Yamaha DT230, anybody got one?

[Trials Rider]

Hi All

I am looking at getting a trail bike and like the concept of the 2 stroke yamaha DT230 or Lanza, does any one have one of know anybody with one or selling one, any info would be much appreciated, ph me 021 472 853, Cheers Paul

[Motu]

There are a couple on here with them.I had one and loved it,the ultimate adventure bike I reckon.Not exactly light for a 2 stroke,but far lighter than an air cooled 250,with twice the power.Probably not that great on a long ride,but for day rides they are a real hoot.If you are a trials rider,then you will get on with a 2 stroke very well.

[Trials Rider]

Hey Motu

Thanks for that, I love my Sherco 250 two stroke so I agree I think the DT230 would fit well, cheers Paul

[marks]

Hey Motu

Thanks for that, I love my Sherco 250 two stroke so I agree I think the DT230 would fit well, cheers Paul

I've had one for a couple of years. The engine is great, the handling is fine but the suspension - off road - is pretty ho hum - mind you mine has never had a suspension service. It will go nearly anywhere a decent trail bike will go - its ground clearance is what normally stops it.

It has plenty of oomph to be fun on gravel roads. I've done the Gentle Annie, Lake Waikaremoana, Motu Rd, been all around Raglan and down the Forgotten Highway, Molesworth, Rainbow, Porika, Braeburn etc etc on mine and its been fine.

It will sit at 100kph all day and is quite smooth at those speed but is as uncomfortable as any small, light bike with no wind protection at speed.

It bends in the middle if you cartwheel it though :no:

[Motu]

I have often heard the suspension criticised,and won't defend it too much - but compared to contemporary bikes it was pretty good.You didn't find two way damping adjustments front and rear on mere trail bikes.

[Trials Rider]

Thats good info, thanks for that.

I havent seen a bike yet that likes cartwheels but keep up the good work, cheers Paul

[XF650]

Another DT230 owner here. I use mine for "knarlier" adv & trail rides. No slug on the road either - 150km/hr on std gearing. Comfy seat & suites my short legs.
It's more of a dual purpose bike than a trail bike but with limited fuel range (150 km's & no after market tanks). However it still can out ride my limited ability.
Not many around with only 14 sold new in NZ plus a few imports (Lanza's) ex Japan. However Yamaha NZ still carry parts.
If you are looking at one in particular, ping us a message - I might know it.

[Trials Rider]

Thanks for that, haven't found anything yet, are the Lanza's exactly the same bar the stickers? not sure how to ping a message to you, my email is paul@delis.co.nz if you want to e me of line, would be keen to have a chat, cheers Paul

[Motu]

Same bike,just colour changes and graphics.First ones were white with a red frame and seat,then white with black frame and seat,last ones (NZ) were blue.Imports may have some extras - my Lanza had a carrier,

[marks]

I havent seen a bike yet that likes cartwheels but keep up the good work, cheers Paul

admittedly it survived the first two cartwheels with much less damage

[XF650]

Paul rode my DT230 today and now he wants one more than ever!
Turns out he's brother of Monstaman - it's a small world.

[clint640]

Another one to look at in a similar lightweight road legal 2 stroke 250 line is the Gas Gas Pampera, especially if you are short of leg. I think the DT230 has better suspension but a trials rider would find much to like about the Pampera.

Cheers
Clint

[marks]

Another one to look at in a similar lightweight road legal 2 stroke 250 line is the Gas Gas Pampera, especially if you are short of leg. I think the DT230 has better suspension but a trials rider would find much to like about the Pampera.

Cheers
Clint

I've breifly ridden a pampera and they have considerably less ooomph - particularly when the revs get up.

[warewolf]

I've breifly ridden a pampera and they have considerably less ooomph - particularly when the revs get up.Interesting comment, got me thinking. Haven't ridden a DT230, but vaguely interested in buying one myself at the moment. A friend had an unregistered Pampera which I rode in Woodhill Forest quite a bit but never on road. It was certainly heaps faster/more powerful/lighter than my DR-Z250, but I do recall being disappointed at it's top speed in the open on sand - wasn't sure if it was gearing, traction or a sheer lack of top-end power (or the suspension scaring me into backing off).

The Pampera is 248cc & 93kg dry weight. Trials-origin engine so lots of low-down grunt rather than a peaky 2T screamer. Online stats say 20hp, possibly measured rear wheel. Doesn't sound like a lot for a 250/2T given the MXers are cracking 55-60 crank hp.

The DT230 is 224cc & 121kg dry weight. Reportedly 40hp (crank?). A "useful increase" on the Pampera. I would expect it to be far peakier; the Pampera didn't have a typical 2t powerband (except off idle), feels very much like a 4t power curve. One wonders how useful the Pampera's grunt would be, particularly if it had a weak top end?? Useful as in, make up for? Possibly not for adventure touring use on the open road. And also, whether the flat torque curve and fat midrange makes the bike feel weaker & slower than it is? IME that is certainly the case with bikes like the Tiger steamer.

