Greetings,

A quality suspension tuner can upgrade the standard Showa suspension with Ohlins valving and/or other options including springs etc for far less (maybe $600 USD) than replacing the stock suspension.

Having said that, it may be a better idea to buy the "S" in the first place if you are ...

Welcome Adventure Rider,

I suppose your decision might be based on how much dirt you're talking about as the MTS is technically not a Dual Sport but rather a Mountain Pass Bike (Rough roads, switchbacks, pot holes etc.) due to the 17" wheels and no bash plates. The bike is IDEAL for tight mountain ...

While I agree with Ian916, I'd rather suggest a Dirt Bike like a KTM 450 as a first bike. If off-road is not practical, a used Suzuki SV 650 (90 deg V-Twin) is a great all-around road bike and perhaps the best choice.

Having said that however, the 1000 MTS is (to me) the most friendly and ...

FYI, while I much prefer the MTS to the Aprilia, new 2002 Caponords are being offered for $7,999 USD. That's a great price!