Am I crazy to want to try Adventure Riding?

[GerryAttrick]

I am on the North side of the age where I get to ride public transport for free. Don't use it though as I still ride my VFR800 every day (mainly commuting at the moment).

I've got this hankering to try some offroad rides and I need a 2nd hand bike that I can use on the road as well. Mainly I'd like to get out and enjoy the open air and scenery at a leisurely pace

I think what I want are:

250cc (although maybe a DR350 would do nicely)- I only weigh 80kg and really am looking for easy rides
Prefer Electric Start so that I can get going when I get stuck halfway up a wall!!
4 stroke (although I'd consider a 2 stroke at the right price)

The Honda CRF230 would be a nice option but its not road legal in NZ. The DR350 and DRZ both seem to also have a chance for my list. I can't justify a new bike so 2nd hand it will need to be. It must be road legal as I would also use it for the odd commute and weekend ride when I need a break from the 800.

Any other suggestions welcome.

Finally can anyone point me at somewhere to ride around the Whangamata area that would be a good intro to offroad - I have ridden an XL 250 at Woodhill and have to say after a day out I was pretty knackered but I'd quite happily try one on a bit easier terrain until I get a bit more fit.

[paturoa]

Firstly - never too old while you physically can ride.

The title says adventure, and you mention offroad. Do you mean all roads, gravel etc, or trail riding?

[GerryAttrick]

Firstly - never too old while you physically can ride.

The title says adventure, and you mention offroad. Do you mean all roads, gravel etc, or trail riding?

Probably both. I'd like to get away on some gravel and country roads and also be able to use it mainly for trail rides. The VFR is a bit of a handful on gravel so I'd like something more suitable and also when I drop it (as I am sure to do) it would be nice to be able to lift it up without roadside rescue

[george formby]

Do eet!!

I have come back to the fold after years, nay, decades of tarmac & I'm having a ball exploring all the gravel roads I've been riding past up here. Every ride & new challenge is building my confidence on a hefty 850 & a wee 2t. I should have started years ago.

[pete-blen]

Too old..

A Yamaha XT250..

[george formby]

My shortlist is currently a DRZ 400E or WR 250 unless a nice 2t turns up before spring has sprung. Wallet dependent of course...

[Gremlin]

Bit of a difference between trail riding and adventure riding, which is a bit more all roads (ie, you can see people have been through here).

You're not crazy, just remember you're not built like the ox you once were and you don't bounce as well.

It's very addictive... enjoy

[clint640]

Do it Investing in some safety gear upgrades & some dirt training is always a good idea.

How tall are you? The dual purpose 250's available can vary quite a bit in seat height which can be important for the offroad n00b.

If you like the look of the CRF230 also have a look at the Yamaha XT250 (2008+ are the better ones) & the Kawasaki KL250 Super Sherpa.

If you are a bit taller check out the DRZ250, the Kawasaki KLX250 &, if you want to splash out, the Yamaha WR250R The plus side of the higher bikes is the extra suspension travel which will come in handy if you start getting into gnarlyer terrain or going a bit quicker.

All the above will do anything from a trail ride to touring the world if you are happy with a cruisy pace.

Cheers
Clint

[Eddieb]

Not sure exactly how old riding the buses for free makes you but we have a number of riders in their 60's and they get along well.

One thing I've enjoyed with Adventure riding is you don't get the testosterone that road riding tends to have. You ride your own ride and people will happily wait for you at the next turnoff or stop of interest if they are faster. A lightweight 250 will easily keep up on even the longer rides and if you fall off in a muddy bog other riders will take a pic for posperity then help you pick the bike up if needed.

[george formby]

Watch THIS for some inspiration. 50 years of kicks.

[Oscar]

I know a guy who rode a CCA aged 69.
Also I seem to recall Ginger Molloy trail & enduro riding past the bus pass age...


After all, the older I get, the better I was.

[GerryAttrick]

Not sure exactly how old riding the buses for free makes you but we have a number of riders in their 60's and they get along well.

One thing I've enjoyed with Adventure riding is you don't get the testosterone that road riding tends to have. You ride your own ride and people will happily wait for you at the next turnoff or stop of interest if they are faster. A lightweight 250 will easily keep up on even the longer rides and if you fall off in a muddy bog other riders will take a pic for posperity then help you pick the bike up if needed.

65 and you get a senior Card - and I have had mine a while. Lightweight 250 (maybe 350) sounds about right. I have a few options to look at and hopefully a DR this weekend. I think my testosterone levels are way down(for which Er Indoors is eternally grateful). I had one potential photo op a while ago when I managed to get an XL250 hooked 6 feet up a tree while I lay on the ground admiring it above my head ...dont ask!!!! Lucky for me there were no budding photographers close by so it went unrecorded.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Yes. a man of your age should be finished with adventures. Get onto the porch, sit in the damn rocking chair, and bore your children/grandchildren/dogs/cats with stories of "back in the day"

[Shewolf]

I had one potential photo op a while ago when I managed to get an XL250 hooked 6 feet up a tree while I lay on the ground admiring it above my head ...dont ask!!!! Lucky for me there were no budding photographers close by so it went unrecorded.

sounds like just the sort of "star quality" I'm looking for for my next adventure riding movie

[ADVGD]

Are you crazy to want to try Adventure Riding?

Yes you are. Don't do it, its a terrible hobby, not enjoyable at all



Naa, get into it mate, its a barrel of monkeys