Why don't many people ride motards on the road?

[bosslady]

Or at least they don't, from what I've seen. Is there something wrong with them or that make them not so good for road use? pro's? cons?

[Ocean1]

Real motards are derived from reasonably highly tuned dirt bikes, they don't last long as a commuter and even less as a tourer. Then there are the motard STYLE bikes, which are largely a marketing excercise, basically a std nekid bike with dirt trim.

I like nekid bikes. Even for touring. When you're a big girl you might look at one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-587528831.htm

[bosslady]

Real motards are derived from reasonably highly tuned dirt bikes, they don't last long as a commuter and even less as a tourer. Then there are the motard STYLE bikes, which are largely a marketing excercise, basically a std nekid bike with dirt trim.

I like nekid bikes. Even for touring. When you're a big girl you might look at one of these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-587528831.htm

So say a dzr400, ktm duke 390 etc still fit into the not lasting long brigade?

[Ocean1]

So say a dzr400, ktm duke 390 etc still fit into the not lasting long brigade?

DRZSM isn't that high-strung, could be a good choice if you're not too challenged in the inside leg department. Very buzzy on the motorway though.

All of the Dukes are really jusst straight nekids, designed for the road from the get-go. Very nice machines, I might well be tempted by one of these when they eventually hit the 2nd hand market.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ButyKbZMD-k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Gremlin]

Proper motards like the SXV550 etc, while a hoot, have a ridiculous gas range, reserve light coming on around 100km. Also uncomfortable for longer rides.

Had a KTM 990 SM, didn't really work in the sport touring department, but what a wicked bike!

[bosslady]

Proper motards like the SXV550 etc, while a hoot, have a ridiculous gas range, reserve light coming on around 100km. Also uncomfortable for longer rides.

Had a KTM 990 SM, didn't really work in the sport touring department, but what a wicked bike!

Why was it no good?

[Gremlin]

Why was it no good?
It's a supermoto, great for fun rides, I tried to add luggage racks, told the shop I wanted more fuel capacity, better fuel consumption etc. The shop thought I was mad.

After breaking this and that, clearly it wasn't happy having luggage racks, I gave up and moved to the GSA, which is a better base to build from, for my needs.

[Ocean1]

Why was it no good?

He tends to carry a bit of luggage. And even though they're a V twin, (as opposed to the smaller motards being singles) they're still quite high maintenance.

But I think you're on the right track, mid-range naked V twins in particular represent good value. Easy to ride, more forgiving power delivery, lower maintenance...

[bosslady]

He tends to carry a bit of luggage. And even though they're a V twin, (as opposed to the smaller motards being singles) they're still quite high maintenance.

But I think you're on the right track, mid-range naked V twins in particular represent good value. Easy to ride, more forgiving power delivery, lower maintenance...

Can you recommend any naked bikes or motards that are LAMS approved? just to LOOK at and put on the wish list....

[Ocean1]

Can you recommend any naked bikes or motards that are LAMS approved? just to LOOK at and put on the wish list....

There's the Hyosungs, 250 and 650 sports, look OK but the build quality is not high and technically they're a bit agricultural.

There's a few Ducati Monsters that fall in that category.

I always had a soft spot for these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-585525326.htm

Very good quality build, lovely handling, easy to live with and nice to look at. That one's done bugger all work too...

The baby Dukes are nice, not sure if the 390 is LAMS approved, but they're all relatively recent and therefore comparitively expensive. They'd not tourers, though, made for weekend scratching and OK for commuting but as with G's 990 they don't do luggage well.

More will come to me with time, I suspect...

[sketch]

not sure if the 390 is LAMS approved,

More will come to me with time, I suspect...

390s on the list, the monsters are super pricy, vtr250? still a 250 tho and getting harder to find with low kms

[bosslady]

There's the Hyosungs, 250 and 650 sports, look OK but the build quality is not high and technically they're a bit agricultural.

There's a few Ducati Monsters that fall in that category.

I always had a soft spot for these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-585525326.htm

Very good quality build, lovely handling, easy to live with and nice to look at. That one's done bugger all work too...

The baby Dukes are nice, not sure if the 390 is LAMS approved, but they're all relatively recent and therefore comparitively expensive. They'd not tourers, though, made for weekend scratching and OK for commuting but as with G's 990 they don't do luggage well.

More will come to me with time, I suspect...
I was thinking something maybe where I sit more upright? hmmmm....??

