Dual-Purpose...?

Dual-Purpose...?

by Caroline
(Ohio)

I'm a complete beginner but I've been doing a lot of research on bikes. The main question I have is whether to buy a dual-purpose bike or something... bigger I guess.

I was attracted to the dual-purpose bikes because they seem to be cheaper and smaller than other regular street bikes. I don't actually plan on going off-road with the bike, I only want to ride in the street (probably not long high-way trips or anything). I'm also not looking to make a huge investment, this is mostly just a fun summer/hobby kind of thing for me.

Would buying a dual-purpose be okay or should I go for an actual bike? And if so, what models would you recommend? I need something...

1. Small enough for someone 5'4" 100lbs.

2. Either relatively inexpensive or common enough to easily find used.

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Dual-Purpose...?

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May 18, 2011

Dual-Purpose?
by: Anonymous

I am 5'4" and weigh 130. I have a 2007 Yamaha V-star 650 that I bought new and a 2006 BMW F650GS (dual sport). They are both awesome motorcycles. The Yamaha does better in the wind but the cruiser style does not take the corners as well or do as well for u-turns. The BMW is a little taller but definitely lighter. I did not realize I was losing some of my confidence in riding until I bought the BMW and am really enjoying the lighter weight. It also handles better on the dirt roads. I am flat footed on both motorcycles. The BMW has the low seat, low suspension. The Yamaha is an awesome looking motorcycle. I love both of them and would recommend either one. It just depends on what you like and are comfortable on. Good Luck!

Apr 22, 2011

How Little Ladies Ride
by: Rangermom

Hi, I use to race motorcycles when I was a young girl. My dad let me ride his Honda 350 SL. I loved that bike. When I got really good, he bought me my own bike. It was a brand new Yamaha 125. I dumped that thing at every turn. Within a week, he was taking it back to the dealer's. I learned that I didn't have the upper body strength to control that gnarly thing, and believe it or not, the larger bike was well centered and allowed me to take the turns with my legs. It was much powerful than the small bikes. I used my whole body to launch myself into the air on the ramps. It was a real crowd pleaser. Men who rate beginner bikes don't know that some women especially the small ones steer with their legs and their body, not with their arms.

Apr 11, 2011

Dual Purpose vs Street Bike
by: Anonymous

Oh, once you try and go off road and play in the mud and also some nice dry dirt roads off the beaten track it is lots of fun. All depends on where you live.

You don't have to go fast but there are so many wonderful off roads places to go play. Off road is good to as they handle well in the rain and iffy weather.

The BMW's are good but I think expensive. You could try a Ural ST made in Russia and they go on and off road and you can work on them yourself. The Yamaha has an dual purpose bike.

I think the BMW's are a bit tall for your height but the BMW folks are good to work with.

Good luck. Happy Riding what ever you choose!

Apr 10, 2011

BMW G650GS
by: Wanda

I highly recommend the BMW G650GS. With low seat and low suspension, the seat height is 29.5". I'm 5'4", and I can flat foot it with ease. It is also very easy for a beginner to handle. The G650GS has plenty of power to ride at highway speeds, so you are not apt to outgrow it as you gain experience. It is a comfortable street/touring bike in addition to being off road capable. I love the dual sport bikes, because you have the option of going down gravel and dirt roads if you want to. Dual sport bikes are not necessarily small, though. BMW's largest dual sport bike is a 1200cc and has loads of power.

Apr 10, 2011

Dual Sports
by: Robin_uganda

Hey Caroline,

One thing about dual sports is their purpose is to be very steady for long hauls on the road, but high enough, and tough enough to handle off road. I might be wrong, but most of the dual sports bikes I know are pretty high. The one I'm getting soon, the Kawasaki KLR has a 37" seat as do most of the Suzuki's & Honda's. I would think a low-rider would be way easier & more suitable if you're not going off road & if your legs aren't so long, because those seats are nose-bleed height & it takes a lot of muscle to keep an machine that heavy, placed that high, going where you want it to off road. Just sayin'

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