Can you recommend a bike for me?

[kilgh]

Thanks!

Will have a read.

[Ocean1]

Is the Honda CRF230 street legal or can it be made street legal?
Does anyone know of any other similar bikes?

I must admit a lot of them will be over your budget limit, but they're out there for not too much more.

This is the machine new and road legal:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-389856367.htm

And this second hand but not road legal:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-361556207.htm

You just need to keep your eye out for the right deal.

This might be worth a look too:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-389593151.htm

Yamaha TTR230 might be a bit dear but worth keeping a watch for a bargain there too.

Most of the 200cc to 250cc air cooled trail bikes are pretty bullet proof, they've all got their good points and minor faults but they're all pretty abuse tolerant.

[Ocean1]

Hey there, just to clarify, are you saying that for wet weather grip that changing out the stock Scorpio tyres with PR2s would be a good investment?

Hell yes. The standard tyres aren't exactly crap but they're definitely not very good in the wet.

18" both ends I believe... Talk to the shop to see what they think but I'd be looking to fit some Michelin pilot sports or similar. And for a learner I'd be doing it now, not when they're worn.

[kilgh]

Right, might have to invest in some new tyres then. They are 18s. Brand new at the moment but still, $400 isn't too much for peace of mind.

[Matariki]

Hmm... I think I might go with the Honda CRF230 and see if I can make it road legal. I think it would be a far more practical bike for Wairarapa, especially where I live out in the country. I'll see If I can change the tires too for something more 'wet weather road friendly'.

[Rosie]

Is the Honda CRF230 street legal or can it be made street legal?
Does anyone know of any other similar bikes?

There are two very different flavours of CRF. The CRF230L is road legal and has a relatively low seat, so it would be a good learners dual purpose bike. The CRF230F is a full-on trail bike, so they generally aren't road legal (and have a tall seat to match), and (although I've never ridden one) I don't think they would be a good choice for a learner.

For general cautious/sensible riding less aggressive dual purpose tyres do pretty well in the wet. I ride a bit slower in the wet and try to avoid heavy braking etc, and I've never had any scary moments on wet seal with the WR, or the sherpa I had before that.

I agree with Ocean1 that riding on gravel does help you develop confidence on marginal surfaces.

[Matariki]

There are two very different flavours of CRF. The CRF230L is road legal and has a relatively low seat, so it would be a good learners dual purpose bike. The CRF230F is a full-on trail bike, so they generally aren't road legal (and have a tall seat to match), and (although I've never ridden one) I don't think they would be a good choice for a learner.

For general cautious/sensible riding less aggressive dual purpose tyres do pretty well in the wet. I ride a bit slower in the wet and try to avoid heavy braking etc, and I've never had any scary moments on wet seal with the WR, or the sherpa I had before that.

I agree with Ocean1 that riding on gravel does help you develop confidence on marginal surfaces.

Hmm... I'm going down to see the dealer today, it looks like I'll have to get the bike on finance.
What about the Honda XR?

[Rosie]

Hmm... I'm going down to see the dealer today, it looks like I'll have to get the bike on finance.
What about the Honda XR?

I don't know too much about XRs. They are taller than the likes of the CRFL and the XT250, so you'd want to have a sit on one, and I'm not sure whether they are electric start, or kick-start. Personally I think electric start is a must for a cautious learner.

[Ender EnZed]

XRs are excellent bikes but they're certainly taller than some. The seat height is a good 10cm more than a CRFL, or 15cm more than a GN. Almost all of the road legal ones are electric start.

This one might be worth a look.

[Matariki]

What are some other good brands of Dual Sport bikes that I could look into?
When I was sitting on the GN, I felt comfortable with the height.
I'll see if I can go to my local Honda dealer today and have a chat about options. Now that I have my moon boot, I should be able to sit on the bikes and see If I like the height or not.

What about the SUZUKI DR-Z?

[_Shrek_]

Hmm... I think I might go with the Honda CRF230 and see if I can make it road legal. I think it would be a far more practical bike for Wairarapa, especially where I live out in the country. I'll see If I can change the tires too for something more 'wet weather road friendly'.

not a bad wee bike for ya & tyres for town & country the Mitis Eo7's front & rear great on metal roads & good on the seal wet or dry & great k's for your $$$