Your input please on a SMALL dualsport

[Too40gawlf]

Im fairly certain my next bike is going to be a small dualsport. Now before you reply to this, please make sure to read what Im writing and understand what Im getting at. Anyway, I've narrowed the list down to three bikes in order of preference:

I.) Suzuki DR200se
II.) Honda CR230L
III.) Yamaha XT225 / XT250

unlikely other options:

IV.)Suzuki DR650 - seat height from 33 -35 inches but siginficantly larger than the DR200se
V.) Kawasaki KLX 250S - comfortable, but 35 in seat height makes this hard ot consider

What I mainly want the bike for is city street riding, maybe some longer rides on country roads, basically light commuting. I know this type of bike is not well suited to the highway, but I would like to be able to make an occasional short highway jaunt at 60-70mph speeds.

One of my main considerations is weight and size. I love the fact that these bikes are sub 300 lbs and are no more than 32 inches in seat height. Im not physically small, 5'10 225lbs, but bigger dual sports such as the XR650L or the KLR650 or even the DRZ400 are out of the running - they are both way too tall for my comfort and a bit heavier than I want.

Now with that being said, I know the bikes listed are small displacement thumpers that put out 15-20 hp. My main question is: of the 3 listed above which would be the most condusive to performance modifications? Would it be possible to get any of the above bikes to 25-30hp and still keep it reliable? Lastly, is there a type of bike Im overlooking?

Please dont recommend, bigger dual sports as Im not interested in those.

If you've ridden any of the above bikes, please tell me about it.

["A"]

@ 225 lb. You're a likely candidate for suspension tuning once you get any bike.

Ever consider the Kawasaki Sherpa? probably lower seat height (& lighter) than the rest.



I've had an XT before.. a bit heavy for its engine size..

DR200's got drum brake..

[bluepoof]

I have an XT225 and absolutely love it.

It's absolutely fantastic for the type of riding you mention ("city street riding, maybe some longer rides on country roads, basically light commuting"). Obviously it's also great on dirt roads.

I've maxed out the speedo a few times (~80mph) -- it's not really what I'd consider comfortable, but it's doable. I get awfully sick of being on the interstate on the XT after about 30 miles but as long as you're not expecting a lot of acceleration power, it's really not that bad.

I put a windscreen on my XT, which makes it a very capable all-day bike. I rode mine from SF to Seattle in 4 days (all back roads with some off-roading) and it was an absolute blast.



I haven't personally done any performance mods to mine, but I know that a lot of peeps at xt225.com have. I doubt they've been able to get to 25-30hp but if you poke around that website, you'll see a lot of mods that people have done.

I'd be happy to answer any more questions about it; it really is a fantastic bike.

[nebraskan]

i used to have an xt225 and it was a blast. great for city riding and doing some offroading. i had some pretty hard crashes on that thing and could always pick it up and drive off. and by the way i'mi 6'2" 225

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by "A"

@ 225 lb. You're a likely candidate for suspension tuning once you get any bike.

Ever consider the Kawasaki Sherpa? probably lower seat height (& lighter) than the rest.



I've had an XT before.. a bit heavy for its engine size..

DR200's got drum brake..

I like just about everything about the Sherpa except for the ugly front fender. It just looks like it needs to be up higher and the low look really ruins the bike for me. I know, petty, but it is what it is.

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by bluepoof

I have an XT225 and absolutely love it.

It's absolutely fantastic for the type of riding you mention ("city street riding, maybe some longer rides on country roads, basically light commuting"). Obviously it's also great on dirt roads.

I've maxed out the speedo a few times (~80mph) -- it's not really what I'd consider comfortable, but it's doable. I get awfully sick of being on the interstate on the XT after about 30 miles but as long as you're not expecting a lot of acceleration power, it's really not that bad.

I put a windscreen on my XT, which makes it a very capable all-day bike. I rode mine from SF to Seattle in 4 days (all back roads with some off-roading) and it was an absolute blast.



I haven't personally done any performance mods to mine, but I know that a lot of peeps at xt225.com have. I doubt they've been able to get to 25-30hp but if you poke around that website, you'll see a lot of mods that people have done.

I'd be happy to answer any more questions about it; it really is a fantastic bike.

Very cool, Thanks. Yeah, I know, 25-30 might be too much of a stretch, but like most bikes, I hear these guys come very lean from the factory and with a constrictive exhuast which when opened up makes the bike a lot more peppy.

[bluepoof]

That's true, they're VERY lean stock.

