True Dual Purpose bikes

Dual purpose or DP bikes are the favorites of many riders today. Travel documentaries on motorcycles is a factor that contributes to the fad. A big numbers of BMW GS series are being sold each year supplemented with Versys, Varaderos and some other odd styled bikes from Continental and Japanese manufacturers.The favourite adventure ride for those bikes are riding to Thailand....on the road.

My early experience on a big capacity DP bikes was gained by riding the ever humble Suzuki DR 650 almost 20 years ago. To me it is still a true DP bike. It can do 100 mph on the road comfortably and has no problem tackling a hardcore trail, with a competent rider on board of course.

I rode the bike in a 3 days hardcore offroad adventure ride in 1994 and the bike emerged unscathed. It even beat the more nimble 250cc bikes in some hardcore situtions.

Im still looking for one to buy as my retirement bike.