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Buy dad’s CRF!
Initially when I bought it last year it was probably 80% road, 20% lanes. I got a second set of wheels so I could enjoy proper grip in each situation. The aim was 50/50, but it had a lot of road use across the winter and almost no green lanes.
Since buying the XJ600, the DR350 is solely for green lanes now. The actual number of miles on tarmac vs unpaved is still up to 50/50. I have had to drive to/from lanes, and sometimes I use it for running errands in-between dirt riding. 10-15 miles each way on the road, plus transitions, maybe 60 miles or so in total across a few hours, you get the picture.
Mine being a ‘98 electric start means it was very road-oriented, with the CV carb and relatively high gearing. The original dirt models had lower gearing (different primary gears as well), and the pumper carb as standard.
Mine now has the pumper carb, and I have already added two teeth to the rear. It’s not quite lively enough so I’ll be dropping at least one tooth at the front as well.
Until now, I would climb or do technical work in first and slip the clutch when necessary. I want to get the front wheel lifting on command, so I’m keen to push what I did in first gear to second gear. I don’t mind the loss in top speed because it’s not a bike for speed.
Stock setup with road gearing and road tyres it was hella fun. Aggressive shifts and up to 80mph, but to be honest even 60mph is a bit unnecessary. So long as you can hit 50mph you can do the transitions between lanes.
On the lanes once you know them well, you go around 30mph. In the ruts and technical stuff you’re barely 5 or 10mph.
Modern ones like dad’s CRF250 (or new 300) are built for it. Fuel injected, easy to gear lower for more torque. Not fast, but not very heavy either. Dad did 1300 on the road and got the Royal Enfield because he never bothered using it on the dirt where it would really shine.
pdlouche-
Thanks for that, useful to know how dual sporting works in reality. I've been looking into them on and off for a year so that has to say something. Up until recently it seemed like most bikes were either too highly strung or pedestrian, baring older steeds like your DR or Honda XR's. The new CRF300L looks like a cracker and seems to fall in that middle ground of offroad capable and handle some motorways (if occasionally needed).
In all YouTube comments the CRF450L seems to be criticised for high price, low bhp and frequent servicing but that's my current thinking. The fact it's now been discontinued means I'll have to go 2nd hand but will try and sell the RSV and see what's about. A CRF250/300L would probably be fine but hoping to hold onto the bike for a long time so want to future proof things.
jambon
@jung the jealousy is real, will eventually get something similar for the srad. Liking the purposeful master cylinder bracket too. Bike looks in cracking nick up close too.
@pdlouche think I'm sold on this off road business, going to try and sell the RSV to purchase something with knobbly tyres. Looks super atmospheric. Our of interest what % of your riding with the DR350 if off road? Still trying to get my head around dual sports whilst investigating local green lanes.
Unrelated to the above, have been watching this guy on YouTube and had to share. Bless him he's very enthusiastic but something very Partridge about him.
https://youtu.be/C11F7QVSFtU