First Bike Advice Needed

I need some sage GRM advice: I'm in the market for my first bike and am looking for some suggestions. I want a dual sport as there are lots of desert tracks to explore in So Cal but won't be hitting the motorcross track. I realise that i will be giving up some on road performance but that is ok as this is just a toy not a DD. Looking for something basic, reliable, and not too expensive ($2k - $3k). What should I be searching Craigslist for??

KLR650 http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/mcy/2885141105.html

DRz http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/2890613373.html

DR350 http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/mcy/2893068114.html

The KLR is probably the most utilitarian motorcycle you can buy. Cheap, Reliable, lots of aftermart.
read ADVRider.com

There aren't too many bad choices among Japanese four cylinder dual sports - they're all fairly beginner friendly, as long as you can get your feet on the ground when you sit on them. A 650 may be faster on the road, while a 250 or 350 can be better off road.

In reply to MadScientistMatt: Suggest you try several different bikes on for size before purchasing.

The Honda XL600 may be a good choice if the size is good for you

I may buy a dual purpose bike soon. The DRz 400 is currently my dream dual purpose bike, but they're still a little pricey on the used market. Plus there a bunch of different versions, so you need to understand what you're shopping for. I may end up settling for a DR 650.

MadScientistMatt wrote: There aren't too many bad choices among Japanese four cylinder dual sports -

I hope you meant four stroke.

I bought a dual-sport as my first bike. I am the kind of guy who endlessly researches stuff before he buys (to me, that's part of the fun of shopping). I chose a KLR650 and couldn't be happier. Pros: there are lots of them out there, and they easily fit in your price range. Cheap to fix, dependable, and hundreds and hundreds of cool 'farkles' to make it what you want. If you decide you don't like it, you'll never have trouble selling it. It's capable of 70-80 on the paved road and will go on any improved dirt road and most two tracks. Cons: HEAVY. It's on the edge of what I can probably pick up when it drops. It does require you to have some dirt riding skillz to not crash on loose surfaces. The water cooling gives durability but adds weight and is something else to potentially go wrong. Trans really needs another gear. It's a Kawasaki, so the build quality isn't like a Honda. Windshield is useless, and the seat sucks, but there are solutions to both. It's not good at any one thing, but does it all reasonably well.

I'd grown up riding little Honda 50 and 90cc bikes on the dirt so I have a pretty good feel for gravel riding. Haven't dropped the KLR yet, but I'm sure that day is coming. If you've got zero dirt skills I'd suggest starting with something smaller, maybe as little as a 250. A lot of the 250's are surprisingly road capable and the lighter weight makes it really tossable. That said, I had some fear starting out on a big pig 650 but adapted after just a few days out with it and am glad I didn't buy a smaller bike and then want to upgrade a year later, so I don't know that there is a single good answer for this.

The KLR is pretty tall; I'm long legged and I still have to tippy-toe the thing at stop lights. You can buy lowering links to reduce the ride height though. I think it's very wise to test-fit yourself to whatever choices people may suggest and see what fits you; being comfortable on it is pretty important. I'm obviously biased to the KLR but the DR is also an excellent bike. The Hondas tend to be more off-road oriented and not as comfortable on the road, and you'll also pay a price premium for those. Browse the ADV forum as was suggested; their search engine sucks but there's always someone asking the "What bike?" question in the Thumper forum.

Correct, I was thinking four stroke, one cylinder, and somehow two words got dropped.

Thanks for all the advice.