thinking about buying a dual sport dirt bike.?

You can certainly cover long distances on dual sports, in fact some of the larger ones are amongst the most comfortable bikes this side of a full-scale tourer.

Choose carefully. Some models are biased more towards the dirt (ex. Honda XR650, Suzuki DR650) These are great in the dirt, but not so great on the road, but they will get the job done. Others are more street-biased (ex. Kawasaki KLR650). These are great street bikes and will get the job done in the dirt.

BTW, the KLR650 is the absolute best value for money motorcycle on the planet. People use them for everything from exploring logging roads, to commuting, to doing laps of the planet.

I have a Suzuki DRZ400 Which I ride to work and back 20 miles each way. I can do 100 miles with no problem. The previous owner did the Baja 1000 on this bike and then the Mexico to Canada run. The bike has several thousands of dollars of mods on it, including aftermarket seat(I've seen lots of complaints about the stock seat). If I was doing more long distance runs I would probably get the heavier Honda XL650. Both bikes will get off the ground pretty easily. If you are a dirt biker you will be happy with both of these bikes.

I wouldn't jump something like the big BMW dual sports. Dual sports are great cause you don't have to trailer them to get to the dirt!

Terms such as "dual" sport are misleading because no bike is truly ideal except in one or the other. For primary transportation a street bike would be preferable for comfort and safety. Dirt bikes are equipped with a range of knob-tires and are usually geared lower. Shocks may be longer travel but not designed for smooth highways. Handlebars and footpeg location might result excessive fatigue on a long trip. A "dual-sport" could suffice for neighborhood riding and mild off road sport. The serious rider will want a real machine too soon.

Husband has a Kawasaki KLR650 and it's a very comfortable and reliable ride.. It's not primary, but he is using it to go to work (40 mile round trip) when it's not raining. I'm sure you can do 500 miles on a dual sport, like this. There's plenty of power in it. Seemed like the best option when we researched for a dual sport for him. Go to a dealer and sit on it.

to answer your question, yes you can. it just will get tiring after a while. Tyhe dual sports are great. They handle nicely and have smooth acceleratioin, not snappy take-off like a street bike. I think you will enjoy it, but if speed is what you are looking for, this is not the answer. If you want a smooth bike and something you can take in the dirt, this is your key. Best of Luck!!

sport dirt bike? ok 500 is a loooong way on a large [6500+] road only bike..on a bike ur thinking of no way