The Best First Motorcycle for Beginners is a Dual Sport: 7 Reasons Why

[@DorkintheRoad]

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[@carolinacopperhead]

I started riding a motorcycle at 61. I bought my first motorcycle from my youngest son, a Yamaha WR 250 R. It’s the only motorcycle I have ever had. I still have it and and ride it often.

[@KafirIrani]

@@carolinacopperhead very nice. Im 37 and just started.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

The plus is most used dual sports already have the ability to carry stuff like a tail bag. This lets it be a commuter quickly and they get 50 to 60 MPG

[@johnculbreth4543]

I started on a Honda 90, back in 1970! My realization, after eight motorcycles, is that SMALL bikes are the most FUN!

[@death99ification]

More fun to ride a slow motorcycle fast than riding a fast motorcycle slow.

[@DualSportDallas]

I started and still have my KLX230S. Insurance is $100 for the year, and I spend maybe $7 on gas for a full tank. Absolutely best bike for a beginner and my confidence in riding is through the roof. I dropped it attempting to ride off-road after day 3, and I didn’t care. 😂

[@davidh1314]

Well said.... A CRF300, DRZ400, KLX300, DR650... Cheap, reliable and easy to ride

[@Mclovingarage]

You are such a corporate shill for all the motorcycle manufacturers who make dual sports... I just can't believe it! haha! In all seriousness, I agree. A small dual sport is an excellent starter machine. My first experience on two wheels was in my early teens on a Honda XR250R. Couldn't ask for a better training bike. It took a total beating and never gave up. Maybe why I am still a Honda fan boy to this day and why my sons both have Honda's.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Don't expose my corporate backers!

[@wanderlpnw]

My first bike was a CRF250L. It was a former press bike with a warranty. Dropped it a lot, even on the street at a light. I sold it for $300 more than I paid. I did change out some of the plastics before selling it, but it wasn't much.

[@MrRickrm]

Plus the upright riding position is so much more comfortable and easier to look around .

[@aidenpearce5275]

Yeah, gives you nice visibility and they're designed for you to stand so you can see even more if needed

[@donnieyoung2774]

I'm 63, grew up on mini bikes and raced motocross since I was 8 years old. First street legal bike was a '82 Yamaha 550 SECA. My nephew got his first ever motorcycle in '22. I advised him to get a CRF300L. He loves it and has learned alot. Great minds think alike ! Great video, great advice !

[@airadaimagery692]

I agree with you 100%. My first motorcycle was a 1976 Honda Elsinore MR50 (2 stroke), that my dad had purchased second hand for me when I was just 9 years old, and I have always had something to ride since then. So there are those of us who were able to develop a skill set, and learn to work on motorcycles before we were even old enough to have a drivers license. But, for the less fortunate people, who didn’t start riding until later in life, I believe everything that you had to say in this video is 100% solid information, and I would give the same advice.

[@VetJeeper]

First bike, Yamaha XT 350. I got it for all the reasons you just said. The best one to me was not having a care in the world if I dropped it.(and I did, repeatedly)

[@rosswilliams531]

I spent the last 30 years working up to a 20k Harley and then I bought a crf300l just for winter use....geez what a game changer for all the reasons listed in your video. Just the running cost savings alone blew my mind not to mention the practicality and FUN! So much so I traded the Harley in for a Royal Enfield 350 for my cruiser needs. I always assumed bigger was better but it took me 30 years and a lot of wasted cash to learn the truth.

[@flyovercounty1427]

What’s a “20k” Harley? I thought they are always FLXRCHYEFRFR sumpin sumpins :)

[@chrismader3689]

I started on a KLR650 a year and a half ago. Still riding it and haven’t gotten bored of it yet.

[@bwnco]

Nice, at 430 ish lbs, you did ok with it. Asking cause im flipping a coin on ole skool lighter DR 650 an the KLR.. Be Safe!

