Same here your videos helped tip me over and get the wr250r in 2020 very happy this choice you’re run down on this segment is awesome. Very comprehensive. Cheers
I normally don't sit in front of a computer for more than 20 minutes, I was bedazzled by your reviews, Awesome!! I had already narrowed my choices but then I happily stumbled onto to you, You made it easy ,Thanks
New Subscriber, you are a Zen motorcycle reviewer. I'm at the other end of your height and weight but you include practical information for us shorter riders. Although I would love to own half the bikes on this list, l keep coming back to the tw200. Your assessments are spot on.
Excellent! Thank you so much for all of the obvious care and preparation that went into this video review. As a 6'7", 250 lbs rider I now feel that I am gravitating towards a T7 thanks to your comments. Great stuff! 👍
When you look at the chart you see the price points are all marketing and demand. the WR is right in the middle which is more desirable and its the most difficult to get. Yamaha understands this and that's why its right in the middle. Balance and great engine, no frills is the sweet spot.
You know you’re stuff man and I know because I own a Tenere 700, wr250r and ktm 690. I’ve rode just about every other bike on the list and you are spot on .keep up the videos like this . You have a knack for it .
Thanks for the guide. I chose a CRF250L ABS in April 2020 before the guide. I currently have only 140 Miles on it because I broke my shoulder doing slow speed figure eights. I look forward to riding again this spring. I believe your guide would indicate a WR250R but I am happy with the price point of the CRF250L ABS. Thanks again :)
Great video! Love your style and comments. I have a Kawasaki 250s and a Versys. The Versys is not suited to take off road. Too top heavy and exhaust is exposed. The KLX is incredible for trail riding. The Versys is great on the road. Small and nimble yet lots of power once you get over 5k RPMs.
Great video!! I too am a big guy who started on a KLR. My experience led me to more road and fs roads, often 2up. Sorry my next bike, my beloved V-strom650 didn't slot in to the right of the KLR. I believe it a better bike anywhere than the Enfield and a better gravel road bike than the Versys. I did modify it to fit my 6'4" 255 comfortably. Inexpensive, comfortable and extremely reliable. Sorry you didn't include it.
I've actually ridden several weestroms and while they're great bikes they just never suited my riding style that well. I just decided to go with the Versys 650 instead, mainly based on my riding experience between the two. They're both at the street end of the spectrum with very similar abilities so that's the main reason I didn't include both.
Excellent video. Very helpful I recently purchased a 17 africa twin after mulling around for quite some time on what my next bike should be. I had ridden a few bikes but owned only one, a shadow 600 cruiser. So needless to say, the AT was quite a handful for a noob such as myself. So I quickly realized I would need a different bike if I wanted to ride offroad, and near the end of the summer found a used drz400. The drz has been a blast and in the short time I've had it I've really come along way and realized that dirt riding is really what I enjoy the most by far. But having no other experience with these bikes, I'm left wondering if my drz is underpowered... it has 10k miles and doesnt power wheelie at all, even with 15/49 gearing. It has the jd jet kit, 3x3, and slip on but has no low end punch. Maybe it's my lack of technique? I have to stand up, load the suspension and then pull up and pop the clutch just to get the front wheel off the ground. What am I doing wrong??
@@OgreMoto ugh I hope not..that's kind of what I was afraid of. The engine top end is a bit noisy too..but I was thinking/hoping it was just the cam chain tensioner bc I have read they can be noisy on higher mileage bikes. But what do I know. Otherwise the bike seems to run pretty good to me for a 400cc single. there is some slight bog/surge at a certain low rpm when cruising or when i crack it open full throttle at speed, but I was assuming it was carb related from sitting a little while before i purchased it I wish I could find someone local who is familiar with these bikes
@@IAmYourReflection cam chain tensioner wouldn’t cause a bike to be down on power that would just cause excess noise or cause one of the cams to jump a tooth if really bad.
@@OgreMoto yeah I realize that..just figured the cam chain was causing the noise alone. I'm kind of lost on what to do about the bike bc it seems to run pretty good otherwise
75 years old ! many many motorcycles 07 KLR / 07 TW200 work for me LOW MAINTENANCE RELIABLE !! They have served me well And if I decide I want to go fast I drive my car 😁 AIR BAGS !!!
My nephew who is a good rider thinks the WR would be good for me, I’m new at off road, , I’m 68, and tried riding my vstrom off road, but was just to heavy for me, I want ride with my nephew, but thank you for your honest input for us who are searching
I've been watching a ton of videos wrestling with my next-bike purchase, exactly in the light-weight part of this range. This one was really great...thanks! The one MIA (on my list) was the KTM390 ADV. Also, now that Honda announced a CRF300L (in Thailand) that might kick up the Honda a bit on my list if it makes it to the US. Finally, waiting to hear what Kawasaki has in mind for their new releases coming this Nov 23.
I honestly completely forgot about the 390 adv! I’m really hoping Honda brings that 300L to the US and I’m excited to see what Kawasaki is going to unveil as well.
