Gotta start somewhere!

**kiwibrian** · 24th March 2009, 19:33

Used to own a couple of bikes bikes a year or two back. Bought an XL250RC about 6 months old at the time; then traded up to a new XR200RD the following year. Loved that XR light, nimble, and had a front wheel so that you had three points for it to sit on when you flicked out the kick stand and left it for a bit. Nice burble from the stock exhaust with the baffle out so people who didn't look out for motorbikes could hear you coming.

Currently have an XR250RE off road project in the garage that needs a bit of work

. Head gasket looks like rtv, a few broken studs, no decompression cable, etc. I do have the parts, just finding the time. Will probably fix it up and shift it on, shortly after buying it I messed up the old body so don't fancy having to kick over those notorious engines.

Quite keen on a dual purpose bike of some description with electric start (luxury in my old age), wont be too serious off road, good as a commuter and maybe the odd longer excursion on the road (250-400km) to get off road. Not a lot of me at the moment (turn sideways and I disappear) so don't want anything too heavy and a pretty limited budget in these economic times. Reasonably handy in the garage so don't mind a bit of work on an older bike with character as long as parts are available.

Good list! Light, electric start, good tank range, high speed not required, good on road and reasonable off. What does anyone think?

By the way. Hello

**cave weta** · 24th March 2009, 20:00

Originally Posted by kiwibrian

and had a front wheel so that you had three points for it to sit on when you flicked out the kick stand and left it for a bit.

Hey I had one of those too -great bike. Mine had a front wheel too!

Getting back into riding is a blast but get some buddies before you head off road. I reckon a good bike for you if you are over 5' 9" will be a DRZ400E
they are a pearla for light adventure without braeking the bank.

expect to pay $3000 up to $5000

Oh ... and welcome to KB!

**fire eyes** · 24th March 2009, 22:00

hello!

and ... welcome

**sosman** · 24th March 2009, 22:29

Yep drz400e awesome machine.I'm looking at a dr650 myself..but i got to sell the rm250 first..
Anyway welcome bud!

**kiwibrian** · 25th March 2009, 11:59

Thanks for the welcome.

Have been looking at trademe and searching the web. Was thinking of the XT400, but found that its basically just a sleeved 600. Seems to be rather heavy and the 600s look like they eat 5th gear. That DRZ400E option looks good, nice and light.

Most makes seem to go from 250ish to 650ish, with anything in the middle (if anything) being a downgraded version of the larger machine.

**Taz** · 25th March 2009, 12:04

I'd recommend a TTR250 or DRZ250 if price is the issue. DRZ400E if you wanna spend a little more but best buy may be the DR650. If price no issue then the Yamaha WR250R would be great.