70mph for any distance. Its a better adventure light bike. The DRZ of any ilk is a far superior dirtbike. Just my experience/opinion.

I like the idea of the Terra or Strada Husqvarna. Beautiful bikes and likely decent performers on or off road. Fairly inexpensive too. SEXY BIKES! ... unlike ...

DRZ is a very different bike from the DR650. I owned the "E" model and have ridden buddies "S" models A LOT. The DRZ400E model (electric start, off road only), FCR pumper carb, very few electrics, no real sub frame. Fairly good trail or enduro bike. I rode mine mostly in the Desert (Mojave and Baja)
DRZ IS lighter than the DR650 by about 60 lbs or so.


The "S" is the better street/dual sport, got more elec. output, MUCH heavier than the E model. Bit stressed riding highway at 70 mph. But many have done it. Several riders have ridden DRZ's RTW ... but way more have done it on the DR650.
Including these two:
http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...it-takes-on-as-much-dirt-as-possible.1111160/

I prefer the DR650 as a Adventure/Dual Sport travel bike. It's fine for most of the off road you will find traveling. It's cheap and easy to set up, it responds well to modifications.

It's not a single track bike or motocross bike, but many Australians DO race the DR650.

But you CAN cross Mongolia on it ... or ride to Tierra Del Fuego.

The DR is stone simple and reliable. "brain washed" ??? Tell that to the 25 million riders who regularly post up on the long running and HUGE DR650 thread on ADV Rider Thumpers forum. Highest post count of any bike on that site. "Brainwashed"? Please explain!

Since I bought a new XR650L in 1993 ... and hated it, I have some legit perspective on that bike. Also did at least 3 LONG baja rides where XR650L's had problems. (over heating, run out of oil, bent and broken sub frame, broken battery box, frozen wheel bearings.

The XR650L does not handle well, IMO. I have never crashed more than on that bike. (off road). I rode AMA Enduro for 8 years (B Rider) ... so have a fairly broad perspective.

Also owned XL600R, XR600R, XR400R ... and my fav ... XR250R.
Only the XR650L did not suit me. Also owned TWO KLR's ... and 3 DR650's since 1997.

I've had current DR650 10 years/ 60,000 miles. Been all over on this bike. Very tough and versatile dual sport bike, IMHO. (not fast, ugly ... but unstoppable)

Funny how folks that have owned the same bikes and possess similar riding experience, can come to polar opposite opinions on them.

You obviously really like the DR, and many folks do. I spent weeks in Baja with DR and XR650L, both set up by me. My opinion of them ridden extensively side by over many miles:

The DR's strengths over the XRL is its motor and for some, its lower seat height. Its engine is smoother, more capable on the highway, runs cooler, and doesnt seem to burn much if any oil. Seat height is an advantage for those with short inseams or who feel more confident being able to put a foot down easier (newer offroad riders). The XRL is not as smooth, and you need to keep on top of its oil. An oil cooler is a must if used an adventure bike with thousands of miles pavement. Its also significantly taller which may put off newer riders offroad in very slow technical terrain.

XRL's strength over its DR is its suspension and handling. Its a real dirt bike and miles ahead the DR offroad, especially the desert. They are completely different categories, arent comparable. In the desert I wouldnt even be in the same gear on the DR over the same terrain as I would be on the XRL. The DR simple couldnt handle rough terrain at speed. I could ride with and keep pace with modern dirtbikes on the XRL in the desert, no way I could or would want to even try on the DR. Nothing grey or close, completely different races.

The DR didnt stay in my garage after that particular Baja trip. The XRL did. For me I would have to spend so much money with forks and a shock swap to start to even get the DR's suspension on par for my needs offroad that the bike makes no sense for me. XRL handles and performs in another league offroad in comparison.

For the OP and others who more want to expand the distance on the pavement they can travel in comfort with the ability to explore forest roads... the DR makes sense. It sounds like its the perfect bike for the OP. Want to build dirt skills, keep the DRZ or even better buy a proper dirt only bike.

 

[Guoseph]

Terra is still non adjustable budget suspension. I put it into that BWM 650 category as far as performance (which is good fit for many) TE610 was a far better bike IMO for dirt oriented riders.

TE's are definitely a better dirt bike and a more direct "DR beater" than the TR. He did say 90% street and the TR would be more comfortable for that. Plus good clean TE's are getting harder and harder to find in the 610 or 630 variety.

It's the one bike I've sold that I want back in my garage now.

 

[OaklandF4i]

TE's are definitely a better dirt bike and a more direct "DR beater" than the TR. He did say 90% street and the TR would be more comfortable for that. Plus good clean TE's are getting harder and harder to find in the 610 or 630 variety.

It's the one bike I've sold that I want back in my garage now.

Agree. Never owned a TE610 or 630. Always wanted one and lusted after Diter's in Baja this year. When you find one again, I'll make space in my garage for your 501. Cuz I am a good friend and friends do stuff for friends. Will make sure its run/ridden regularly to keep it fresh.

 

[Guoseph]

Agree. Never owned a TE610 or 630. Always wanted one and lusted after Diter's in Baja this year. When you find one again, I'll make space in my garage for your 501. Cuz I am a good friend and friends do stuff for friends. Will make sure its run/ridden regularly to keep it fresh.

The 501 did great in DV, though I was geared way too low for the type of riding out there. I’ve crashed it plenty since last spring’s stony barf so you are welcome to take it out for a proper ride some time. It’s getting a set of Xplor 48 forks when I get off my lazy ass to make the swap, that should make the faster hits hurt a bit less.

Enough thread jacking though, I stick by my TR recommendation for 90/10 riding. There are a few internet famous adv riders (Woodschick, Mark Sampson aka big dog adventure) that have owned and put many happy miles on their TR’s. I see them in the 4K to 5k range regularly on CL.

 

[Tri750]

The bmw X series had a small fuel tank too and the fork was non-anything.
They gave a small almost cult following due to the low seat height and reliability. Prices should be low. X Challenge with that silly air bladder in the rear, what a mistake.

 

[kuksul08]

The bmw X series had a small fuel tank too and the fork was non-anything.
They gave a small almost cult following due to the low seat height and reliability. Prices should be low. X Challenge with that silly air bladder in the rear, what a mistake.

I think it was 2.5 gallons. Since it got such good mileage, that meant about a 150 mile range.

 

[Tri750]

is that good ?
the early F650GS had a 4.6 gallon tank and got 55-62+, the X series was hardly a bike you would “load up” and take for a day of trail riding or to the desert .
At least in Fresno anyway , the ones we sold were for commuting with the hopes of a bit of trails or fire roads but like many “Adventure Tour” bikes, most never got their tires dirty .