[@8Jacob2]

Im from CZ and I ride for many years, my first bike was 50cc Eastern German two stroke 4hp Simson Enduro S51, as it was affordable and 15 years old weren't allowed higher capacity bikes. Today Im riding instructor and the rules changed, 16 years old are allowed 125cc (4stroke) 15hp (max 0,1 kW/kg).. I think any of them are great for the 1st 2 years before they can extend the licence (up to 35kW/45hp). We use for (A1 class) lessons Honda CB 125 F, a cheap, reliable and well built bike.. Great as 1st bike as well

[@flyovercounty1427]

My first bike was a CZ 250 “red frame”

[@markchalloner5883]

My first street legal bike was a Honda MB5, 50cc two-stroke that I rode all over the mountain roads outside of Osaka, Japan as a teenager.

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I started out at age 21 on a new 1970 Honda 175 SL and used it as a adventure bike. I totally agree with you Ben. I rode that bike from Missoula MT where I grew up to Glacier National Park and back as well as into the Rattle snake lakes north of Missoula before it was closed to motorized travel. It is now called the Rattle Snake Lake Wilderness. If any one is in that area and love remote beautiful mountains and lakes and can physically hike into this area it is a spectacular area to go to.

[@plurby1703]

I started on a tuber SV650. Test drove a Ninja 250 and realized that I'd quickly get tired of it, and then the SV fell right into my lap. I rode it for years before becoming interested in dual sports, and then got a T7 that fell into my lap in '22. I only put 5k miles on it last year but hoping to double that this coming year! I love having the ability to see a road/trail/path and not have to think "I wonder where this goes?" but able to just go down it and find out!

[@Kingofthepnwdorks]

I pretty much agree with you in every way Ben. I started on the street and decided I wanted to ride dirt too, but I don’t own a truck with a trailer etc etc. I bought a Himalayan, but didn’t like it off-road. (It was fine just not for me) traded for a DR650 and I feel like a whole part of riding I’ve been neglecting. I ride my DR more than my Harley’s or any other bike. I’ve built it for dirt touring and enjoy it all the time, year round. I HIGHLY recommend people at least take the time to try riding a dual sport and try dirt once or twice. You don’t need to be a Dakar rider to see things you’d never get to see on a cruiser or sport bike. Sometimes slow is fun, and sometimes a fire road can give you more enjoyment than any highway. Not to mention many of us didn’t have dirtbikes as a kid so it’s awesome to finally be able to at least explore.

[@SomewhereInside]

The one point that almost all taller you tube reviewers ignore …is seat height …Dork you admitted you dropped a bike because you couldn’t get your foot down in time after getting jeans caught on a peg . The thing is I am an experienced rider I know how to do the bum slide at rest …but at 5ft 7 29 inch seam …even wearing Kevlar jeans can inhibit stretching the leg …so if you come to a stop on a camber hill…and put one leg down …but the jeans or wet weather pants …stop you stretching your leg fully …even if it’s only for a fraction of a second you can go down …no matter how experienced you are . The Honda 300 rally is too tall for a new rider under 5ft 8 with an inseam of 30 or less …when it matters …coming to a stop and balancing on uneven ground especially in riding pants or wet weather pants . Many new riders fall off their bikes at the lights and give up riding …it’s dangerous . I am going to lower my 300 rally by 30mm that’s all I need .

[@armored-clown]

I started riding 3-4 years ago on a 2015 CB500X. Great bike to start on but realized I absolutely hate street/pavement riding. After 3 more bikes I finally landed on a 2023 CRF300L Rally that was bone stock now ive been throwing every upgrade in the book on it. Dirt/Trail riding is where I love riding by far.

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

I started on a 175cc Kawasaki Dual Sport 48 years ago and I completely agree with you.

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

@@commentaccount49 Yeap the medium green with a black stripe, 74 or 75 maybe?

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

I started on a KLR650. Two months later I was on an Africa Twin 😂 Then I went to a CRF300L. Now I’m on a T7 and I love it.

[@bsterris1615]

I started on an old Keystone mini bike, then a 1970-something Yamaha 125 enduro. Moved to bigger street bikes: Ninja 900, V-max, Harley. Now I'm team T7 and lovin' it.

