Farm bike tests & info - calling all cockies

[shafty]

Hi Guys

Am considering getting a mid size Farm Bike, to pootle around the Bro-in-Laws neighbouring farm, and ride some charity farm trail rides.

Can't for the life of me find any reviews of Farm bikes. (Do they exist?)

So, what measures up great, what pulls up short out of the likes of the CTX200, AG200, Kawa 250 Stockman, DR200?

Opinions/input appreciated.

A CRF would be nice, but they are really probably out of the budget range for anything tidy, Cheers

Shafty

[awa355]

Ask any farmer who's owned a 125 Suzuki Mudbug / AG100 in the last 40 years. The bikes haven't changed much in that time. All are pretty bloody bulletproof, IF, they have been maintained!!! , not always done on a dairy farm.

[unstuck]

I have a yamaha ag175 1982 model that I have had since new and it still goes well. Most farmers these days use 4 wheelers. If I was buying a new farm bike today, It would probably be a kwaka stockman, or a honda duster. Have a read here http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=667892 too, may help. Good luck and fun riding.

[scott411]

if you want to do some trail rides as well then the CRF230 or ttr230 will be the best bet,

if you want the most comfortable farm bike then the stockman is the best, not bad trail bike as well, and best speced of the lot, (alloy rims, stainless exhaust, disc brakes front and rear)

the DR200 is a cheaper option but goes alright, prob a bit better trail ride bike than a ctx200 or ag200

the TF125 and AG100 are very good cheap transport, but trail riding one will not be as much fun as the better spec'd bike

[North island falcon]

I have used DR200s on the farm for a quite a few years, they are a good little bike.

[shafty]

Thanks very much Guys, that's been a great help.

I just farewelled a TS 185 I had, after quickly (read: VERY) discovering the lack of engine braking whilst descending a nicely steep slope when following my Mate on his quad.**

So a 4 stroke it will be

Cheers all

Shafty

** Thank goodness that marshland was there to stop me

[Lula]

See the May issue of Farm Trader which is on sale 23rd April there is a Farm Vehicles feature with a guide to ATVs, two-wheelers and ride-on utility vehicles.

Included in the feature:
- ATV Buyers Guide
- Vehicle/bike tests
- Company and vehicle profiles

[shafty]

Cheers Lula - thats the yellow one huh?