@@OgreMoto I am also interested in the 390 ADV with a tall seat and risers would also like to know what you think about raising the bike, suspension etc. I am somewhat of a beginner your height at 245lbs. My research seems to be leading me to a supermoto type bike suspension and ergonomics wise without the maintenance. basically a 390 ADV R or adventurising a 450 smr
Enjoyed the video. I’m 6’7 and 330lbs currently. I have a 2003 Xr650r and 2008 Klr 650. Have had a million different street bikes through the years. I’m 50 yrs old. Looking at more street than dirt now but will ride washed out dirt roads occasionally. Was considering a R1200gs or African twin and now maybe the T700. Another added point would be an occasional two up ride here or there. I know there are a lot of interchangeable things going on here. Curious your thoughts? Thanks!
Having owned an AT and ridden a 1200GS. If you wanna do more road riding I’d go with the 1200 hands down. The AT and T7 and amazing off-road for how good they are on road but they don’t compare to the 1200 on the street.
Great vid, thanks, you obviously went to a lot of trouble putting it all together. Lanky old, 6’4” experienced (road) biker here. I have a WR250R also a GS 650 (the 800 twin), while it’s nice having the horsepower, I just love the lighter weight of the 250. I mostly use mine in London traffic and it’s great for that. FYI “Enfield” is NOT a French word ! It’s a part of London, pronounced as in “ENgage” or “ENrage”, not “ONfield”.
Most excellent video, I’m 6’ 5” and experienced on the street. Had to ride a few times for short distances on dirt/clay roads on my street bike (Suzuki Bandit 1200). As you can imagine it was no fun. Having dirt road capability would more than double my local riding options. I found your recommendations to start on a dual sport very detailed and compelling. Thank you. One bike I’m considering is the Kawasaki Versys X 300. Don’t know if it would fit me, but power and weight seems to be closer to the dual sports than the ADV bikes. Have you seen or sat on this baby Versys?
Stuck between the new crf300l , xr650l and dr650. Leaning toward the crf300l because of price but I feel like I am going to be let down with the amount of power. I want to be able to have fun in the dirt as well as go on long ride with buddy’s that have Harleys. Let me know what y’all think.
I can't comment on the 300L because I haven't ridden one, but I really liked the 250L as is, so I imagine it'll be a hoot. Honestly it depends on what you prefer on the street, power or comfort? I honestly think the DR650 may be the most comfortable road going dual-sport I've ever ridden, but I really enjoyed the 250L on the road too, mainly because of how smooth it is. The 650L is more of a big bore dirtbike than anything. It's vibey, punchy, and really tall. I honestly think it's off-road capabilities extend past the 250L's. Unless you get into ADV bikes you're not really going to be comfortable cruising with your Harley pals though to be honest. Although with ADV bikes, you definitely want the off-road experience from a dirtbike or smaller bike before you take those off-road.
Very thorough - I am 44 yrs old 6ft1 230 lbs, been riding since 15 started on two strokes then got a 76 xt500 and did dual sports - then from about 25 to 44 road only street - have a harley dyna and miss dual sports - I have always like the bullet proof and good solid. Looks of xr650. Looking to get one for dual sport rides mostly off road since i have harley for on road - manly single track and power lines - wonder if Id be better off with an old xr250l that I can throw around. Am I too big for said bike?
The XR250L would be fine man. You've gotta remember, think of all the massive guys that ride Honda Groms and mopeds, there's no such thing as objectively underpowered. It all comes down to if the power of the bike will suit your needs! Thanks for the comment and kind words!
Good video bro you gave me alot of food for thought. Subbed and liked. I'll say the ones I am looking at are the xr650l, 450l, the new 300l or klx300. I'm a huge honda fan but havnt ridden a dirt bike in many many years. This coming harvest season I'll be buying one of these I'm not sure what. I love honda it's what I grew up with but I'm open to others like the drz400 maybe. Lol I dont know what route I wanna take. I have looked so hard at the xr650l I'm 6,3 210. The only thing that has kept me from pulling the trigger on it is what everyone says. It's a boat anchor. I guess to give you an idea I wanna use it most days to commute to work roughly 20 miles back roads. Then Use it to trail ride and explore the US in general. Anyway awesome video man keep up the good content. Any advice would be outstanding.
Honestly, I thought the 650L and 250L (which supposedly the 300L has very similar ergos) were super cramped. You're a taller dude as well so that really applies to you too. I loved the 250L in a lot of ways, but I could not stand up on it at all, whereas other bikes in stock form I can stand up, I'm just very hunched over. The 650L that I rode felt extremely top heavy, but it was a solid machine. The KLX300 is the exact same chassis as the 250 that I rode, and my main complaint just came from build quality. It just wasn't up to par when compared to Honda or Yamaha (IMO). You threw the 450 in there too, but that's a totally different class of bike and is also very maintenance heavy. That's literally just a dirtbike with a plate. You did bring up the DRZ, which is a bike I loved. There's a reason why it's been the best selling dual-sport for the past 2 decade now. It's got more power and is lighter than the 650L, the suspension is significantly better (49MM, open cartridge, and longer travel with better valving) than the KLX300 AND 300L, and it's 5-10 times less maintenance than the 450L. Plus the frame on the DRZ is the strongest out of all of them besides the 450L. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them, and I can't choose for you, but the DRZ is what I would choose out of those 5.
