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Suntan Sid |
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Suntan Sid World Chat Champion
Joined: 07 May 2009 Karma :
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Posted: 18:08 - 14 May 2016 Post subject: What Off-Road Bike For Me? |
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Within the next 18 months I'd like to purchase an off road bike.
I would be using it purely off road, on fast undulating gravel and hard pack tracks, it won't be based in the UK so the chances of it seeing rain or mud are, virtually, none existant.
A bit of background:-
I did have a DRZ400E for this activity, in the same location, which I enjoyed riding,
The DRZ weighed in at 132kg, I believe this is considered to be a bit lardy, I never had a problem riding it, but then again I never fell off it so I've never had to pick it up or extract myself from underneath it.
I also had a Gas Gas 280 TXT trials bike at the same time as the DRZ, that was fun but not suited to the terrain I was using it on.
In the UK I currently have an old XL125R that I've used on a couple of green lanes in the UK. The XL surprised me with how well it coped with some nasty rocks and stuff, stuff that I thought would have been more suited the Gas Gas.
I'm no off road god, I dabble and just like to pootling around.
_________________________________________________________
So, in general, what's should I be looking for in the, nearly new, second hand market, that's going to suit fast gravel track stuff?
I'd like something with a fair amount of get up and go.
Something that doesn't require tearing apart every other weekend, to keep it running.
Something that's not going to leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere.
I guess having something I could register for the road, if needed, would be an advantage, but it's not a deal breaker.
I've had 2 stroke road bikes but never an off roader, I'm not sure I want a peaky engine that requires playing tunes on the gearbox to keep it moving.
So I guess I'm looking at a 4 stroke, in the 250 - 400 range! ____________________ "Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!" |
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thx1138 |
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thx1138 World Chat Champion
Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :
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Posted: 18:10 - 14 May 2016 Post subject: |
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Try a Honda CRF230
https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/honda/2013-honda-crf230f-ar151925.html
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Within the realm of recreation riding, the CRF230F stands tall: Motorcycling magazines the world over have complimented this mid-sized off-road machine for its many playbike-oriented attributes. With the ease of electric starting, it’s the perfect match for all-day fun and off-road adventure.
Throw your leg over the saddle of the CRF230F, push the electric starter, and have a blast. You don’t have to worry about breaking down or excessive maintenance, you can jump on the CRF230F with its durable six-speed transmission and plush, long travel suspension and leave the on-road world in the dust. With its overall size, sturdy frame and lightweight components, the 230F is just the right size for adults or larger teens who can’t wait to take on the twists and turns of the trail.
Add in electric start, and it’s obvious the CRF230F takes play very seriously.
Features
Sealed Battery - Maintenance-free sealed battery helps insure that your CRF230F is ready to ride without you having to do a lot of pre-ride preparation.
Motocross-Style Seat - The CRF230F’s motocross-style seat is low and comfortable and allows for maximum rider movement.
Electric Starter - ush-button starting makes getting going easier in all kinds of conditions. Efficient design adds minimal weight.
Keyed Ignition - The CRF230F features a keyed ignition switch for added security. The switch lets you control who goes riding and when, important if you have younger riders in the house.
Disc Brake - The front disc brake provides superior stopping power, and the front disc rotor is drilled for lightness and better wet-weather performance.
Skidplate - A high-impact plastic skidplate protects lower engine cases.
223cc Engine - Dependable 223cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine offers plenty of user-friendly power and torque spread over a wide rpm range.
Heavy-Duty Clutch - Heavy-duty clutch offers smooth, progressive engagement.
Pro-Link Rear Suspension - The Heavy-duty Showa® rear shock with progressive linkage connects a single shock to the swingarm, and delivers an excellent combination of spring and damping rates over a wide range of conditions.
Snail-Type Chain Adjusters - Snail-Type chain adjusters allow for easy maintenance.
Lightweight Rims - Strong, lightweight rims feature straight-pull spokes for more strength.
