gibbons said:
I'm looking for something I can commute around town on 80% of the time, take on 2-3 hour rides 10% of the time, and take on dirt roads & improved trails the rest of the time (you'll have to do the math
) I want to be able to carry some stuff around
Other than the carry stuff around part, the suzuki DR-Z400S would be right up your alley, especially considering around the town. I really like this little bike, cheap and fun.
The KTM 640 with those plastic or aluminum bags would be a wonderful toy, but 80% town use is maybe stretching it a bit. The KTM is more of a hardcore offroad tool. They make fantastic bikes, however, and are a bit pricey.
Another bike to consider is the KLR 650 Kawasaki. It's been around since the dawn of time, is anvil like durable, and has great aftermarket suppport. Many many around the world type adventurers pick this bike to take on their trip. It isn't as slick at the KTM, but is a really durable piece.
To break it down:
The KTM is 80% dirt bike, 20% street bike.
The Suzuki is probably 50-50, and the easiest to ride. I don't know if you can get bags for your gallon of milk, though.
The Kwacker (Kawasaki) is probably 80% street, 20% dirt.
Pick your ratio.
FWIW, when I lived in upstate NY I did a lot of gnarly single track enduro type riding on a dual sport, and I rode a DR-350 suzuki, the Dr-Z400S predecessor. With a few fairly cheap suspension upgrades, it did pretty well offroad. But, it was tweaked towards offroad and I had several other street bikes to choose from for that mission. Like planes, you sometimes need to have a quiver of bikes so you can pull out the right one for the job. Or at least I did until flying starting vacuuming money from my wallet ;-)
What were you thinking of buying?