[pete-blen]

Can you recommend any naked bikes or motards that are LAMS approved? just to LOOK at and put on the wish list....

motard.. Yamaha XT660X... they are not just a XT660R dirt version with a 17' front wheel..yamaha twicked
the front geometry diffrent forks to reduce the rake/trail to give better road handleing..bigger brakes.
the XT660 motor has more hp than a XR650r but is still lams legal , will do 100,000km first
engine life so buying one with 30,000 odd k on it isn't a issue..
But they are not light.. 165kgs.. they do hold there prise...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/SearchResults.aspx?searchString=xt660x&rptpath=0001-&type=Search&searchType=2506&generalSearch_keypresses=4&generalSearch_suggested=6

[bosslady]

motard.. Yamaha XT660X... they are not just a XT660R dirt version with a 17' front wheel..yamaha twicked
the front geometry diffrent forks to reduce the rake/trail to give better road handleing..bigger brakes.
the XT660 motor has more hp than a XR650r but is still lams legal , will do 100,000km first
engine life so buying one with 30,000 odd k on it isn't a issue..
But they are not light.. 165kgs.. they do hold there prise...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/SearchResults.aspx?searchString=xt660x&rptpath=0001-&type=Search&searchType=2506&generalSearch_keypresses=4&generalSearch_suggested=6

Hey they look nice, you sure they're lams?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Or at least they don't, from what I've seen. Is there something wrong with them or that make them not so good for road use? pro's? cons?

most of them are TOO FUCKING TALL. OK all of them.

[testastretta]

I have an XT660X. One of the main complaints about them is surging at low speeds but I havent had any issues with mine. I have done 36000km on it and it has been completely reliable.
If the seat height isnt an issue for you I think it would be well worth considering for your next bike.
They are rather tame but can still be quite a fun bike to ride in the twisties.
Loads of info at xt660.com

[pete-blen]

Hey they look nice, you sure they're lams?

near the bottom... XT660 covers the R&X and the XT660Z Tenere
http://www.google.co.nz/url?q=http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/getting/docs/lams-list.pdf&sa=U&ei=xGx9UbfDL6ayiQfWzoCYDg&ved=0CCAQFjAB&sig2=jErTYDepT_ZZaBfH26scdA&usg=AFQjCNGNQOZ_gzYGrAye04lOMA9eA6xPmA

[Ocean1]

I was thinking something maybe where I sit more upright? hmmmm....??

Well, yeah, the monsters aren't as sit-up as a dirt bike, nowhere near sportsbike crouch though.

And both the dukes and that Bros are typical naked ergonomics.

Thing is, you don't really want to be all that upright at motorway/touring speeds, the drag on your arms from the wind pressure is a pain. The best hand position sees you neither holding your upper body weight on your arms/wrists as you tend to on sprotsbikes or holding on to stop being blown off the back, as tends to happen on full upright position bikes like motards. You can roll handlebars fwd or back to fine-tune it, and I've been known to tweak them fwd a tad for a long trip, but the basic ergonomics need to suit your end-use.

And as the man said, both motards and the dirt bikes they're based on are bloody tall, to get clearance for the 300mm or so suspension travel. Which is why I was suggesting the more sporty nakeds, a lot of them are just as much fun, better ergos, fewer compromises for a wider range of uses.

But if you want a motard there's certainly plenty on TM to choose from, just stay away from the typical 450 single MX based high-strung examples.

[Gianz]

So say a dzr400, ktm duke 390 etc still fit into the not lasting long brigade?

the drz400sm will last long. very long. you can cruise 100kph all day. great fun too.

[leathel]

My brother has the solely dirt version of the DRZ400 and I am sure I can tee up a ride on that if you want to see what they go like, My Xr can be used as well, he is also a bike salesmen so should have the road version to do a test run on.... He had the 600ish version in the other day when I was in....was tempted to try that

I know where there in an XR Motard for sale but not sure if its the 600 or 650..... XR 650 is not on the list from memory

Yes the dirt high revving versions that get done for Motards often are the type that require valves, pistons and barrels changed far to often for a road bike, But some old school dirt bikes and Road versions of the dirt bikes are fine :)

[SVboy]

Dont discount the mighty DRZ400sm! Lams approved in standard form. Easy to improve with a few easy mods after full licence gained. Fine at 110kms.
Not too high.Totally reliable and easy to service.....and mega fun. If you arnt having fun on one of these, you arnt trying, or you are dead already!!

[Devil]

You could wait till you've got your full and get a KTM 690SM. Cheap to pick up now (interesting looks) but they're a great bike. Will spank the DRZ's/XT660's power wise, and suspension wise, and brake wise, yet still reliable.

I'll be getting the motard wheel kit for my 690 enduro R soon. Motards are hilarious fun.