[@joshdavis7123]

Started on a 93 suzuki dr250. In 2023, still learning and still riding it lol love it

[@rvator7291]

Having access to trails early on really does help you develope the skills needed to survive on the road. Although growing up in suburbia I still had places to ride in the early 70s and enjoyed my first yr on the road riding a XL100. After transitioning to a 72 yamaha 350 I still managed to keep myself in one piece although the tickets added up. Good old traffic school.

[@Slam-]

Bought a CRF300L 2 weeks ago as my first bike. All of your reasons are true, cheap to maintain & drive, easy to maneuver & store. Love it

[@devinwooley3575]

Bought my first bike, an XT225 for $1900 Canadian. Had it for 6 months and had a ton of fun already. Bought it because i wanted to explore the forest service roads here in BC, but I already am doing much more than that. I will always tell someone to start on a dual sport. It will never get boring.

[@lastsonofkrypton36]

I've owned a couple XT's and they're such a sweet spot. Much lighter than the modern equivalents like my CRF250L. I wish Yamaha would get serious about this class again and make an XT350 or XT400 w/ fuel injection. Then again, there's plenty of us that want a 350-400cc fuel-injected dual sport from the Big4.

[@devinwooley3575]

@@lastsonofkrypton36 an XT350 reboot with a new engine would be amazing. But even better would be a new WR400R. I would buy one right away.

[@garygardner9677]

I had 0pe class dirt bikes in the early 80s (81 KTM 495) that bike was and is a Monster. My 1st street bike was a 19 Vstrom 650. Its a great bike, but it is way heavier than I was accustomed to. I would have been better off with a DR 400 or Xl 400 I MSC on an XL 250 and was too small me, at 6'4 " 300lbs

[@dogmandan79]

Bought my first dual sport this past winter, a perfect and still new, 2021 KLX230 for $3k. What a steal! I love it.

[@Eastcoastadv]

Started on xr650l. Bought new in 2013 probably have it forever

[@rezaizadkhah5367]

I bought Honda CB500X, which could be the first and last bike I need, a bit heavy compared to single cylinder bikes, but you're good to go to the highway, too. If you build up more experience riding it off road, that is the easy bike to handle, perfect price, easy to maintain too. I put 12,000 miles in one year, and I love it more than before.

[@akiuliano]

I own a 480lb street bike and wanted to get into trail riding around me. 30 inch in-seam and went with the 230S abs. LOVE IT! So much fun and manageable / flickable.

[@timlubbers2884]

My first, at age 12, 175 Honda…by 14 is was open class racing a Yamaha 490 … I agree with your assessment. Interestingly, in the 80’s, the advice givers said if you’re comfortable on a certain size bike, go up one overall size so you can grow into it and not be looking to upgrade so quickly … 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@devinperez8101]

Got my license back in Sept of 2022 and was looking for a bike saw your videos on the 300 Rally and I was hooked. Ended up finding one and I absolutely LOVE IT. Thanks Dork for your help and advice, keep up the great work!

[@bigcornel9302]

Totally agree with all points you made here. I started on a Versys 650 17 years ago, and it was fine for me. However, I already had a few years of experience on mid-size scooters. If I am to do it all over again today, and with zero experience, I would pick a CRF300L.

[@timtamslam28]

Wow, I was already thinking a dual sport would be smart to start out on. But this video did me a few new learns and now I know for certain dual sport is the move. $15 insurance!!! That blew my mind. Thanks Ben!

[@deancousins5542]

Started on a Suzuki 200DR for the cost. Was looking at scooters while in college, thought it was a lot cooler than a ruckus for nearly the same price.

[@nicflatterie7772]

I started on a VSTROM 650. A bit big to start on, but it has served me well. Got it used for a great price with all the accessories.

