Motorcycle- Do All For the Mountains

KTM 1190 Adventure R

Thanks for the replies and keep them coming. [Beer]

I was doing this same search last year when some "life changing" events took place. Things have stabilized and I'm back to it.

I was looking at the 200cc sized bikes but was concerned with their ability to keep up with traffic in the canyons. 45-55mph is the norm in Boulder Canyon and I don't want to worry about someone sitting on my arse.

Inseam is 33"-34" and 180lbs. Zero motorbike off-road experience but have been mt. biking for about 20yrs. I can read terrain and accept my abilities.

Mechanically, I'm more comfortable with carburetors and points than FI.

I don't see a Ducati or ATK in the near future but ya never know.

I was in your shoes 2+ years ago. I have a lot of experience riding dirt and street bikes but wanted to get a bike to do the same as you do. I had not ridden motorcycles for a while and wanted to make sure it was something I still wanted to do as my son was getting into it. I bought a Honda TLR200 first and outgrew it pretty quickly. I knew that I was going to ride as I got the bug again.

I then bought a DRZ400E that was street legal. The previous owner did a lot to the bike. I really like to ride it. It is like a tractor and does what I want it to do. I have since modified it more (turn signals, better lighting, windscreen, etc). I will probably keep the DRZ as I really like it but if I were to do it again I would put the Yamaha WR450F at the top of the list. My son has one and the thing is a beast and really simple to modify. The only thing you will want to do is usual airbox, jetting, and TPS mods. The other thing you will want to do on the WR450F is have it run full DC not AC and DC if you plan on adding other DC powered items.