@@OgreMoto you made some solid points I didnt think of. Originally I learned to the drz but from everyone's review it seemed like it didnt have enough power or 6th gear. But it is beyond popular and I dont need all the power just getting back into things. That's why in my book the 450l was more or less an honorable mention. The maintenance wouldn't bother me too much. The big annoyance for the 650 for me was weight and air cooled. I feel I should go drz get a new one and mod it out some.
@@OgreMoto I say all this but then again would you take the drz over the new honda 300l or no I just dont know. Lol maybe I'm over thinking this I just love honda, yet the drz is prolly the most sold dual sport so its gotta be doin something right
I wish you had some experience with the honda xr650r, other than not have electric start and not in production anymore it is a bike I am considering and would be curious if you would place it up next to the ktm 690
Hey I'm looking for my first dual sport after only riding bobbers and street bikes. I'm super tall like you (almost 6'7") and expect I'll use it 30% on road 70% off. Comfort and suitably for my height are my biggest concern, endless miles of desert are right next to my house. Simplicity and repairability/reliability are also big factors. Can you recommend a unicorn? 😁
Good morning, I just came across your channel, am curious what your opinion is on good starter bike, I see your tall, I’m 6’6”290 lbs Was thinking maybe Versys 650
@@ericoswald5222 if you’re just riding road you honestly don’t really need to worry about comfort mods. I’ve ridden a DL650 and KLR650 and both were fairly comfortable stock.
Honestly if you want it to perform really well in the dirt you'll have to revalve/respring the front and rear. I don't know specifically what would have to be done to the 250L though. Depending on where you live there are shops that specialize in this stuff. Here in the USA there's RaceTech, Factory Connections, and Precision Concepts, and many other local options. Those are just the really big ones.
All roads keep bringing me back to the DR. Cost of getting it modded out for an old fat guy have me wondering if there are better value bikes but it looks like ALL bikes will need to be modified for big people. While I should consider a used DR, they seem to hold their value well and a new bike isn't that far off. Will try to keep at the $2000 mod level, we'll see how that works for me. Like any tool, use it to learn or get the job done then move on if needed. The DR just seems like a classic bike still being produced. Most bikes are better in some areas, the DR seems acceptable in all areas. Cost to reliability...thinking it's the choice for me.
@@OgreMoto Deposit placed for a 2022 but not in the US to sign the docs. Depends on when the country I work in updates my Visa then I can head out on vacation to get the beast.
6'6" 235lbs I looking for an affordable do everything 50/50 bike I can commute on, ride two up, take on trails, jump, hill climb, ride everyday allday I'm looking to customize my bike over time for what I like. I've also been riding dirt bikes road bikes and snowmobiles since I was 5, I'm now 32 I stopped riding mostly at the end of highschool, though because I couldnt afford it mostly the insurance being a young man, plus alot of listening too naysayers, know I can afford it and want to get back into riding. The bikes I think would fit what I want are xr650l Dr650 drz400 Crf450r,l tenere 700, klr650, vstrom650. They don't sell xr650l in Canada anymore, so they are harder to find. Dr650 is still readily available and affordable. So is the drz400, crf 450rl is expensive and I probably wouldn't take my girlfriend on the back but it would be a fun bike. Tenere is great but it's really expensive and I probably wouldn't want to drop it. Klr 650 would be nice and affordable, but I don't think I'd be able to ride it as aggressively as I want. Vstrom650 would be more road. More comfortable for my gf on long trips to go on adventures reliable, still reasonably priced, and able to handle some dirt. I think I am leaning towards the dr650 as an affordable do everything bike, with low maintenance reliability customization enough power and weight to comfortably go on the highway in Canada. Could be made to fit a Tall athletic Rider. That I could still take on some gnarly single track and jumps. What would your recommendations be
Shit happens man. I literally know guys who have over 100k miles on DR’s without rebuilds. Did your NSU fail and grenade the motor? Or possibly your countershaft seal pop out and you lost all oil? Those were two things I remedied immediately on my old DR. It’s pretty easy to do the NSU fix, just gotta pull the clutch basket.
