Best Dual sport Bike?
 

I am thinking about selling/trading my 2009 Triumph speed triple to get a street legal dirt bike. I'm just not having much fun on the Triumph riding in traffic. I want a light weight bike with great suspension for riding in the desert and it will also be used occasionally to commute 12 miles to Work on city streets.
Since GasGas doesn't sell this kind of bike I thought this would be the best place to get non-biased opinions. In Washington state you can make almost any bike street legal but I would prefer to have a bike that is legal in all 50 states.
So far I am leaning toward the KTM 500 EXC. What do you think:rolleyes:

Jeff
2012 GasGas 300 EC
2009 Triumph speed triple

Off road; GasGas 300. Anytime on any road; see attached. I know it's not a dual sport. But, I like having one for each "sport". Had over 50 bikes of all types. Now own two of my all time favorites. My GG300 and this 2005 carbureted 103. However, can't hardly beat those KLR's for DS. Pricewise, dependability, parts availability, maintenance.

Check this out if you want to stay with a GasGas.

It is down towards the bottom of the page.
http://www.lewisportusa.com/for_sale.htm

Take a look at the Beta RS line 450 and 500.

Modern KTM XCW/EXC 450 or 500. Even a 350. The 6th gear does wonders when from cruel sport to true (paved) Dual Sport.

I had a 09 530 exc and now a 500 exc they both have been excellent. If your street use is limited it is a very good choice.

Can't go wrong with a Husky 630.

My cruel sport bike is a barely-used 2005 WR450.

It really needs a 6th gear and a weight reduction on the order of 40 pounds.

If cashflow is a concern...Tough to beat a DR650. Cheap, reliable, and they are all pretty much the same from 96-2012. However, if you lean heavily to the off-road side, then maybe a more suitable bike would be XR650L or EXC 500. Have ridden modern versions of all three. The common denominator...heavy. WR450 would also make a fine choice, as well as a 450X. Hmmmm, so many choices...at least common ones around here.

I have a XR650l I usually put on 35-45 miles round trip to town often and put many miles off road. It is single track capable but definitely heavy . Desert type riding is sweet!!!