Could be some tough (good) choices ahead for us dual sport riders

I'm saving my money now (hopefully lots of it lol, cause I think i'm gonna need it).

Dual sport bikes are perhaps the last bastion of conservatism (neglect even) of the motorcycle industry it seems to me...but things are getting heated up real good lately...thanks to certain manufacturers stepping up the game and perhaps showing that there's a real demand here (and money to be made).

I'm not sure exactly what has inspired the turn around (after so little offerings for so long) and placed more focus on dual sport bikes, but i'm sure glad it's happening. There has never been a better time to be a dual sporter.

Let me explain;

The new BMW/Husqvarna is gonna be amazing even if it's only 1/2 as good as expected and is offered in a TE street legal version (should be right?). And, even if it isn't, the current TE's rock!

I happen to love the G450X and would own one in a heartbeat if I didn't already have two new Husqvarnas at home, and wasn't anticipating what's coming down the pike for 2011-12.

The amazing Husaberg FE series are supposed to be street legal (off the showroom floor) for 2011 (so I heard). Need I say more? This bike will have extended fuel range thanks to the after market subframe fuel tank too. Wouldn't be a sweeter thing on the planet IMO. Hopefully they'll be factory street legal for 2011, we'll see.

And...what if Suzuki finally decides to update the DRZ and make it a sub 300lb, EFI, 450cc Bike with good new looks? Could happen as it's looooong over due.

And...what if Yamaha finally decides to offer up a street legal WR450R?

Tough choices could lie ahead, but there's never been a better time to be a dual sporter.

Much as I love the Husqvarna and the potential of the new model, I'm seriously stoked about the possibility of the FE570 being street legal off the showroom floor for 2011. This bike excites the Hell outta me.

So park that KLX 650 and let's ride!

Just thinking out loud on a cold overcast day.

What do you think?

I'm looking forward to a street legal Husa FE 390. I would also like to see something based off of the new KTM 350 motor.

Doh! Almost forgot about KTM.

I think maybe the SuperMoto phenomenon could be what's behind the new "street legal dirtbike" offerings that are now available. Makes me wonder. Supermotos are becoming increasingly popular. I have one and I keep seeing more of em on the road....so maybe the dual sport versions of these are incidental?

come up to washington and buy an fe 390. they come with a plate here.

^^^Very cool.
Dual sporting is what i'm all about too lately. Maybe I should say hard core dual sporting?
I do it all. A typical ride for me is some road riding to get to the trails and then hit the hard core single track. Mud, hills, tight windy technical situations etc.

Ride a little more road to get whatever necessities I/we may need -then back to the trails. Always on look out for more new unexplored territory. It's not always just about race pace on the single track, but rather exploring new lands too.

Some times I'll just go for a road ride with my dual sport (which is why I tend to prefer the larger displacement bikes). It is for me, a motorcycle; a motorcycle that is also a thoroughbred dirtbike. I have little use for a full on street only bike anymore. (though I do have 09 SMR510 and love the hell out of it).

Anyway, this is why it's of paramount importance for any bike I consider to be factory street legal. No headaches, no problems with DMV renegging the plate months later, and go-anywhere capability. A dirtbike that goes on the street.

I'm very happy with the latest offerings because the TE line is a great dirtbike and 100% street legal. It's not great on the street, but it works well enough. It is after all; a dirtbike first. Life is good.

Hell, if we want something a little more street oriented, there's the 610.
There really is alot available to us today.
(still can't wait for 2011 though)

The only Berg that will be street legal in the near future is the 2011 FE570.

Oh man, let's hope so because that's exactly the one I want.
Hope they're on the showroom floors by September.
I'm gonna help the economy out a little bit and bring one home as soon as they're available.

I'd love to move to Washington. California is squeezing the life out of my small business. Unfortunately, my market is here.

we're only about 12 hours away. i think a riding road-trip is in your future.

Last January at a local motocross race I was in. A guy came to the track with a new Husaberg FE450 (headlight, kickstand and all) and was entered in the 45+ master class. He was the last guy into the first turn and worked his way from last to first (almost like he did this on purpose). Very funny to see this bike flying around an MX track (with headlight on) and beating the CRF, KXF,RMZ's.
I guess my point is, this bike is a bad A##! Street, trails, MX, anything

Thanks for the link Motosportz! Funny stuff. Yes, I great rider can win on almost anything.

Another point is, It's all about the rider

And I'd say the dual-sports bikes coming from Husky and others in the next 1-5 yrs should be very good

PS -- No radiators on that ATK looks very good!