Bike recommendation?

[watermellon]

A mate and I are looking at buying a couple of bikes for trail riding. I wouldn't mind something that's also road legal.

So, from the present crop of Japanese new models what are your recommendations? Just want something forgiving (not a two stroke for example) that's robust / reliable.

Many thanks.

[blackdog]

kay-tee-emmmmmmmmmmmmm

[barty5]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[oldguy]

A mate and I are looking at buying a couple of bikes for trail riding. I wouldn't mind something that's also road legal.

So, from the present crop of Japanese new models what are your recommendations? Just want something forgiving (not a two stroke for example) that's robust / reliable.

Many thanks.

Im batting for the Blue team, WR250 or 450 get the road legal version. meets all criteria. or go with the good ol trusty Suzuki DRZ400 or Honda XR range.

[avgas]

I have to admit, I just rode a ktm 2-stroke.........and i never want to ride another trail bike.
It was only a 250, but I would take it hands down over the DRZ any day.

[flyingcr250]

I have to admit, I just rode a ktm 2-stroke.........and i never want to ride another trail bike.
It was only a 250, but I would take it hands down over the DRZ any day.

BAM! game over ha ha ha

[andy mac]

To help your decision you should approximate what % of your usage will be on-road and off road - this will have the biggest impact on what type of bike you choose.

If you tow your bike to the trail go for an enduro bike, which can also do limited road miles.
If you want to ride from home to the trail you will want a dual purpose bike for its engine reliability but there are compromises in weight/suspension/handling compared to enduro bikes.

Last year I bought a Yamaha WR250R, which I ride 50 km to the nearest trail. It does fine offroad, its the novice rider that holds it back. Check out this video of us in the Akatarawa forest, Wellington. I'm in the red jacket on blue bike with big tank (300km).

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[mattnzl]

Ha, cool vid Andy. What a mission.

[Stylo]

[QUOTE=andy mac;1129768369]To help your decision you should approximate what % of your usage will be on-road and off road - this will have the biggest impact on what type of bike you choose.

If you tow your bike to the trail go for an enduro bike, which can also do limited road miles.
If you want to ride from home to the trail you will want a dual purpose bike for its engine reliability but there are compromises in weight/suspension/handling compared to enduro bikes.

Last year I bought a Yamaha WR250R, which I ride 50 km to the nearest trail. It does fine offroad, its the novice rider that holds it back. Check out this video of us in the Akatarawa forest, Wellington. I'm in the red jacket on blue bike with big tank (300km).


That was a great vid and, my 5 cents says something like a KDX200 would be a good start ing point .... that reminded me of Big River near Reefton, used to take our 250 and 500 2t's through and have a ball ....can't beat a KX500 , even in the bush

[watermellon]

Thanks for the replies. I'll let you know how I get on and what I go with.

Much appreciated.

[meteor]

Hey AM that was a top quality vid, was type of camera was it? Helmet cam?

[andy mac]

Cheers. We just use digital cameras that have a video function, mine's a Samsung Digimax V700. Of course you have to stop to use it. I've considered getting a hemet cam but thought you would spend too much time editing the footage down.

If you want a bling KDX200 - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=292015909

[watermellon]

Looking at a few bikes. The Suzuki DR-Z400SM seems better value than the DR-Z400E (street legal) but would that bike, even with a change of tyres, be wholly inappropriate for trail riding?

Excuse my ignorance. I could talk all day about Harleys but know nothing about these things. Cheers.

[andy mac]

KB'er Twisty has a DR-Z400SM with knobblies, so pm him your questions. There are some photos of him in this ride report -
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=11704067&postcount=598

The DRZ has a close ratio gearbox so you either choose to gear for the road or the trail. I believe the SM has a different carb for less hp than an E, the rim sizes are smaller. And of course they look like Mad Max stunt doubles :dodge: