All opinions appreciated....

[Morpet]

Gentlemen...and of course Ladies...

I am looking at getting back into trail/ adventure riding after about a 20 year absence - my last bike was a XR200e.

My weight has increased a little since then (now 92 kgs) and I am considering the following bikes: KLX300, XR400, DRZ400. I am not an overly skillful rider and just want to get out and ride at my own pace whilst enjoying myself and picking up few skills along the way.

Anyone have any opinions for or against the bikes I have suggested...???

One other question....I live in the Wellington area and would like to hear about what clubs / riding clinics are available for trail / off road bikers.

Thanks in advance..

[BM-GS]

Kind of in the same boat, but got kiddies to chase after too (once they get going, anyway).

I was thinking more long the lines of a CRF230 or the Yam equivalent, but I've done nearly no off-road at all. I reckon any will be fineas the japs stopped making crap bikes a while ago. It really depends on your budget and what ability remains after the time off. You never forget some things, it's like riding a bike... oh.

Training-wise, I asked, but there wasn't a lot - most of it is aimed at MX and competition more than making sure duffers (in my case) get the basics right before being let loose in a forest on their own. Mostly the deal seems to be: get a bike & get going - if you ask for a critique, you'll get an opinion from everyone who sees you!

Power Adventures run a mechanical basics course (Google for website) and you could meet some folks at that, or just turn up to the Woodhill Family Days and trundle round. Lots of folks are there and somone will happen to be going at the same speed as you!

That's my plan, anyway. I just need to get the Finance Comittee to approve bike/trailer/gear...

[Taz]

If it needs to be road registered then the KLX 300 is out. The XR250L gets a good write up. But the DRZ/KLX400 would be my pick if you are not spending too much time on the highway. KTM 640 LC4 would do it all but be more of a handfull in true trail riding situations.

[young1]

A road legal DRZ/KLX 400 would be good. Even an XR250 or DR250 would be okay, depends on how much highway riding you want to do.

There are (well there were when I lived there 3 years ago) some good off roading spots around Wellington to increase your skills (Red Rocks, Aka's etc)

[takitimu]

The KLX300 would be a nice bike after the XR, it's not road registerable & no electric start unlike the DR400, but it's light & goes nicely. The other option I'd suggest you look at is a few year old WR250, electric start & in many ways I think the XR200 of today.

Good luck getting back into it, I've been riding again for 8 months & having a blast.

[T-Thunder13]

awsome news, i have nothing bad to say about xrs. im sure what ever bike you get you wont regret

[NordieBoy]

Of that list the XR400 is the most bulletproof and simple.

[scott411]

you do'nt mention how tall you are, the DRZ400/KLX400 is a good option but they are quite tall, however if you want to ride it in adventure rides i think this is the best option,

KLX300's are awesome fun, but not road legal, and not electric start, but they are a lot lighter than the other bikes on the list

[PRYDEE]

Looks like you are after something for mainly off road.Im a dedicated Honda man but would have to say go for the DRZ400.
Other ones to consider as mentioned are yamaha and ktm.All the brands are reasonably reliable and if you are just getting back into it i would think that you may look at an upgrade in the future once your skills come back to you.
If you already have some bike skills that just need some polishing then i think you are looking around the right engine size for getting back into it.
Dont stress to much on what brand to choose as most common brands are similar as far as reliability etc.Just watch for some of the earlier YZFs which can be hard to start when warm.
Bike setup etc can be a big difference when choosing a bike .Just remember that handle bar/suspension adjustments can make a huge difference or even a clean air filter.

[mazz1972]

Can highly recommend the DRZ400. Hubby has a 2001 road legal model which he's been using on-road for the past year or so....but now he's got another bike so has put it back to offroad use.

His has done 18,000+ kms and runs like a dream, and he loves it. They are pretty bullet proof.

May not be so user friendly if you are a bit on the short side.

Give Horowhenua Motorcycle Club a ring 04 904 9800.

[Morpet]

Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions. Am probably looking at the KLX300 option as I am not interested in riding on the road. First things first though - I have to sell a Honda ATC200X which is sitting in my garage and taking up space. Has not been ridden for over a year so will get it running before placing on Trade Me.

[moko]

May not be so user friendly if you are a bit on the short side.

You can get lowering links for them,at least in Britain and the States,Google should be able to help,I know there's a company called Koubalinks does them but pretty sure there's also a Brit company that also does,I'd say about 50% of used DRZ's advertised used have them fitted.You'd think Suzuki would have built in some kind of adjustment like on the later DR650 as they're high enough to put off some potential customers.