Which bike for Jimmy?

**NordieBoy** · 24th March 2011, 06:41

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** · 24th March 2011, 07:33

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** · 24th March 2011, 08:09

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 24th March 2011, 08:16

Yep the standard has been good so far

, please ..... go on

**NordieBoy** · 24th March 2011, 09:02

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** · 24th March 2011, 09:16

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

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** · 24th March 2011, 09:18

Originally Posted by jim.cox

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** · 24th March 2011, 09:20

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

**clint640** · 24th March 2011, 10:56

Originally Posted by Oscar

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** · 24th March 2011, 11:47

Originally Posted by clint640

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** · 24th March 2011, 14:25

Originally Posted by Oscar

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

**Night Falcon** · 24th March 2011, 17:25

Follow this formula and you cant go wrong

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.

then let us all know how ya get on

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** · 24th March 2011, 19:04

Originally Posted by jim.cox

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

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

**bart** · 24th March 2011, 19:10

Originally Posted by Night Falcon

Follow this formula and you cant go wrong

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.

then let us all know how ya get on

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.

+1 for the DRZ400 by the way.