@@OgreMoto probably 60/road 40/dirt… I don’t know how to ride yet but I’m a quick learner. I learned a manual 5-speed in 15min… bought a brand new 2002 Eclipse GT and had to have my dad get it out of the dealership but he pulled over and showed me how to get out of 1st and I drove us home and dropped him off and went out with my friend’s by myself. I think a bike has more to it so I’m not naïve to that fact because body positioning is crucial. I really want to ride dirt (local MX track) but I want to get comfortable riding at high speed first and practice on dirt trail’s. I need a higher framed bike at 6’3 being tall and lanky. I was thinking of a Yamaha 250r but unfortunately they’re discontinued. The Honda 250crf 300l would fit a beginner like me perfectly but it’s frame is too small and suspension is too soft for 200/lbs from what I’ve heard. While I haven’t ridden anything yet… I’m definitely doing as much research as I can without actually getting on one. I mainly want to be comfortable while riding and I think Yamaha would fit that bill. I’m not mechanically inclined unfortunately so there’s that. What bike would fit my frame best in your opinion?
my dr650 needed so many mods to make it comfortable for my tallness, it would have been better for me to have bought ... well ... other bikes. I think it's built stock for no more than 6ft tall riders. it vibrated a lot and the fuel consumption sees many a dr650 fitted with a larger fuel tank (expensive). The fuel tanks (acerbis or safari tanks) I fitted to my dr650. Fitting a 30l safari tank made the dr650 top heavy, forced one to buy nobblier ties and was just a hard, difficulty machine to ride after all the mods were done. i had to get rid of it. I would have been better buying a Honda cd500x, given the amount of $ I spent modifying the dr650. changing the tank changed the dr650 handling too much - it made it a different bike imo. Too many $$$ mods required from stock to be a good duel sport for a tall river imo. Im 3 inches shorter than you mate. But that's just my opinion - which is Not as over-all experienced as yours is! Like the video.
You realize none of the bikes are made for 6ft+ riders right? Lol No matter what bike you buy, at your height you’ll need to modify it. I find that when modified with a tall seat, lowered pegs, and bar risers the DR650 is far better than a lot of bikes out there on the comfort scale. Having ridden a CB500X, it’s much better than that as well. I don’t know why you think it vibrates a lot either, it’s a really smooth motor. Maybe you’re just not used to thumpers in general? It’s one of the best in that regard.
Im confused, in your Suzuki DR 650 Review you say that its a bike for shorter riders, now you say its a bike for taller rider (52:06 min)? Im a taller rider and want to get into 50:50 riding :D ! Im looking for something cheap Your 650 review: ruclips.net/video/l6A_qzMOJWM/видео.html
At this point with how the market is I’d say just buy whatever you can get your hands on. But yeah, if you’re like less 6’4” the DR should work fine. Otherwise, had the DR been the only bike I’ve ever owned, I would’ve been content riding it even at my height.
Haha, you left out the best do it all bike for a light weight, shorter (think Asian) rider in a poorer country making grocery runs on dirt and gravel roads carrying a passenger and a chicken with almost no paved roads: the Honda CT90/110 bikes with 100mpg and Hi/Lo range transmission! Clearly a lapse in reviewer judgement! Hahaha 😂
Bought a WR250R in part because of your previous videos. Zero regrets. Insanely happy.
Glad you like it!!
I've owned one and regret selling it. I think it's the best 50/50 dual sport ever made.
Same here your videos helped tip me over and get the wr250r in 2020 very happy this choice you’re run down on this segment is awesome.
Very comprehensive.
Cheers
This is the best survey and review of DS bikes I have seen so far. Thank you!
I normally don't sit in front of a computer for more than 20 minutes, I was bedazzled by your reviews, Awesome!!
I had already narrowed my choices but then I happily stumbled onto to you, You made it easy ,Thanks
I have watched hundreds of motorcycle videos this year. This one is on the podium. Outstanding work.
6' 6" Wisconsinite checking in to say thanks for doing this, your information was really helpful for choosing my first bike. Loving the WR 👍
New Subscriber, you are a Zen motorcycle reviewer. I'm at the other end of your height and weight but you include practical information for us shorter riders. Although I would love to own half the bikes on this list, l keep coming back to the tw200. Your assessments are spot on.
Thanks man I really appreciate it!
This was the perfect video for really narrowing down what I'm looking for, thanks for taking the time to make this!
Excellent! Thank you so much for all of the obvious care and preparation that went into this video review. As a 6'7", 250 lbs rider I now feel that I am gravitating towards a T7 thanks to your comments. Great stuff! 👍
Good luck finding a T7. I've been on several waiting lists for 2+ years
What a great review and buyers guide. Thank you.
When you look at the chart you see the price points are all marketing and demand. the WR is right in the middle which is more desirable and its the most difficult to get. Yamaha understands this and that's why its right in the middle. Balance and great engine, no frills is the sweet spot.
You know you’re stuff man and I know because I own a Tenere 700, wr250r and ktm 690. I’ve rode just about every other bike on the list and you are spot on .keep up the videos like this . You have a knack for it .
Thanks man I really appreciate the kind words!
Thanks for the guide. I chose a CRF250L ABS in April 2020 before the guide. I currently have only 140 Miles on it because I broke my shoulder doing slow speed figure eights. I look forward to riding again this spring. I believe your guide would indicate a WR250R but I am happy with the price point of the CRF250L ABS. Thanks again :)
Great review. And I completely agree with your point of riding a dual sport to build skills before getting a larger adventure bike.