[strandedinnz]

DR-Z400SMs are great machines for traffic, you sit nice and high up for good visibility over the top of cars, really good maneuverability, I'm 5'10" and can sit on the bike with my feet flat on the ground, filtering through traffic is a doddle and they have plenty of low end go, for long distance mile munching the default gearing and sprockets are not the best though but you can easily go up and down in the 100-120 range

Added bonuses :

1) Cheapish to buy
2) LAMS approved
3) Cheap parts if you come off
4) Cheap servicing
5) Cheapish to feed, I get about 180km for 8 litres of fuel (it's a 10 litre tank with 2 of that being reserve .. not that big)
6) Stacks and stacks of aftermarket parts, from blingy bits to performance parts.
7) You can make them really REALLY noisy so everyone knows to get out of your way and make space :-)

[bosslady]

Gee the DZR400sm is sounding good.

[Devil]

It is the "cheap and cheerful" of motards.
Plenty about because they dumped a whole lot on the market a few years back at a ridiculous price.
Has a little less power than the DRZ400E model, but can be tuned. Expect a significant increase in fuel consumption though if you want to do muffler, poke holes in the airbox and re-jet.

[Tigadee]

I always had a soft spot for these: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-585525326.htm

Very good quality build, lovely handling, easy to live with and nice to look at. That one's done bugger all work too...

+1 on these....

[Jjgres]

I've been motarding lately. '08 Husqvarna SMR510. Cons: tall, uncomfortable, small gas tank, high maintenance.

Pros: Twist the throttle front wheel claws for the sky. Front brake fit for the gods. Every ride leaves you trembling, heart pounding, wondering how you survived.

[-df-]

Don't forget the DR650SE (LAMS approved).

Those will last forever (mines got 89k on it) and have lots of torque.

[strandedinnz]

I've been motarding lately. '08 Husqvarna SMR510. Cons: tall, uncomfortable, small gas tank, high maintenance.

Pros: Twist the throttle front wheel claws for the sky. Front brake fit for the gods. Every ride leaves you trembling, heart pounding, wondering how you survived.


Maybe not the best advert to a rider still on a GN250 ? :laugh:

[Maha]

You could wait till you've got your full and get a KTM 690SM. Cheap to pick up now (interesting looks) but they're a great bike. Will spank the DRZ's/XT660's power wise, and suspension wise, and brake wise, yet still reliable.

I'll be getting the motard wheel kit for my 690 enduro R soon. Motards are hilarious fun.

That 690 Duke (not so much the Sm cos I am all about asthetics :shifty:) would definately be the right choice. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-584493709.htm

[bosslady]

I've been motarding lately. '08 Husqvarna SMR510. Cons: tall, uncomfortable, small gas tank, high maintenance.

Pros: Twist the throttle front wheel claws for the sky. Front brake fit for the gods. Every ride leaves you trembling, heart pounding, wondering how you survived.

my flatty had an 08 husqvarna sm610 that I could JUST tip toe on either side, lol.

[haydes55]

My motard is awesomeness. Best learners bike ever, even though I can reach the ground only one foot at a time. Not just IMHO but in everyones opinion (if you object then your opinion doesn't matter).

260km range on my 2 tanks. Easier to lanesplit on it than anything else. Bumps in the road are no worries, speedbumps become jumps, gravel makes you smile, corners make me orgasm. I've dropped it a few times and the worst damage is a bent handlebar and indicator snapped. The engine is easy to access without needing to remove fairings. I've done 13,000km in just over a year on it, touring and short thrashes. Couple of oil and filter changes, air filter changes and one valve clearance check. Engine goes fine, cruises at 100km/h easily, overtakes a bit slow but so do most little bikes. U-turns are easy. When I'm moving the bike around it's light enough to swivel on the stand.

The only thing that makes me want to move on is a lust for power. And luggage room.

[schrodingers cat]

I've love one but I suspect it would just unleash my inner asshole.
I might as well just burn my license the day I got one and wheelie out the drive

Impractical? Fuck yeah!

If you want sensible ride the bus

[Big Dave]

Fairings are ghey.

[leathel]

Most of my road riding has been on dirt type bikes... XL125 was the start...gutless wonder start but then XR200, XL250, XL500 then XR600 and yes it was wheel stands everywhere but back then cops were not that hard on you.....well not untill you do it to much then you have to pick your times :P

I do like the cruiser but I can see me back on a 600+ motard style bike at some stage....

[SVboy]

I've love one but I suspect it would just unleash my inner asshole.
I might as well just burn my license the day I got one and wheelie out the drive

Impractical? Fuck yeah!

If you want sensible ride the bus


Wrong attitude! I bought my second tard to preserve my licence-100-110kms cruising speed-much safer than my gixxer! THEN you get to the corners and the real fun begins.....Inner asshole-astute comment, wont even pretend thats not the case! But FUN!

