What are some recommended dual sports for the beginner rider?

**DR650gary** · 28th October 2011, 19:19

Originally Posted by chasio

Economically that could indeed make sense for not-super-challenging use and an owner not really up for greasy fingers. Has anyone on here actually ridden a Lifan?

Yup. Mate got his wife one to do her learners time on. Was the cruiser model but was just as gutless as any other 250 cruiser I have played with. Not really, just an average 250. Nothing startling and the finish was Suzuki ish. Ok, but a bit rough in places.

It lasted the full 18 months she had it with little drama and from memory she sold it for not a lot less than she paid for it.

It's a first bike FFS. Expect it to meet the ground a few times and have the poor clutch and gearbox bashed a bit. That's why I believe newer is better. Less exposure to rough riders

**Matariki** · 28th October 2011, 22:12

Well, its not my first bike. I've owned a GN250 before which I was riding on for almost two years.
I'm not confident with Lifan, I haven't seen many good reviews about Chinese models.

What makes Lifan different to all the other cheap Chinese knockoff companies out there?

**Matariki** · 28th October 2011, 22:26

Alright I'll stop faffing around and get this bike - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=411561597

**chasio** · 29th October 2011, 06:58

Don't harass yourself into buying something you don't like, but there is a danger of getting stuck in analysis paralysis. I'd suggest:

1. Ride some road registered bikes that you can afford.
2. Buy one you like riding.
3. Enjoy!

Good luck with your your new bike!

PS I'd probably get the carrier fitted to the NXR and take the farm gearing home in a box to be fitted when needed for gnarly terrain, if it were me.

**DR650gary** · 29th October 2011, 07:27

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

Well, its not my first bike. I've owned a GN250 before which I was riding on for almost two years.
I'm not confident with Lifan, I haven't seen many good reviews about Chinese models.

As the man says, don't but a buy for the sake of it. I don't know you or your riding ability, nor have I ever ridden an NXR125, but I have ridden a GN250 and a few 125's. You will probably be disappointed with a 125 after a 250. You may not be but the GN250 has a fair bit of grunt and a bit of low down power at relatively low revs. Most 125's need the revs high to get any punch and if you want to ride on the open road at 100 kph your bike will need some punch.

I am not advocating the purchase of a Lifan or any other bike. I would buy the biggest and best bike my budget allowed.

These are not professional reviews, but Lifan's do have some sort of credibility and whether people admit it or not, most bikes today are manufactured from price sensitive items (cheapest) sourced from countries all over the world, including China.

http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=4620

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/arc.../t-365287.html

http://www.motorcyclesurvey.com/revi...fan/lf200gy-5/

Another idea you could try is to track down your local Ulysses club as they have a few members who sell their motorcycles when they are upgrading their licenses. I doubt they all have Boulevards and Harleys

I know you want Dual Sport, but in reality a dual sport bike with road tyres is less of a dual sport bike than a road bike with dual tyres, in my opinion.

**chasio** · 29th October 2011, 09:23

Originally Posted by DR650gary

As the man says, don't but a buy for the sake of it. I don't know you or your riding ability, nor have I ever ridden an NXR125, but I have ridden a GN250 and a few 125's. You will probably be disappointed with a 125 after a 250. You may not be but the GN250 has a fair bit of grunt and a bit of low down power at relatively low revs. Most 125's need the revs high to get any punch and if you want to ride on the open road at 100 kph your bike will need some punch.

I am not advocating the purchase of a Lifan or any other bike. I would buy the biggest and best bike my budget allowed.

These are not professional reviews, but Lifan's do have some sort of credibility and whether people admit it or not, most bikes today are manufactured from price sensitive items (cheapest) sourced from countries all over the world, including China.

http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=4620

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/arc.../t-365287.html

http://www.motorcyclesurvey.com/revi...fan/lf200gy-5/

Another idea you could try is to track down your local Ulysses club as they have a few members who sell their motorcycles when they are upgrading their licenses. I doubt they all have Boulevards and Harleys

I know you want Dual Sport, but in reality a dual sport bike with road tyres is less of a dual sport bike than a road bike with dual tyres, in my opinion.

True that. If the OP likes GN250's, put some dual porpoise

tyres on one of those and go riding! I know Toto got a GN expressly for hitting up the gravel and he told me the GN goes great. For doing tracks and trails etc. a GN would maybe not hack it so well. Lots of DP bikes never go much beyond gravel, though. (ahem...!)

