D/S Newbie need some advise KTM 690 or Honda XR400 or?????

[Jb1rd]

New to this forum as I spend way to much time over in the Van section trying to figure out the subtleties of Camper Van ownership. Here is my dilemma, I want a dual sport that I can hitch mount to the back of my E350 camper van. A good friend has both and has offered to sell me the 400 it is a 99 or 2000 with some great mods, bigger tank, better seat, steering dampener, triple crown shocks, new pegs, tuned and has an aftermarket speedo, for $2500 or I have been searching the 690's and the cheapest I can find one for is around $5500, when you are lucky enough that is, otherwise upwards of $8k and beyond. Yes it is a much newer bike 08-09 vs 99-00 but what are things I should be aware of. I have heard more than a few people say that the XR is damn near bullet proof, and I have heard that the KTM although a little more wrench heavy is a REALLY nice bike. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! (size and weight wise I think they are close enough as to not be a factor for hitch hauling)

 

[Jb1rd]

Over a 100 views and not one opinion?? Its a freaking miracle!

 

[agavelvr]

(size and weight wise I think they are close enough as to not be a factor for hitch hauling)

true, but they are completely different bikes on the trail. The Honda is probably going be a little more fun on tight single track and keep more cash in your pocket. I carry my 690 on the back of a tacoma with no issues FWIW.

 

[elmo_4_vt]

Sorry if your not interested in other another option, but I'd expand my search a bit. The XR's are pretty good, but you can also go with DRZ or a WR250R that would be very similar in weight/power. If you're just looking at those two, easily get the XR until you get some miles under your belt. Sounds like like the price is pretty good with the mods that are already on it, and you should be able to sell it in a year or two for around the same money if you want to trade up then. The XR is definitely more of an enduro than the KTM though, which since your towing it around, it probably more what you're after. The 690 will still be great off road, but by KTM standards, leans towards touring I think. Just my two cents as a guy who's never riden either, but is looking for a DRZ, and owns a KLR and has gone through more than a few street bikes.

Don

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[Jb1rd]

Certainly interested in options, narrowed down to these 2 specifically for two reasons really; 1 the group I am riding with mainly ride the 690's, and it just seems to make sense that if one of us has an issue there may be more potential to fix the problem. 2 the XR is sitting and available and I trust what has been done to it and the price is pretty darn good to boot. I happened to stumble upon a 2007 BMW g650 x at a pretty good price too.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Are you new to motorcycles or just dual sports? If just dual sports I would go for that beemer personally, or a dr650. If new to bikes completely I would be looking for a 250.

 

[Jb1rd]

New to D/S, I am going with the XR for now as the price point is to good to pass up and allows me to spend sometime learning without fear of messing up a really nice and expensive bike to repair. From what I have been told and the research I have done thus far the XR is bullet proof and at this price going to hold steady its value. Once I decide my level of interest then I can start looking at the Beemer's and KTM's

 

[agavelvr]

New to D/S, I am going with the XR for now as the price point is to good to pass up and allows me to spend sometime learning without fear of messing up a really nice and expensive bike to repair. From what I have been told and the research I have done thus far the XR is bullet proof and at this price going to hold steady its value. Once I decide my level of interest then I can start looking at the Beemer's and KTM's

Great choice Best part is, as time marches forward, you can keep that XR for trails and add a 690 later when you get the moto travel bug with trail capability.

 

[wingysataday]

I would get the XR for now and ride the snot out of it. After you D/S for a while you can see what you want. that XR will have trouble on the freeway so don't expect 80mph. Other than that it will be an economical choice!