[haydes55]

I forgot to add, no need to back it out of angle parking, just hop the curb haha seriously there is nowhere you can't take them. Also a lot cheaper to buy a full set of brand new plastics and stickers than a paintjob. So pretty bikes :first:

You would be amazed how often I come out of a shop or something and a random person is on their knees taking photos of my bike on the side of the road.

[bosslady]

my flatty said Suzuki is gay and I should get a ktm...

[leathel]

my flatty said Suzuki is gay and I should get a ktm...

As long as he fronts the extra money it will cost you :laugh:

Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda will all do the trick and if you shop around at a much lower price for lower use, Cheap KTM's are usually worn out ones

[bosslady]

As long as he fronts the extra money it will cost you :laugh:

Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda will all do the trick and if you shop around at a much lower price for lower use, Cheap KTM's are usually worn out ones

a 2013 ktm duke 390 is $10k, a 2013 drz400sm is $11.5k?

[leathel]

a 2013 ktm duke 390 is $10k, a 2013 drz400sm is $11.5k?

I was thinking more on the used side of things... but it should be relative...been a long while since I looked at new bike prices :P

My current bike was $4K

[SVboy]

my flatty said Suzuki is gay and I should get a ktm...

Informed comments and advice like that should see you into a great bike no worries.

[Ocean1]

my flatty said Suzuki is gay and I should get a ktm...

Astute man.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-577340723.htm

Not the most reassuring advert I've seen but...

[SVboy]

LOL! Has reliability written all over it! Couldnt see much sign of fun however!

[pritch]

That 390 Duke could do what you want, guess we'll all have to wait until there are some road tests in English?

[bosslady]

That 390 Duke could do what you want, guess we'll all have to wait until there are some road tests in English?

Except for turn up on my door step totally free....

[bosslady]

look at these dorkx, cant keep on their side of the road
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yQjPJNezwas

[leathel]

a 2013 ktm duke 390 is $10k, a 2013 drz400sm is $11.5k?


Brian has the 2012 version new at less..... but that isn't the 2013...are they much different?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-199260243.htm

[Ocean1]

Brian has the 2012 version new at less..... but that isn't the 2013...are they much different?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-199260243.htm

Suzuki typically discount these, (and a few other models) in their summer firesale. Can't tecall what they used to go for but it was well less than that.

[bosslady]

Brian has the 2012 version new at less..... but that isn't the 2013...are they much different?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dirt-bikes/auction-199260243.htm

Invalid. It's not black or other cool colours ;)

[SVboy]

Sadly I think the GFC has ended Suzukis summerfests from being the bargain mecca that they were. That E model is probably not what you are after-more adventure dual purpose foccused than street.

[cfxjason]

i have a k7 drz400sm with a few extra bits on it and they are a orsome toy and if ya put a small screen on it then they are also sweet as for longer trips,ya just gota use all the gas stations lol

[Kiwi Graham]

Have done the Supermoto thing on the road a few years back.
Got hold of a Husaberg 650 race bike and got it registered, it was a real hoot to ride but bloody expensive on maintainance then got a KTM620 SM, more road orientated but they both encouraged bad behaviour :shifty:

Road orientated SM's are good for city commuting but a pain on the open road.

[bosslady]

Have done the Supermoto thing on the road a few years back.
Got hold of a Husaberg 650 race bike and got it registered, it was a real hoot to ride but bloody expensive on maintainance then got a KTM620 SM, more road orientated but they both encouraged bad behaviour :shifty:

Road orientated SM's are good for city commuting but a pain on the open road.
Why are they a pain on the open road?

[leathel]

Why are they a pain on the open road?


At pace you have to hold on more due to the upright position.... not a smooth either at 100 K++ for some of the more dirt style bikes (not so much the twin cyl big CC ones)

Fit a small screen helps if you are doing long runs

there is no perfect bike for all conditions ;)

[bosslady]

At pace you have to hold on more due to the upright position.... not a smooth either at 100 K++ for some of the more dirt style bikes (not so much the twin cyl big CC ones)

Fit a small screen helps if you are doing long runs

there is no perfect bike for all conditions ;)
In terms of having to hold on due to sitting upright, how does that compare to my gn?

[Devil]

Depends on the bike. But I agree, if you want to spend time on the open road on a motard, a screen will make life more comfortable.
You'll probably find it a little more tiring than the gn, typically because you're really sitting on top of a motard - there's nothing in front of you. You're a bit more "in" the gn (yet still exposed to the wind).

