So true. First time out I so wished I had a smaller bike, especially on some tighter single tracks.
|
|
|
Cheap New Dual Sports - Which One Would You Buy?
- Thread starter 48Connor
- Start date
So true. First time out I so wished I had a smaller bike, especially on some tighter single tracks.
MNSTR
Well-known member
The TW 200 is very dated. The suspension is very basic, engine is air cooled and underwhelming, and those large tires are a detriment. Not to mention it's only 500$ less than the CRF250L.
Although I think a dirt inspired Grom would be fun, I think that "fun" would wear off real quick. Something that isn't meant for a specific task, is likely to break quite a bit. And the lack of suspension is going to wear you down quickly. On a groomed track, with half a dozen or so like minded bozo's on Groms, would be a lot of fun!
I would look at what this gentleman is leaning towards as a gauge to what kind of riding he's looking to do. He's already ruled out the high spec off road beasts. I read plonking around, put 'er away wet runabout. The DR and TW are good choices for that. Their shortcomings are actually their attributes. Naff suspension at low speed is not a big concern. If he wants something that resembles a proper dirt bike in height but way overweight then the Honda would be the choice.
If your plan is to do mostly off road, ATV tracks and some single track you’re going to end up selling which every bike you bought and getting a proper “woods” bike. The bikes you have listed do not have the suspension travel, power and they are heavy. Once you pick up speed (as your skills build you will want to twist the throttle more) But, if you are not planning on going fast and all you want to do is “putt” around then buy the Honda. They work and they work well.
Before doing anything, spend a day with Trail Tours and make sure you really want to ride in the dirt. They have small Honda’s and this will give you a taste as to what to expect. If you do go, please make sure you do not pick the 250/450 CRFx. The maintenance on these is horrendous and very expensive.
Before doing anything, spend a day with Trail Tours and make sure you really want to ride in the dirt. They have small Honda’s and this will give you a taste as to what to expect. If you do go, please make sure you do not pick the 250/450 CRFx. The maintenance on these is horrendous and very expensive.
48Connor
Well-known member
Yeah I didn't think there would be that much of a difference in travel, but now that you say it it makes sense. The exhaust looks tall enough that it would be fine on the trails I ride now, but it'd be something you'd have to keep in the back of your mind all the time.
I appreciate both of your opinions. The terrain I'm on might be a little rough for something with that little of suspension, like the Grom. I don't think it would break down much more than it would on the street though, but who knows. I like the sound of a lighter, smaller bike a little more. The Honda weighs the same as my DRZ (320lbs), so I get the overweight comments. The DR200 is only 250;bs, which should be a little more manoeuvrable in the tight trees.
No doubt I'd get bored of it at some point. I just can't swing $10k on a KTM. And your correct, I'm looking for more of something to "putt" around on. I don't think the trials I ride on are groomed enough for me to hit more than like 35 on. It'd spend most of its time in first gear.
MNSTR
Well-known member
I see what you did there. My comments about maintenance and upkeep, aren't meant to be a detriment. Some people don't want to have to spend time with maintenance. In the original post the term "put away wet" was used. To me, this implies gas and go simplicity. Japanese race bikes, and European race tuned endures are simply not that simple. They require more upkeep, and TLC. The results of that TLC are fantastic! I fully agree!
Of the bikes the OP listed, the 250 honda is the best choice. Yes it's a fat bastard for its size, but it's street legal, will last forever, and changing the oil is optional! (this is meant to be a joke! Please don't get all butthurt! )
I think there are better options, but that's not what he was looking for.
48Connor
Well-known member
Gas and go is a good term for it. I've had old ATV's and even my PA50 that requires constant upkeep. Not looking for that. I'm looking for something that when I go up North on the weekend, I can open up the shed and fire it right up for years to come. I like the sound of a WR250R, and it would be better than what I mentioned before, but the insurance on it is the exact same as my DRZ.
48Connor
Well-known member
Ok watch this and then tell me you're not sold on a DR
[video]https://youtu.be/spAq8JuXVUY[/video]
I like the DR650, especially because you can buy them so cheap. I feel it'd be too big for the type of trails I'll be riding. Plus insurance on a 650 for someone who is 20 wouldn't be pretty.
MNSTR
Well-known member
Ok watch this and then tell me you're not sold on a DR
[video]https://youtu.be/spAq8JuXVUY[/video]
Haha!!