Specifications
Engine Type 223cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke 65.5mm x 66.2mm
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Valve Train SOHC; two-valve
Induction 26mm piston-valve carburetor
Ignition CD
Transmission Six-speed
Final Drive #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 13T/50T
Suspension Front 37mm leading-axle Showa fork; 9.5 inches travel
Suspension Rear Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload adjustability; 9.0 inches travel
Brakes Front Single 240mm disc
Brakes Rear Drum
Tires Front 80/100-21
Tires Rear 100/100-18
Wheelbase 54.0 inches
Rake (Caster Angle) 26°45’
Trail 111mm (4.4 inches)
Seat Height 34.6 inches
Ground Clearance 12.0 inches
Fuel Capacity 1.9 gallons, including 0.4-gallon reserve
Color Red
Curb Weight 248 pounds
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Snowdonia Rider |
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Snowdonia Rider World Chat Champion
Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Karma :
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Posted: 20:24 - 14 May 2016 Post subject: |
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I looked at all sorts and ended up with an EXC as they're just so hard to beat. ____________________ I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider |
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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Suntan Sid |
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Suntan Sid World Chat Champion
Joined: 07 May 2009 Karma :
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Posted: 20:43 - 14 May 2016 Post subject: |
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Thanks for all the replies!
The only comparison I can make with any of the bikes mentioned is to my old DRZ400E, if you've an idea how they would compare, to give me an idea, I'd be grateful! ____________________ "Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!" |
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thx1138 |
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thx1138 World Chat Champion
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Suntan Sid |
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Suntan Sid World Chat Champion
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Posted: 23:22 - 14 May 2016 Post subject: |
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I've just watched the two videos.
The trails you're riding there are nothing like what I'll be riding on.
What I'll be up against are basically gravel mountain roads with no real obstacles, other than the odd gnarly corner amd random snakes on the track.
To give you an idea I could get the DRZ flat out in top on a few stretches.
Would this influence the choice of bike? ____________________ "Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!" |
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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Suntan Sid |
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Suntan Sid World Chat Champion
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thx1138 |
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thx1138 World Chat Champion
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Posted: 14:29 - 15 May 2016 Post subject: |
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kilroy was here |
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kilroy was here Banned
Joined: 18 May 2016 Karma :
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Posted: 06:09 - 19 May 2016 Post subject: |
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4 strokes stall easily at low rpm, 2 strokes with aftermarket flywheel weight/smaller carb/no thermostat/no radiator cooling fan outdo 4 strokes everywhere heavy 4 stroke with loose cam chain/dropped valve/stuck thermostat/low speed overheating - even with radiator cooling fan wired directly to it's battery leaves you stuck in middle of nowhere with expensive repair bills
Clutch lever setup tip:
When off roading the rider needs to be able to grip the left bar with the thumb & at least 2 fingers - especially when climbing hills & accelerating over rough surfaces. On most bikes the clutch has a very low biting point so the plates don't disengage when the lever touches the ring finger knuckle from the 2 finger index/middle finger or 1 finger pull technique.
This makes changing down gears when overshooting corners impossible without damaging the transmission unless the rider happens to be on flat packed terrain where he/she can rest their palm on the grip in order to pull the lever all the way in.
If this turns out to be the case' then install a shorty style clutch lever on the stock perch if available or get a cheap universal perch with included shorty lever so the ball end clears the ring finger & is able to touch the bar grip for fully disengaging the clutch plates
https://s19.postimg.org/we63jnrpv/DSC_0007.jpg
Had to saw & file smooth this PT lever into a shorty coz the owner was a skint beggar until payday |
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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kilroy was here |
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kilroy was here Banned
Joined: 18 May 2016 Karma :
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Posted: 22:39 - 19 May 2016 Post subject: |
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stevo as b4 wrote: | Totally irrelevant to the OP's intended use. |
Not entirely' i simply offered my opinion. BTW well done for your attempt at moderating the forum
stevo as b4 wrote: | Two stroke bikes are not better or out do four-strokes everywhere quite like you suggest. |
False
stevo as b4 wrote: | The whinging people going on about parts prices and loose cam chains just probably don't know how to re build them too. |
Nobody claimed you have to pay a mechanic to do the repairs, renewing the worn cam chain on a Honda Cub 90 when touring in a different part of the world with heat bearing down on back of your neck & gusts of wind blowing sand onto applied gasket Hylomar ain't no excitement.
stevo as b4 wrote: | What 2stroke is comparable to a 650cc four stroke for open fast trails in a hot country, and where you don't want to be stopping for a refuel every 30mins or so? |
Husky TE 300/KTM EXC 300/Beta RR 300/Beta X Trainer 300/KDX 200/KDX 220/KDX 250/CRM 250 etcetera...etcetera. 2 strokes don't always need a radiator cooling fan unlike 4 strokes.