[Devil]

If you can get over the looks, you could probably pick this up for $8k, because I know they're trying to get rid of it http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-582072629.htm

Used to belong to me from brand new, then it was traded in by the guy I sold it to. They're great fun, plenty of power, the screen is handy. Great on the gas and does mean wheelies :D

Is reliable. Has 7500km service intervals.

[leathel]

In terms of having to hold on due to sitting upright, how does that compare to my gn?

Without a screen you will cop it more, but a well designed screen can kick the air up higher than flat larger screens so it will depend on bike design and the screen ....

Travel 5kph slower and it will drop the wind factor massively

I prefer no screen on my bike but over 100 on windy days does add to more rider fatigue and I may put my screen back on in winter...

[Kiwi Graham]

Why are they a pain on the open road?

As has been said they have a very upright riding position so you'll cop all the head wind, the seats generally are not designed for extended journeys and the single cylinder versions would be a bit 'buzzy' at touring speeds.

Other than that there great fun to ride :)

[Big Dave]

The windscreen has to be either - big enough to deflect the turbulence they create over the rider at cruising speed - thus create a bubble - or they have to be small enough so that the turbulence strikes the torso and the helmet is in clean air.

If the 'dirty air' off the screen strikes the helmet it's unpleasant at touring speeds. In some combinations of helmet and screen - intolerable.

The taller you are the taller the screen has to be to fit in the bubble. Obviously the lower screen is in keeping with a motard.

For real tall guys like me windscreens are a complete pita. The only bike I would buy with a large windscreen now would be one that is electrically adjustable.

[Devil]

For real tall guys like me windscreens are a complete pita. The only bike I would buy with a large windscreen now would be one that is electrically adjustable.

You are an abnormally large unit, however. Hehehe.

[nerrrd]

One of these might be a good compromise between motard-ish styling and a practical tourer:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-555913190.htm

[bosslady]

One of these might be a good compromise between motard-ish styling and a practical tourer:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-555913190.htm

looks nice, expensive, but nice!

[bosslady]

trying to find a motard/dual purpose etc. bike on trademe under 5k but dont know what im looking at? finding it hard to find anything thats road registered and lots of the ads waffle on about how many hours its done and shit. Just want something maybe cheap, reliable, fun and semi aesthetically appealing?

[Mushu]

I have a DR650 which was on motard wheels when I bought it, although I put the standard wheels back on with knobblies because I got sick of swapping back and forward when I wanted to ride off road, it's been geared longer than standard as well but I'm considering swapping back to the original gearing because it's quite long for off road use and I think the standard gearing will be fine up to 100 kmh (it'll go 160 with the current setup) it'll be up for sale in a couple of months when I'm getting ready to go to Australia.

[haydes55]

trying to find a motard/dual purpose etc. bike on trademe under 5k but dont know what im looking at? finding it hard to find anything thats road registered and lots of the ads waffle on about how many hours its done and shit. Just want something maybe cheap, reliable, fun and semi aesthetically appealing?

So you want my bike then? Id let her go for $3,500.
After I give her a service and a new indicator lol not suitable for an mx track on street tyres.

[bosslady]

I have a DR650 which was on motard wheels when I bought it, although I put the standard wheels back on with knobblies because I got sick of swapping back and forward when I wanted to ride off road, it's been geared longer than standard as well but I'm considering swapping back to the original gearing because it's quite long for off road use and I think the standard gearing will be fine up to 100 kmh (it'll go 160 with the current setup) it'll be up for sale in a couple of months when I'm getting ready to go to Australia.

whats the year and mileage? is it lams?

[bosslady]

So you want my bike then? Id let her go for $3,500.
After I give her a service and a new indicator lol not suitable for an mx track on street tyres.

same as above? ill have a better idea of my financial situation this time next month to be able to make a decision... what can you tell me about it? wof, rego etc

[nerrrd]

So you want my bike then? Id let her go for $3,500.
After I give her a service and a new indicator lol not suitable for an mx track on street tyres.

Am I right in thinking it's the one from the Taranaki ride with the awesome graphics? 'cos that would be kewl...

[haydes55]

Am I right in thinking it's the one from the Taranaki ride with the awesome graphics? 'cos that would be kewl...

That's the one.

Uhh rego til october I think and wof within a month or 2 but i'll get a new wof with the service. I just need time to get the bike to the shop<_<

[bosslady]

That's the one.

Uhh rego til october I think and wof within a month or 2 but i'll get a new wof with the service. I just need time to get the bike to the shop<_<

year? mileage? how old are sprockets, chain, tyres etc etc. :) how soon are ya looking to give it the flick and is there anything else u can tell me?

