Which bike for Jimmy?

[jim.cox]

Ok Guys, Gals, AdvRiderGods and Gurus

Lets have your opinions

I want a light weight go anywhere adventure bike

So which single cylinder dual purpose bike should I buy and why ?

[That looks like fun]

As they say at the Olympics, Let the games commence :corn::corn::corn:

[JATZ]

Ok Guys, Gals, AdvRiderGods and Gurus

Lets have your opinions

I want a light weight go anywhere adventure bike

So which single cylinder dual purpose bike should I buy and why ?

:blink: :facepalm:

[dino3310]

get a XR650l frame with a DR650 motor with a KLR650 seat and screen with KTM525 suspension with a safari tank and a set of giant loop luggage :yes:

[JATZ]

get a XR650l frame with a DR650 motor with a KLR650 seat and screen with KTM525 suspension with a safari tank and a set of giant loop luggage :yes:

You've given that a bit of thought then matey :yes:

[Padmei]

Perhaps given the choices -something along the lines of a KTM? Sounds like you've already made up your mind. Sure you want an advbike or a trailbike?

[hayd3n]

gn 250 with knobblies

[jim.cox]

Sure you want an advbike or a trailbike?

I WANT a trailbike

But I need the advbike to get to the Trail Bike bits

[warewolf]

But I need the advbike to get to the Trail Bike bitsRoad-legal enduro bike? or tourable adv bike??

[Ocean1]

This:
I want a light weight go anywhere adventure bike
makes it a 525 for my money.

There's unnatural bastards wot can punt the most unlikely machinery through the most treacherous stuff but mortals need a bit of an advantage. The 525 is probably the most dirt capable of that lot which has also got a hint of ability on the blackstuff.

Now tyres is a whole nuther thing...

[Phreaky Phil]

Whatever you buy now wont be what you end up with in 2 or 3 years. Your needs / wants will change and maybe the people you ride with will change, so you will probably change bikes to suit. The question you need to ask yourself is how far away do i want to travel. Most of the guys on this site travel big miles. The bikes you have mentioned are great trail bikes but wont like 1000s of km onroad. If you want something that is capable of a full on trailride but can handle the road, a DRZ 400 would do. All of the 650s will handle trail conditions, with the right tires, maybe not as fast as a 450, but way better on the road. I started adventuring on a WR400 and as I started to travel further, the bikes got bigger. ( now they're get'n smaller, go figure !! ) A 650 will sit on whatever speed you want, for as long as you can stand it and are small and (just ) light enough to attempt most of the tracks you can find in NZ. And they wont need a rebuild every 50-300 hours
Thats my 10 cents worth

[marks]

without wanting to appear rude anyone who puts a DR250 in the same lineup as a ktm 625/640 needs to do a bit more research

[jim.cox]

without wanting to appear rude anyone who puts a DR250 in the same lineup as a ktm 625/640 needs to do a bit more research

What do think I AM doing ...

[jim.cox]

Thats my 10 cents worth

Want lightweight

I've had a 600 - adequate on road, but too big and fat for real off road

I can handle droning along the highways if I have to

[alane]

JIM

Go to----www.stackwest.co.nz-----& see what a typical ktm525 looks like after a bit of use.:laugh::laugh: :yes:

[NordieBoy]

DRZ400 with a 17L tank, seat work and appropriate gearing.

That is of course if you can't get you grubby mitts on a DR or TT 350.

[clint640]

How tall are ya & how much offroad experience do you have? All those KTM's would be dangerous in the hands of a short n00b.

If a DRZ250 is on your list then the Yamaha WR250R should be too, the WR-R (not the full-enduro WR-F) is one of the nicest & most versatile road-able trailbikes you can buy at present, especially if light weight is a priority.

Cheers
Clint

[jim.cox]

How tall are ya & how much offroad experience do you have? All those KTM's would be dangerous in the hands of a short n00b.

If a DRZ250 is on your list then the Yamaha WR250R should be too, the WR-R (not the full-enduro WR-F) is one of the nicest & most versatile road-able trailbikes you can buy at present, especially if light weight is a priority.

Cheers
Clint

Not a NOOB - I'm an old fart

I'm kinda scrawny but dont have a problem riding tall bikles...

