Can you recommend a bike for me?

[ducatilover]

Those factory fitted tyres on the GN are scary I had some on my GN for about 2000km before I decided to put it on its side in the wet on the 'Takas.
At 5 Ft 8 you'd probably be fine on a dual sport, maybe it'd be worth finding one and trying it for size?

[Beren]

Indeed that is a truly epic video

[Matariki]

Those factory fitted tyres on the GN are scary I had some on my GN for about 2000km before I decided to put it on its side in the wet on the 'Takas.

Tell me about it. Its like something out of a horror film.

First time I crashed was into a bank when I went around a corner riding on gravel. Fortunately I wasn't hurt but it was scary and there was no one around to help me with my bike, but I managed to get it out safely. The second time it was on the wet and I was whisked off to hospital, after that I had the tires changed. The last crash wrecked my bike for good.

At 5 Ft 8 you'd probably be fine on a dual sport, maybe it'd be worth finding one and trying it for size?

Yeah, thats what I was thinking. But I want something that has good traction control, espeically in wet weather.

[Matariki]

So, being 5'8, what sort of dual sports would I be looking at that is between 125cc to 250cc and has good road traction (in the wet)?
Or could I mod my potential Scorpio?

[ducatilover]

I'd say the traction in the wet is more of a tyre issue, there's always a compromise. I know nothing about dual sport tyres, my knowledge is all on road bikes sorry. perhaps doing some reading up on books about riding would help? I have "A twist of the wrist" one and two by Keith Code, but, they wouldn't be suitable for anyone not wanting to go uber fast

[Ocean1]

I'd say the traction in the wet is more of a tyre issue, there's always a compromise.

Correct.

And dual sport machines aren't called that for nothing, they're less capable than pure dirt bikes in the dirt and less capable than a road bike in that environment. One of the biggest compromises is tyres, they do offer a fair bit of feedback but on the road the ultimate grip is way down on say a Michelin PR2. Especially in the wet.

Having said that if you stay off road markings or anything else that looks shiney in the wet it's unlikely you'll get to lean angles that'll see you on your arse.

I tend to advise people to start on a dirt bike, 'cause if you're going to learn anything worth learning you're going to make mistakes along the way. And mistakes hurt way less in dirt, believe me. However, from what the OP has said I'd say a Scorpio represents good value, especially with those PR2s fitted, because they address the greater risk. Just spend a bit of time learning how to deal with them in the gravel, they'll squirm around a bit and you need to learn to deal with it.

[Matariki]

Correct.

And dual sport machines aren't called that for nothing, they're less capable than pure dirt bikes in the dirt and less capable than a road bike in that environment. One of the biggest compromises is tyres, they do offer a fair bit of feedback but on the road the ultimate grip is way down on say a Michelin PR2. Especially in the wet.

Having said that if you stay off road markings or anything else that looks shiney in the wet it's unlikely you'll get to lean angles that'll see you on your arse.

I tend to advise people to start on a dirt bike, 'cause if you're going to learn anything worth learning you're going to make mistakes along the way. And mistakes hurt way less in dirt, believe me. However, from what the OP has said I'd say a Scorpio represents good value, especially with those PR2s fitted, because they address the greater risk. Just spend a bit of time learning how to deal with them in the gravel, they'll squirm around a bit and you need to learn to deal with it.

So If I got a Scorpio I could change the tries to a 60 to 40 or 80 to 20 road/off-road tires? Or would it be better to just get a dual sport.

I've been on gravel with the GN250 a few times (with those scary cheng shin tires) but I found myself riding at a snails pace. Not fun because I found myself slipping allot and from time to time with my butt on the ground.

Wet roads are scary and I find I can't ride normally on them, I ride slower. Even on dry roads I avoid anything and everything that looks like it could be slippery. But once I can walk again, get my new bike and the 'ok' from the doctors I intend to learn how to ride again by going out with groups and taking courses.