[@BruceG-dw5gy]

Didn't start riding till my late 30's. First was a '78 Kawi 750-4. Had it two weeks and traded up to a Yamaha 1100 Virago. Few years later bought a used Kawi 1500 Classic. When that one needed a ring job, bought a 2005 Kawi Nomad 1600. Still have it in my 70's now. Knew lots of friends that drove off-road but never really interested me. When I was off-road I also had hunting or fishing gear with me and a motorcycle isn't great for that sort of thing. Boat, haul animals out, etc. Stumbled across Itchy Boots and subscribed, which led me to you and subscribed. Immensely enjoy going with you both on your trips, but still enjoy my street riding. Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry, and they'll laugh anyway - so laugh more, love more, be kinder.

[@dannohite576]

Just got a hawk 250. Brand new shipped was only $1,800! Love it. Runs great. Cheap, don't worry about what happens to it & can go anywhere. Yes, there are GOOD Chinese bikes that are cheaper NEW than any big name used

[@neilpederson5212]

I wanted to get back on a bike for a few years, I used to ride/race mx bikes for years. Being in my mid 40's now the young guy in me wanted a fast mx bike but knew id hurt myself and I don't heal fast anymore lol. A Harley or cruiser style bike doesn't look fun to me. Started watching the dork and others camping on these dual sports I needed one! Now have a 300 rally and getting rigged up with camping gear and only need the snow to melt so I can take it out!

[@Skidderoperator]

Dont ride alone, if you can avoid it.

[@bmartin863]

Best bike I ever owned was a NT 700 . It was more of a street bike but I used it for off-road more than a few times because it had plenty of ground clearance the street tires made it basically useless for off-road but I was able to to baby it through stuff that a dedicated street bike would be impossible for. Wish I still had it . The lockable hard side saddle bags were invaluable. And I cannot emphasize how important the windshield was .

[@davechris1789]

I started on a 1981 cb Honda 125. I had dirt bikes before that but my 81 Honda was considered a dual sport. Wish I still had it. That was 32 years ago. Cost me a whopping 500 dollars. I even got a free helmet with my purchase.

[@jalex19100]

I started on a $75, 1971 C(B/L?)175 with the muffler up high to burn my legs (proper riding shorts and all). I was 14, had no license or plates on it, needed a helicoil on one spark plug hole, but I took it off-road a lot - grass, streams, woods for hundreds of miles. Jumped it so hard I blew out all of the bulbs. I thought it was a very nice cushy ride. Inexpensive, uninsured, reliable. What a time.

[@ericbryant1333]

Started riding a Honda Spree in high school which got me excited about riding motorcycles. As an adult, I took the Team Oregon training at LBCC and they put me on a DR200 which I loved! Passed the class and found my 2008 KLR650 (used, in Springfield, OR) and rode it home via Marcola Road to Albany. I still have that bike and struggle with should I buy a new, modern dual sport. All of my buddies have gone through many dual-sport bikes and keep ragging on me to upgrade. Get a twin with more HP...on and on, but my KLR does what I need and it's been paid off for years!

[@KS-hw9zr]

My first street bike was a 2009 Yamaha R1. Most memorable bike I’ve ever owned. I did drop it a couple times but only in parking lots. The power wasn’t scary till you got up in the rev range so was manageable to learn on.

[@Tennessee968]

Started on a 50cc Yamaha, then a Kawasaki KE100, now have a Z400. I'd love to get a KLX300 soon. Love dual sports.

[@CampingwithRadios_kg6dve]

I agree. My first bike, Hodaka trail 90 in the 1960's.

[@MotoFishy]

I started on a used Kawasaki Versys 650. Great starter bike and definitely not a height issue for me, but I do have a 32" inseam. That all said, I took the MSF course and had no motorcycle experience beforehand. The first week was just neighborhood riding as even going 25mph felt wild.

[@alozborne]

I rented a Versys in Nova Scotia when I rode the Cabot Trail and also visited PEI - both in Canada. It's such an easy bike to jump on and ride. However, I still prefer my CB500X to the Versys 650.

[@givannimikel4586]

Started on a TW200 and still love to ride it. I grew with the bike, modded it, and even rebuilt the engine. Will never part with it. Now have a 300 Rally and am loving the long distance BDR style trips I can take on it at almost 80 mph....insane. Dual sports are simply the best.