WR250R is not for you as it does not meet your requirements of “gas-and-go”. It’s based on a detuned YZ250 motocross bike with lights and electric start. With the WR you will need to change the oil at least twice a year (per the manual) and the air filter will need to be cleaned and re-oiled “as needed”. (If your riding in sandy and dusty conditions it will need to be checked more often.) The WR will be the closest thing to and high spec Japanese or Euro bike. It will temp you to twist the throttle, it can take the hard hits, handle the tough trails and go as slow or fast as you want. You said “open the shed and fire it up”. Therefore, buy the Honda, why because it’s maintenance free, never requires an oil change and starts every time you push the starter. However, the cheapest option for you is to change your tires on your DRZ and turn into a dual sport. Then go nuts and have fun. Spend your money on gas.
48Connor
Well-known member
When I say I don't want to do maintenance, I don't mean easy stuff like oil changes and cleaning the chain. I mean big things like rebuilding the top end or something like that.
I do like the Honda. Seems like it is the better bike of the bunch, I just don't like the size/weight of it. That 6 speed with EFI might make up for it though.
Still deciding between it, the DR, or a Grom.
I might be heading to Ganaraska this weekend with a buddy. Stick to some of the main ATV trails and see how the bike does with the street tires on it. Probably an awful idea.
The only thing I question is you bought the ultimate hooligan bike, a supermoto. Next you’re going to tell me you ride slow, well below the speed limit and don’t carve through traffic. Sure, if that was the case you be riding a 1978 CB250, but you don’t you ride a hooligan bike which means you like to twist the throttle. The DR in the dirt is big and heavy, not a lot of fun on technical trails. On a dirt road anything is fast, but the Grom, you’re kidding right! Don't waste your money, it's useless in the dirt.
As for going to the Ganny – go and talk to people who ride there every weekend. You will see a wide variety of bikes (mostly KTM’s). Talk to people who know what they are talking about and have the experience. Learn from them. Try some of the ATV trails – just take it very easy. Best place to start is the Porter Road Parking lot.
As for going to the Ganny – go and talk to people who ride there every weekend. You will see a wide variety of bikes (mostly KTM’s). Talk to people who know what they are talking about and have the experience. Learn from them. Try some of the ATV trails – just take it very easy. Best place to start is the Porter Road Parking lot.
The sand is pretty deep in places on the main trails and doubletrack. At least when you dump it, there will probably be zero damage because sand is a lot kinder than other surfaces for that.
Ok watch this and then tell me you're not sold on a DR
[video]https://youtu.be/spAq8JuXVUY[/video]
Not many tight woods trails there ... open and wide track, half of the video he's wheeling on .... Good cheap bike, but I am sure he wished he was on something lighter, more agile, if he rode tight stuff.
Are we talking about the same WR? ...... http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/details.php?model=4636&group=MC&catId=13 ... I don't think it has much in common with YZ line of mx bikes ... perhaps titanium valve bits ... but the maintenance is nowhere near the requirement of mx bikes. I would definitely call it "fire and go" bike if I was looking for one. The only downside is ... they are not low cost for what they are.
I think you are talking about this ... yes that bike is a direct child of YZ250F with few things different ... like 6-speed tranny.
http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/details.php?model=4803&group=MC&catId=80
Two very different bikes.
Agreed ... terrible idea and waste of time and entrance fee. I cannot see how this place will not frustrate you on any bike with street tires on it.
You want something cheap and easy. Well you already have that with the DRZ.
However, you say EFI and 6 speed tranny is good. Why is efi so good? What happens if your battery dies? Can you bump start it? Why do you want a 6 speed tranny if you're not planning on going that fast?
I would use your DRZ if it was me, but since you really don't seem to want to do that, take a look at the 2006-2008 klx250. Those years it was based on the klx300 so it's the closest to a proper dirt bike. And you can spend about 600$ and put a big bore on it to kick it up to 351cc.
However, you say EFI and 6 speed tranny is good. Why is efi so good? What happens if your battery dies? Can you bump start it? Why do you want a 6 speed tranny if you're not planning on going that fast?
I would use your DRZ if it was me, but since you really don't seem to want to do that, take a look at the 2006-2008 klx250. Those years it was based on the klx300 so it's the closest to a proper dirt bike. And you can spend about 600$ and put a big bore on it to kick it up to 351cc.
fzrcraig
Well-known member
I have a 2014 KLX250S and I have ridden the snowmobile trails in Muskoka with it many times. The trails are generally swamp-rock-repeat and the weight of the Kawasaki (or Honda or Yamaha WR-R) is definitely a hindrance. The suspension is just OK, but's road legal and dependable as can be. It's also very easily modified if you like to tinker.
I would look for a lightly used WR250F or Husky 250.
I would look for a lightly used WR250F or Husky 250.
|
|
|
|
|