What bike you buy depends on what kind of riding you want to do, and
you haven't told us that. The KLR is a great do-it-all bike, with the
emphasis on the middle of the spectrum. It's not a road racer or trail
bike, but it's fast and fun in the twisties and can get you down some
pretty sketchy roads and wide trails.
When you say 'serious dirt bike' do you mean full knobs/no lights or
license, or do you mean 'serious dual-sport?' If you want a real dirt
bike, then you don't want a KLR. If you want a utilitarian enduro
style bike that will help you make the jump the the GSA, the KLR is a
good choice. The KLR will definitely go more places than the R80ST
unless you just don't care what the Beemer looks like when you get
back.
__Arden
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "snowymountainsmick"
wrote:
>
> I have a 1984 R80ST and am thinking about getting a dirt bike as
well.
>
> I am drawn to the KLRs, but am thinking I'd be better off getting a
> more dirt capable bike like the Husky 610 or Gas Gas 450. I feel
that
> the KLR won;t do much the R80ST couldne't do in a pinch. I know you
> guys are biased, but what do you feel??????????????
>
> PS, the reason I am thinking serious dirt bike is I will probably
buy
> a BMW Adventurer next year.
>