The WR would be nice - but dont think I can find one within my budget

[That looks like fun]

Yep the standard has been good so far:woohoo:, please ..... go on :corn::corn:

[NordieBoy]

The 350's have a bit more grunt than the 250's and 6-speed boxes compared to the 400.

You can also get them for around $2500-3000.

Personally I'd go for a late model electric start DR350.
Good brakes, good suspension, good engine.

[clint640]

Personally I'd go for a late model electric start DR350.
Good brakes, good suspension, good engine.

Unfortunately it seems road legal ones as above are as rare as rocking horse shit. Rosie was toying with the idea of trying one before she got the WR but after a year's worth of searches & watching Trademe not one came up that was both electric leg & road legal.

Cheers
Clint

[White trash]

Not a NOOB - I'm an old fart

I'm kinda scrawny but dont have a problem riding tall bikles...

The WR would be nice - but dont think I can find one within my budget

I've got a one owner, 2500km 2008 Example in blue you can have for $8200 if you're interested.

[Oscar]

What about a road legal XR400?
I used one as adventure/trail bike for years and loved it.

[clint640]

What about a road legal XR400?
I used one as adventure/trail bike for years and loved it.

Yep, nice bike if you don't mind the kicker. 1997 & later are apparently the ones to get as they got a bunch of upgrades then.

Cheers
Clint

[Oscar]

Yep, nice bike if you don't mind the kicker. 1997 & later are apparently the ones to get as they got a bunch of upgrades then.

Cheers
Clint

Yeah, the only reason I got rid of mine was my dodgy knee.
There is a guy around here who'll put a TRX starter in it for ya...

[jim.cox]

What about a road legal XR400?


Your and Nordie's are good suggestions

But in the past I've found that the extra power of the 350 is barely worth the increase in weight & bulk.

And given that I'm already underwhelmed by the perfomance of 600s ...

Plus, in your case, its a Honda :whistle:

[Night Falcon]

Follow this formula and you cant go wrong :corn:

power required (KW)= your weight x required top speed x% off road use / 100

then take your maximun funds availabe and buy bike that closest matches required power.:facepalm: then let us all know how ya get on :blink:

please note this formula is experimental, its author cannot except any liability for incorrect purchases and/or bodily injury that may occur form people purchasing a motorcycle with too little or too much power

[Oscar]

Your and Nordie's are good suggestions

But in the past I've found that the extra power of the 350 is barely worth the increase in weight & bulk.

And given that I'm already underwhelmed by the perfomance of 600s ...

Plus, in your case, its a Honda :whistle:

Try an XR250R then.
Lotsa road legal ones about..

[bart]

Follow this formula and you cant go wrong :corn:

power required (KW)= your weight x required top speed x% off road use / 100

then take your maximun funds availabe and buy bike that closest matches required power.:facepalm: then let us all know how ya get on :blink:

please note this formula is experimental, its author cannot except any liability for incorrect purchases and/or bodily injury that may occur form people purchasing a motorcycle with too little or too much power

Ahhhh, but your equation misses the most vital ingrediant for adventure/dual purpose.......TORQUE......but don't ask me where to put that. I suck at algebra. :facepalm:

+1 for the DRZ400 by the way.

[junkmanjoe]

KTM 950,,,, dont root around mate go straight to the top........:woohoo:

oh i got one for sale...:scooter:

JMJ

[Padmei]

I have not much experience in the true off road realm however from my experience in the weekend at the laid back trail ride I witnessed many guys sweating & swearing trying to kick their bikes back into life. These were usually in the middle of bogs, dips or tight spots. I personally wouldn't be without an electric start.

Also many MX type riders comment on the weight of the DRZ 400 as being heavy:blink:. I suspect if you end up riding with said MX types, an adv style bike will be regarded as a Hippo & you'll end up buying something small & lite to fit in & possibly end up trailering it.

Ithink some more info is really required such as your experience off road, actual age & ability & what you want to do ie drops & jumps, flatout racing or cruisy trail riding.

[NordieBoy]

The thing the 350 has going for it over the 400 is the gearbox.
It'll trail ride all day and cruise home at 100kph without blurring your vision for the next 3 days.

