Topic: Dual Sport Bike

[rbmgf7]

I'm thinking about selling or trading my four wheeler for a dual sport bike. Basically something I can go trail riding as well as hit the pavement legally.

I've been eyeballing the Yamaha TW200 which seems like a blast to ride. Also looked at XT225 which is about the same as the TW but with a normal wheel/tire on the back. Suzuki's DRZ400 has some good reviews. Anyone have any personal opinions from experience?

I'm not really concerned about lots of HP. Something in the 400, +/-200cc range and can handle long trips with me and some payload (I'm 5'4" and 140#'s).

[JBMorse]

I rode a tw for my motorcycle safety course and I really liked its manuvering and riding position.  I like the fat tires they come with.  I can vouch for suzuki singles, I have an old DR125 that is just a trail bike, but they also made an sp125 enduro version.  That bike is bullet proof.  It sits for years at a time but always runs great with a minimal amount of effort. 
I love the new DR200SE because it has a three gallon tank and gets excellent mileage, but I hear it's not super-capable off road.  Also, many these small displacement bikes have a very seat height.  Unfortunately, it seems bikes like these are mainly intended for beginners.  If you're tall, or want better off road capability look at the Kawasaki KLX250 or Yamaha wr250R. 
Look at advrider.com, there are some great dual sport discussions there, tons of info.  Good luck, I wish I could be shopping for a small dual sport as well!