What should I be looking for?

[zacharyikari]

I've been considering buying a dirtbike or a dualsport lately.
I'd like it mainly for in-town/city riding, maybe interstate, but I dont want a large bike. I'm thinking something in the 450cc-600cc range, and I'm partial to Honda's and bikes with a similar look and feel.
I recently found the CRF230M on the Honda website, but it's a little newer than something I'd be comfortable buying as a first bike, and also too expensive. I'm looking for something no more than $1500, which may seem unrealistic, but I'm willing to compromise within a few hundred. This purchase will definitely wait until I pay off my car, and until I get a more reliable job, but I'd still like to know what to look for.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[rexmitchell]

First welcome to the forum! Second you should look for something that has two wheels! Sorry, I had to, I see you are looking for a honda, I work with 3 guys that ride KLR 650's and they rave about them. You may want to check them out, supposedly they are the most reliable dual sports out there, they are also reasonably priced.

[Dodsfall]

$1500 could get you a decent used dual sport if you look around a bit. The big four all make good dual sport bikes.