Here's my Honda Rebel - an economical cruiser transformed into a makeshift dualsport. Purchased for $700 and stripped down with some knobby tires added. I've got a total of about $1200 in it.
After building it, I met an autocross dude with similar taste in bikes. He hosts "The Woodsman Cup" a couple of times a year on his property near Orlando. It is about a 1/4 mile loop of groomed track through the woods. All kinds of people show up for this party with live music and keg beer. The only catch is no dirt bikes allowed! I was in the "twin" class based on my engine and actually won my class of about 8 riders! lol!
One of the secrets was low tire pressures.
Heres a video from the event, although not my class:Woodsman Video
Edit: just saw this is an oold thread. The next Woodsman cup is this Saturday in Geneva. Lots of cool similar bikes and mopeds and groms will be present!