Awesome vid as usual. Keep it up!!!!!
Great video! Love your style and comments. I have a Kawasaki 250s and a Versys. The Versys is not suited to take off road. Too top heavy and exhaust is exposed. The KLX is incredible for trail riding. The Versys is great on the road. Small and nimble yet lots of power once you get over 5k RPMs.
Damn this video is perfect. Thanks man.
Great video!! I too am a big guy who started on a KLR. My experience led me to more road and fs roads, often 2up. Sorry my next bike, my beloved V-strom650 didn't slot in to the right of the KLR. I believe it a better bike anywhere than the Enfield and a better gravel road bike than the Versys. I did modify it to fit my 6'4" 255 comfortably. Inexpensive, comfortable and extremely reliable. Sorry you didn't include it.
I've actually ridden several weestroms and while they're great bikes they just never suited my riding style that well. I just decided to go with the Versys 650 instead, mainly based on my riding experience between the two.
They're both at the street end of the spectrum with very similar abilities so that's the main reason I didn't include both.
Excellent video. Very helpful
I recently purchased a 17 africa twin after mulling around for quite some time on what my next bike should be. I had ridden a few bikes but owned only one, a shadow 600 cruiser. So needless to say, the AT was quite a handful for a noob such as myself. So I quickly realized I would need a different bike if I wanted to ride offroad, and near the end of the summer found a used drz400.
The drz has been a blast and in the short time I've had it I've really come along way and realized that dirt riding is really what I enjoy the most by far.
But having no other experience with these bikes, I'm left wondering if my drz is underpowered... it has 10k miles and doesnt power wheelie at all, even with 15/49 gearing. It has the jd jet kit, 3x3, and slip on but has no low end punch.
Maybe it's my lack of technique?
I have to stand up, load the suspension and then pull up and pop the clutch just to get the front wheel off the ground.
What am I doing wrong??
That’s weird because with my drz I could power wheelie 2nd without even trying. Maybe yours is due for a top end rebuild or has other issues with it ?
@@OgreMoto ugh I hope not..that's kind of what I was afraid of. The engine top end is a bit noisy too..but I was thinking/hoping it was just the cam chain tensioner bc I have read they can be noisy on higher mileage bikes. But what do I know.
Otherwise the bike seems to run pretty good to me for a 400cc single. there is some slight bog/surge at a certain low rpm when cruising or when i crack it open full throttle at speed, but I was assuming it was carb related from sitting a little while before i purchased it
I wish I could find someone local who is familiar with these bikes
@@IAmYourReflection cam chain tensioner wouldn’t cause a bike to be down on power that would just cause excess noise or cause one of the cams to jump a tooth if really bad.
@@OgreMoto yeah I realize that..just figured the cam chain was causing the noise alone. I'm kind of lost on what to do about the bike bc it seems to run pretty good otherwise
Thank you. This video needs to be standard
awesome video. Thanks a lot for your time!
75 years old ! many many motorcycles 07 KLR / 07 TW200 work for me LOW MAINTENANCE RELIABLE !! They have served me well And if I decide I want to go fast I drive my car 😁 AIR BAGS !!!
Such an awesome vid, new subscriber here. Keep it up
Thanks man I appreciate it!
I considered the KLR 650 back in 2002 and found there were aftermarket lowering kits.
My nephew who is a good rider thinks the WR would be good for me, I’m new at off road, , I’m 68, and tried riding my vstrom off road, but was just to heavy for me, I want ride with my nephew, but thank you for your honest input for us who are searching
I love your comment: "if something breaks you can fix it with two coconuts and fingernail" I'm still giggling over it
Damn good stuff!!
I've been watching a ton of videos wrestling with my next-bike purchase, exactly in the light-weight part of this range. This one was really great...thanks! The one MIA (on my list) was the KTM390 ADV. Also, now that Honda announced a CRF300L (in Thailand) that might kick up the Honda a bit on my list if it makes it to the US. Finally, waiting to hear what Kawasaki has in mind for their new releases coming this Nov 23.
I honestly completely forgot about the 390 adv! I’m really hoping Honda brings that 300L to the US and I’m excited to see what Kawasaki is going to unveil as well.
@@OgreMoto I am also interested in the 390 ADV with a tall seat and risers would also like to know what you think about raising the bike, suspension etc. I am somewhat of a beginner your height at 245lbs. My research seems to be leading me to a supermoto type bike suspension and ergonomics wise without the maintenance. basically a 390 ADV R or adventurising a 450 smr
@@ozbe8567 I would avoid the 390 adv if you’re close to my height. It’s a pretty cramped bike man.
Enjoyed the video. I’m 6’7 and 330lbs currently. I have a 2003 Xr650r and 2008 Klr 650. Have had a million different street bikes through the years. I’m 50 yrs old. Looking at more street than dirt now but will ride washed out dirt roads occasionally. Was considering a R1200gs or African twin and now maybe the T700. Another added point would be an occasional two up ride here or there. I know there are a lot of interchangeable things going on here. Curious your thoughts? Thanks!