Probably a bit academic anyway, as I think the DT230 makes a more versatile/tourable machine so I'm unlikely to choose a Pampera even if it was as powerful.

[Motu]

The DT230 was developed from the DT200 to give it more bottom end...it has a smaller carb than the DT200.Twice the hp of the Pampera,and probably feels like it.The advertising blurb was MX bike on the street,and that's how it felt to me,or more likely how I rode it.They come on really strong on the bottom end (or mine did anyway) and then you just flick it through the gears as fast as you can - no tacho,but they rev to 9,000,and I would guess I changed up at 7,000.Short shifting on that strong bottom end.

I reckon the Pampera would be a better trail bike in tough stuff.Open trails,fire breaks and gravel the DT230 just rips it up.I actually found it hard to control trying tight stuff in 1st.

[marks]

Interesting comment, got me thinking. Haven't ridden a DT230, but vaguely interested in buying one myself at the moment.

well you know where I live (more or less)
as long as you promise not to scratch it :no: you can take it for a decent blat through the mungy's or better still Odlins Rd - it is an utter blast on that track

[rogerh]

It's more of a dual purpose bike than a trail bike but with limited fuel range (150 km's & no after market tanks).
This is the exact opposite of the Pampera. See Motu's comment below. Right on the money. And the Pampera only has a 6l tank! (including reserve??) Have not tested the range, as the bike is only used off road.


I've breifly ridden a pampera and they have considerably less ooomph - particularly when the revs get up.
I can't agree with this Mark. We have one here that my wife rides, and it has plenty of ooomph up top too. I have done 140 on it with out effort. At that point I was becoming a little uncomfortable on such a light weight bike! It certainly has the two stroke thing going on at the top end, but has a hell of a flywheel, so is a little slower to rev than most two strokes.


I reckon the Pampera would be a better trail bike in tough stuff.

This is where it absolutely excels, but is only a low speed machine due to the suspenders.

In summary. Light. Fun, particularly off road for a rider that needs confidence. The suspenders are pretty basic, but with good maintenance should be OK. Very like the trail bikes of old, but light weight and modern construction. Think a TS250 built this century. There is plenty of power, and it feels like a lot more than the figures quoted earlier. Maybe Warewolf is right about how it is measured??? The frame is very light weight, and the bike will not deal with air too well, but other than that it is very good for an inexperienced rider. It will climb anything and is great for practice and technique sharpening. But it is no mx bike, and never will be. As I said though, our one is pretty good on the road. It certainly has a two stroke power band up top, but would be buzzy on the road, and is fairly hard to kick over for a lighter person. A button and key would be good, but it is what it is, and I think it is a really good trail bike.


I think the DT230 makes a more versatile/tourable machine so I'm unlikely to choose a Pampera even if it was as powerful.
I would have to agree with this

If anyone really wants to try one, give me a yell. It goes to Woodhill (the Sandpit) from time to time, and we live on a small block with some great practice areas.

[XF650]

A couple of other dual purpose 2 smokes i'v ridden (both imports):
TS200 - Suzuki's version of the DT200? I really liked it, my size & felt quite nimble but no electric leg (not that it was hard starting).
Honda CRM - a weapon, but I think the last ones were over done with emissions stuff?
Still happier with the DT230 though.

[Monstaman]

Paul rode my DT230 today and now he wants one more than ever!
Turns out he's brother of Monstaman - it's a small world.

I deny all knowledge of knowing my twin brother for 43 years.

Yeap its true, he has got back into bikes after many years away which is very cool, he got sucked into gettin a DR650 too.

So I am looking forward to him gettin a DT so he can pay for it and I can ride it ... like a true Dutchman :lol:

[NordieBoy]

So I am looking forward to him gettin a DT so he can pay for it and I can ride it ... like a true Dutchman :lol:

So he's not a true Dutchie?

I mean. Buying a bike and letting someone else ride it?

[Monstaman]

So he's not a true Dutchie?

I mean. Buying a bike and letting someone else ride it?

...dunno yet cos he hasn't got one yet ... in a bruvvaly love kinda way he might tell me to stuff off!! :shit:

[Trials Rider]

Well yes I took Struans DT230 for a skid last week, have to confess if I walked to his place I would have riden home before he noticed, bugger eh.

Was very impressed, nice and light (compared to the DR650), tons of grunt, nice and quiet, keen to get one.

Bloody typical Dutchie wants me to pay and him to ride, bloody twin brothers!!!, mind you I wouldnt mind a ride a NEW KTM990SMR

Cheers

Paul
Sherco 250 2007
Suzuki DR650 2010
Soon Yamaha DT230

[XF650]

I back loaded Paul's new toy from Nelson last week & recognised the DT230 (import Lanza) as one I had test ridden before I bought mine. It was easy to identify with factory bash plate & optional kick start, lowering links and dished seat.
Luckily NigelP & I had recently grabbed a parts bike, so Paul now has all the bits he needs to get it back to std ride height. He's a very happy chappy:

[Motu]

'98? Half n half colour scheme - blue tank and front guard,white rear guard and black seat.I saw one like that in a Wellington shop.