**Matariki** · 29th October 2011, 10:38

Hmm... I think I'll focus then on saving more and going for a dualsport with a bigger engine and road registration like this one - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=418683117

**Ocean1** · 29th October 2011, 11:59

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

Hmm... I think I'll focus then on saving more and going for a dualsport with a bigger engine and road registration like this one - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=418683117

You could do worse.

It's easy to become too focused on each new option that crops up. I suggest you first write down the most important features you need, then just keep an eye on the market for bikes that match that list.

From what you've said you'll use it for it sounds like it needs to be road registered, a trail bike (duelsport), 200cc to 300cc. I'd suggest you avoid anything too heavy, (some of the farm bikes are a bit porky) but appart from that use the suggestions here to add to the list yourself.

With a clear goal and timeframe in mind, if a really good deal comes along while you're saving it'll be a bonus. If possible get a local shop to check out any prospective bikes that match your list, even if it costs a littl more, it's cheaper than buying a lemon.

I suspect you won't have to wait too long.

**DR650gary** · 29th October 2011, 13:24

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

Hmm... I think I'll focus then on saving more and going for a dualsport with a bigger engine and road registration like this one - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=418683117

Those are a frighteningly good bike and I would be surprised if there wasn't a bit of negotiation in that one. The extra tyres are worth a bit and you will have the ability to use them both I am sure.

I am sure there will be a local rider with experience happy to go with you to meet this guy part way and make sure the deal is to your liking if you are unsure about the bike bits. You will need a car though to take the extras.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-411814413.htm closer, more money but has been on for a while.

**Matariki** · 29th October 2011, 19:52

Originally Posted by Ocean1

You could do worse.

It's easy to become too focused on each new option that crops up. I suggest you first write down the most important features you need, then just keep an eye on the market for bikes that match that list.

From what you've said you'll use it for it sounds like it needs to be road registered, a trail bike (duelsport), 200cc to 300cc. I'd suggest you avoid anything too heavy, (some of the farm bikes are a bit porky) but appart from that use the suggestions here to add to the list yourself.

With a clear goal and timeframe in mind, if a really good deal comes along while you're saving it'll be a bonus. If possible get a local shop to check out any prospective bikes that match your list, even if it costs a littl more, it's cheaper than buying a lemon.

I suspect you won't have to wait too long.

Thanks, that sounds like a brilliant idea. Unfortunately my father had a heart attack so I have to financially support the family, the bike is going to be out of the picture for a while but I'm going to keep saving what I have left for myself.

Purpose for purchasing the bike: Independence, a means to get to work, school etc., go fishing with (especially the last one

)
Here's my basic goals: 200cc - 250cc Dual Sport, within a budget of $2500 - $3000 (which I'm saving towards), needs to have before July 2012 (for study), needs to be road registered and preferably Japanese.

Bikes I'm considering: Yamaha TTR 250, Honda SL 230, Honda CRF L, Honda XR Tornado 250, Honda XR 250 Baja, Kawasaki Super Sherpa, Kawasaki KMX 200, Kawasaki KLX250, Suzuki Djebel 250, Suzuki DR200SE, Yamaha Serow 250

**Matariki** · 30th October 2011, 22:50

How about this bike guys?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-419653143.htm

**pete-blen** · 30th October 2011, 23:18

Originally Posted by Hotkebab

How about this bike guys?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-419653143.htm

thats a nice unit... higher km...
and its all girly colours too...

**Matariki** · 31st October 2011, 00:01

Originally Posted by pete-blen

thats a nice unit... higher km...
and its all girly colours too...

Well, I am a girl.

And I can always change the colours, I'm no stranger to painting and graphic design like I am to mechanics.
As for the Kms, I'm not too concerned as I only intend on using it to get my full. I've already started bidding on it.

**Matariki** · 13th November 2011, 20:02

Update: I decided not to purchase the Kawasaki KLE 250cc, though I bidded on it, based on its dry weight of 146kg, I found it was too heavy for my preference.

So I've decided to go back to the drawing board.

Budget: $2500 - $3000
Engine preference: 200cc - 250cc
Dry Weight preference: 110kg - 130kg
Seat Height preference: 75cm - 82cm

MUST BE REGISTERED with current WOF.

Examples of motorcycles: Honda NX 250, Yamaha XT250, Suzuki DR200 SE, Honda CRF230L, Yamaha Serow 250, Yamaha Serow 225 WE, Yamaha XT225, Suzuki Djebel 200, Honda SL 230, Yamaha TW200.