| Author | Message | ||
     Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 631 Registered: 10-2010 |
I have decided I need one - but not a street bike. I would like to get a dual sport bike mostly to bum around the farm on (chase my kid around on her quad) and maybe some trail riding up by the cabin. I would like it to be road legal so I can take it to work when I want - its all back roads without traffic being an issue (I ride my pedal bike often enough). I have been looking at a few 5-10 year old Yamaha TW200, XT250s, and even a very old DT175. I really am not too excited about what brand but want to keep spending minimal. If I find I like it a lot after riding for awhile I might invest in a newer one. I can find XT250s around here for $4000 new but would like to spend closer to $1000 so I am not annoyed when I crash it. Do these things hold up well or should I just break down and pay the big money for a new one? | ||
| Jupiter7 Message Board Member Username: Jupiter7 Post Number: 116 Registered: 10-2010  |
Went thru this dilemma last year. Dual sports are tough to find cheap. I needed it to maintain 65mph for going to work here and there. I too wanted a yamaha xt, ended up with a kawasaki klr 250 for about $3k. Love it. When I buy a new one, it'll be a xt though. | ||
| Rjtravel Message Board Member Username: Rjtravel Post Number: 503 Registered: 02-2009 |
The XRs, etc, are bulletproof. I've had 250, 350, 500cc enduros and all did well. In my state you can license anything that has lights and a horn. Even a handlebar squeeze horn is OK. Makes it real easy. Once I even licensed a full-out racing YZ motocrosser my son no longer needed when he got a team ride in his MX days. Not too good for the street...if you wick it a little too much it would loop out, but any real enduro works well. They are inexpensive. Richard | ||
| Rjtravel Message Board Member Username: Rjtravel Post Number: 504 Registered: 02-2009 |
Checker Auto Parts sold off-road 200cc bikes in our area - brand new about $700. I was skeptical until recently family member bought a barely used one for $280. Runs great, and with the cert of origin it can be licensed. I think with a 200cc you would have a 55mph cruiser. 250cc or bigger would be much better and is what i have now. They can handle bigger guys - my kids weigh from 270 to well over 300 and it pulls them. | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 634 Registered: 10-2010 |
Yeh, I'm about 5'10" at most, and weigh in at about 170lbs, so I figure I can get away with a slightly smaller bike than most | ||
| Jupiter7 Message Board Member Username: Jupiter7 Post Number: 117 Registered: 10-2010 |
I'm actually the exact same size as you. Tw200 is pushing it for hwy speeds... | ||
| Ricart Message Board Member Username: Ricart Post Number: 470 Registered: 06-2010 |
I know nothing about off road bikes, my son and grandson are into that. My son has done a little pro racing. He tells me not to buy anything made in China regardless of the price. He sticks to Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Yeah, he says they are not cheap, even used. If you are a good mechanic, that can make up for a lot of problems. Otherwise, repair shops are expensive. I doubt this if anything you already didn't know, but that is the extent of my expertise on dirt bikes. BTW, in Texas they have a title while not all can be licensed for the street. I don't know if all states have this, but another thing to watch for.If your state has a title for dirt bikes, make sure you get it with the purchase of leave it alone. | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 635 Registered: 10-2010 |
250 vs 350? Is there a major difference. My concern is most of the 250s are around 300lbs, the 350s get around 500lbs (at least that I saw). If I am not planning on going above 50-60MPH is there a big difference, is it worth it? | ||
| Jupiter7 Message Board Member Username: Jupiter7 Post Number: 118 Registered: 10-2010 |
Most any 250cc will achieve a cruising speed around 60mph. And you are correct about weight, for light trail riding, a 250 would do you fine. | ||
| 41magfan Message Board Member Username: 41magfan Post Number: 9 Registered: 04-2009 |
Metric bikes are about as reliable as a MC can be if they've been maintained and haven't been sitting in storage for extended periods of time. I personally don't care for the smaller dual-sports (200-250 cc displacement) since I weigh 225 lbs, but the big dual-sports (650 cc) aren't well suited for hardcore off-road use either as they sit pretty tall and weigh a bit more. Suzuki is only brand with a mid-size dual sport - the DRZ400S - which is a good compromise I wished more makers would address. | ||
| Heyjoe Message Board Member Username: Heyjoe Post Number: 1598 Registered: 02-2009  |
at 6'3" 230lbs i would need more than a 250 then? | ||
| Rjtravel Message Board Member Username: Rjtravel Post Number: 506 Registered: 02-2009 |
