Starting with a dual sport

[dewaine]

Hi all,

I have posted in a couple of other areas, but without much response. I have never ridden before. My plan is to get a Yamaha 250 (not sure which one yet) dual sport, and after a year or two move up to a bigger street bike. My main concern is driving on public roads without being hit.

I have been reading Proficient Motorcycling, and plan on taking the safety course first thing after getting a permit.

Anyone else planning on starting out with a dual sport before getting a street or sport bike?

[GeländeStraße]

Me, but I've always ridden dirt bikes. Still a good idea since they have good positioning, usually handle well, and make decent torque.

Go for it. Nothing I can tell you about the public roads-they freak me out too.

EDIT: For the Yammie 250's, the XT and WR are pretty much it right now I think. If you're not riding much off road, what about the WR250X supermoto bike?

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/2008_Yamaha_WR250X.jpg

Edit again: Wow that's way too big. Just a link then...

[dewaine]

Me, but I've always ridden dirt bikes. Still a good idea since they have good positioning, usually handle well, and make decent torque.

Go for it. Nothing I can tell you about the public roads-they freak me out too.

EDIT: For the Yammie 250's, the XT and WR are pretty much it right now I think. If you're not riding much off road, what about the WR250X supermoto bike?
motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/2008_Yamaha_WR250X.jpg

Edit again: Wow that's way too big. Just a link then...

Thanks! Are you considering a street bike someday?

I will probably get whatever 250 is available in the store when I am ready to buy one. I like that WR250X, and the WR250F is similar. I want it to be street legal but I will spend 90% of the time on dirt roads that are mostly unused by the general public.

The little time I spend on public roads will be the quarter-mile distance to the dirt.

[DjWags]

Welcome to the forum!

250 for a first bike? Great decision. That coupled with the MSF course and the proper gear means you are on track to be a happy and healthy rider for a very long time.

In terms of driving on public roads without being hit, I can see why that would be a common fear. The MSF course will really help with your confidence. They will teach you the skills you need to avoid accidents in almost all scenarios. When you first start riding, begin in a parking lot or neighborhood. When you first start out on the road, ride at an off time. Get out there at 7 am, or after rush hour (but before the sun sets) Increasing your confidence and skills is easy when there is little traffic around. I'm sure many of our more experienced riders also have good advice to contribute

Hope that helps, and feel free to keep asking any and all questions you might have

[GeländeStraße]

Thanks! Are you considering a street bike someday?

I will probably get whatever 250 is available in the store when I am ready to buy one. I like that WR250X, and the WR250F is similar. I want it to be street legal but I will spend 90% of the time on dirt roads that are mostly unused by the general public.

The little time I spend on public roads will be the quarter-mile distance to the dirt.

I'd be careful with the WR250F as I'm not sure it's street legal. The dirt version of that bike is the WR250R and it's miles above any other quarter liter play bike.

Maybe eventually, I'd have to be more comfortable in traffic first. My ideal bike would be the Bandit 1250.

[dewaine]

I'd be careful with the WR250F as I'm not sure it's street legal. The dirt version of that bike is the WR250R and it's miles above any other quarter liter play bike.

Maybe eventually, I'd have to be more comfortable in traffic first. My ideal bike would be the Bandit 1250.


You are right -- I think the XT250 is what I want. They are all very similar, but some of them have lights (and are street legal). It might be a couple of months before I am ready to buy, though.

Do you know much about the XT250?

[GeländeStraße]

I should have stated myself better...the WR250R is the dirt version of the WR250X and is 100% street legal. Probably one of the best quarter liter non-racers out there.

The XT250 is supposed to be a great playbike-I've got limited experience with it though. Comfortable to sit on and ergonomically great, for me at least, but I have yet to ride one.