limitedreality
New Member
Long winded intro... So I've had my NC700X for 5 years this month. Love it for what it is. It is my go to, everyday bike. I have a 1200RT for touring/two up days, and a Stratoliner cruiser that just sits now that I have the RT. I plan to get rid of the Stratoliner to make room for a new toy. This past weekend I did an MSF dirt bike school day and had a blast riding Honda 250's around a farm and trails. I have never ridden offroad/dirt bikes and this made me want to get a dirt bike. Unfortunately there aren't any dirt bike trails nearby -- closest are 1-2 hours away. I don't have a truck, nor do I want to get one just to be able to trailer a bike to the destination so that got me thinking about a dual sport. After 2 days of research I settle on the DR650 as the lightest, in-between, highway capable bike I want to consider. The other option, a KTM 690 is far to expensive to want to drop repeatedly in the woods I go out to test ride a cherry 2018 a guy is selling and it's literally the first bike I've ridden that didn't put a smile on my face. Granted it was a 5 minute jaunt down a rural 50 mph road, but it had some curves... and I came back and just felt MEH about it.
The point was to get something lighter than the NC, that would feel more nimble and more comfortable in the dirt. The NC to me feels more fun, and confidence inspiring in turns. I didn't really notice the weight difference. Maybe it was the height of the DR? The less traction of the dual sport tires? The additional wind from lack of fairing? Sharing all this to get others thoughts if you've ridden the DR650. Does what I experienced make sense? Does it go away as you get use to the bike? Or will it possibly continue to feel "ho hum"? It kinda has me wanting to just put dual sport tires on the NC. Only problem is I wouldn't have the nerve or skill to take the NC on the kinda dirt bike trails that I've got the itch for. I like the idea of a bike I don't mind dropping, and I'm ok picking up a bunch of times. Is there something better to consider?
Open to your guys opinions and thoughts.
The point was to get something lighter than the NC, that would feel more nimble and more comfortable in the dirt. The NC to me feels more fun, and confidence inspiring in turns. I didn't really notice the weight difference. Maybe it was the height of the DR? The less traction of the dual sport tires? The additional wind from lack of fairing? Sharing all this to get others thoughts if you've ridden the DR650. Does what I experienced make sense? Does it go away as you get use to the bike? Or will it possibly continue to feel "ho hum"? It kinda has me wanting to just put dual sport tires on the NC. Only problem is I wouldn't have the nerve or skill to take the NC on the kinda dirt bike trails that I've got the itch for. I like the idea of a bike I don't mind dropping, and I'm ok picking up a bunch of times. Is there something better to consider?
Open to your guys opinions and thoughts.