Uh oh, a what bike thread

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

So then. I'm decreasing the size of my collection.

If I were to take my XR125 and my ER6 and mash them into one bike, which do you think will fit the bill?

I'm after something that's cheap to run, easy to service, can cruise at 70mph, but fine at less than 40mph plodding down an unclassified road. May even be used for winter transport.

I don't want anything too fast or focused - the key here is on dependable daily transport, with light weight handling, durability and ease of use - but it needs to have a trail-bike edge for the gravelly single track roads I often find myself exploring. A lower seat height may also be a bonus.

I've already booked a test ride on the DRZ400SM next week, but wondered if I should try any of the others.

Anyone got any experiences of either of the models on test?

Klause · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Karma :

If you like the XT660. Try the mz baghira, same engine but much nicer.

If you like the DRZ try the CCM 404, again same engine but nicer parts.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

KLE500. After all it is a GPZ500 based engine in a vaguely off road style frame.

Although personally I would say to keep the XR125. You like it, it is cheap and has plenty of life left in it before you wear through the paint.

All the best

Keith
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

BMW G650 range. Service intervals of the XT along with weight of the DRZ (ok, a tad more, but weigh less than the two very lardy Yamahas, MZ and Kwak.)

The 'X Challenge' version I took for a decent test ride was far from short, but is the most extreme off-road of the three. There's also an intermediate trail version that you may be interested in; bit more road biased than the Challenge, but not as much as the supermoto, with wheel sizes somewhere in between.

Not sure how a trail bike style helps much on gravely road? Riding position helps you stick your leg out a bit, but light weight is probably the most important thing I reckon; and that some definitely don't have.

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

You're going to get bored with anything you get so just get something you want and keep it for a few months.

Don't try and fight it. You're as bad as me.

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

I'd say out of the three avoid the Yamahas.

I have a DRZ400sm that you can have a go on if ya want. I have some Avon Azaro tyres on mine and they help with going on light trails but it's still not the same as 'proper' enduro, but good enough for pottering. It can just about hold a constant 70 indicated, but my mechanical sympathy makes me keep mine at an indicated 65-ish.

Unless you want the extra oomph for when on the road, for overtaking for instance, then I'd tend to agree with Kickstart and say keep the Honda.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

https://www.bright.ne.jp/lineup/versys/imge/07_versys__og1024.jpg

More road based but that would be the 2 mashed together.
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instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

^^ I have the versys. I fookin' love it but I imagine it'd be too similar to his er6f. It's tuned to give all of it's power in mid-range which, I find, works amazingly well be it around town or out for a jaunt.

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

I've an MZ Baghira, and it's for sale, cheap.
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rac3r · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Buy a Monster Cool

I've been hearing a lot of good things about the 1100
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BenR · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Karma :

I voted for the DRZ-SM, mainly because it's only 4bhp behind either of the yams but'll probably weigh less thus being better on fuel plus quicker? I think they look nice as well. Thumbs Up

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Current bikes: suzuki RG125UN wolf. Yamaha MT-07

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

XT660 and MT-03 are same engine, MT-03 is shorter and i have a soft spot for it, it wheelies for its own amusement and the XT will do the same with less than a little encouragement.
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Nyarlathotep · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Karma :

I have an XT660R, and am honestly suprised at how good it is. My other bike is a VFR800 vtec - obviously much more refined, yet the XT is often much better on our poorly surfaced roads. The big single has plenty of power until you get to higher speeds (say 80mph +).
I tried a DRZ400 before I bought it - didn't like that (although it was an "E" model, not an "SM")

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Surprisingly close, thanks for the recommendations. Thumbs Up

I might see if I can book up both Yamahas - the MT's got the funkier looks and lighter weight...but the XT's cheaper??

First choice is still on the DRZ mind.

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

Guarrentee that the DRZ will not be as much fun as the XT/MT 660cc engine, The M-03 will seriously make you smile, combined with its looks what more could you want? I'd love to see one with some nice race pipes on but most of the ones i've worked on have been stock bar solo seats and stuff.
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Haz ER-5, innit!