best dual sport for a short guy

[CopaMundial]

So one key question the OP never answered (that I saw) was what do you mean when you say:

Originally Posted by quietfighting

we will be carrying a motorcycle on a carrier with us.

What sort of carrier are you talking about.
When I think "carrier" I start to think of like a hitch hauler or something. I know it's possible, but I certainly wouldn't want to be putting a big 650 on there... especially not some of the heavy pigs that people are mentioning here.
XRL??
BMW??

I have no set opinion on the appropriate bike, but one thing I do know is you should pretty much disregard the stuff some of these guys have said without asking what type of transport you're going to use for the bike.

[spawnx66]

I don't think I've seen it mentioned yet, but how about the BMW Xcountry?

[Dranrab Luap]

If you are going to be putting many miles on a DR650, you will want a more comfortable seat. The Corbin seat for the DR is a good one, and is lower than the factory seat. You may find that the DR is just right with the Corbin. If not, then It should be perfect if you lower it.

[FizDog]

Originally Posted by spawnx66

I don't think I've seen it mentioned yet, but how about the BMW Xcountry?

Let me know if you find one for $2000

[WestOzKLX]

DR350 fits the bill IMO. Should be plenty around too, Built tough too.

[J-Ball]

Originally Posted by spidennis

I had the first 90' model and what a pain that was to kick over as a shorter guy. You have to use the kick stand, and that's ok on a straight and level road service but when does that ever happen? Seemed like never! I got the DR350 next with a happy button, but missed the power of the 650.

My XT350 is a kick start only and even when it's not running at tip top it still starts very easily. I have a 30" inseam and don't start it with the kick stand down. Once I learned the proper technique for starting a 4 stroke I can start it very easily every time. It's all about the technique!!! E-Start is nice, don't get me wrong, but it does add a bit of weight, cost and more to go wrong I guess...

Again, there's something to say about light weight, it makes up for alot in the end!

[bluepoof]

Sorry if this was already mentioned, but a KLR will work with the lowering links on it. I put about 100 miles on a buddy's KLR with 3" links and it was surprisingly doable (I'm 5'1" with a 28" inseam).

[spidennis]

Originally Posted by CopaMundial

So one key question the OP never answered (that I saw) was what do you mean when you say:



What sort of carrier are you talking about.
When I think "carrier" I start to think of like a hitch hauler or something. I know it's possible, but I certainly wouldn't want to be putting a big 650 on there... especially not some of the heavy pigs that people are mentioning here.
XRL??
BMW??

I have no set opinion on the appropriate bike, but one thing I do know is you should pretty much disregard the stuff some of these guys have said without asking what type of transport you're going to use for the bike.

Very good point ..... what type of carrier is being used?
Anyone use a hitch carrier to carry their DR650 around?
or any 650?

[Crawdaddy]

[GaThumper]

Originally Posted by J-Ball

+1 for the XT350 or DR350. Everything you need and noting more. Power? Should be plenty for all but the steepest long hills at high speeds. Downshift and punch it, you'll be fine. Definitly a good bike for us short leggers.

+2 for the DR350, get a '98 or '99 DR350SE model to get the better "dirt" model suspension and rejet and open the airbox up for a nice bump in power. Ride height is OK for my short legged 5'9" riding buddy and there are lowering links available from Kouba if needed.

More power can be had by changing the CV carb to the dirt model pumper, and if you really feel the need for speed there is much more that can be done. (Higher compression piston in the stock bore, head porting for better airflow, and bore and sleeve to a 441cc for lot's more usable power and torque)

Stock suspension is decent if you set it up with the correct springs front and rear for your weight (with passenger if that's your primary riding use) and the rear shock can be rebuilt by Cogent Dynamics for a big improvement if you want.

[Guy Jinbaiquerre]

Originally Posted by Bucho

If your new bride has agreed to bring a motorcycle along and ride you, I'm sure you will have a great time no matter what.

Indeed.

[LILBIT]

Originally Posted by Crawdaddy

Damn! I have two images. Early Kiss- Gene Simmons -and a big froed hoochie in 1979. "You looken' for a date honey?"

[OzAzza]

Here is a good option..Why use a carrier, when you've got a glove box to store it in instead....

[sw3dl1]

The Suzuki DR650 is a lead pipe cinch for the requirements you have stated. The BMW f650gs does have a lower seat height but the price will bw twice as high. The DR is bullet proof realiable.

[MillCreek]

Just yesterday, I picked up a 2008 Suzuki DR650 with 17 miles on the odometer. It already had been lowered and had the gel seat installed. Recalling that I have a 32 inch bicycling inseam (barefoot from the floor to my pubic bone), I easily flatfoot the bike on both sides.