[@timmaidl6146]

100% Agree for all the reasons you mentioned. Started on a DT125 (I am old). Have hand many dual sports (i.e KLR650, XT200), sport bikes, HD, big adventure bikes (Super Tenere), as well as dedicated Husky off road enduros. My favorite daily ride by far is my 2016 CRF250L and my son learned to street ride on it. I am not a beginner but I will never be without a small displacement dual sport to poke around on.

[@idlegroot1700]

First Motorcycle was a Honda 110cc Trail boss. So yeah.. I think I can say the Dual Sport (enduro) was perfect to learn on. Also on the list over the past 40 years? Kawasaki 250F, Honda CB750 four (two different rebuild projects that failed), Suzuki 550 EC (Inline-4), 1999 Honda Magna 750, 15 years and 35k miles on a 2005 Kawasaki Concours, Honda CB500X, NC750X and now, the last Street Bike I will ever own... BMW R1250RT. I Joined your channel to find Road Bike friendly Campsite camping gear and have stayed for the Most Excellent content and ADV Community contributors. Thank You.

[@PartosAtos]

Fully agree, as a beginner I purchased 250 Rally

[@ryans.8294]

My 1st bike was a kawasaki Vulcan. I liked how it looked but not how it rode. I learned to ride on a dirt bike and once I saw the KLX250SF I traded in my Vulcan with only 500 miles on it. Best decision ever. I bought a 2021 KLX 300SM a couple years ago. Love that one too.

[@myveryownshortbus5630]

Thanks to many of your excellent videos I started on a CRF250L. I am still riding that same bike and I still love it!

[@brentstratton2224]

I started out riding dirt on a 78 Suzuki rm50 and have been addicted ever since. Having learned on dirt made getting on a 500lb africa twin a lot easier. If I started riding later in life, I totally agree with starting on a dual sport.

[@briansullivan7154]

Totally agree. Mine was a 5 year old KL250 that needed a lot of work. I put 5k miles on it commuting to work. Then got a new Honda VT500f. Loved them both. Put over 20k on the Honda. I think of it as a predecessor to the TransAlp it was a v twin Keep up y to he good work 😎

[@Timelord1980-tt1iy]

I wanted a CRF300L Rally but there wasn’t enough sag when I sat on it to feel comfortable on it. So I got a 2019 CB500X used with 740 miles. I have 30k miles on it now and still kinda want the rally for some more off road capability. The 500x has been great so far though, but I suck off road.

[@airadaimagery692]

It’s not you. Get a Rally. Now that you’re comfortable with the 500 you should be fine.

[@AT2021Rocker]

I think the experience you gain being able to ride off road is priceless!

[@jabug_1144]

I cartwheeled my wr250r back in the day lol. Picked her up, rode her home, got some vice grips and super glue and she was good as new.

[@jefflussier4905]

Started on an mt07 and like you I was finding more road that I wanted to check out but couldn't ride due to being a dirt road after 2 years of riding the mt07 ( which I loved and was so much fun) I traded it off for a dr650 and I could never imagine riding any other discipline of bike it opens up so many more options of riding and just as much of a challenge/ learning experience and way more fun at a fraction of the speed

[@leanit5756]

Early 80s xt250 was my first “street bike”, back in the 80s. . Was perfect.

[@mutstang66]

Just got a 2023 crf300l. Haven't got many miles on it yet but wish I got it instead of my cbr500r back in 2017. Can't wait to get some offloading in on it. Always enjoy the videos.