Heyjoe, 230 lbs is hardly too much for a strong 250cc. My son-in-law outweighs you by 100 lbs and a 250cc is good for trails - and we have a huge off-road area just minutes away which has hundreds of miles of O/R riding which we can enjoy. I havn't been for awhile but this thread is making me anxious to get out again. Richard | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 637 Registered: 10-2010 |
I am finding new old stock 2009 Kawasaki "Super Sherpas" 250CC for $3500 around available, and 2010 XT225 for $3999. | ||
| Lewiss Message Board Member Username: Lewiss Post Number: 102 Registered: 09-2010 |
I really like the Yamaha TW200 or its older brother, the BW200. There was even a BW350, but they're rare. These bikes have huge baloon tires, and are a blast to ride. They will lean on dirt so far you will be scraping your elbow on the ground. Plus they are street legal. Lots of them in my area used (except the 350). | ||
| Jswi2374 Message Board Member Username: Jswi2374 Post Number: 95 Registered: 04-2009 |
Not into dual-sports but my 250cc scooter carries my 6'6 220lb self around nicely. 65mph is no problem. Lighter weight is easier to pick up and if you're riding woods / trails, you WILL fall down once in a while. A light 250cc also gets great gas milage. Avoid Chinese bikes, their quality control isn't there yet. Major Asian brands are all good (Honda, Kymco, Suzuki, etc...) You get what you pay for. Shiny side up... | ||
| Yzingerr Message Board Member Username: Yzingerr Post Number: 30 Registered: 05-2011  |
A 250 would suffice, but I would recommend something around a 400 or larger. The 250 would allow you to putt around the farm with ease, but the road use of a 250 would easily bring it to its limit if it isnt geared correctly. Gearing is the key here.. You could gear the 250 to do 65mph, but it would suffer off the bottom (from dead stop). A 400cc would handle both on and off-road just from displacement alone. "there is no replacement for displacement" If you dont plan on doing more than 35mph on the road, go with the 250. The around $1K spending limit is going to vastly narrow the amount of bikes at your pricepoint. An older XR250 (or possibly XR400) can be had for that price, and they are still fairly easy to find parts for. | ||
| Rjtravel Message Board Member Username: Rjtravel Post Number: 507 Registered: 02-2009 |
Agree with Yz in respect to the XR. I had an XR350 about 25 years ago. It was a happy compromise between weight & power on the trail, and would haul my then 200 pounds at freeway speeds getting the 30 minutes to the Natl Forest off-road area. Richard | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 646 Registered: 10-2010 |
Well, I did not go with a 400. I sat on a Suzuki DR400 and it was more bike than I could handle. A) I'm short so my 30" inseam on a bike with a seat height of over 35" just was not working out. Maybe when I have more experience. I almost bought a Yammi XT250 new for $4200 OTD (2010). I was concerned about a few things on it. I came across a Honda CRF230L - 2008 with less than 2000 miles. I got it for a bit less than $2500 and think it was a good compromise bike. When my daughter wants to learn to ride she can use it as it is under 250lbs IIRC. Just gotta take a road trip to pick it up | ||
| Moderndayedison Message Board Member Username: Moderndayedison Post Number: 572 Registered: 04-2010  |
It pays to shop around. I found that you can walk into any motorcycle dealer and ask to take a look at their used bike selection that they have received on trade in for new bikes!! Allot of times you can haggle more on price for these bikes because dealers are always needing more space to store new bikes that come in...it really depends on how long they have been sitting on the bike in question and what time of year it is when you find it. You might want to give it a try. It's worth checking out. MDE . | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 648 Registered: 10-2010 |
Helmets: I might go cheap on a bike but not trying to survive with a head injury is important to me. Any advice on brands that are better than others? Are they all the same? Are the cheap chinese ones good? | ||
| Ricart Message Board Member Username: Ricart Post Number: 479 Registered: 06-2010 |
For years, I have used HJC helmets. There are many well made helmets on the market, you find them a motorcycle dealers, not at Walmart.You ask, are the cheap Chinese helmets good. My son's life was saved when a drunk in a pickup pulled out in front of him, his helmet was split down the middle. He still received a concussion. He was wearing a high dollar helmet, still keeps it for anyone that argues the benefit of a helmet. On helmets, you get what you pay for. The question is, do you consider your head worth $29.95 or $100.00+? My wife took a bad spill some years back, she was wearing a high dollar helmet, full cover riding outfit. She slid about 60 feet on concrete. She didn't get a scratch on her. My advice is not to go for bells and whistles, spend at least 90+ dollars at a M/C dealership, not a discount store. Here are a couple of photos of how my son dresses on a dirt bike..   | ||