Having owned an AT and ridden a 1200GS. If you wanna do more road riding I’d go with the 1200 hands down. The AT and T7 and amazing off-road for how good they are on road but they don’t compare to the 1200 on the street.
Great vid, thanks, you obviously went to a lot of trouble putting it all together.
Lanky old, 6’4” experienced (road) biker here. I have a WR250R also a GS 650 (the 800 twin), while it’s nice having the horsepower, I just love the lighter weight of the 250. I mostly use mine in London traffic and it’s great for that.
FYI “Enfield” is NOT a French word ! It’s a part of London, pronounced as in “ENgage” or “ENrage”, not “ONfield”.
Most excellent video,
I’m 6’ 5” and experienced on the street. Had to ride a few times for short distances on dirt/clay roads on my street bike (Suzuki Bandit 1200). As you can imagine it was no fun. Having dirt road capability would more than double my local riding options. I found your recommendations to start on a dual sport very detailed and compelling. Thank you. One bike I’m considering is the Kawasaki Versys X 300. Don’t know if it would fit me, but power and weight seems to be closer to the dual sports than the ADV bikes. Have you seen or sat on this baby Versys?
I have sat on the baby versys. It's too small for us lol.
@@OgreMoto Thank you, it looks fun but small.
Excellent review. 👍.
Super thorough review, found it very insightful. Also, laughed out loud when you completely crashed that aussie accent into the ground :)
Yeah I suck at that accent lmao
@@OgreMotoThat was funny, I am not english native and completely stopped understanding!
Stuck between the new crf300l , xr650l and dr650. Leaning toward the crf300l because of price but I feel like I am going to be let down with the amount of power. I want to be able to have fun in the dirt as well as go on long ride with buddy’s that have Harleys. Let me know what y’all think.
I can't comment on the 300L because I haven't ridden one, but I really liked the 250L as is, so I imagine it'll be a hoot. Honestly it depends on what you prefer on the street, power or comfort?
I honestly think the DR650 may be the most comfortable road going dual-sport I've ever ridden, but I really enjoyed the 250L on the road too, mainly because of how smooth it is.
The 650L is more of a big bore dirtbike than anything. It's vibey, punchy, and really tall. I honestly think it's off-road capabilities extend past the 250L's.
Unless you get into ADV bikes you're not really going to be comfortable cruising with your Harley pals though to be honest. Although with ADV bikes, you definitely want the off-road experience from a dirtbike or smaller bike before you take those off-road.
Hey!! Amazing video dude, keep it up!!! :)
Thank you Pol! And thanks for letting me borrow your footage!
Very thorough - I am 44 yrs old 6ft1 230 lbs, been riding since 15 started on two strokes then got a 76 xt500 and did dual sports - then from about 25 to 44 road only street - have a harley dyna and miss dual sports - I have always like the bullet proof and good solid. Looks of xr650. Looking to get one for dual sport rides mostly off road since i have harley for on road - manly single track and power lines - wonder if Id be better off with an old xr250l that I can throw around. Am I too big for said bike?
The XR250L would be fine man. You've gotta remember, think of all the massive guys that ride Honda Groms and mopeds, there's no such thing as objectively underpowered. It all comes down to if the power of the bike will suit your needs! Thanks for the comment and kind words!
Good video bro you gave me alot of food for thought. Subbed and liked. I'll say the ones I am looking at are the xr650l, 450l, the new 300l or klx300. I'm a huge honda fan but havnt ridden a dirt bike in many many years. This coming harvest season I'll be buying one of these I'm not sure what. I love honda it's what I grew up with but I'm open to others like the drz400 maybe.
Lol I dont know what route I wanna take. I have looked so hard at the xr650l I'm 6,3 210. The only thing that has kept me from pulling the trigger on it is what everyone says. It's a boat anchor. I guess to give you an idea I wanna use it most days to commute to work roughly 20 miles back roads. Then Use it to trail ride and explore the US in general. Anyway awesome video man keep up the good content. Any advice would be outstanding.
Oh and when I was young I was a fairly aggressive rider. Will see what I can do when I get back in the saddle it's been so long but I'm stoked
Honestly, I thought the 650L and 250L (which supposedly the 300L has very similar ergos) were super cramped. You're a taller dude as well so that really applies to you too. I loved the 250L in a lot of ways, but I could not stand up on it at all, whereas other bikes in stock form I can stand up, I'm just very hunched over. The 650L that I rode felt extremely top heavy, but it was a solid machine. The KLX300 is the exact same chassis as the 250 that I rode, and my main complaint just came from build quality. It just wasn't up to par when compared to Honda or Yamaha (IMO). You threw the 450 in there too, but that's a totally different class of bike and is also very maintenance heavy. That's literally just a dirtbike with a plate.