[NordieBoy]

How long before it does it's first trial?

:shifty:

[Trials Rider]

Got my new toy, Big thanks to Struan for transporting it back from Nelson for me.

First impressions, love it

Second impressions, love it

Third impression, love it

I am very pleased with the bike, goes very well, lots of low down snot, wind the throttle and jobs on , shit it goes, love the adjustable rebound and compression, low centre of gravity.

I have since put a white head light on so it is 96, 97, 98 model now. added a new pic.

For anyone looking for a light weight trail bike with tons of hoof I would say ride a DT230, you will be impressed.

[Trials Rider]

Conway flats ride

Went to the Conway flat trail ride last week, first ride out on the DT230, went very well, had nobly tyres on which was a must as it was boggy as hell.

I did a we mode to the bike, I put an on/off switch on the power valve to see what would happen, basically it seems to leave the exhaust port small so it knocks the power band back to more predicable even acceleration but I would be interested if anyone else has played wit them.

Back to the Conway, the reckon there would have been 130 to 150 bikes, great event, lots of fun, lots of mud, lots of guys lying on the ground with their bikes.

Cheers Paul

[Motu]

You want a 2 stroke to be predictable? It's still waiting to smack you on the back of the head with a 4x2 when you aren't watching.It wasn't so much the top end power,but the strong surge off the bottom end that made it tricky in tight and slippery conditions....even with the so called traction control.

[Trials Rider]

Well when I say predictable it is nicer in the technical creek areas, you can give it a fist full with out a big surge so no 4x2 suprizes, with the power valve on it wicks up the tyre pretty quickly, if I don't keep my ducks in a row I can get out of control particularly in greasy poop.

Well I would love to know how the so called traction control actually works, it a bit of a mystery to me too.

Cool bike though.

[timg]

I back loaded Paul's new toy from Nelson last week & recognised the DT230 (import Lanza) as one I had test ridden before I bought mine. It was easy to identify with factory bash plate & optional kick start, lowering links and dished seat.
Luckily NigelP & I had recently grabbed a parts bike, so Paul now has all the bits he needs to get it back to std ride height. He's a very happy chappy: Oh great! Now I gotta put up with two blardy two smokes :sick: Looks nice tho. Look forward to catching up with it

[XF650]

Paul (Trials Rider), being Fire Chief of the Kaiapoi Volunteer Brigade, recently took some much deserved time off to explore the Waimak on his DT230. Check out his amazing pics:

[marks]

Paul (Trials Rider), being Fire Chief of the Kaiapoi Volunteer Brigade, recently took some much deserved time off to explore the Waimak on his DT230. Check out his amazing pics:

sobering photos Struan -

need to ride Big River etc soooon :yes:

ps - please send me a straight front axle :)

[NordieBoy]

Don't they have a minimum height requirement in the fire service?
:shutup:

[XF650]

sobering photos Struan -

need to ride Big River etc soooon :yes:

ps - please send me a straight front axle :)

Spare axel is encased in it's prophylactic sheath, awaiting dispatch.
Need any other DT230 bits?

[marks]

Spare axel is encased in it's prophylactic sheath, awaiting dispatch.
Need any other DT230 bits?

tail light lens? (mine melted)

[XF650]

tail light lens? (mine melted)

Yip - got a complete tail light unit. I can post both tomorrow or deliver to Upper Hutt on Tuesday - your call.

[Padmei]

wow scary pics really -really lucky the big one hit at nite - imagine riding along & seeing those open up before you:gob:

it's interesting to see an adv riders perspective

[XF650]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=318879710

[marks]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=318879710

my son says I should buy this and use my one for spares.

I have just told him he is illegitimate

I work in the Hut till 6ish on Tuesdays - do you want to catch up for a drink later?

[XF650]

my son says I should buy this and use my one for spares.

I have just told him he is illegitimate

I work in the Hut till 6ish on Tuesdays - do you want to catch up for a drink later?

Just buy it & I'll look after it here as your SI bike. Would be interesting to see what difference that hot pipe makes.
Will let ya know which pub we end up at.....

[Woodman]

need to ride Big River etc soooon :yes:

:)

Maybe you should get off your ass and come to the Dusty Butt in January and we can whip in and out of Big River on the way down.
There is a germinating idea to do this round here somewhere.

[Eddieb]

I'm intending on coming down this year, just got to convince the other 2 people at work who want the same time off to sod off and have their holidays on other dates.

[marks]

Maybe you should get off your ass and come to the Dusty Butt in January and we can whip in and out of Big River on the way down.
There is a germinating idea to do this round here somewhere.

can't wait that long

just need this furken weather to settle down and string together more than one sunny day

[Monstaman]

Don't they have a minimum height requirement in the fire service?
:shutup:

Step outsuide maite :laugh:

Next time (if I remember cos I was 44 yesterday) I am gonna reach up and bash you in the knee caps!! :bleh:

[XF650]

Low reserve, closing soon: http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=333255446