I've been thinking about getting a duel sport, not a big one, something in the 250/300 range. Mainly lookin at kawasaki 230s and the honda 300 and 300s. Anybody have one or have input on those bikes? Mainly just to tool around on, not lookin at goin 70 mph, just cruising at 35-50 mph.

Bought this one yesterday. Maybe a little bigger than what your looking at but it rides nice.

used to ride a freinds 4 stroke Honda 250 it was a nice size , it would propel a 250 pound me 60mph on the highway , that wasn't very pleasant with no wind shield but it would do it.

I did a lot more fire lanes in the woods, around the farm and even played on a dirt bike course the day before the race while they were finishing it up with permission.

it was a lot of fun and the only way I see myself on a motorcycle in the future , people on the road are nuts

this was a early 90s bike and it was about 95-97 I was riding it

I see those utility bikes they have in Australia and think that would be handy top speed around 40 and geared to get around fields and check fences , with racks to carry gear and fuel.

650s are a nicer ride and engine isn't at such high rpm at cruising speeds

Used to have a DR350. Loved that bike!! Perfect for putting around but road up the road 55mph just really nice!! Wish I still had it!

Here is my '96, DR350. First year with electric start ... (IIRC)
Had a KLR 660, rode a DR 650 .... and several others.
This one fits me to "T".

That brings back some memories!!!!! I had the exact same one!! Who can't forget the purple frame!! That is really cool!! Yes out of every bike I ever had, that was the best bike I ever owned!! Thanks for sharing the pic!!

btw, the klr was a 650, not 660.
I got the Dr used about 5 years ago.Barely any paint rubbed at the pegs, about 4000 miles.
Very reliable too ! 6 speed, it'll go slow, and 65 for a long time with ease.
Paid 2000 for it. was offered 2500 for it this spring.

I like the simplicity of it, all air cooled. No radiator or oil cooler. The oil circulated through the frame tubing to help cool it.

Miss my IT 400 Yamaha. That thing could climb a tree if could hang onto it. We used to ride in an old quarry and was a blast.

If you are a shorter guy like me, the Yamaha xt250 is a real sweetheart. Fuel injected, light, single cyl air cooled. I've owned many since 1984 and never a single problem.

I'd be curious what ur plans are for it. Is it just for rides within 6 or 8 miles of house. Trail riding in the country or will there be some trips 20+ miles from the house. I got the 650 because I wanted something I could ride out here in the country but could also take it on longer day trips.
When you say dual sport I think of something you can get out on Highway and cruise down highway at 65 without making engine scream but still can handle rougher roads

No long rides. I've never had a motorcycle so just don't wanna kill myself! Just country cruising on some back roads, riding around the farm a little. The " duelsport" is what they call bikes that are "dirt bikes" but also street legal.

One day I'd like to get myself a Yamaha TW200 for off-road use mostly around the farm.

My dr650 I bought in august. I had never risen a motorcycle before and wanted something for dirt roads but could also go highway if I wanted. I just rode over 200 miles on dirt and gravel roads with it last Sunday. It’s been a great bike. It sounds like the smaller DR may be better suited for you.

Can't go wrong with an old DR......

If you are bran new to riding, you might go for one of the shorter rides, where you can get both feet flat on the ground.
Unless you got long legs. There are lowering suspension links, they only help a bit.
Learn to ride real slow, in tight circles and figure 8's.
Watch Motorman Jerry Palladino's Ride Like a Pro vids.
The better you can control it, the safer you will be (and will do less damage to the bike).

I've never owned a motorcycle until 2 days ago. Hadn't ridden one for probably 30 years. I was a little worried about getting a 650 as I'm a novice but I wanted something I could cruise down the highway with too so I got the 650. Have had it 2 days and can say I'm glad I got it. Don't feel like it's too much power or to big of a bike for my skill level. It's easy to put around on but has more power if you want. Probably geared a little to high for regular putting around farm or if all your riding will be under 4o mph. Haven't got out of 3rd gear yet. Lol. But I'm pleasantly surprised on how easy it is to control the power of it. It isn't going to jump out from under u while your learning to ride.

The Kawasaki klx300 is more comparable to the Honda crf300L

I'd pass on the Kawasaki klx230

Both 300' s are a little more money but have more travel and better suspension . More power and liquid cooled . More ground clearance

Id choose the Honda over the Kawasaki but either will be super reliable .

One of the best bikes for the money right there . Really reliable , I've talked to guys who have run all over the USA with those bikes and no major problems