[@gladiusthrax4941]

I just bought my first bike - F650GS Dakar. It is some sort of a crossover between dual sport and a single-cylinder, dirt oriented adventure bike. Time will tell if it was a good pick, but I have been fascinated by that bike for some time. I am easily flatfooting it as I am a big guy and it weighs only 78% more than I do. I find it easy to ride on the road (waiting for the ice to melt before I go into the woods). It is certainly easier to ride than the bike I did my training and exam on (Kawasaki ER-6N). The throttle reaction and gear shifts are super smooth, it is super raked out and stable. The previous owners have equipped it with skid plates, crash bars, handlebar protectors, luggage, foot pegs, usb, extra lights.... you name it. I just changed the oil and good to go. Let me know what you think

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

I completely agree! The only thing is depending on the part of the country, the $2000 used dual sports are getting hard to find even as prices come down post COVID. The Serow/XT225 is my favorite in the category. If a KLR250 can be found, also an amazing choice. After that I suggest the small cruisers from the 1980's (Shadow 500, Virago, Kawasaki 454LTD) as those can be had for $1000-1500 still and sell for the same amount after a year. I started on dirt bikes (small displacement KX's mostly) then the neighborhood XL125 (Oklahoma had a daylight under 125cc law for 14 year old kids) and finally a KZ250...it was so cheap.

[@MfrOffroadRiderNorCal]

My first bike was 1987 Yamaha Virago 700 didn’t get into off-road riding until 2016 bought my first Dualsport 2016 Klr 650 loved that bike wish I still had it now I ride a 2021 Honda Crf 300L Rally also have a 2020 CSC Tt-250 as well.

[@christophervincent77]

I started on a Suzuki Boulevard S40 (single 650 baby cruiser) that was customized to be a bobber. Absolutely rubbish little machine and it was/is great fun. Sold it to my best friend who still rides it for commuting even though he's way too big for it at 6'2 or something. We both love the stupid little thing. I may even buy it back some day. My son also wants it but I'm trying to steer him towards a dual sport for his first bike for all the reasons listed here. Great vid as always, thanks :)

[@arnohag1]

When I started riding I took my 750 Kawasaki, Suzuki 650 road bikes all on good and not so good dirt roads. For bush work I took the XT500 and Suzuki DR400. Now I just ride one 2010 F800GS. Best of both words.

[@clintusmaximus]

it was probably too much bike for my first one, but I hadn’t rode a motorcycle sensor. I was in high school, but I am 50 now and I got a Tenere 700. where it was probably too much bike at first I don’t regret getting it, I now have finally with suspension and mods and lowering link, got it to where it’s manageable but it’s such a great all-around bike. I think I’ll have it for a long time.

[@frugaljimmy71]

Great advice! I started on dirt, so a dual sport was a no-brainer. I started on-road with a KLX250 super moto and I regret selling it to this day. It helps that I put very 'sticky' tires on it, but nothing I've owned since handled like that SM. It was a blast to ride and a great way to get on the road. (3 bikes later and I've dropped back down to a KTM390 Adventure, I hate heavy bikes..!)

[@lunar-firefly]

Technically my first two bikes were fix-me-ups. 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic, and 1980 KZ440 LTD. The bike I really started to learn on, however, was my 2016 Versys 650 and as a 5'6 rider with a 29 inch inseam, that thing was a heck of a challenge with less than six months riding experience. I kept it for a couple years though. Still love and miss it. Will never get another one again. With how often I dropped it, it really hit my confidence in a super bad way. I was constantly on the fence about selling it. It's easy to be mislead about what kind of bike is great for beginners, and what bikes seem 'acceptable' in popular circles when you're brand new and mainly have youtube to learn from. In retrospect I wish I'd been more open to a wider range of bikes.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Great info Ben.. but if you know of any 300l for 4500 let me know.. I have never seen any used 300l for less than 6000.. heck guys think they can get 5to6k for the older 250l

[@airadaimagery692]

I really think it depends on your specific location. I paid $6400 out the door for my 2021 300 Rally. Woodsman Adventure paid $5400 for his 300l out the door, and he just made a video not too long ago showing the sticker prices at the dealership. I know there are people paying almost $8k for 300 Rally’s, like Chasing Trail, and I don’t understand why. Chasing Trail lives in California, and I can kinda understand him paying more than us down in the south where our taxes aren’t as high, but they are still getting ripped off. I had this conversation with Frank at Woodsman Adventure. He lives in Arizona now, and he traveled all the way back to his hometown in Missouri to buy his new Trail 125.

