Well...somebody came along with a full wallet,and liked my old Ironhead Sportster more than I did....so I'm in the market for another dual sport bike so that my son can ride with me. I'd like to find a nice 02-06 XR650L or KLR650. I know that either one of them are a bit heavy for me in the woods, but they'd be much nicer for long hauls and occasional trail riding.
Ping me if you see a deal within 200 miles of WNC, or have other suggestions.
Found a 2003 XR650L w/1500 miles for 3k....but the dude isn't returning my calls....it may have been sold already.

 

i would go with the klr, its liquid cooled, large tank, Bullet proof litterally, and has a ton of aftermarket parts availible. course that XR is more off road according to Rider magazine.

 

I would go with the Honda 650. It is much better off road and still pretty good on road. I would not rule out DRZ 400 if you plan to do more off road than on. I know that manyhere don't like the DRZ but the magazines always give itgood reviews!

 

Check the Flea Market forum on www.advrider.com I think there was an XR down that way either on the first or second page.

 

Sorry, but when I think of 'bullet proof' the XR650 is the first bike that comes to mind. No way I would choose a KLR over that...even the new one.

 

The XR got gone...that was probably a deal. I've found an 04 KLX400 (not exactly what I was looking for) for a decent price. Ad says it's been ridden 25 miles and it looks like it by the pics, but I can't find any info for the 400 on NADA.

 

I think the KLX400 is just a DRZ400 with green plastics. Correct me if im wrong but I think thats right.

 

Snal, regardless of which bike you choose, you need to be keeping a close eye on Craigslist. If you have not used Craigslist before, it is a free online classified service that is set up to serve regional areas, usually specific cities. The good thing is that it is active enough that there are a lot of listings for just about anything you want. Each city page has a motorcycle section. Since you are in the Asheville, NC area, you should be checking the following pages:

asheville.craigslist.com/mcy
winstonsalem.craigslist.com/mcy
charlotte.craigslist.com/mcy

Withing about 30 seconds on the Asheville page I noticed that there is a DRZ400 and a Honda 350 dual sport available in your area. If you are patient, you will find exactly the bike you want there.

Good luck. I will keep an eye out for some in this area as well.

Chris

 

Thanks Chris...I usually check there several times per day...that's where I found the 400 (Charlotte)...but he's a bit high on the price I think.

Do you happen to know if this kind of bike (KLX300/400) can be made street legal in NC?