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on a proper dirt bike
After more trawling online it seems people stretch their service intervals if they're only using enduro bikes as dual sports. This makes me think a WR450f for example could work for local green lanes... it'd be lighter and much faster than any DR-Z. Obviously not great for motorways but imagine changing the gearing would help to bring the redline down. Probably still not good for hand or arse vibrations though.
jambon-
Beware stretching service intervals. There’s a lot of unconfirmed information floating about.
I was recommended smaller capacity the better for a first dirt bike. Made total sense the moment I found myself giving it an accidental fistful.
On green lanes is a total different experience to tarmac. Unless you’re a diehard dirt muppet, you’ll want mellow manageable power or risk frequent tyre changes.
4T, 450 anything would be a real beast. Like I said upthread, I’d choose a 450 and suffer the consequences if I had the choice now. My 350 is well enough power to get into trouble.
Bear in mind most narrow green lanes I’ve done so far are best served at 20mph, give or take. You’ll be going less than 10 most of the time and 25 when it stretches out.
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I don’t know anyone that’s blown up a WR450 - they’re more solid than the YZs, E-start too. It’d be a great choice. Tried to buy one here but there is no way to get them legally plated for street in CA.
Will be uncomfortable for long trips as the seats are typical razor-like dirt bike affairs but the vibes are not bad as all in my limited experience. Maybe a bit more than a DRZ but fine. I often wear bibs on longer rides for a bit of extra padding.
Awesome bikes off road - you’d never need more.
pdlouche
Jung
I’m still amazed at what you can get through on a proper dirt bike. There is just no comparison to anything else - they suck up hits that you can’t believe, blast through thick mud and deep sand. Basic radness.
Rebuilt the forks on the RM this weekend. Bit of a nightmare they were part disassembled with bits everywhere and I couldn’t find a good exploded diagram. Filthy inside too - they’re heavily pitted but fortunately it’s almost all above the line of travel. Hope they work - they bounce at least! Shitty chrome in the 70s clearly.