The Many Purposes of the Dual-Purpose Motorcycle
A dual-purpose motorcycle is the modern adventure-traveler’s premier form of transportation. The attraction of touring the globe on two wheels is obvious…much less obvious are how a dual-purpose motorcycle is useful to a sportsman and those that appreciate emergency readiness.
For Adventure:
Adventure touring on dual-purpose motorcycles has enjoyed increased popularization due in part to recent celebrity rides:
Ewan McGregor, Long Way Round
Ewan McGregor and Long Way Down
For Sport:
Riding dual-purpose bikes evolved from a time when most roads were not paved and there was a need for a two-wheeled conveyance to perform on dirt and roads. The modern version of this sport, Enduro racing remains popular today.
Some hunters have used dual-purpose motorcycles to access territory not available to standard off-road vehicles. Modern electric motorcycles provide an almost completely silent engine:
For Emergency Readiness:
Living in Los Angeles during the riots and earthquakes taught me a few things about emergency travel in urban areas. Some events call for emergency evacuation. If under normal conditions, the smallest variation in weather conditions or traffic emergencies cause traffic to pile up for miles, what can we expect during a natural disaster or civil emergency?
If such an emergency were to occur, having a dual-purpose bike that gets 50 MPG + could come in very handy. Although riding itself presents certain hazards, the risk can be mitigated through proper training and wearing of protective gear from manufacturers like:
Joe Rocket
Dainese
Vanson
Alpine Stars
Revzilla
Since there are several dual-purpose motorcycles we like we thought we would, can you smell it?
..wait for it…
here it comes…
SOTS Top 5 Dual-Purpose Motorcycles:
5. Suzuki V Strom
Pros: Exceptional horse-power and comfortable saddle and riding position.
Cons: Mediocre suspension and a horrible name
4. Yamaha WR 250
Pros: Excellent engineering from a company with a strong presence in offroad racing.
Cons: Low on power, few accessories for long-range riding and Spartan ergonomics
3. KTM 990 adventure
Pros: Tremendous engine and suspension
Cons: Price, price, price
2. Kawasaki KLR
Pros: Dollar for dollar the best value, exceptional reliability and high MPG
Cons: Factory saddle and suspension could use improvement
1. BMW R1200 GS
Pros: BMW owns this category. Engineering, power, accessories, comfort and a tradition in this class that is unmatched.
Cons: Price
Some motorcycle brands have ‘enthusiasts’…BWM has a cult following:
Ride