| Yzingerr Message Board Member Username: Yzingerr Post Number: 63 Registered: 05-2011 |
As for helmets, you get what you pay for. Helmet construction is of utmost importance. I can go on forever, but the gist is.. Cheap chinese helmets are made of plastic. I used to show customers these zox helmets and hit it with a hammer, it would punch a hole in it. Good helmets are made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other impact absorbing/deflecting material. The idea of a helmet is to transfer energy throughout as much surface as possible and slowing the movement of your head (and ultimately brain) inside. I prefer arai helmets, but suomy and shoei are other greats. As for another recommended brand at a good price are hjc as stated in a previous post. If you have any other ??? feel free to ask, i used to manage a motorcycle dealership. | ||
| Yzingerr Message Board Member Username: Yzingerr Post Number: 64 Registered: 05-2011 |
P.s. ricart is dead on with helmet pricing. I would have guys buy a $16k bike and then ask, "what is the cheapest helmet you got"? I always say, buy a $100 bike and a $16k helmet. Realistically a $16k helmet isnt better than a quality $200 helmet, but you get the point. Bikes are replaceable, you are not. How much is your head worth? Mine is worth more than $39.99 | ||
| Lewiss Message Board Member Username: Lewiss Post Number: 116 Registered: 09-2010 |
My favorite helmet in the 1980's was NAVA. They pioneered a molded polycarbonate shell that really was as strong as fiberglass (met DOT and SNELL) but was very lightweight. Unfortunately they left the US market during the 1990's orgy of lawsuits against helmet manufacturers. In any case, buy the best you can afford. And buy one that is COMFORTABLE to you - otherwise, you will hate wearing it and might leave it at home. | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 666 Registered: 10-2010 |
I ended up with a mid-range Bell helmet (about $125) that is comfortable and came highly recommended by the dealership. The ARAI they had did not seem to fit as well, despite my trying to "make" them fit because I was fully prepared to spend the money on it and the person helping me said with the way it fit it would not do me good. There are no SHOEI dealers within 100 miles of me. This will do for now, I may decide to swap it out in the future. For in the woods and the little bit of road riding I do I am comfortable with it. I did buy a Kevlar reinforced breathable riding jacket with shields on the back, shoulders, and elbows. Much cooler than leather and supposed to help in a crash. | ||
| Theysayimnotme Message Board Member Username: Theysayimnotme Post Number: 320 Registered: 02-2009 |
Time for a little more thread drift & argument about helmets. I have full face helmets but rarely use them since I feel they restrict my vision. I believe it is more important to avoid a crash than to survive one. I prefer the open face helmets for this reason. I also avoid the SNELL rated helmets. They do protect your skull better but by failing to crush as easily they can cause more damage to your brain. Think of a crush zone in your car that sagrifices part of the car to protect the occupants. Now let the arrows fly. | ||
| Chopprs Message Board Member Username: Chopprs Post Number: 2672 Registered: 09-2009  |
Why do you think most motorcycle cops wear half helmets???????? So you can see and more importantly HEAR what is around you. With a full face helme you will never hear the car barrelling down the road behind you that is about to run you over. I have been teaching peeps to ride motorcycles for close to thirty years......Avoiding the accident in the first place is the most important thing! | ||
| Mndoug Message Board Member Username: Mndoug Post Number: 874 Registered: 12-2010  |
I just bought a half-helmet for the summertime, and LOVE it. It's the Harley Half-Helmet with Retractable Sunshield. VERY comfortable and easy to wear.  | ||
| Yzingerr Message Board Member Username: Yzingerr Post Number: 70 Registered: 05-2011 |
Chopprs, i respectfully disagree. Many years ago LEOs decided that it was too hard to communicate with drivers and operate mics well while wearing full face helmets. (Today some departments wear full face helmets with flip up fronts) Also, citizens agreed it was awkward(?) being approached by a masked LEO.. Whereas a half helmet doesn't obscure the officers face and makes it more personable. I do agree that, when stopped, you can hear a lot better than in a full face. I have worn a full face for over 15 years and while hot in the summer, they do offer better protection. Avoidance and awareness are absolutely your best defense! | ||
| Chopprs Message Board Member Username: Chopprs Post Number: 2673 Registered: 09-2009 |