[kkim]

all the bikes mentioned are good choices! are you looking for new or used? if used, how about a kawi klr250? or a suzuki dr250s? honda xr250L?

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by kkim

all the bikes mentioned are good choices! are you looking for new or used? if used, how about a kawi klr250? or a suzuki dr250s? honda xr250L?

Im leaning toward used. The other thing that I forgot to mention is that I want electric start. I think the 3 that you mentioned are kick start only, though I could be wrong.

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by nebraskan

i used to have an xt225 and it was a blast. great for city riding and doing some offroading. i had some pretty hard crashes on that thing and could always pick it up and drive off. and by the way i'mi 6'2" 225

Well John, thats good to hear. I hope that I can avoid the part about the hard crashes though.

["A"]

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

I like just about everything about the Sherpa except for the ugly front fender. It just looks like it needs to be up higher and the low look really ruins the bike for me. I know, petty, but it is what it is.

Cosmetic fix that is easily done.. yet you overlook the rest of its capabilities?







is this what you might look like on a Sherpa?

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

Im leaning toward used. The other thing that I forgot to mention is that I want electric start. I think the 3 that you mentioned are kick start only, though I could be wrong.

I believe a few of the Suzuki's were electric start.

[setasai]

Correct me if i'm wrong but isnt 250cc the minimum to be highway/freeway legal?

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by "A"

Cosmetic fix that is easily done.. yet you overlook the rest of its capabilities?



is this what you might look like on a Sherpa?

Awesome! Thanks for highlighting that. Makes me take a whole new look at the Super Sherpa - which by far has the coolest name of any of the bikes Im considering.

And no. Im not quite as hefty as 'Ole Boy on that bike - although I probably see myself as a lot more dashing and svelte than I really am.

[kawboyCAFE]

i would have to suggest the kawasaki super sherpa 250. if you can find one cheap enough that is.

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by setasai

Correct me if i'm wrong but isnt 250cc the minimum to be highway/freeway legal?

It may vary state to state (I've never looked) but in California, it's 150cc.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by bluepoof

It may vary state to state (I've never looked) but in California, it's 150cc.

Seriously? I'd be terrified to go on the freeway with only a 150cc bike. It's already the top end of the 250cc's power on the freeway. I cant imagine cruising with something less powerful. Probably get run over by a F150's wind tunnel.

[kingkang204]

I know you didn't list it but I think the wr250x is the best looking dual sport bike.

[LegB4Wicket]

I was taught to ride on the Yamaha XT250. It was great in the city and could do short spells on the highway. The bike was exceptionally light and had fairly decent suspension. I would recommend it.

In Brazil, Yamaha's come out with a Tenere version. I really hope they consider it for Canada. I'm also thinking about a dual sport to take advantage of the many logging roads on Vancouver Island. Except for the Suzuki DR650, most of the mid-size dual sports are huge and the 250cc bikes have tiny fuel tanks and limited range.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...enere%2011.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-ox...layer_embedded

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by setasai

Seriously? I'd be terrified to go on the freeway with only a 150cc bike. It's already the top end of the 250cc's power on the freeway. I cant imagine cruising with something less powerful. Probably get run over by a F150's wind tunnel.

Yep, <149cc is considered a "motor-driven cycle". http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/motors.html

The XT on the freeway can occasionally be exhilarating for all the wrong reasons. The Ninja has tons of get up 'n' go compared to the XT's 17hp. But if I stay in the right lane* and stay away from really short merge lanes, it's generally OK.

* the depressing part is when I pass people on the freeway on the XT. Dude, I'm on a single cylinder 225cc with 17 horsepower! Drive your damn car!

[dyeforever]

What about a wr250x or even a plated crf250x or crf450x? I ride a 07 crf450x. I'm 5'10" 150lbs with full gear. the seat height is a little on the high side, at 36", but i don't mind it. my bike weigh in at 260lbs, very easy to move around. Just be observant when you stop if you are stopping on a angle.

[mrlmd]

Check out the Yamaha TW200 and their site tw200forum.com. I got one a few months ago and it's really a nice little bike. Not meant for 60-70 highway (60mph OK) but perfect for city driving and very capable offroad if you want to do that. Gets about 80-90 mpg, very reliable, older ones had kickstarters in addition to electric, hold their value very well. Comes standard with big knobby tires but there are also others more suitable for the road with offroad capabilities as well. Very supportive and knowledgeable forum.

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by kingkang204

I know you didn't list it but I think the wr250x is the best looking dual sport bike.

Yeah, its a gorgeous bike, but its too tall for what im looking for and costs more than I want to pay for a 250 dual sport.

