I recently got a serious itch to hop on a self-propelled bike and ditch the mt. bike.  Rode quite a bit as a teenager, all off-road three-wheelers and quads.  My neighbor came home with a 2003 Kawasaki KLR650 which got me going full throttle towards getting my own.  The only thing I know for sure is that I want a dual purpose bike so that I can quench my thirst for some off-road action.  I am 6'1, 185 and would like something I can take my wife on occasionally.  It seems as though that would warrant a 650.  The kawasaki seemed like a good ride but I hate the color.  I need some recommendations.

There are alot of people that would suggest a DRZ400.  You might think about an XR650, though.  Stay away from the KLR650, unless you only want to do fire roads and less technical trails.  Most importantly, go to your local dealer and throw a leg over some bizikes!

The XR 400 is pretty cool, its discontinued but if you look hard enough you'll find a decent one. The XR 400 is like a nice thick college party chick, its a little on the chunky side but it always gives you a good time and you don't have to worry about it being high maintainance.

For two people, you really want a 650.  Your choices for a factory 650 dual sport are the Suzuki DR650, the Honda XR650L or the Kawasaki KLR 650.  The Kawi has the best road manners and worst off-road manners.  The Honda would be best off road and would not give up much to the Kawi on-road.  The Suzuki is more like the Honda than the Kawi.

Since you're 6'1" tall and will have the legs for it, there is only one clear choice according to your own list of requirements...

Suzuki's DRZ400S

Those 650s are real pigs off road, and more work than fun on single track trails.

You know you want one...

http://www.nova4x4.c...1005/mybike.jpg