[Phreaky Phil]

The thing the 350 has going for it over the 400 is the gearbox.
It'll trail ride all day and cruise home at 100kph without blurring your vision for the next 3 days.
350 with 441 kit:woohoo:

[NordieBoy]

350 with 441 kit:woohoo:

480 kit for the DR350 :D

[Oscar]

Also many MX type riders comment on the weight of the DRZ 400 as being heavy:blink:.
:facepalm:
That goes to show how dumb many MX riders are.

Horses for courses - lets see them ride their YZ250 through the Molesworth.

[Night Falcon]

Ahhhh, but your equation misses the most vital ingrediant for adventure/dual purpose.......TORQUE......but don't ask me where to put that. I suck at algebra. :facepalm:

thats the /100 bit....but don't beat yaself up for not spottin it :brick: .....it is a highly complex formula :sherlock:

[warewolf]

What about a road legal XR400?Neat bike. Rare as a Taswegian virgin, and lack the 'leccy start, and pale in comparison to modern machinery. Was dead set interested in one, but apart from being rare in good road-legal condition, they are like Land Rovers... they're really good if you are an enthusiast and replace the engine, electrics, suspension, etc etc and it'll be AWESOME! :facepalm: Ok for casual trail work but simply don't cut it 15 years on. They were blown into the weeds by the WR400F in 1998... which one is still around today?

[warewolf]

But in the past I've found that the extra power of the 350 is barely worth the increase in weight & bulk. They don't give any extra power, but they give wonderful extra torque for little extra anything. eg a KLX300 (kicker only) puts out 33% more torque than a DR-Z250 in an otherwise identical bike. DR350 is quite a pleasant improvement on the 250.


And given that I'm already underwhelmed by the perfomance of 600s ...You haven't answered my previous question. Tourability and trailability are opposite ends of the see-saw, thus heavily influence the compromises you make. How far away are the trails you want to ride? Even in AKL I'd rather trailer a dedicated dirt bike to Woodhill than ride an adv bike. I wouldn't ride a dirt bike half the length of the country either... umm, errmm, ok a quasi-dirt bike I would - but only for a good coupla days off-road ridin'! :D

As to your poll, the 625EXC don't exist. It's actually badged a 625SXC or 640 Hard Enduro; it has an LC4 engine, 5000km oil changes. The 4T EXCs have RFS engines (until recently but those be out of your budget), 1500km oil changes on road. Totally different animals. The DR is an old's cool trail bike. The LC4 is a hi-po trail bike. The EXC is an enduro race weapon. Each hits it's mark, I reckon.

The 450EXC makes about the same peak power as the 525, but has less grunt. So it is easier to ride in the forest, but will still rip your arms out. The 525 is a rip-snortin' enduro beast, not for the faint hearted, but is probably a little better for longer and faster road trips. On-road is not exactly their forte.

[Baldyman]

Another vote for the DRZ400.

And there happens to be a great example on TM at the moment for around the $4950.00 mark:whistle:

[jim.cox]

You haven't answered my previous question. Tourability and trailability are opposite ends of the see-saw

Defiantely want something at the Trail end of the spectrum

But has to be road registerable - as it will probably become my hack around all-purpose machine. And I will still have the Ducati for road blasting

I prefer bottom end grunt to reving my nuts off - so two valve head, long stroke maybe...

With the right gearing a 250 would be "adequate" but the KTM's look like much more fun for not a lot more dollars. I do my own servicing, so their shoirts service interval isnt really a problem

[CrazyFrog]

Defiantely want something at the Trail end of the spectrum

But has to be road registerable - as it will probably become my hack around all-purpose machine. And I will still have the Ducati for road blasting

I prefer bottom end grunt to reving my nuts off - so two valve head, long stroke maybe...

With the right gearing a 250 would be "adequate" but the KTM's look like much more fun for not a lot more dollars. I do my own servicing, so their shoirts service interval isnt really a problem

What Warewolf said re. the KTM's.
I've owned a 450EXC and now a 525EXC. CooneyR has got my 450 now.
Love 'em both, good power and handling, 525 slighly better for road work. Good for short road trips to the trails, but not a tourer in any sense.
Both weight 109kg dry, and will leave you grinning.
Don't rape the motor for any length of time and theres no reason they won't last years, just change the oil regularly and do valve clearances.

Now wait for all the orange haters to chime in about the hard seat.............

[NordieBoy]

I prefer bottom end grunt to reving my nuts off - so two valve head, long stroke maybe...

