I gave it a hard look last night and I'm almost positive that my riding will be 80% road/2 track, 20% trails, but I am also in Michigan so really not alot of climbing mountains, lol I should tell you I'm 205lbs also. Does this make any differance in which one I pick. (I cant belive I got permission from the Wife!!!!!, I had a gsx600 in collage and a guy pulled out in front of me, hence no more gsx600.)

 

If you are 80% road get a KLX or some other factory dual sport.

 

im 225lbs, and im faster on the klx than my smaller buddies on thier drz400's....

 

i'm 210 with all my stuff on. you won't set any land speed records but if you have any skillz you'll keep up most bikes(on the trails).

 

Heres an idea, look at all the wear that the honda has on it already, vs a new one that just doesnt have any and you know what has happened to it

 

Always remember that when your wife tell you to: "Just do whatever the hell you want." it isn't isn't exactly "getting permission".......I've spent many a silent evening and cold night on the couch (always been worth it in the end though) for taking my wife's words at face value.

 

I have an 09 KLX and am very pleased. It is my first bike though, so nothing to compare it to. Here are the results from the first three times I have put gas in it... 69 mpg, 74 mpg, 75.5 mpg. Mostly street riding, up to 65 on the hwy, average speed about 45 mph. This info may help iffuel economy is a big factor, plus you get a free year of warranty with the new bike. Plus it new... something cool about that.