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Maybe this is another sign of better things to come. Both Yamaha and Honda have 200cc class dual-sports for '08. Are they just starting there to test the waters...putting out their feelers?? Hopefully they will follow up with 400cc class models, but only if they sell enough of the 200cc models.? The specs don't look too bad...its 267 lbs. WET, has pretty good honda suspension with a low seat height of 31.9 in , maybe the best thing about it is a 6 speed transmission for those short highway jaunts. "Only" $4500

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle ... d=CRF230L8

I wonder if the reason for the 200cc bikes is the popularity of this size in the developing and underdeveloped world?

I believe that in Mexico that larger bikes are taxed heavily. I do know that when there I saw smaller displacement bikes made by the manufacturer to look like larger ones. Thus a large market exists for 200cc bikes. Not much additional engineering to make it work in CA and the other 49 states.

In the third world economy would be paramount due to limited funds to pay for petrol. The roads aren't any good, so high speed isn't an issue.

For any reason, cool.

Don't forget that Kawasaki brought out the KLX 250 a few years ago:
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=282

Nobiman, of KTMTalk, has one ... rather his wife Sandy has one. Nobi is over 6' tall and over 200 lbs and he wrote highly (on KTMTalk) about the pep and ability of the KLX. Apparently Kawasaki has shown the way and that a smaller DS bike might be profitable.

But all of these manufacturers make big-displacement dirt oriented dual sports that they don't bring here. The Africa Twin, the Tenere, etc...

I think that the marketing groups still think the market in the U.S. doesn't exist for the larger displacement versions of these bikes. The models that are available aren't really used as such. Most V-strom's out there are set up for road duty, not dual sporting. I think it will take one of them taking a chance and proving that the market is there, like Kawi did with the KLX250, for the others to join in. Personally, I hope it's Yamaha with the XT660.

Ian

KTM & Husky already have models available. The Husky 610 has proven itself. The KTM 450 & 525 have also been great scoots for the dirt and occasional road duty.

The question is how you are going to use the DS bike you desire. If you are dirt oriented (that is, can I race my DS in an enduro or hare scramble) then there is no question that the KTMs are superior for build quality, durability and off-road worthiness. If you are going to ride to Prudhoe Bay and back you have the Suzuki & Kawasaki 650s for that. (The BMW 650 and the new 800 DS bikes are also possibilities.)

If cost is a consideration then the 230 Honda DS will work for most people off road. The KLR/DRs will work for the long distance.

If a quality ride is important then the BMW 650/800 or the KTM 690s are obvious choices.

How you will use it and your financial status will determine your choice. That is iron clad. Everything else is just an excuse.

Stu