You did bring up the DRZ, which is a bike I loved. There's a reason why it's been the best selling dual-sport for the past 2 decade now. It's got more power and is lighter than the 650L, the suspension is significantly better (49MM, open cartridge, and longer travel with better valving) than the KLX300 AND 300L, and it's 5-10 times less maintenance than the 450L. Plus the frame on the DRZ is the strongest out of all of them besides the 450L.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them, and I can't choose for you, but the DRZ is what I would choose out of those 5.
@@OgreMoto you made some solid points I didnt think of. Originally I learned to the drz but from everyone's review it seemed like it didnt have enough power or 6th gear. But it is beyond popular and I dont need all the power just getting back into things. That's why in my book the 450l was more or less an honorable mention. The maintenance wouldn't bother me too much. The big annoyance for the 650 for me was weight and air cooled. I feel I should go drz get a new one and mod it out some.
@@OgreMoto I say all this but then again would you take the drz over the new honda 300l or no I just dont know. Lol maybe I'm over thinking this I just love honda, yet the drz is prolly the most sold dual sport so its gotta be doin something right
awesome review!
I wish you had some experience with the honda xr650r, other than not have electric start and not in production anymore it is a bike I am considering and would be curious if you would place it up next to the ktm 690
Hey I'm looking for my first dual sport after only riding bobbers and street bikes. I'm super tall like you (almost 6'7") and expect I'll use it 30% on road 70% off. Comfort and suitably for my height are my biggest concern, endless miles of desert are right next to my house.
Simplicity and repairability/reliability are also big factors.
Can you recommend a unicorn? 😁
I’d go DRZ400 man
What helmet is being worn on the CRF250L bike? Seems to have great visibility.
Bell mx9 adv.
@@OgreMoto Thank you!
Good morning, I just came across your channel, am curious what your opinion is on good starter bike, I see your tall, I’m 6’6”290 lbs
Was thinking maybe Versys 650
As a road bike the Versys 650 or V-strom 650 would be great. Honestly a KLR650 makes a perfect stater for guys our size too.
@@OgreMoto did u have to lower the foot pegs and install risers ?
@@ericoswald5222 if you’re just riding road you honestly don’t really need to worry about comfort mods. I’ve ridden a DL650 and KLR650 and both were fairly comfortable stock.
great video, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Do you have suspension mods you recommend for the CRF250L ABS to make it perform better in the dirt?
Honestly if you want it to perform really well in the dirt you'll have to revalve/respring the front and rear. I don't know specifically what would have to be done to the 250L though. Depending on where you live there are shops that specialize in this stuff. Here in the USA there's RaceTech, Factory Connections, and Precision Concepts, and many other local options. Those are just the really big ones.
All roads keep bringing me back to the DR. Cost of getting it modded out for an old fat guy have me wondering if there are better value bikes but it looks like ALL bikes will need to be modified for big people. While I should consider a used DR, they seem to hold their value well and a new bike isn't that far off. Will try to keep at the $2000 mod level, we'll see how that works for me. Like any tool, use it to learn or get the job done then move on if needed. The DR just seems like a classic bike still being produced. Most bikes are better in some areas, the DR seems acceptable in all areas. Cost to reliability...thinking it's the choice for me.
You’ll love the DR. It’s a great bike! 👍
@@OgreMoto Deposit placed for a 2022 but not in the US to sign the docs. Depends on when the country I work in updates my Visa then I can head out on vacation to get the beast.
Great video
Thanks!
I need to buy a riding jacket and am having a hard time finding one. I'm 6'5" 250lbs.
I have an icon anthem in 4xl and it fits great. Not sure if they sell it anymore though.
6'6" 235lbs I looking for an affordable do everything 50/50 bike I can commute on, ride two up, take on trails, jump, hill climb, ride everyday allday I'm looking to customize my bike over time for what I like. I've also been riding dirt bikes road bikes and snowmobiles since I was 5, I'm now 32 I stopped riding mostly at the end of highschool, though because I couldnt afford it mostly the insurance being a young man, plus alot of listening too naysayers, know I can afford it and want to get back into riding. The bikes I think would fit what I want are xr650l Dr650 drz400 Crf450r,l tenere 700, klr650, vstrom650. They don't sell xr650l in Canada anymore, so they are harder to find. Dr650 is still readily available and affordable. So is the drz400, crf 450rl is expensive and I probably wouldn't take my girlfriend on the back but it would be a fun bike. Tenere is great but it's really expensive and I probably wouldn't want to drop it. Klr 650 would be nice and affordable, but I don't think I'd be able to ride it as aggressively as I want. Vstrom650 would be more road. More comfortable for my gf on long trips to go on adventures reliable, still reasonably priced, and able to handle some dirt. I think I am leaning towards the dr650 as an affordable do everything bike, with low maintenance reliability customization enough power and weight to comfortably go on the highway in Canada. Could be made to fit a Tall athletic Rider. That I could still take on some gnarly single track and jumps. What would your recommendations be
Having grown up riding dirt bikes and wanting a bike you can jump don’t bother with anything over 300lbs. Get a CRF450L or KTM 500EXC.