[@tinmisuun]

XT250 was what I used at the MSF course.

[@danielklopp7007]

My first bike was a 1972 Honda CL350 (which I purchased in 1973... I'm old). My second bike was a Yamaha DT250. I should have started on the Yamaha, since I got the "bug" to explore back-country trails pretty early in my riding career and although the Honda CL350 was a "scrambler", it was far less capable off-road than the Yamaha (arguably the first true dual-sport). Later in my riding career, I got into larger sport bikes, but always kept a dual-sport in the garage (current bikes: BMW R1100RS; Honda RC51; Suzuki DRZ-400S).

[@maximusDAbiker]

I took the safety course in OR on a TW200. But my first personal bike was a Harley Davidson Street Bob 107. I just liked the idea of freedom and motorcycles were that and that’s the reason I started writing. But there was a short and fun ride through the hills that ended on a dirt road. After less than a year I decided to get an adventure bike. I don’t recommend starting on those kinds of bikes. But It’s so true That a brand new writer doesn’t know exactly what kind of writing they want to get into.

[@dcmphoto7437]

I've had everything from scooter to Goldwing. CRF300L is my favorite bike. Ergonomics are perfect. I love how the suspension handles shitty roads. Has plenty of power to keep me moving and entertained. Seat Concepts upgrade is highly recommended.

[@RhodesTTU]

I started on a ‘71 Honda Cl350… loved that bike

[@SquareHelmet]

Great video, as usual! I started on a big one, then I thought: bigger is better so kept going up. Until I realized that for ultimate fun I should have been going down. I downsized to my XT250 - and I love it! I ride pretty rough trails, but can also go on highway - 110kmh (68mph) - I can go all day! Dual Sport are great and not just for beginners.

[@rayh.9973]

Good ol' Albany, OR. Former trucker and easily recognized that on ramp. Looks like you have good trail riding options in that area. Thank you for the advice and info on dualsport.

[@jhackett9482]

Back in the 70’s we all had dual sport bikes. They were way cooler than street bikes and we could go anywhere. We road trails and even went putting around the mx courses. Really learned skills that way. Street riding was and still is very boooring in Illinois.

[@Schlabbeflicker]

Any lightly-used small-displacement dual sport you can flat-foot is probably a good start. KLX300/CRF300L/WR250R are usually available around $5k used. They don't really get damaged from low-speed drops, are easy on maintenance, reliable, and can be modified to fit the rider somewhat between foot pegs/handlebars/seats.

[@davecummings3335]

I started on a Walmart bicycle and a 2 stroke engine kit. Now I have several actual motorcycles, 2 of which are dual sports. If I could only have one bike, it would be my T7 - a big dual sport.

[@computerizedcat]

I started on a Honda CB300R. I loved that bike, but I wanted to go up the gravel roads, so I bought the 2022 KLR 650. I am in agreement about small dual sports though, I passed my second motorbike test (we have 2 in Australia) on a TU250X and it was a good bike.

[@bladeh7734]

My first bike is a MT-03. Small, light, insurance

[@dstubby82]

FYI for new buyers/riders. An XT almost sags down to the same seat height as the TW, so it's nearly a wash on footing. While the XT has much more road capability, the TW is basically a two-wheeled ATV in the dirt/sand. Both are a top 5 pick for brand new riders. 😃

[@MitchSpeers]

1st bike was a 95 R100GS. It topped out at about 85 or 90, so it prevented me from getting too crazy before I developed some skill.

[@soothingmeow22]

*adv boots also give an inch or 2. I started on a 94 DR650 once my buddy told me to scooch my butt to the left at stops. I had my ahha moment I went from a ball of my foot at a light to flat foot. Also, standing on the peg to swing my leg over was a game changer, especially with luggage. FWD I now own a 2020 DR650 and want to make it taller. I'm 5'8" 31" inseam

[@raptorjesus5488]

On point 6 duel sports can be converted into supermotos with a set of tires and rims if you find you like the street more then the dirt

[@aidenpearce5275]

"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one."

