Originally posted by MrCrowley
All little of topic from your thread, but I have been considering a BMW F650 Dakar. Will probably customize it. As a 30 year old street bike novice, would you guys recommend the R 1150 GS over it? There is a big price difference, and it will be for true dual purpose, so I am kind of sitting on the line to decide.
Both of those bikes are too big for true dual sport riding. A KLR650, XR650 or LC4 would be the biggest you would want to take on a DS ride and even those bike are a little out of their element on our side of the Mississippi. Plus BMWs and Triumphs are expensive to drop. If you venture off the pavement very often you WILL drop the bike.

The DRZ400 is a fantastic DS bike for a novice rider and can be modded easily if you want a little more off-road capability later. Converted WR450s and KTM EXCs are very popular too. It's not hard to get them titled and tagged if you know the trick. If you want to get into the sport, my DS riding partner lives in Hunstville and I can put you in touch with him. A very, very interesting man. He started riding when he was 45 and is now 73 and still going strong. I followed him for two solid days of riding up in Northern Virginia last month and was amazed at his balance, his reflexes and his ability to pick lines. He attributes his fitness and mental sharpness to off-road riding.

Try it - you'll like it!