| Author | Message | ||
     Mikef5000 |
I'm looking to get a new job right smack in the middle of down town. Bad news is car parking is crazy expensive and inconvenient. Good news is Bike parking is free and right outside the building! My dad (of all people) suggested I get a cheap bike that I won't worry about being parked outside all day long. Then I added the fact that I could ride it year round (rain or shine). Also my Buell is way to loud to be riding every morning at 6:00 AM. So I looked at scooters for awhile, thinking that not only would it be my daily commuter, but I could also race at the go-kart track on the weekends. (there's a mini-motorcycle racing organization at circleville raceway.) But then I started looking at small dual sports or enduro's. I think that's the route I want to go. They look like a freaking blast! And there are some large Dual-Sport rides organized around Ohio every year. So I'm looking at something like 1989-1999 125cc-350cc. I found these so far, all with mileage around 5k: 1989 Honda NX125 $1100 obo:  1994 Yamaha XT350 $1300 obo:  1996 Suzuki DR350 $1200 obo:  Seat height IS an issue! I'm short! I don't mind just putting one foot down at stops, but I plan on riding it in bad weather, and so the lower the better. I found the seat height on the Yamaha and Honda to be 33", which I think is do-able. The suzuki is listed at 35", and that's just too tall. For the most part (90% of the time) this bike will be used for city riding. 50 MPH or less, probably 5 miles a day. Electric start is a must. The 350cc would be nice, I could ride it on the freeway if needed. The yamaha is said to cruise at 70 just fine, and hit a top speed of 90. That 125cc Honda I'd guess would top out around 60. Both 350's have about 30hp (more than enough for what I want to do), and that 125 has about 12hp. Now, I know absolutely nothing about this type of bike. Please tell me anything I may need to know. Things I'm assuming: These "semi-nobby" looking tires will work fine on the road The 350cc models all have electric start (I know the 89 Honda does, but I'm guessing the others do) These bikes get good gas mileage (there's nothing weird about these types of engines that would lower the gas mileage is there?) PLEASE! Steer me, teach me, tell me everything! Then there needs to be a couple days of Pre-Badness Dual-Sport riding next spring! And BTW, for those that might be noticing my whining about no money in one thread, and then this... My dad is being nice enough to loan me the money for this bike until after my Euro-Trip and I can replentish my savings account. IF I find a great deal. (Message edited by mikef5000 on April 19, 2008) | ||
| Blake |
I know folks like the DR350. I'm just not that familiar with the bikes. For me, it would come down to condition of the specific bike, how it starts and runs, and overall reputation of the model. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
get the Yami or the Zuki, the extra displacement esp for commuting will be nice. There are more performance parts and accessories for the Zuki. For height, I would take the seat off and take it to an upholster, that will get you lower with out sacrificing ride clearance (trust me if you go off road you will want the inches there) have fun. post up your choice. Good luck couch surfing in Europe. | ||
| Etennuly |
Mike, I have my third Honda XL250. They are a kick only start. The suspensions on these kind of bikes is really soft, so a 35" seat height might be 32" with you on it. The semi knows you see suck in wet and don't expect to put it in a corner like your Buell, they will slide out on dry pavement(which can be kinda fun). If you can fit it with motard tires you will have an instant race bike though. Adjustable suspension and all. Very light, really flickable, fun bike to ride. And then there is the dirt capability. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Also add the Kawasaki Super Sherpa to your list. Very streetable, can survive in the woods, lower seat height then a lot of the other dual sports. I got an 85 KLR-250 (kinda like the super sherpa but kick start) for $500, another $350 or so to get it intact enough to commute. I got it as a woods / play bike, and was amazed at how usable a commuter it would be. The 50/50 tires work great on the street, and even DOT knobbies (like the Kenda Trackmasters) are completely usable. Stupid little stuff you have to buy from the factory (i.e. valve cover gaskets) are stupid expensive, but normal use items like tires and gas are crazy cheap. I can put complete new rubber on the bike for under $100, and they get like 50-65 mpg. And its really fun to play off road. Get it before sunday! http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=67 78793#post6778793 I'll be coming through Columbus at o-dark thirty on Sunday morning on my way to that ride... And if you want to ride the tuber up to Lebanon (not that far), you are welcome to take my KLR-250 out for a nice long ride locally and see how it works for you. Kick start makes you feel like a man when you go out after work to hop on the motorcycle. Kind of a daily HTFU supplement  And you sport all those trendy bruises on the inside of your right leg... So I would highly recommend the "second bike small displacement dual sport" approach. I am thrilled I did it. I think all the bikes you list are good ones. But on the other hand you can just insure the tuber and ride it. It makes a nice little city bike as well, and if somebody steals it, just go buy a 9sx ;) | ||