More like single cam instead of twin cam.

You're only going to get a two valve head in a CRF230 or smaller.

[Ocean1]

More like single cam instead of twin cam.

You're only going to get a two valve head in a CRF230 or smaller.

And a long stroke isn’t necessary for low range torque either, my 525 is reasonably stall-proof and it’s a pretty short stroke.

[warewolf]

I prefer bottom end grunt to reving my nuts off - so two valve head, long stroke maybe...That's real old skool thinking. These days pretty much everything is 4-valve oversquare short-stroke, getting torque from a long rod and better design/tuning. However you still can't beat cubes, so it sounds like you'd prefer a bigger engine.

[Padmei]

I would advise getting a bike witha good seat. I've found all my KTMs have had terrible seats- like really hard on my bum. Other than that they are ok





























































:killingme

[dino3310]

sounds like you need an XR600r Jim

[CRM]

sounds like you need an XR600r Jim

Thinking the same thing. Heaps of torque, really does the business off road, but you can ride them all day (12+ hours over 800km was my biggest day on mine). And if tall isn't an issue thats +1, just the kick start issue (or go for an XR650L which is pretty much the same but has electric start and more weight).

[jim.cox]

sounds like you need an XR600r Jim

I had one of them - Did not do it for me - the fun factor just wasnt there - found it was too much fat-pig off road and boring on-road

[monchopper]

Sell ya ducati and get a new FE570 with a set of supermoto rims for some road work, the 1 bike quiver. Those things rock. Rip on the trails and I mean really really rip more rip than most are comfortable with, goes faster than you're comfortable with on the road. Will sit at 120 all day if you're ass can cope.

Not great for real adventure riding but for adventure lite the ducks nuts.

The technology is into it's 3rd season and as far as I know no real issues.

My next bike without question. Please wife pretty please:love:

[jim.cox]

Sell ya ducati and get a new FE570

Rule no 1 : Never sell a Ducati
Rule no 2 : Always obey rule no 1

Hadn't considered the FE - nice thought - but probably beyond what the Minister of Finance will let me spend

Motard rims are wasted on me - I'm used to riding tall skinny tyres and I could never be bothered swapping the wheels - I'll just run dual purpose tyres on what ever I get

[Eddieb]

Sell ya ducati and get a new FE570 ....

Not great for real adventure riding but for adventure lite the ducks nuts.


I'm interested in your definition of 'real adventure riding'

Is the FE570 'not great for real adventure riding' cause it's too fat and heavy, or because it's not comfortable to do big road days on it and then ride some gravel/tracks?

[Taz]

If it's anything like my 525 then it's great once you are in the vicinity of the adventure ride but painful on the 6 hour ride there and back. Plus the motors are built light and would possibly struggle to return more than 20000kms without replacing certain components. Mines now done 10000kms with no issues apert from a waterpump seal kit. Anything further than the Waikato I tended to trailer it. The 640A is just as good as the 525 in the adventure sense but will comfortably do the road miles to and from.
Taz.

[monchopper]

I'm interested in your definition of 'real adventure riding'

Is the FE570 'not great for real adventure riding' cause it's too fat and heavy, or because it's not comfortable to do big road days on it and then ride some gravel/tracks?

My idea of 'real' adventure riding
95% big bike ridable roads 5% DB challenge stage type terrain.

The FE570 isn't ideal for this as it's got an enduro style ass killing seat. At 114 kg (same as the 525exc) it's definitely not fat or heavy. I long day in side winds would be a ball-ache. In fact it feels lighter to ride than the 530exc and more like the 450exc (but with better ergos)
Where as my definition of Adventure-lite would be something where the main focus is trail riding but some gravel and sealed roads are necessary to get to the good stuff.

[monchopper]

If it's anything like my 525 then it's great once you are in the vicinity of the adventure ride but painful on the 6 hour ride there and back. Plus the motors are built light and would possibly struggle to return more than 20000kms without replacing certain components. Mines now done 10000kms with no issues apert from a waterpump seal kit. Anything further than the Waikato I tended to trailer it. The 640A is just as good as the 525 in the adventure sense but will comfortably do the road miles to and from.
Taz.
It's like your 525 as far as maintenance intervals go and as far as pain on a long road section. But not like in terms of power and handling.