What Bike? Commuting and Off-Roading

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Hi Guys,

I am contemplating buying a cheap (ish) off road bike for commuting and some mild off roading.

My ideal bike would probably be a four stroke, and I'd like it to be light, so something like an XR250 would be good. I have ridden one but had difficulty kicking it (because I'm only short!).

Also I could barely ride it height-wise, but I suspect if I reduced the preload on the suspension I would find it easier to ride.

Could someone reccomend a bike that fits the bill other than an XR250?

Would a DR350 be OK for off roading for example? Would I find it too tall?

What similar bikes are on offer from the other manufacturers?
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

joe black · Nova Slayer Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Karma :

xr250 you can buy lowering link , xt225 serow already low bit heavy capable offroad, dr350 good allrounder, crf230 low seat very good offroad this is newish model so not cheap as rest . xr kickstart rest leccy boot hope this helps.

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

XR250L, they've got electric starts. Thumbs Up

Chaning the suspension and seat should make it more rideable, guy I bought mine from said when he got it (Japanese import) it needed the suspension and seat changing cos it was setup for japanese midgets.

feef · Energiser Bunny Joined: 11 Feb 2002 Karma :

the DR is a good basic intro to offroading.. it's not the lightest tho, but has better road manners than some more off-road orientated bikes.

I'm 5'8" and the DR is fine for me, height wise.. I'd not be comfortable with anything taller. the seat height looks scary-tall, but the suspension sag once on means it's comfortable enough.

later DR models come with electric start.. Mines a kicker tho Neutral

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XR125 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Karma :

XR power!

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Well being only 5' 5" and a half I think the DR 350 is probably too tall.

I have come across a DR200 for sale for £800 that looks nice. Won't be as good off road, but should be good enough for me.

It looks very short and will sip fuel, so it sounds perfect for what I want it for. Plus if Bikez.com is right it only weighs 115kg or something.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Korn · Admin Joined: 01 Feb 2002 Karma :

Sounds like a Serow would be ideal for you, electric start and 10cm lower than an XR as standard. They tend to be rarer though, to prices aren't great.

Talon make a lowering link for the XRs which costs £50, maybe worth exploring. As Ste has already mentioned the L model has leccy boot, though even the kick start version is dead easy as they all have automatic decomp.
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byke95 · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Karma :