For your height did you find the AT more comfortable than the t7?
The AT is slightly more spread out than the T7 leg wise, but the T7 is better suited for standing in stock form.
Love my DR650
Same man.
Congratulations good video. They are all good but I think I'll choose Tenere 700 😂.
Best regards,
Vitor Costa
Thanks again for the footage Vitor! And thank you for the kind words!
@@OgreMoto You don't have to thank me. and if you need to use any more video or photo you can use
Try to see the AJP PR7 (portuguese) its a good bike
You say the DR650 is unkillable, it was the first big bore single bike I bought and it blew up after some long distance rides lol.
Shit happens man. I literally know guys who have over 100k miles on DR’s without rebuilds.
Did your NSU fail and grenade the motor? Or possibly your countershaft seal pop out and you lost all oil? Those were two things I remedied immediately on my old DR. It’s pretty easy to do the NSU fix, just gotta pull the clutch basket.
Thanks
You're welcome man, thanks for watching!
So why isn't the drz400 in this comparison better than all of them
Because it’s not better than all of them lol. Ya give some and take some. Every bike is a compromise!
6’3 200/lbs new rider… looking for dual sport any suggestion’s?
What do you plan on riding? What ratio of road to dirt?
@@OgreMoto probably 60/road 40/dirt… I don’t know how to ride yet but I’m a quick learner. I learned a manual 5-speed in 15min… bought a brand new 2002 Eclipse GT and had to have my dad get it out of the dealership but he pulled over and showed me how to get out of 1st and I drove us home and dropped him off and went out with my friend’s by myself. I think a bike has more to it so I’m not naïve to that fact because body positioning is crucial. I really want to ride dirt (local MX track) but I want to get comfortable riding at high speed first and practice on dirt trail’s. I need a higher framed bike at 6’3 being tall and lanky. I was thinking of a Yamaha 250r but unfortunately they’re discontinued. The Honda 250crf 300l would fit a beginner like me perfectly but it’s frame is too small and suspension is too soft for 200/lbs from what I’ve heard. While I haven’t ridden anything yet… I’m definitely doing as much research as I can without actually getting on one. I mainly want to be comfortable while riding and I think Yamaha would fit that bill. I’m not mechanically inclined unfortunately so there’s that. What bike would fit my frame best in your opinion?
You live in the state that doesn't allow making a dirt bike street legal? Iowa?
😃
You picked a state that’s touching mine at least lol!
@@OgreMoto Hey neighbor! 😂
my dr650 needed so many mods to make it comfortable for my tallness, it would have been better for me to have bought ... well ... other bikes. I think it's built stock for no more than 6ft tall riders. it vibrated a lot and the fuel consumption sees many a dr650 fitted with a larger fuel tank (expensive). The fuel tanks (acerbis or safari tanks) I fitted to my dr650. Fitting a 30l safari tank made the dr650 top heavy, forced one to buy nobblier ties and was just a hard, difficulty machine to ride after all the mods were done. i had to get rid of it. I would have been better buying a Honda cd500x, given the amount of $ I spent modifying the dr650. changing the tank changed the dr650 handling too much - it made it a different bike imo. Too many $$$ mods required from stock to be a good duel sport for a tall river imo. Im 3 inches shorter than you mate. But that's just my opinion - which is Not as over-all experienced as yours is! Like the video.
You realize none of the bikes are made for 6ft+ riders right? Lol
No matter what bike you buy, at your height you’ll need to modify it. I find that when modified with a tall seat, lowered pegs, and bar risers the DR650 is far better than a lot of bikes out there on the comfort scale. Having ridden a CB500X, it’s much better than that as well.
I don’t know why you think it vibrates a lot either, it’s a really smooth motor. Maybe you’re just not used to thumpers in general? It’s one of the best in that regard.
Your location? (Can't tell by the accent unfortunately)
USA
That’s a weird comment lol.
@@sboffroad1312 I get people commenting from all over the world, so I usually don’t bother with anything more specific lol.
Yea your answer is what I would have gave. USA. People don’t need to know your location lol. I was meaning him asking your location was different. 😂.
@@sboffroad1312 gotcha lol
firstish comment! perfect topic
Im confused, in your Suzuki DR 650 Review you say that its a bike for shorter riders, now you say its a bike for taller rider (52:06 min)? Im a taller rider and want to get into 50:50 riding :D ! Im looking for something cheap
Your 650 review: ruclips.net/video/l6A_qzMOJWM/видео.html
At this point with how the market is I’d say just buy whatever you can get your hands on. But yeah, if you’re like less 6’4” the DR should work fine. Otherwise, had the DR been the only bike I’ve ever owned, I would’ve been content riding it even at my height.
Haha, you left out the best do it all bike for a light weight, shorter (think Asian) rider in a poorer country making grocery runs on dirt and gravel roads carrying a passenger and a chicken with almost no paved roads: the Honda CT90/110 bikes with 100mpg and Hi/Lo range transmission! Clearly a lapse in reviewer judgement! Hahaha 😂