.......hmmm....that's interesting cuz I was on the AMA team that was involved with transitioning officers onto the motorcycle squad for seven years here where I am. It was decided that the ability to hear around you was far more safe than not being able to. The fact that these guys are highly, highly trained and there accident rate is very low also played a role in the decision. Another factor was that officers in an emergency situation often did not have the time to remove their helmet and a full face helmet proved to be far too obtrusive in these situations. There is a national competition where we would go and do things like stop the bike without putting your feet down. We did very well and even won a couple times! There are a few departments that still use full facers but they are few and far between, moreso in Europe. | ||
| Lohman446 Message Board Member Username: Lohman446 Post Number: 668 Registered: 10-2010 |
I think, and I say this without experience, it might matter where you are. The majority of my riding is done out in the middle of nowhere, I am able to give every vehicle I may encounter plenty of attention and basically any movement gets my attention. In the city or on the highway this would not be the case, and the difference in tone behind a speeding vehicle and another may be important. It is also MUCH more likely that I am going to hit or be hit by a deer than a car, and I do not think hearing would help me in that case. | ||
| Ricart Message Board Member Username: Ricart Post Number: 509 Registered: 06-2010 |
OK, here's my .02 worth. As I have said, I was a motorcycle squad supervisor for 9 1/2 years, was on the equipment committee. Nothing personal, Chopprs, most of us were of the opinion that those that can, do, those that can't, teach. If you were actually a street motorcycle cop please disregard my remark. ALL of our instructors were state trained and motorcycle patrolmen as we figured they had a better knowledge of what the work was all about. We wore the half helmets and had a M/C force of 48 units not counting the spares. We had a M/C fatality in the 60's and the chief didn't allow solo bikes till he retired. We went to solos somewhere in the early 80's. I was assigned to motors around 86 till my retirement in late 95. With the coming of the hemet mikes, we were still using half helmets. Somewhere after my retirement, we went to full face flip up helmets. As for as hearing better or worse, depending on the helmet, most of us that have been a real motor cop for a number of years is half deaf anyway. (I had a head start from the Army.) BTW, to my knowledge, our department has had broken limbs, one amputee, and many scrapes and bruises, but no deaths of vegetable cases from crashes with either half or full face helmets.My police bike was a Harley FXRP and with the pipes, wind noise, maybe siren, and street noise, it was doubtful even with a half helmet one would hear " a car barreling down the road behind us". Now our cops are riding "quiet as some cars", BMW's, wearing full helmets with folding visors. Probably still can't hear a lot. | ||
| Chopprs Message Board Member Username: Chopprs Post Number: 2675 Registered: 09-2009 |
Well, now that is not very nice now is it??? Actually I am pretty thick skinned so say whatever you want!  I was actually on a team that decided "what and how" to teach. I did not actually do the teaching. I was approached and asked if I would be involved because some of the officers that I already knew seemed to think I was quite knowledgeable on the subject. I also did it for no pay, as an act of appreciation to the officers most of which whom I wound up being good friends with...... | ||
| Ricart Message Board Member Username: Ricart Post Number: 510 Registered: 06-2010 |
Hey Chopprs, OK, I was abrupt. While I don't know you, I had my fill of "experts" that didn't know where the siren button was attempting to tell us what equipment to get and how to ride. Even the joker that tried to tell us what bikes to ride. The dept. was using Kawasaki's after getting rid of the Moto Guzzi's. We tried to tell them the "K"'s were dangerous at high speed due to the way the radio was mounted. We finally took movies of the poor handling of the bikes. Then we were told the "K'S were cheaper. We proved that wrong when the resale of the Harley's were considered. We got Harley's. It seemed on a daily basis, we were being told what we needed, how to ride, and what to wear by jokers that didn't ride. We figured as we were the ones that rode them, we should have a little say in the matter. We got it. But, getting back to the subject matter of helmets, This state does not mention the type helmet a biker was wearing in fatalities. I really know of no data to prove is a half or full face is safer, or which one might cause you to have an collision. When asked about starting to ride, I just say, take an approved rider's course, always wear a good quality helmet, and ride like you are invisible. Never have understood how a driver can see a small animal in the roadway and still run over a biker with the excuse, I couldn't see him. | ||
| Grayelky Message Board Member Username: Grayelky Post Number: 1245 Registered: 10-2009 |
It is really very simple. Two options: "I did not see him." OR "I'm a dumba$$." | ||
| Yzingerr Message Board Member Username: Yzingerr Post Number: 73 Registered: 05-2011 |
No Grayelky, its I wasn't paying attention |
