I pretty much just want to ride off road now, Just use the bike to get to the green lanes. I don't enjoy riding on the roads with all the idiots out there who don't pay any attention or the amount of Police looking to make some cash by hiding behind corners with their ray guns. I have a car too, so use that for work as need to carry Servers, Computers around to customer sites. So I never really commute on the bike, only if the car was broken. The trouble is I don't live right next to any off road sections so need to ride there, reliability is a factor on the bike but I can deal with doing an oil change every 300 - 500 miles it really isn't a big deal. Takes all of about 30 mins taking your time. I know everyone turns around and says get a DRZ, the reality is I don't want one. They are heave and will end up not being satisfied with one. I understand about the power to weight on these bikes, don't get me wrong I do enjoy the 610 and think it's a great bike. Just that its a bit heavy for the riding we do and I need to spend too much money on it to turn it into a TE with suspension etc.
You got it mate. Drz's are toss, don't bother. Sounds like a TE510 or the Yamaha could be a good punt. I think the ktm 450 or 525 exc are meant to be good too. Must admit now I may not need to commute on my 610 much anymore I'm thinking going for a lighter weight jobbie
It's not going to be a 499 or 511, but take everything off it that you don't need, send the shocks out to a good suspension tech, jd tuner, pipe, 13-49 gearing and practice ( learn how to use the weight of the bike, not muscle it as much ). You'll learn to ride it fast in the woods!
