Help me pick a bike

[marlc0]

So, i don't really know a lot about off-roading, but I fancy giving it a go, so, what would you recomend for me? I want something that would be good for a beginner, and road legal.

Also, an idea of what gear to get would be good too.

Sorry if this has been posted before.
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2010 Kawasaki ER6-f - Given to the Mrs.
2016 Triumph Tiger 800

[Ste]

Budget?

[Irn-Bru]

XR400, DTR125, DRZ400 come to mind
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[stevo as b4]

We need a bit more to go on really dude! As Ste said budget, and after that you said it needs to be road legal? Does that mean just a basic to and from your off road area's, or does it mean you want it to do street riding well and be a dual purpose bike?

Other factors, do you have preference for a 2 or 4stroke engine, and have you any other critera like seat height restrictions, do you need a key ignition and proper steering lock?

How much maintenance are you happy to do? i.e do you want a low stressed play bike and something easy to look after, or do you want a very light and or powerful bike that needs plenty of regular attention?

[marlc0]

[Irn-Bru]

I stand by my suggestions then, minus the DTR Off road model DRZs can easily be had for under 2k, very simple bikes. I think the XR is cheaper and simpler again but I've never owned one myself.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[stevo as b4]

Well with your requirements there's plenty of bikes to fit your needs and budget.

You would easily get a nice Honda XR250/400, or a Yamaha TTR250 or an older WR250F/400F for that too. Other's bikes are the Suzuki DRZ400, Kawasaki KLX250/300R and then there's various Husqvarna's and KTM's and other good off road bikes like the AJP range of air cooled singles, etc.

For me as someone with fairly basic off road experience of late, I would probably like an XR250/400 or a TTR250 as my first choice. If I wanted something a little bit newer and better I'd look for a Yamaha WR250F, which is night and day the best modern off road bike I've ever ridden for varied use.

[Fizzer Thou]

A friend bought himself a really nice grey import Yamaha TTR250 for £900.It differs quite a bit to the UK spec bike as it has a metal tank and indicators.But it is the lack of radiators,electric start and discs front and rear that he appreciated the most.

https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Dirt%20bikes/b18.jpg

Another friend had a grey import Honda XR250R with electric start.The only problem was that she was a bit short in the leg

https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Dirt%20bikes/Picture125.jpg
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[G]

First off, a 2 stroke of the same weight and power is likely to be more reliable not less.

Off-roading, weight is important. Less weight and a wider range of power are both good for a new rider.

Low weight means the bike is easier to control and easier to pick up. You won't get as tired so quickly and mistakes won't be so amplified by momentum.

So, on that, for 2 strokes; I would consider a CRM250, which I'd say is a good bit better than most 4 stroke trail bikes. Or a KTM EXC/Gas Gas EC 2 stroke enduro bike,

KLX300 is an interesting bike that isn't as hardcore as modern competition bikes, should to be fairly frisky and is reasonably light.
XR250 is down a bit on power from the KLX, but can be VERY capable in the right hands. XR400 adds a bit of flexibility to the engine and bit of weight. DRZ400 adds more weight and a bit more power as well as modern niceties like an electric start - go for the e model if you can, which is lighter and more powerful.