[Gremlin]

year? mileage? how old are sprockets, chain, tyres etc etc. :) how soon are ya looking to give it the flick and is there anything else u can tell me?
There's this cute thing called private messaging, if you want to have a one to one discussion... <_<

[Mushu]

whats the year and mileage? is it lams?

Yea it's LAMS, 2007 (K7), currently a bit over 15000ks I'll be leaving for oz in August I'd like to hold on to it until not long before.

Co-incidently the R6 will be up for sale around the same time, and my AE101 Levin.

Sent from my XT535 using Tapatalk 2

[Ender EnZed]

I have a DR650 which was on motard wheels when I bought it, although I put the standard wheels back on with knobblies because I got sick of swapping back and forward when I wanted to ride off road, it's been geared longer than standard as well but I'm considering swapping back to the original gearing because it's quite long for off road use and I think the standard gearing will be fine up to 100 kmh (it'll go 160 with the current setup) it'll be up for sale in a couple of months when I'm getting ready to go to Australia.

People normally gear DR650s down rather than up.

I had one with a 14 tooth front sprocket (vs 15 standard) and it would still do an indicated 160 easily enough.

[bosslady]

There's this cute thing called private messaging, if you want to have a one to one discussion... <_<

dont think its a rule though, aye.

[GrayWolf]

trying to find a motard/dual purpose etc. bike on trademe under 5k but dont know what im looking at? finding it hard to find anything thats road registered and lots of the ads waffle on about how many hours its done and shit. Just want something maybe cheap, reliable, fun and semi aesthetically appealing?

problem with a Motard could be 'seat height' for you....
But older bikes that would be LAM's compliant, and really all you'd need to do is put road tyres on them,,

XT600
XT660 (air coolled)
XT660 tenere' (water cooled)
DR650
Freewind---- DR650 (BMW GS650 look alike)
XL650
XR650
KR650
KR500/400
400/600/650/700 transalp
and the list goes on...... and the list goes onnnnnnnnnn

The Various 400's already mentioned here.

[arcane12]

My motard is awesomeness. Best learners bike ever, even though I can reach the ground only one foot at a time. Not just IMHO but in everyones opinion (if you object then your opinion doesn't matter).

260km range on my 2 tanks. Easier to lanesplit on it than anything else. Bumps in the road are no worries, speedbumps become jumps, gravel makes you smile, corners make me orgasm. I've dropped it a few times and the worst damage is a bent handlebar and indicator snapped. The engine is easy to access without needing to remove fairings. I've done 13,000km in just over a year on it, touring and short thrashes. Couple of oil and filter changes, air filter changes and one valve clearance check. Engine goes fine, cruises at 100km/h easily, overtakes a bit slow but so do most little bikes. U-turns are easy. When I'm moving the bike around it's light enough to swivel on the stand.

The only thing that makes me want to move on is a lust for power. And luggage room.

I thought all you needed was a tarp, and you were good to go? ;)

[Mushu]

problem with a Motard could be 'seat height' for you....
But older bikes that would be LAM's compliant, and really all you'd need to do is put road tyres on them

If seat height is your problem, the DR650 has adjustable suspension, you just move a pin in the rear suspension and slip the clamps down on the forks, I'm about 5'10 and I can flat foot my DR.

Sent from my XT535 using Tapatalk 2

[GrayWolf]

If seat height is your problem, the DR650 has adjustable suspension, you just move a pin in the rear suspension and slip the clamps down on the forks, I'm about 5'10 and I can flat foot my DR.

Sent from my XT535 using Tapatalk 2

Think Bosslady is a 'wee bit' shorter than 5ft 10......:laugh::laugh:

[bosslady]

Think Bosslady is a 'wee bit' shorter than 5ft 10......:laugh::laugh:

Not by much, im 5ft 8 not that you can tell in my avatar of course ;)

[haydes55]

Think Bosslady is a 'wee bit' shorter than 5ft 10......:laugh::laugh:

She isn't a short girl though. I'm 5'9 I think, my bike is standard height and I can tiptoe on both feet or flat foot one side. I always just put one foot down. No issue. Never dropped it from being short or not having a place to put my foot.

[Mushu]

Think Bosslady is a 'wee bit' shorter than 5ft 10......:laugh::laugh:

Still, it's far better than any of the trail bikes I've ridden - I usually have to slide my ass off the seat to one side to get a foot on the ground and I'm a little under 5'10 (177cm, had to measure myself for my passport the other day)

Sent from my XT535 using Tapatalk 2

[GrayWolf]

Not by much, im 5ft 8 not that you can tell in my avatar of course ;)

Then the DR650 may well be a good prospect? I owned an original? Tenere' XTZ660 (the 1990's one with the dual headlights) and I am 5' 10.5" and that was just OK for me. Had the seat been wide? I would have been tippy toeing. I cant remember the XTZ suspension being adjustable.
I know they are not in great numbers, but I think the (DR650 Freewind) is a little lower than the normal DR.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-XF650-Freewind-1997--2002/

[Kiwi Graham]

Not by much, im 5ft 8 not that you can tell in my avatar of course ;)

You look like you have put on a kilo or two since the last time I saw you mate ;)

[bosslady]

You look like you have put on a kilo or two since the last time I saw you mate ;)

Sigh... sad but true Graham, sad but true. Too many burgers.

