What are some recommended dual sports for the beginner rider?

**Matariki** · 20th September 2011, 05:19

I'm interested in purchasing a dual sport and I was wondering which ones are worth looking at. I'm on my learners, so anything 250cc or under is ideal. Height wise I'm 5 foot 8 and don't have the longest of legs. The type of riding I intend to do is around town during the week, over the hills to wellington and off road riding once and while (probably in the week-end). So far I've looked at the Honda NXR, but I want to broaden my horizon with other choices that are available.

Also, is there anything I should avoid?

**blackdog** · 20th September 2011, 06:14

Someone just advertised a VERY low mileage DR200 on here, it's a really good deal.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...post1130155760

**pete-blen** · 20th September 2011, 06:41

I like mine.. other than the hard seat...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-406395450.htm

**DR650gary** · 20th September 2011, 08:09

Almost all the 250's in the Dual Sport section on Trademe will do you for a start. Keep your budget low, in case the sport doesn't grab you, and try to ride them at highway speed.

The thing you will have to decide is where to compromise. The lower cc bikes will do ok in the rough stuff but be a hard slog on the road. If you plan to trailer the bike there and back then look in the Dirt section as well as road registered is not required then.

We bought a DR200 as a learner dualsport bike for my wife and it was fine, she just didn't take to the sport. My son now rides it as a commuter as he has his two FZ1's under modification and it just copes with him on the road. My wife is 50kgs and my son 90kgs and that is approaching the limit ofr most 200 cc bikes in the rough and on the road.

So if you weigh more than 85 kgs, go for the largest motor/hp rating your license will allow so you can ride comfortably on the open road.

Keep it cheap and you can on sell for little loss if you don't take up the sport.

Cheers

**clint640** · 20th September 2011, 08:16

That DR200 would be a really good pick for commuting & learning offroad. Once you start travelling further you may want something bigger to keep up with traffic but the importance of a light bike for learning offroad can not be underestimated.

If you decide you need a little more power for the highway then look at the Yamaha XT250 (2008+) & the Kawasaki Super Sherpa KL250. Other bikes along similar lines are the old Yamaha XT225(250) & the Honda CRF230 (not many around that are road legal though)

Cheers
Clint

**dino3310** · 21st September 2011, 21:05

'5 foot 8 and don't have the longest of legs'
i know a couple of KTM riders on here like that

but then theve got a lot of down time on the bigger bikes.
something like Suzi girls DR200 could be a goer, was on a ride with it last year and i was impressed, its a beaut little bike.
would advise getting as many test rides as possible to find what suits you before committing $$$
just make sure those salesman dont talk you into something your not 100% on.
and dont forget pictures & report on your first ride on it

Good Luck

**bigfish** · 22nd September 2011, 06:37

My Dad at 77 has just bought a new XT 250 after deciding his FZ6 was to heavy for him now.He got lowering links put in and stand cut down.He is finding it great and is back on the metal roads again.

**White trash** · 22nd September 2011, 07:52

XT250 is a great choice I reckon. Nice, low seat height. Grunty enough to do the odd wheelie (DAMHIK) and will travel at open road speeds.

Brakes and suspension is a little weak for real off road stuff but fine for gravel use. Good fun little bike to skid around on.

**nic** · 22nd September 2011, 16:33

+1 for the XT250

I'm having a lot of fun with mine.

also Honda are bringing back the XR250 for 2012.

**dino3310** · 22nd September 2011, 16:57

Originally Posted by nic

+1 for the XT250

I'm having a lot of fun with mine.

also Honda are bringing back the XR250 for 2012.

the XRR or XRL the R's r pretty tall

**NordieBoy** · 23rd September 2011, 06:57

Originally Posted by nic

also Honda are bringing back the XR250 for 2012.

They stopped?

**thommo77** · 23rd September 2011, 08:53

I'd suggest the XT250 too, with your height.
I really enjoy my KLX250, but I'm 6' and wouldn't want to be any shorter with the seat height.

**thommo77** · 23rd September 2011, 08:57

By the way, the local Yammy dealer here has a brand new one here at a clear-out price of $6500 with 2 year warranty. Normal retail = $7500.

**warewolf** · 23rd September 2011, 20:27

There's also the Honda SL230, which is often said to be the best of the DR200SE/XR200B/XT225 bunch.

You should be orright on any of the JDM (Japanese domestic model) road-adventure variants of the 250 trail bikes: Honda Baja (XR), Suzuki Djebel (DR), Yamaha Raid (TT-R) and Kawasaki ??? (KLX/KLR). They are set up more for road work with bigger tanks, bigger lights, racks, lower seat heights, more comfort but softer performance & chassis in general.