New rider looking for a reliable SHTF dual sport bike - opinions wanted

Dude you live next door to me and you ride a Vespa.

KLR650. Always tons of parts available, cheap purchase price, reliable. Million of em out there. HAndles decent on paved roads as well. Did about 25k miles on one. Upgraded to a R1200GS which would NOT be a good SHTF machine.

pretty solid looking bike.

not sure if I could handle a 650 though. never rode one before, also I only weigh 140lbs

start with a 250 until you get comfortable then upgrade to a 650

Unless your a big heavy guy,the Yamaha will serve you well.

[link to www.bmwmotorcycles.com]

If you need an explanation, you will never know...

Sounds like the best choice.

damn that thing is beast. way out of my price range though

The "tw" has the short fat(balloon) tires...you'll have a better chance beatin' the mutant zombie bikers through the woods on regular dualsport like the Yamaha xt 0r wr250 orSuzuki dr400.

The 650's,make better street bikes but they are kinda' heavy offroad. a250 or 400 could be faster offroad and beat you up less. If that is what you're after.

A dualsport makes a great learning to ride bike. The situp riding position,light weight,and manageble power;cheap insurance give you an advantage learning to ride the street.

My first streetlegal bike was an xl500; liked it somuch I bought another when the first was stolen.

i like my xr200 honda

Any Super Moto bike.

[link to www.ducati.com]

[link to www.ktm.com]

Super Moto's the BEST

Those big wheels on the TW200 are going to suck on the street.
Better off with an XR250.

Again, a klr650 will fit the bill. It is the most capable for the money. Yes, it's a 650 but it is literally only 40hp. The only downside is if you have a very short inseam (<32") since it's a 36" or so seat height, though aftermarket seats are available. I single tracked mine all the time and I'm not a huge dude.

To the BMW guy, yes I'm a GS fanatic but it is not a SHTF candidate. The RFID key is a place to start. Literally static electricity can fry the gas level strip amongst other sensors. Anything goes wrong and you will not be able to "limp home". Granted it is like having a 105HP dirtbike that you an ride like a sportbike or a goldwing on paved roads. Even single tracked it a couple times without incident.

KLR650

KLR650

You will thank me, I promise.

I liked my KLR650 heavy for off road, but hauls two people and no problems on the freeway.

Way tall seat...and big / heavy.
Get a new rider on that bike on a hill in the woods....and he loses balance....the bike is going over....and maybe him as well.

He needs to start smaller.

Last Edited by Useless Cookie Eater on 05/30/2014 09:45 PM

Good choice.
Light weight is a great feature.

I'm with ya. Just can't stop lovin the gs though...

Literally the best all round machine ever built, hands down. (When it works, but I'm hard on it)