Last edited by kilroy was here on 22:42 - 19 May 2016; edited 1 time in total |
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Howling Terror |
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Howling Terror Super Spammer
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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kilroy was here |
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kilroy was here Banned
Joined: 18 May 2016 Karma :
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Posted: 00:59 - 20 May 2016 Post subject: |
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stevo as b4 wrote: | There's places in the world that you wouldn't want a 2stroke bike, that's my opinion and point really. |
Such as when the 4 stroke overheats or stretches it's cam chain?
stevo as b4 wrote: | Secondly as good and as light as a 300cc KTM is, it's still alot more thirsty and does not have a bigger tank than a four stroke to compensate? |
https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/enduro/two-stroke/te-300/ 11 liters is more than enough
stevo as b4 wrote: | Do you really think a 300cc stroker is comparable with a 650cc thumper for open fast off road use, and speeds approaching 3figures? |
Absolutely
stevo as b4 wrote: | The sort of two stroke to effortlessly keep up or out gun such four strokes is more like 500cc, and these are rare birds, hard to find,expensive and horrific on fuel too. |
125cc smoker will outdo a DR650 even with a novice rider behind the bars.
stevo as b4 wrote: | Not to mention they are all competition motors |
Not every single bike comes with high strung hyper rpm motor
stevo as b4 wrote: | that don't really like constant throttle openings |
Pub quiz myth
stevo as b4 wrote: | they vibrate nastily too. |
Heavy bar end weights & footrest rubbers reduce a lot of that. |
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stevo as b4 |
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stevo as b4 World Chat Champion
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kilroy was here |
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kilroy was here Banned
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Snowdonia Rider |
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Snowdonia Rider World Chat Champion
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Posted: 12:35 - 20 May 2016 Post subject: |
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Husky TE310. Won't need rebuilding every half mile and light enough to pick up. Bit more torquey than a 250.
Failing anything though just get another DRZ400 and ride the fucker. Riding any bike has to be better than sitting on your arse stressing over what to ride and riding nothing at all. ____________________ I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider |
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Suntan Sid |
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Suntan Sid World Chat Champion
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Suntan Sid |
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Suntan Sid World Chat Champion
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Fladdem |
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Fladdem World Chat Champion
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Posted: 19:16 - 19 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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Now see, I didn't quite read the OP properly and thought of a DRZ 400 as the ideal bike, but then I read it properly that you'd had one.
I would say a Husky TE610, done, or if you can find one a TE410.
Pretty reliable, I've heard, big power and plenty of torques, presumably reasonable chassis and brakes.
I don't think a two stroke would be good for that sort of thing, my CRM would be alright but would still be a big old slog to ride for any great distance on roads like that, as mentioned, they vibrate, you won't have engine braking to help control it a bit better, they drink fuel like there's no tomorrow, you'll need to premix, unless it's got an autolube system, which not many modern ones do, maybe thx1138's Beta does.
Talking of thx1138, I bet his VanVan would be reasonable for pottering along stuff like that, not as exciting but I reckon I'd find it great fun to ride.
I reckon a big-ish four stroke would be ideal. My TTR was good on stuff like that, it is only a 265cc but after all my tuning to it, it would lift the front in 5th, but far easier in 4th, and topped out at about 85mph.
It's reliable as anything, never got really hot, but as standard they are very gutlees, when I got it, it was massively down geared 13/52 and would struggle to lift in 2nd, after the overhaul, it is now running 14/48 and much better, it just needed a clutch lightening device, but I entered a few trials with it, really I should have just lowered the gearing, gone round MX tracks and done a couple of enduros, quality machine, just needed a kick start. ____________________ Current:1991 Honda MT50 (Soon to be a H100/MTX/MT5 hybrid), 1976 Honda Cub C70, 2005 Honda Varadero 125, 1993 Yamaha TTR250 Open Enduro , 2010 Road Legal Stomp YX140, 1994 Honda CRM 250 MK III, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 1992 Honda CB400 Super Four, Stomp T4 230, 1984 Honda H100s, 2009 Sym XS125K
Past:2003 Aprilia RS125, 1982 Kawasaki GPZ550(FREE BIKE!)
I'm having more fun than a well-oiled midget. |
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thx1138 |
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thx1138 World Chat Champion
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 7 years, 313 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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