Hi Guys and Gals,

I am new to the forum. I am in the process of purchasing my first new bike. I have ridden a little andpreviously owned an 80's model KTM 250 2 stroke. It was too tall and wanted to go too fast for me. I want a dual sport. I will primarily be riding around our small town to the store and back, in the woods with my young daughters on their quads and with friends,and probably hunting. I am 5 foot 9 and weigh 200 lbs. I prefer to sight see while I ride and am not aggressive. I have spent quite a bit of time looking around at dualsport bikes and the KLX 250 S seems to best fit my needs. The options seem to be few and far between for dual sports. It seems like the next dual sportup in sizeis the Suzuki 400. I can not reach the ground on it and it is too heavy. The 650's are also too big and heavy. Therefore the Kawasaki KLX 250 S seems like the only other option. Are their any other options? Those of you that have them how do you like them? What should I pay for a new one (2007 model)?Does it have enough power for a 200 pounder if I want to get after it? Any information would be helpful.

Thank you,

 

You will absolutely love the bike, regardless of what other people say, even previous owners. I'm 260 and 6-1 and with jetting and the Muzzy and some gearing changes the bike has more than enough power for a big guy like me. I have yet to be disappointed, and by the sounds of it you're not looking for a race bike so as long as you understand its it just as you have described, riding around town, some highway and lots of trails and gravel roads. I too am not into the all out screaming adventure, but if you want to it will kick you in the butt if you decide to open it up.

 

Sounds like your expectations are realistic & the 250S should be right up your alley.[sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]

 

The KLX is the best trail bike onthe market. It is very easy to ride and has enough power to go anywhere you want. Sounds like a great match for you. Enjoy!

 

save yourself some $$ and get a used one. depending on the mod's $3300 to $3700 is what you should pay. i'm 215 .lbs with all my gear on and this bike will get me anywhere i want to go. it has actually surprised me a few times, especially on the hills. i've been thru some real snotty stufff and have not been let down yet.

 

+5 - I'm 195 lbs. 6-3" and really like the bike with the mods!

 

+1 On the used bike, I just got a new 07 and had to go to8 dealerships before anyone would go below msrp. As soon as I bought it two went up for sale near me that would have saved me a grand. Where do you live as I know of a spotless bike for sale(owned by an engineer) in WY.

+6 You will love the bike, I'm 5'10" and 200lb (with no gear) and I use the bike exactly how you described plus commute to work. The stock tires suck on pavement, very scary, so make sure to budget for a good set of 50/50 tires ( $80 to 160). You should also budget for better hand guards (ie bark busters), a slip-on exhuast, and a good air filter.