Dual Use Dirt bike

[Team4LongGun]

I'm looking for a bike that I can use to scout forest service roads, and possibly day hunt with in certain locales where legal of course.
I'd also like it to be fun with some dual use of joy riding. I've read the other bike threads, and while they gave some good info, not sure I have a model in mind that will suit my needs. Haven't been on a dirt bike in 15 years so I'm out of the loop.

Anyone have a bike they use for this, let me know-thanks.

Dave

 

[Fullfan]

I have a xr600r and a crf230 both Hondas. The big XR is just that, big and powerful. The 230 is small quiet and nimble. Had to install small light bar on the 230. I use the 230 for hunting and scouting when chasing Sept bulls. I guess it all depends on what you are wanting it for. Yamaha makes a street legal big wheel TW200 they are worth looking at.

 

[Gobbler36]

230’S are hard to beat for what you want

I’m a two stroke guy and ride a lot of single track so the 200 & 300 XCW are my bikes of choice if you want a little more fun factor!

 

[Brown229]

I know you are thinking a dirt bike. Have you ever looked into the electric bikes for hunting. Great for scouting and hunting. Totally quiet. Great off road capability. Newer versions have an incredible distance between charges. Backcou and QuietKat are great ones.

 

[ramsdude47]

Depending on your size, anything under 500cc isn’t going to be fun going over 60mph on pavement for long distances. What exactly do you have in mind for your joy rides?

On the flip side the big bikes also will be less maneuverable off road. You have to prioritize one at the expense of the other. The Honda 650 is supposed to be the best off-road true dual sport. I bought a BMW 650 Dakar, and it’s okay off road but it’s 425 pounds.

 

[mtnbiker208]

check out surron bikes

 

[sacklunch]

Tagging in, trying really hard to justify an enduro instead of a sxs for much the same.

Ride KTM and Yamaha drowning up, but like you OP, have had a bike in well over a decade

 

[bigmoose]

Check out the Suzuki DR650.

 

[4rcgoat]

230’S are hard to beat for what you want

I’m a two stroke guy and ride a lot of single track so the 200 & 300 XCW are my bikes of choice if you want a little more fun factor!

Man those new '23' KTM 300 fuel injected 2 strokes look really fun.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Depending on your size, anything under 500cc isn’t going to be fun going over 60mph on pavement for long distances. What exactly do you have in mind for your joy rides?

On the flip side the big bikes also will be less maneuverable off road. You have to prioritize one at the expense of the other. The Honda 650 is supposed to be the best off-road true dual sport. I bought a BMW 650 Dakar, and it’s okay off road but it’s 425 pounds.

I'm 6' 210 and know my much bigger brothers KX500 was not fun for me. I definitely want a lighter bike. As far as joy rides, I doubt I'd be doing much on the highway, guess I meant just ripping around on dirt road around here, where as scouting would be much slower going.

 

[Team4LongGun]

I should clarify it's going to mostly be for forest service roads. The joy riding is just a bonus and prob not very often.
I don't want something very heavy-I'd like to think it will get put in truck bed or on trailer at times, with me needing to lift it alone to fit with other gear.

 

[idahomuleys]

I have used a yamaha ttr230 the last 5 or so years. It is a great hunting bike. I have a cyclerack and street legal kit on it. It gets used and abused and holds up great. Can't recommend getting a ttr230 or crf230 enough. They have enough power to get anywhere you need to while being geared well for hunting.

Also, lightweight if you get in a sticky spot. TWs are stupid heavy and Big Wheels dont maneuver well and will send you right off the trail on a switchback. Not sure why those bikes are so popular, overhyped.

 

[Team4LongGun]

There is a honda crf250 and a Kawi 230sm in stock nearby. Any thoughts on which one?

Is it me or these bikes look tiny? Am I going to look like an idiot or even fit on this?

 

[Gobbler36]

If I was gonna just use it for service roads and old logging type roads to hunt off of an e-bike would be really tempting but here in Idaho the single track is just to fun to ride in the summers on a 200 or 300 2 stroke

230’s also run forever low maintenance etc

 

[Ice-kub]

Anyone know the availability of suspension parts for the Honda and kawi 230 size bikes? I don't believe there's as much support for bikes like that but could be wrong. Having the suspension set up for your size/weight/application can make an okay bike great. My buddy and I have the same ktm 300's, his is sprung for 260# plus gear, mine is set for 175# plus gear. His bike rides like a lumber wagon to me, mines much to soft for him. Just something to think about.

 

[Gobbler36]

There is a honda crf250 and a Kawi 230sm in stock nearby. Any thoughts on which one?

Is it me or these bikes look tiny? Am I going to look like an idiot or even fit on this?

I’m a Honda guy so the crf 250f would be my pick the Kawi KLX 300 might be worth a look

Kawasaki KLX®300R | Off-Road Motorcycle | The Ultimate Trail Bike

The Kawasaki KLX®300R trail bike is powered by a 292cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single and features a lightweight perimeter frame for ultimate off-road thrills.

www.kawasaki.com

 

[Dust Rider]

Look for a used 2017 and newer KTM 250 or 300 xcw 2 stroke.
They are not like the two strokes of old. Newer ones have EFI and direct oil injection.
My 300 is light, nimble and our great state of Montana allowed me to slap on a license plate. Most fun enduro bike I have owned in the last 35 years.

 

[Chuckybmd]

There is a honda crf250 and a Kawi 230sm in stock nearby. Any thoughts on which one?

Is it me or these bikes look tiny? Am I going to look like an idiot or even fit on this?

I’d say no on the CRF 250. I bought a CRF 450 and tried to make it a good trail/Woods bike but it always had problems because that’s not what it was designed for I would avoid motocross bikes. They have a lot of pep but struggle in rough terrain. They’re meant to be ridden wrapped out.

Get the CRF 250X if you want a Honda. The card 250 L is another option. That’s more of a hybrid bike that can be street legal.

 

[Chuckybmd]

230’S are hard to beat for what you want

I’m a two stroke guy and ride a lot of single track so the 200 & 300 XCW are my bikes of choice if you want a little more fun factor!

I traded in my CRF 450 for a 2023 XCW 300 TPI. Haven’t regretted it for a minute love being back on a two stroke!

 

[mpb21]

I have a tw and I wished I’d done something more along the lines of what Idahomuleys mentioned.

I use the hell out of my tw for modest trails and forest service roads. It’s perfect for those types of places. As far as a bike goes it’s great for hauling meat because of its short stature and stability on decent surfaces. My wife hops on with me some times and we’ll comfortably cover 30+ miles in a day.

It’s lacks in power big time if you meet a long steep grade but can usually keep it in low gear and get up those steep grades cautiously. It’s also not great for small trails or even remotely sketchy places. Too heavy to try and muscle around.

That being said I love my tw for what it is. I’ll be getting another bike here soon for those more technical places.