Bike choice! Time to change?

**countryguy** · 9th October 2010, 18:10

Ok guys I've got a bit of a problem. A few months back I brought a mint08 DR650. Most of my riding is off road on single tracks or very rough 4x4 tracks (think high country undeveloped farm land) Anyway I put a set of knobblies on the DR, fitted a 13 tooth front sprocket and lowered bike so i could comfortably put both feet flat on the ground. By and large I was happy with the set up other than the fact that 1st gear is still too high ( didn't want to change rear sprocket) Any way I went for ride into some knarly country with a mate who was riding a DR400. To cut a long story short I loved the gearing of the 400 but the bike was way too high for me even though he had the lowering kit fitted. He could pick his way across the rivers at walking speed whereas the slowest I could go was maybe 15k's, not good when there is very large rocks and water over the wheels.

So I've decided what I need is a light responsive road legal trail bike with quite low gearing but still capable on the road. I used to own a XR200 years ago that was really good being a 6 speed with the first 2 or 3 gears being nice and low but the others being more suited to the road.

Is there such a beast available?? I've only recently returned to riding after a few years so not familiar with whats available. I was thinking maybe a DR200 but think I would like something with a wee bit more grunt.

**Woodman** · 9th October 2010, 18:18

Without changing the subject too much, I can't understand why you can't ride slower than 15ks.

**countryguy** · 9th October 2010, 18:28

I can generally but try picking your way at walking speed through deep rivers with BIG rocks...I end up stalling. I also noticed the DR400 was much more capable on the steep areas with me chopping down to 1st and the 400 in 2nd and sometimes 3rd. What about something like a CR230??

**Taz** · 9th October 2010, 18:31

Wr250r......

**JATZ** · 9th October 2010, 19:12

Originally Posted by Taz

Wr250r......

Wot e said

or a cr or a dr250

**XF650** · 9th October 2010, 19:32

or this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=322536878

**countryguy** · 9th October 2010, 19:47

Originally Posted by XF650

or this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=322536878

Nah, bit old and a 2 stroke...thanks anyway

**NordieBoy** · 9th October 2010, 19:50

CRF230 is quite a nice little bike. You could have problems road legalling one though.

XR250L is another option.

**countryguy** · 9th October 2010, 19:53

what about one of these

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-322956478.htm

**Padmei** · 9th October 2010, 19:59

I really like the KLX300. Gonna buynew or 2nd hand?

**Transalper** · 9th October 2010, 19:59

I feel a 'tried to tell you' coming on from back when you were originally asking how to get the 650 more trail friendly.

Most recently the WR250 has been bought to light as a good choice to look at.
Couple of threads on the topic... Rosies WR250R Adventurisation project

and the thread that pointed me there.. Best 250cc dual-purpose bike

Have thought about the pros and cons of fuel injection and I think the tech is probably reliable enough to use in the places I go and I could normally get help without too much trouble if I needed it and I usually have buddies riding with me anyway to help.

**Taz** · 9th October 2010, 20:00

Originally Posted by countryguy

what about one of these

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-322956478.htm

Not road legal. WR250R....

**Taz** · 9th October 2010, 20:01

Originally Posted by Padmei

I really like the KLX300. Gonna buynew or 2nd hand?

Also not road legal.

**JATZ** · 9th October 2010, 20:07

Actually..... I have just the tool for the job sitting behind my shed, yours for a couble a boxes of woodstock, might even chuck in a can of start ya bastard

After I've cut the swingarm and lengthened it a whisker

just so I can get up Hurricane hill