[Ocean1]

So If I got a Scorpio I could change the tries to a 60 to 40 or 80 to 20 road/off-road tires? Or would it be better to just get a dual sport.

I think you'll struggle to get genuine dual purpose tyres for the Scorpio. Besides, if you're not confident on the road on a road bike with good road tyres then any change in the dirt direction might not be a good idea.

You need to make a choice, either you get a road bike and learn how to ride it carefully while hoping you never find yourself in a situation you can't control, or... You get a trail bike (dualsport) and learn how to control a bike in a much wider range of situations than you'll be exposed to on the road.

They're both valid means to learn how to ride. In my opinion the second method produces riders more skillful in adverse situations. Either way you need to regain your confidence if you're going to enjoy riding again, and you should look for mentors that can teach you the basics at your pace. Expertise of both flavours is hardly thin on the ground in the Wairarapa.

[Matariki]

I think you'll struggle to get genuine dual purpose tyres for the Scorpio. Besides, if you're not confident on the road on a road bike with good road tyres then any change in the dirt direction might not be a good idea.

You need to make a choice, either you get a road bike and learn how to ride it carefully while hoping you never find yourself in a situation you can't control, or... You get a trail bike (dualsport) and learn how to control a bike in a much wider range of situations than you'll be exposed to on the road.

They're both valid means to learn how to ride. In my opinion the second method produces riders more skillful in adverse situations. Either way you need to regain your confidence if you're going to enjoy riding again, and you should look for mentors that can teach you the basics at your pace. Expertise of both flavours is hardly thin on the ground in the Wairarapa.

So what models of bike would you recommend?

[Ocean1]

So what models of bike would you recommend?

I've already said. Either a Honda CRF230 or a Yamaha Scorpio.

However, any Japanese equivalent models would be almost exactly the same and just as suitable, and it's far more important that you feel comfortable on it.

Don't place all your expectations for a pain free riding life on the choice of bike, getting the rider well sorted will produce far better results.

[Matariki]

I've already said. Either a Honda CRF230 or a Yamaha Scorpio.

However, any Japanese equivalent models would be almost exactly the same and just as suitable, and it's far more important that you feel comfortable on it.

Don't place all your expectations for a pain free riding life on the choice of bike, getting the rider well sorted will produce far better results.

Thanks for the advice, I'll get in touch with the motorcycle company I'm with and suggest they search for those two models of bike (or anything similar). I completely agree with you about the rider being responsible for their own handling of the bike and I will admit, I'm a noob at riding. So hopefully several courses and group rides should set me straight.

[Matariki]

Is the Honda CRF230 street legal or can it be made street legal?
Does anyone know of any other similar bikes?

[Ender EnZed]

Is the Honda CRF230 street legal or can it be made street legal?

Very few of them will be and putting a bike on the road takes a fair bit of extra money and effort. I doubt you'll be able to find one within your budget.

[kilgh]

However, from what the OP has said I'd say a Scorpio represents good value, especially with those PR2s fitted, because they address the greater risk. Just spend a bit of time learning how to deal with them in the gravel, they'll squirm around a bit and you need to learn to deal with it.

Hey there, just to clarify, are you saying that for wet weather grip that changing out the stock Scorpio tyres with PR2s would be a good investment?

Sorry about your accident Hotkebab.
I can recommend the Scorpio as a very easy learner bike. I started on a KLX250S dual sport but it was way too twitchy for me to start off with. I had it lowered so I could just about touch the balls of my feet down but compared to the Scorpio it was waaaay more difficult to learn on. But much nicer to look at!
So it's a pity you are in Masterton cause it's for sale and would be perfect for your height right now!

But I definately like my Scorpio. Got it for $4,000 brand new.

[Ender EnZed]

Hey there, just to clarify, are you saying that for wet weather grip that changing out the stock Scorpio tyres with PR2s would be a good investment?

Yes. The tyres they come with aren't as good as they could be. This thread has some discussion of the matter.