[butcherboy]

i have a dr650 that i converted to motard getting rims is a hassell , but looks cool i ride it all over the country rode from wairoa to auckland and back a couple of weekends ago only trouble i have found is the bigger bike leave you behind on the straights

[leathel]

i have a dr650 that i converted to motard getting rims is a hassell , but looks cool i ride it all over the country rode from wairoa to auckland and back a couple of weekends ago only trouble i have found is the bigger bike leave you behind on the straights

One of the great things about motards.... is when you speed you have to hold on....so you know just how fast you are going...less likely to loose yah license :msn-wink:

That also why I have a cruiser, I wouldn't have a license for very long on a fast sport bike...

[bosslady]

So lots of these tards aren't registered or warranted or have any mods to make them suitable for road use. What does one need to do to make it suitable? what are the costs associated approx?

[pete-blen]

So lots of these tards aren't registered or warranted or have any mods to make them suitable for road use. What does one need to do to make it suitable? what are the costs associated approx?

Apart from the XTX which has a diffrent front end / brake / radiator shrouds to the XTR or Tenere

[bosslady]

Apart from the XTX which has a diffrent front end / brake / radiator shrouds to the XTR or Tenere

.........say what?

[Ocean1]

So lots of these tards aren't registered or warranted or have any mods to make them suitable for road use.

Not? There's a few race bikes out there, straight MX bikes with 17" rims and big brakes, and a fair few that claim to be but are poorly bodged up copies. You need to stay away from anything remotely like either of those, they're never going to be a workable commuter/tourer and won't last the month out.

Any motard suitable for your intended use will probably have started out that way, factory built. That means either a trail bike simply fitted with more road-oriented tyres or a trail bike with 17" rims and bigger front brakes fitted by the factory.

And that's a DRZ400SM, and bugger all else commonly available that I can think of.

[leathel]

So lots of these tards aren't registered or warranted or have any mods to make them suitable for road use. What does one need to do to make it suitable? what are the costs associated approx?

Are yu talking ones that people have built up that have never been road registered.... Look on the LTSA site...but that may not help as it is pretty confusing

I think its easy if it was once registered on the road but I have no idea if its never been registered

[bosslady]

English? sorry... not following, been looking at dr650s or drz400s etc. but not registered or warranted? what are the costs? how much do new rims cost for road tyres? would I likely need to change sprockets too?

[bosslady]

Are yu talking ones that people have built up that have never been road registered.... Look on the LTSA site...but that may not help as it is pretty confusing

I think its easy if it was once registered on the road but I have no idea if its never been registered

I think I am talking about factory ones used for trail riding but never registered on the road?

[leathel]

sprockets most likely

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/registration/process.html

some info on that site

[Ocean1]

I think I am talking about factory ones used for trail riding but never registered on the road?

OK, sorry. Yes there's a lot of DRZs in particular that were bought as straight dirt bikes. They called a DRZ400E and have 18" rear wheels and 21" front wheels and minimal road equipment, although they do have head and tail lights. They were built for markets where enduro bikes have to have those minimum requirements, but they're a bit different to their DRZ400SM brother. The SM has 17" wheels, that's the most common road tyre size for most road bikes. The tune is slightly less agressive on the SM too, although the difference isn't much.

And there's one in between those two, that's sold new as a road legal trail bike, with dirt bike wheels. The Suzuki version I think is just called a DRZ400, and just to confuse the issue further there's a Kawasaki version that's the same as the Suzuki DRZ400E that's road legal. It's called a KLX400 and instead of vomit yellow they're snot green, I used to have one and for me it was the pick of that family.

All DR650s are the same, slightly older technology, (air cooled) a bigger, heavier bike that only comes in trail bike form.

There's other brands/models, easier to answer specific questions if you see something you like, eh?

Edit: there's enough of both of the above on the market often enough that you don't have to compromise, you can comply and register a DRZ400 that's lapsed, (not a DRZ400E that never had one), but why would you bother, there's plenty of roadable ones around.