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by mrlmd

Check out the Yamaha TW200 and their site tw200forum.com. I got one a few months ago and it's really a nice little bike. Not meant for 60-70 highway (60mph OK) but perfect for city driving and very capable offroad if you want to do that. Gets about 80-90 mpg, very reliable, older ones had kickstarters in addition to electric, hold their value very well. Comes standard with big knobby tires but there are also others more suitable for the road with offroad capabilities as well. Very supportive and knowledgeable forum.

I'm aware of the TW200, but I dont like the aesthetics.

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by dyeforever

What about a wr250x or even a plated crf250x or crf450x? I ride a 07 crf450x. I'm 5'10" 150lbs with full gear. the seat height is a little on the high side, at 36", but i don't mind it. my bike weigh in at 260lbs, very easy to move around. Just be observant when you stop if you are stopping on a angle.

Good suggestions, but Im trying to avoid the hassle of plating a dirt bike. Im sure the dirt bikes are set up for dirt primarily. What Im looking for is something thats primarily streetable with the capability to go off concrete if the need arises.

["A"]

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

Good suggestions, but Im trying to avoid the hassle of plating a dirt bike. Im sure the dirt bikes are set up for dirt primarily. What Im looking for is something thats primarily streetable with the capability to go off concrete if the need arises.

IME, having plated XR650R, WR450F, WR250F in the past.. and currently KLX300, they make excellent off-road/supermotard rides, but narrow seat combined with smaller oil capacity, they make short riding/servicing intervals. WR250X or R are way too expensive IMO, especially for a 250cc engine.
I'm used to riding racing bicycle saddles, but with the high engine rev on highway riding, even I find the seat/handlebar vibe much intrusive for any amount of extended highway.
The additional suspension may be great for dirt riding at speed, but at tame speeds they are overkill. Climbing on and off the bike will likely be a hassle for 225 lb.

[Too40gawlf]

A,

I called the guy you PMed me about and he's not budging off the price. But I offered him $400 less than what he was asking for and told him to call me back if he changed his mind. I think that particular bike is worth no more than what I offered, considereing the tires on there are the stock 10 year old ones and I gotta drive 260 miles round trip to lug the bike back.

There's another guy much closer to me with an 09 for a reasonable price, but the newer ones dont come with the gold rims that look just so cool.

Anyway, point is Im going to go with the Super Sherpa over the DR200se and the XT-225. The Sherpa's got 6 gears and disc brakes which are very apprealling. As you said, the fender mod looks pretty easy to do, so I think Ill be very happy with the Sherpa if I end up getting it.

[bluepoof]

Awesome! I don't think you can go wrong with any of those bikes.

["A"]

Originally Posted by Too40gawlf

A,

I called the guy you PMed me about and he's not budging off the price. But I offered him $400 less than what he was asking for and told him to call me back if he changed his mind. I think that particular bike is worth no more than what I offered, considereing the tires on there are the stock 10 year old ones and I gotta drive 260 miles round trip to lug the bike back.

There's another guy much closer to me with an 09 for a reasonable price, but the newer ones dont come with the gold rims that look just so cool.

Anyway, point is Im going to go with the Super Sherpa over the DR200se and the XT-225. The Sherpa's got 6 gears and disc brakes which are very apprealling. As you said, the fender mod looks pretty easy to do, so I think Ill be very happy with the Sherpa if I end up getting it.

Nothing more convincing than showing up with cash in hand.. more room to negotiate when you show up and look at the bike in person.

Usually, sellers are less likely to refuse an offer in person. I point out all the little things I see to the owner, tires/brake pad/rotors, little dents in tank, slight bent handlebar, small cracks in plastics.. all that make more convincing for my offer. Take a test ride and tell them how I feel about the bike they are selling. Relate to them on a personal level, get more bonding then go in with a killer offer.

Good luck huntin'

[Too40gawlf]

Originally Posted by "A"

Nothing more convincing than showing up with cash in hand.. more room to negotiate when you show up and look at the bike in person.

Usually, sellers are less likely to refuse an offer in person. I point out all the little things I see to the owner, tires/brake pad/rotors, little dents in tank, slight bent handlebar, small cracks in plastics.. all that make more convincing for my offer. Take a test ride and tell them how I feel about the bike they are selling. Relate to them on a personal level, get more bonding then go in with a killer offer.

Good luck huntin'

Agree with you 100%. With local sellers this is my strategy. But if Im driving hours, I want to know there will be no issue with price. Otherwise, the seller knows Im going to have to hand over additional $$$ or drive hours back home steaming from a wasted day's time and gas.

