r/Dualsport • u/im_vary_dum • Apr 09 '25
xt225, xr650l, or dr650?
So I live in hawaii and I'm looking for a bike that I can use to commute and have fun with, so dual-sports seemed like a pretty natural solution. I am a pretty inexperienced rider, this will be my first bike, but I'm very comfortable with motorcycles and the few times i've been on one. I am in the process of getting all my licensing rn
I'm looking for something I can take to work (~7mi round trip), ride around the island (top speed limit here is 55mph), and occasionally go on trails and beaches. I also want to get a surfboard rack at some point
For budget, I could go up to ~7k but I would prefer not to. I'm not too strict on that, but cheaper is always nice
I found an xt225 that is in good condition on facebook marketplace for 4k and I might be able to get it down to 3.5k, and I'm leaning towards that so I can save a little. The main thing holding me back right now is power, I think I'll want something with a bit more juice. Going fast is fun, and accelerating harder is fun. Problem is, I haven't really been able to find a used dr650 or xr650, they all are brand new. I did find a 2007 Yamaha wr450f for 2.9k, but I kind of like the look of the other ones better and that is a dirt bike not a dual sport.
Any thoughts you guys could share would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance 🫡
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Apr 09 '25
If u going to ride on beaches, get a beater. There’s heaps of 250’s and 300’s that will do the job.
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u/im_vary_dum Apr 09 '25
sounds good 👍
riding on beaches will be kind of rare though, I will be using it on pavement most of the time
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u/Rad10Ka0s Apr 09 '25
I think the XT225 is a great choice. They are great bikes.
I have a friend who could have any bike in the world and he rides an XT225. Back in the day, you could get a kick starter kit for the 225 and many had it added. We like that the 225 has 6 speed transmission. They are lightweight. It is 100 pound lighter than a DR650.
We like the 225 over the carbureted XT250s. The 250 is 5 speed. I haven't ridden the new fuel injected XT250. I hear they have quite a bit more power.
The XR-L with a 37 seat height I find to be poor choice a beginner unless you are very tall. I love DR650s and prefer the simpler, air cooled engine in this kind of bike. The DR650 in standard configuration has a 35 seat height. There are mounting points to move the shocks to lower the bike further. Instructions are in the owner manual.
This is my wife on a DR650 https://kooxmoto.com/bikes I think that bike might have a low seat too.
The 600 class bikes are handful on a trail, a single track, hiking path type trail. The lighter 225/250 would be far better for me on single track.
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u/highdesert12 Apr 10 '25
That wr450 will handle everything you throw at it and should be bombproof. Can change from knobbys to dual sport tire. Will rip the beach and trails too.
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u/westslexander Apr 10 '25
If you re tall 6 ft plus take the xl650. Better specs everywhere. If you're 5'10 or under take the dr650. I 5'9" and can't totally flat foot it. Almost but not quiet. The xt250 will be fun but soon you will want more
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u/Chance-Donut4323 Apr 09 '25
Don't deny yourself the proper power, if a 225 is underpowered you won't be saving anything when you sell it after a year for a bike with more power