| Iamike |
I had a DR200 for the girls that got 90mpg. They never rode it so I sold it and my XR400 then bought a DR650 so I could ride on the street. The 200 could go 55mph but was stretching it to go over 60. The 650 maybe gets 50mpg. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I would LOVE to do that dual sport ride... but it's not gonna happen. Also, Kick start+electric start would be my favorite... but I has to have electric start. I can't picture my 130lb ass trying to kick over an engine at 6 in the morning. | ||
| Reepicheep |
My KLR 250 will tool along happily at 70mph all day long, even with my fat behind on it. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Really! I figured I'd have to go at least 350cc in order to ride the freeway. How do these kind of tires wear on pavement? (Message edited by mikef5000 on April 17, 2008) | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Ahhhh, I see now... The KLR 250 is water cooled. Looking at air cooled, I probably would want to stick with 350cc I have no preference between water or air cooled. There are a few KLR 250s for sale around 1500. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
There's a 1987 Kawasaki KLR650 on craigslist locally, asking $1300 OBO. That bike probably has more of an aftermaket than any others above, including low seats, and lowering kits. Thoughts? | ||
| Reepicheep |
If its in good shape, then thats a good deal. The 650 is more like the Uly... pretty heavy for the woods, but fun on a dirt road. Its a much more streetable bike then the woods friendly bikes. I would be suprised if thats in good shape and running well if its selling for $1300... And 1500 is too much for a KLR-250 unless it's been completely reworked or is close to new condition... $1000 would be more like it, $600 if it needs work. Water cooling definately makes that 250cc's go a lot further, as does the 9500 RPM redline. But its still just a 17HP bike... Thats enough to hit 70. (Message edited by reepicheep on July 08, 2009) | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I'd prefer more of a lightweight bike over a 650 I think, although if I can find a good deal on the 650 I'd still take it in a heartbeat. I've tried to contact the owner of the $1300 one with no luck. The stupid craigslist emails never work for me. I've now called all three owners of the bikes in the original post, and they all three sold almost immediately. I've found a few DR200's, and according to some reviews, if the sprocket is changed out, they can cruise at 65-70. Happy Trails also makes a cool as hell pannier kit for them, so they must be able to cruise. But they all seem to be kick start only. I reeeeaaaally want electric start. As sad as it may seem... I'm sort of seriously looking at these Chinese replicas. I found a forum about them, and they really have great things to say about them. http://www.chinariders.net/ I'm looking at this beast: http://www.vbikeusa.com/index.php?page=showpro&spid=24 [img]http://www.vbikeusa.com/multidata/200710171659175951365.jpg[/img] (Message edited by Mikef5000 on April 19, 2008) | ||
| Mikef5000 |
*deleted huge picture* (Message edited by mikef5000 on April 22, 2008) | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Hey what about this beast:  2000 Kawasaki KE100 100cc 2 stroke!!! 600 miles for $800. 12 horsepower and 185 lbs. It has an oil tank that automatically adds to the gas, so you can fill up at the pump like normal. Tops out at 60 from the factory, but a gear change might help that a bit. I wouldn't hit the freeway with it, but I'd love to be able to cruise at 60 on the back roads. I know it's not great off road, that's ok. I think it's cool as hell! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thats a 2000 model? Wow. Wholda thunk! Drum front and back huh? You might not want to go over 60  I looked at the China bikes, all are not made equal. I forget which brand was a company that also made bikes for Suzuki, but I recall that being a better one. And I would not buy one unless I had a solid line on parts. Ultimately though, I think a 20 year old $900 KLR-250 might be a better value then a brand new $1500 China bike... for now... but the day is not far when those bikes are going to be smoking good values. I expect those makers will learn quick. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Problem is, the brand new china bikes are only $1100. That's CHEAP! But even so, I think I would trust, and prefer, a 20 year old Jap bike more than the China bike. My thoughts with this new dual sport, is to commute on the thing now. BUT to also be able to tour Alaska on the thing sometime in the next 10 years. An engine rebuild might be in order before then, but that's alright. The KLR would be perfect if it came with electric start... I really want that electric start. That 2 cycle wouldn't cut it if 50-55 was the true top speed. I'll keep looking. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I think the KLX-250 is a lot like the KLR-250, but with an electric start (I *think*). Some sweet conversions like the CRX450 are out there as well, but they get $$$$$. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I found a KLX-650. There were a few versions made, some with electric start, some without. The 650 I found is electric start, and he wants $1500. Not bad at all, but more than I want to spend. I think I'd perfer a 250, but I haven't come across one yet. | ||
| Neurorider |
I have a 2006 klx250s as well as my Ulysses. It is a lot like the klr250 was, but better in some ways. They have (until 08 models) 11" or so of suspension and are water cooled with electric start. I commuted on mine for 2 years before getting the Uly. Kawasaki still makes them, and there are 07 leftovers available here and there, or low mileage tradeins. The 08 models have 9" of suspension and are lower (which you may like). Top speed, stock, is around 75, 80 if you lay on the tank. Tailwinds and downhills get you more Mine gets 65mpg. They're around 4700 new and Kawi usually has finance deals for 69/month and low interest. Or, Yamaha *still* makes the tw200, if you want something different. I like those too! doc | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I actually surfed all the main companies sites yesterday to check out new ones. But I've got a car loan that I'm taking forever to pay off already. I don't need a bike loan too. I think of all the new ones, my favorites were the two Suzuki's, either the 200 or 450. The TW is a cool as heck bike, and cheap too! But I think I like the DR's more. But alas... I need to find a mid 90's model for a grand. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thanks Neuro, good info! | ||
| Berkshire |
The Hi-Bird looks cheap & flimsy - the forks are clearly NOT inverted as it says, the tubes look a little skinny, and the tabs that hold the front wheel axle look weak... I hope it has a fork brace! Reep, were you thinking of Hyosung? I saw one at TX speedway and it looked like a well made bike. SV650 motor, beefy triples & inverted forks, everything looked good. The frame wasn't as high tech as an SV650, but it was still nice. I wouldn't buy a new Hyosung because I could get a used XB9R for less money - but I might buy a used Hyosung, or maybe one of the 250's. I would not buy a Hi-Bird. Mike, those aren't big twins you're looking at - kicking a 125 over is about like stomping a beer can! If you're looking at a 350, just make sure it has a compression release, or if buying locally, try it and see for yourself. | ||
| Reepicheep |
No, I was confused... I was thinking of the Honda CRF-450X. My neighbor just got one and converted it to street legal. It may need a top end rebuild after every oil change, and a seat that is about as comfortable as a 2x4... But it sure wheelies nice, in first, second, and third gear. Probably wheelies nice in 4th and 5th as well, but I was too scared at that point, and quickly running out of road. (It puts out about 45 HP, and weighs around 250 pounds wet). (Message edited by reepicheep on May 19, 2008) | ||
| Cityxslicker |
 Plated, lit, and steet legal 2008 Honda CRF250X Pics when it is 100% done, just couldnt wait any longer for a leaner, meaner, dirtier offering from E Troy. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Nice! I just split the cases on my 95 KDX 200, and am starting to reassemble now. It got a professional porting and re-bore as well, so it's now a 220. It should be making 35+ HP, and weigh about 230 pounds wet. Being a two stroke, I don't think I will plate this one. There is no place close enough to ride on road to ride off road around me anyway. And the two strokes don't seem to like long periods of running at a single RPM. It'll be great fun in the woods though... That CRF will be great, nice bike! I hear all sorts of mutterings about weak top ends on the CRF bikes, but I also see people running them to death and not doing maintenance. So I suspect most of the problems are user induced... | ||
| Limitedx1 |
my vote goes to the dr 350, i had one and wish i never would have sold it. too much fun to ride, got her up to 90 mph on the straights. klr 650's are just too heavy and sluggish. my dr with a pipe and jet kit ran very close to a buddys stock dr400sm | ||
| Cityxslicker |
The CRF did not pass my demo loop requirements. All new shop whip  | ||
| Blasterd |
I have a Honda XL600R, sub 300lbs dry and very fast for the size. Kick start only but it usually fires on the second kick if you know the procedure. It's a beast! |
