I am looking into converting a dirt bike, but I want to know which models work best. I am looking at 00 YZF 400, but am not sure if it is a good choice. What are ya'lls experience with conversions and driveability? I am not going to be doing alot of highway but would like it to be easily capeable. Thanks Brandon

as far as putting a kit on a non-legal bike, I don't think there's a whole lot of difference. The KTM's may be a little easier, since I think they come with a title that doesn't state 'FOR OFFROAD USE ONLY'.

It really depends on what you want the bike to be good at. I think the optimum is a 450 4-stroke, maybe a 400 cc (Suzuki DRZ) if you're not going to do trails at high speed.

More displacement above the 450's generally means more weight, which means more stable on the road, but tougher to handle in tight trails.

I'd add that in my book a dual sport should be e-start. This also usually points you towards the off-road versions of these bikes instead of MX versions, which also gives you a battery, basic lights, softer suspension, kickstand, 18" rear wheel, spark arrestor, etc. Thus, in a Yamaha we're talking about WR450F, not the YZF.

As a sage dual sporter on this forum recently told me, the Suzuki DRZ400s are a good choice since they're bullet-proof, e-start, easy to buy (especially the factory-ready one) and easy to sell. You can either buy the factory-ready DRZ400s or the DRZ400e and add the aftermarket goodies for less weight and better off-road performance. I'm not a Suzuki guy but once I looked at them the DRZ400e with aftermarket parts is the way I'd go, since the 400s is more commuter-oriented (steel tank, locking gas cap, massive rear lights, side reflectors, radiator fan for traffic conditions, CV carb, built-in switchgear for turn signals, horn, etc.).

I personally converted my 03WR250F with minimal effort ..... I also have a buddy that did his(son's) 05WR450F and his KLX400, both very easily. He flat smokes on the KLX btw ..... and he's doing enduros on it ......
see my mods here:
http://www.sandslave.com/2003wr250f/
I'd convert every next bike of mine with a plate ...... until they change up the laws so bad it can't be done any longer (like in some states) ........

...and the KLX400 is just a green DRZ400e back when they had their partnership.

Well I looked into it and I could do the conversion on the 00 YZ426F for about $200 through cycle gear. I can get the bike for just under $2000. Do you think it would be a good deal, or should I wait for another bike. Thanks Brandon

i have a 2001 honda xr400 already to go dual sport tags and texas title. 2800.00

The conversion cost seems very reasonable, the kits are upwards of $400. I think the question is if the YZ426 is what you want, if it's been maintained, etc. Take it for a test drive on a dirt road, if you plan on riding dirt roads.

I agree. Being honest with how you plan to use it is important. For me I'd add it to my KTM 300 2-stroke which would be kept as pure offroad bike. So the WR would be a better choice because of e-start, already having a battery and beefier electrical system, plusher suspension, 18" rear wheel, etc.

It makes a big difference how you intend to ride it. If you try to ride the converted YZ400F from Houston to Corpus Christi, you might be tempted to just ride it straight into the gulf before you ever get there and take the bus home. But if you just want to connect short trails together or go short distances on the road, you would be fine on a converted MXer. If you go the dirt bike conversion route, get a tall, soft aftermarket seat. You will spend more time on the street than you expect. A hard, skinny seat is a pain in the a$$.

Greg