[bosslady]

OK, sorry. Yes there's a lot of DRZs in particular that were bought as straight dirt bikes. They called a DRZ400E and have 18" rear wheels and 21" front wheels and minimal road equipment, although they do have head and tail lights. They were built for markets where enduro bikes have to have those minimum requirements, but they're a bit different to their DRZ400SM brother. The SM has 17" wheels, that's the most common road tyre size for most road bikes. The tune is slightly less agressive on the SM too, although the difference isn't much.

And there's one in between those two, that's sold new as a road legal trail bike, with dirt bike wheels. The Suzuki version I think is just called a DRZ400, and just to confuse the issue further there's a Kawasaki version that's the same as the Suzuki DRZ400E that's road legal. It's called a KLX400 and instead of vomit yellow they're snot green, I used to have one and for me it was the pick of that family.

All DR650s are the same, slightly older technology, (air cooled) a bigger, heavier bike that only comes in trail bike form.

There's other brands/models, easier to answer specific questions if you see something you like, eh?

Edit: there's enough of both of the above on the market often enough that you don't have to compromise, you can comply and register a DRZ400 that's lapsed, (not a DRZ400E that never had one), but why would you bother, there's plenty of roadable ones around.

itsjust hard looking on trade me I don't know what I'm looking at you know? you've given me a better idea but still quite confusing! I just know basically I want anything 400cc and above

[FJRider]

itsjust hard looking on trade me I don't know what I'm looking at you know? you've given me a better idea but still quite confusing! I just know basically I want anything 400cc and above

Until your full licence is done and dusted ... if the model does not appear on the LAMs list ... :no:

Simply being under 660cc's is no certainty of being "On the list" ...

And models that DO ... the "No modifications for the purpose of (etc) " rule comes into force.

[Ocean1]

itsjust hard looking on trade me I don't know what I'm looking at you know? you've given me a better idea but still quite confusing! I just know basically I want anything 400cc and above

Almost everything you're looking at are single cylinders. They generally make less horsepower than the multi cylinder engines used on most mid-range and larger road bikes. The exceptions are competition bike engines, and some motards are based on those. The trade-off for that horsepower from a single is a short life. Most trail bikes are a good compromise, though and the number of cylinders isn't the only performance factor. Those DRZ400s for example make the same HP as the DR650, mostly because their engines are water cooled. They're also about 30kg lighter. In fact given your riding profile the DRZ400SM is possibly the pick of the bunch, although you'd probably want to sort some luggage.

[bosslady]

Until your full licence is done and dusted ... if the model does not appear on the LAMs list ... :no:

Simply being under 660cc's is no certainty of being "On the list" ...

And models that DO ... the "No modifications for the purpose of (etc) " rule comes into force.

I am aware of that all.

[Phil.T.Tipp]

...the DRZ400SM is possibly the pick of the bunch...

I have to agree, although I am hideously biased, being legally responsible for my very own one.

Magic commuter, not-so-magic for m-way/dual journeys of any great length/duration (at around 60kiwilometers my arse goes numb) and the sustained human parachute effect can get a bit boring too. But that's not what they're for of course. Strictly for shits and giggles innit, it's designed for the road less travelled (http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-road-not-taken/).

I'm averagely average at 5'9" with wee pegs, and so I just shift a bit in the saddle at the lights and get 1 boot on the deck easy. Comes with practice, although approaching queued traffic and light-controlled junctions at the correct speed, in the correct gear, having noted the speed of creep/change phase means, with enough practice one can trickle, balancing torque and clutch, negating the need for boots on the deck in any case.

From memory the DRZ400SM is on the LAMs list - surely better to get the test done and dusted though Mrs Bosslady, no more scabrous L plates a-flapping in the breeze ;)

[bosslady]

Sitting my restricted at some point mid next month, hopefully I pass... The DRZ400SM does look like a good option but don't seem easy to find at a more ahh affordable price, lol.

[FJRider]

From memory the DRZ400SM is on the LAMs list - surely better to get the test done and dusted though Mrs Bosslady, no more scabrous L plates a-flapping in the breeze ;)

You either have a bad memory or haven't read the LAM's list correctly. The DRZ400S is on the list.

The DRZ400SM is not listed as LAM's approved. They are two totally different variants.

[Phil.T.Tipp]

...and in order to punish myself more fully for this evil malfeasance and mischief, I shall repeatedly slam the end of my willy in the cutlery drawer this evening.

Carry on.

[FJRider]

...and in order to punish myself more fully for this evil malfeasance and mischief, I shall repeatedly slam the end of my willy in the cutlery drawer this evening.

Carry on.

But as BOTH variants are listed as having the same HP ... with the SM listed as actually being heavier than the S model ... and listed as having the same top speed. An application could be made for it's inclusion on the list.