[@raptorjesus5488]

@@aidenpearce5275 on tight tracks a supermoto can destroy a sport bike

[@aidenpearce5275]

@raptorjesus5488 true, the tighter the turns the better a smaller bike will do, that is why 600s are considered better for tracks than liter bikes afterall I've been wanting to get some supermoto rims/tires for mine because of that

[@judge831]

I agree. I got a KLX300 supermoto because of all these reasons. I got the Supermoto version because of the lower seat height, but if I had known about sag, I would have gotten the dual sport version. One thing not mentioned is single cylinders vibrate a lot, and with the super thin seats, your butt goes numb after about an hour.

[@screddot7074]

Did Howard Cosell ride a motorcycle? He taught me how to use a mute button. Started with a Honda 50 for about 6 months. Burned a hole in the piston when I got behind a 18 wheeler going out of town. Traded for a Honda 160, eventually got a 2007 Honda VTX1800T - too big but powerful. Now have a CRF250L and an ADV150. Both are fun and easy to ride.

[@alozborne]

I think for the most part you are right. But, for any new rider who's wanting to do mostly touring, a dual sport is going to suck on long road trips. For that type of new rider, a used KTM 390 Duke is probably the best option. With some 50/50 tires on it, a 390 Duke would even tackle dirt roads fine. A CB500X is also a decent choice for that type of new rider, it's just a bit heavier but also bigger so better for taller riders. My first bike was a 1980 Honda CM400T, which was actually an excellent choice for a first bike.

[@mackenzieclancy959]

I started riding with a scrambler 900, and I dropped it in a parking lot the very first time I rode it. Since then I have put 11000 miles on it, hundreds of which have been down jeep trails. I have dropped it many times since the first time

[@edjacobson8480]

The first motorcycle I rode when I was fifteen years old was a 1976 Hodaka 125 in 1977. Very light (194 lbs.) Cheep, my parents bought it for $400.00.

[@56Spookdog]

My first bike was a 1970 175 Yamaha Enduro (yes I’m that old) I think the XT250 is an excellent first bike I have one but the lower seat of a small displacement (250 or less) street bike also makes a good first bike. I agree a dual sport is great choice for a first bike for the reason I think riding in the dirt is the best way to learn how to handle a motorcycle. I get that you may not want your daughter exposed to the life of a KZbinr or she may not want it either but I was looking forward to some XT250 content.

[@Outback69]

It's the SUV of motorcycles. I currently acquired a Yamaha Zuma for free right now. Trying to rebuild it and make it run good. This will be my second bike. I am looking for a Yamaha TW200 short guy can't ride a bigger bike lol. Have a good one WS

[@FlatBrokeAdventures]

I started on a 2017 CF Moto 650 MT. Seat height was a tall to tall but the dealer lowered it enough to do the job. It wasn't light but I could pick it up on my own. I now ride a Yamaha FJR 1300 and I'm thinking about getting either a dual sport or adventure bike as well.

[@nomandatoryvaxing7433]

I just bought my first bike. A 2022 Honda Grom for $2500. I wanted a Duke 390 but I also didn’t want to spend $7k on my first bike and I know I can turn around and sell this bike for $2500-$3000 when I want to upgrade. It has 2800 miles and it is slow as hell. But that’s a good thing because I will learn better on this slow light bike before I get a faster bigger bike. Am I proud to own this bike? No. Did I want another bike including a $6000 CRF300L Rally? Yes. But I am able to buy this bike and a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower for less money than a Svartpilen or even a Triumph Speed 400. So money in my pocket, a very simple bike, a mower that I need, that’s a winning combination. Grom life for me for 2024.

[@appius2582]

Bought a XR150l 3 weeks ago just put 100miles on it having the time of my life on local gravel and logging roads.

[@nkosinathizungundzabukelwa8782]

Absolutely Excellent!!🎉. I started on a honda xr 190l about 4 years ago