First Dual Sport, Second Motorcycle?

What should I look for in buying my first off road bike?

Due to storage and transportation issues, there isn't much chance of being able to get just a dirt-bike, so I've decided on a dual sport. I am an experienced street rider but have very little off-road experience.

What should I look for in a dual sport? I currently have a street bike, so highway speeds, 'smooth' rides and the like aren't really an issue. I want something that performs well off road but is legal enough to get me there first.

I've been looking at the Kawasaki KL250 and the KL650. In a primarily off-road setting, is it betting to stick with a smaller engine size or do you still want that power?

Note: I'm 6'1" and weigh around 190 lbs.

You may want to find something that is not in the single cylinder area. Single cylinders have a tendcy to ride rougher at higher speeds. There are a few bikes that are dual sports/motards that have recently hit the market. Check out BMW GS series, Kawai Versys, Aprilia SVX, and Vstroms.

Try them all. There is a limited choice and in the end it was a real 3 bears experience. This bike is too off road. This bike is too on road. This one is just right.

I chose a Suzuki DRZ400E.

the drz400 is a better dual sport bike then either
of the kawasaki's. but if you want a real dual sport bike buy a ktm.