Dual Sport for a dirt newb???

Is a Dual Sport bike (looking at the Yamaha TW200) a really stupid way to get into some off-road riding? I'm not looking to be an MX racer or anything - just hit some trails up by my folks' (they've got 40 acres w/ hunting/horse trails).

Pros -
Street legal for putting around while we're up there on visits.
No trailering/trailer to buy.
Seem to hold decent resale value if you can ever find one.

Cons -
Mirrors and turn signals for a newb to break off.
Expensive insurance if financed.
Heavier than a straight-up dirt bike, thus adding challenge to learning trail riding.
Hard to find used.

What are your thoughts? I'm 32 and have never ridden a dirt bike

BTW, I'm just brainstorming/daydreaming right now. This was an idea I hatched when the Seca was still on my *hit list. Fact is I've got to buy my wife a hot tub first

 

I found a disassembled 86 XT125 for $35. Great little put-around with enough uhmph to get along. I'd do it if I were you. Very functional and flexible. Depending on your selection of rubber, you could very well have the best of both worlds right there.

 

A couple other forums are trying to steer me towards bigger things, mostly a Suzuki DR-Z400S (quite a bit more money, weight, and cc than I want, but undoubtedly better on the highway). Someone else recently mentioned the Kawasaki KLX250S. That's only a little more $$$, supposed to have better suspension and a more reliable motor. I've also read in some places the stock sprocket and chain on the TW200's are crap. What to do, what to do.

But for the price of that DR-Z400, I could pick up another XJ (there's been a Maxim in the papers around here latley, but they're asking $1500) AND a pre-beaten dirt bike I wouldn't ened to worry about breaking mirrors or turn signals off of. Hmmm. . . .

Used duals seem really hard to come by around here.

 

my 75 dt 400 b yamaha was 380$ needing about another 400 but i ride as is... off road when i get the chance, bald tires make it scarier, but hell....plus ive had it up to 75 on the highway...,keep yo eyes peeled for a classic, theres some really sweet 80s hondas round here

 

Obliv , personally i think under 400cc is a waste of time for dirt bashing , my opinon , i like and enjoy the dirt , one can aquire skills useful for the road too.

but that all depends on the real use of da bike , up rocks ect [near tru trials] well a lighter and lower c of g bike is the way , but in sayin that its amazing with the correct tyres where anybike will go , even road bikes..

Just enjoy whatever you get........

 

I think I've put this idea on the back-burner for now, but when I revisit it (perhaps next year?), I'll keep all of this in mind. It's just not practical with summer half over and a baby on the way. As it is, I'd need to take out a loan for a year or two. Instead, I think I'll just take the time to sock the money away and figure out what I actually want. Loans suck anyway.

Thanks for the input, guys.