Would I be nuts to motard a DR200?

**HarbourMaster** · 20th May 2011, 09:31

I'm looking for a commuter bike with good fuel economy. I can see a few styles of commuter motard-like bikes on US websites, like Honda CRF230M and Qlink XF200, which I've read is effectively a DR200.

Is there anything like those bikes here? Would I be nuts to get a DR200 and put 17" wheels and street tyres on it? I sat on a DRZ400SM the other day, but I could only reach the ground with my toes. I prefer the fuel economy of the DR200 anyway.

Yeah I know I couldn't call it a motard, but I'm going to spend 99% of the time on paved roads, though in chch these days that would be a generous statement.

Cheers.

**george formby** · 20th May 2011, 09:50

Why not, small, light bikes are a hoot. The most fun i ever had was on a 2s 125cc trailie which would have been hilarious with 17" rims & sticky tires. Go feritt.

**Rosie** · 20th May 2011, 09:53

If you want a DR200 commuter, I would just put road (or road-biased) tyres onto the stock wheels. 17" wheels and decent road tyres probably aren't going to give you much of a handling advantage on the wee 200, especially if it is mostly used around town. And a 21" front wheel is useful for sneaking over traffic islands, and for dodgy road surfaces.
Also worth considering: XT250's and Super sherpas have a similar low seat height to the DR200, but have a wee bit more power.

**HarbourMaster** · 20th May 2011, 12:00

Thanks for the feedback guys. Forgive my ignorance. I thought I'd have to change wheel size to get road tyres.

Cheers.

**george formby** · 20th May 2011, 12:03

Originally Posted by HarbourMaster

Thanks for the feedback guys. Forgive my ignorance. I thought I'd have to change wheel size to get road tyres.

Cheers.

Pirelli Scorpion Syncs. stick like poo, great in the rain & hilarious on a CRM 2fiddy.

**Rosie** · 20th May 2011, 12:10

Bridgestone BT45s also come in a 21" front.

**racefactory** · 20th May 2011, 13:15

On a sub 100kph cruise I get 33km/L or just over 3L/100km on my DRZ400SM motard, insane fuel economy. Would be surprised if you could get much better than that on a DR200.

But anyway, hell yes you should motard a DR200 if you have the resources... lighter the bike, the more the fun in some regards. It would be the ultimate little bike for getting the lean on around the streets and roundabout hooning.