["A"]

That's the thing.. my small pickup truck gets decent fuel econ., 3 hour drive one-way I can usually make it there and back in one tank.

I'm always prompt or early for agreed time for meeting with the seller. Being prompt and react early to a posted ad is very important to demonstrate you sincere about you offer. I'm usually pretty confident of my haggling skills in person. I offer a price and leave myself room to up the offer or meet the seller 1/2 way. But if seller is still unwilling to meet me 1/2 way, always willing to walk away.

Never once have I been refused when I show them the cash.

["A"]

One thing I heard about the negative of going with high front fender on the Sherpa is it may effect handling at highway speed.

I assume that the lightweight nature of the Sherpa combined with the high front fender 'sail effect' can affect handling at highway speed when gusty condition is present.

Personally, I have no problem with OEM fender setup as long as it doesn't clog up with mud. Looks of it doesn't bother me since I don't see it when I ride. It's all about the ride for me.

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by "A"

One thing I heard about the negative of going with high front fender on the Sherpa is it may effect handling at highway speed.

I assume that the lightweight nature of the Sherpa combined with the high front fender 'sail effect' can affect handling at highway speed when gusty condition is present.

That happens with my XT, too. Kinda unnerving the first time.

[dyeforever]

Originally Posted by "A"

One thing I heard about the negative of going with high front fender on the Sherpa is it may effect handling at highway speed.

I assume that the lightweight nature of the Sherpa combined with the high front fender 'sail effect' can affect handling at highway speed when gusty condition is present.

Personally, I have no problem with OEM fender setup as long as it doesn't clog up with mud. Looks of it doesn't bother me since I don't see it when I ride. It's all about the ride for me.

also had this happen on my 450. at first i was going to get a steering stabilizer to stop it, but just adjust my riding habit for it. never happens anymore.

[CC Cowboy]

I'm not a dual-sport fan. I think they suck on the street (to slow) and suck on the dirt (to heavy). The suspension sucks for either application also.

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I'm not a dual-sport fan. I think they suck on the street (to slow) and suck on the dirt (to heavy). The suspension sucks for either application also.

It all depends on what you want to do with the bike.

When I rode cross-country in 2008, I took my F650GS. I wanted to stay off the interstates anyway, so it didn't matter that I couldn't go much over 100mph (and, um, I don't generally ride those speeds even on the interstate ). From the dirt perspective, I was alone and on a long trip and so I wasn't going to hit anything terribly technical anyway. But I was still able to find some amazing dirt farm roads and saw bison, tarantulas, burros, armadillos, alligators, wild horses, and some great camping/scenery that I wouldn't have felt comfortable bringing a streetbike to.

Obviously if you want to win a speed race or do tabletops/moguls, you're going to want a dedicated machine. But if you're out to see some neat stuff and take it easy on both the speed and the super technical off roading, a dualsport can really bring a lot of smiles.

["A"]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I'm not a dual-sport fan. I think they suck on the street (to slow) and suck on the dirt (to heavy). The suspension sucks for either application also.

Maybe you view it as your duty as a 'postwhore', but I think your posts are mostly negative & condescending about others.. if you don't have anything nice to say you don't have to post anything just to be annoying.


This Sherpa was on eBay last month, I think the round headlight conversion looks nice:

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by "A"

Maybe you view it as your duty as a 'postwhore', but I think your posts are mostly negative & condescending about others.. if you don't have anything nice to say you don't have to post anything just to be annoying.

Thanks for your opinion. I'll keep it in mind when I post my opinion.

[dyeforever]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I'm not a dual-sport fan. I think they suck on the street (to slow) and suck on the dirt (to heavy). The suspension sucks for either application also.

i dunno buddy. my crf450 is considered a dual sport and i kill street bikes up to 70 and can rip it up off road.

back to topic. the tw200 looks like a great choice, low seat height, good support, easy to work on, and great mpg. makes me want to get one now.

[Too40gawlf]

Thanks all on the input. Most thanks to you A for opening up my eyes and getting me to reconsider the Sherpa. After a few weeks of hunting - I found an 09 Sherpa nearby and snatched it up! Looks to be in fantastic condition and it only had 570 miles on it. I rode 70 miles home on it, with a good portion of it being the highway and got used to the bike pretty well by the time I got home. She only set me back $2800, which I think is a fairly good deal for a practically brand new Sherpa.

I will work on getting pics up tomorrow and will be hunting for a place to buy a 'high' fender online. Thanks again guys! Your input was very much appreciated.